Mrs. Miracle Page 0,67

She allowed only one small hand mirror in her home; anything larger would be flirting with vanity. And while other Christian women were spiritually comfortable wearing cosmetics, Harriett had never used anything but a light shade of lipstick.

Jewelry was another matter of concern. Her only adornment was a plain gold wedding band and a locket that had once belonged to her grandmother. One day she would pass it along to her niece. To her way of thinking, a woman in the service of God would choose to don only what would enhance a meek and humble spirit. Harriett cringed whenever she saw a woman wearing large, looped earrings. And she'd nearly fainted the first time she'd seen an earring on a teenage boy. In his nose. The mere thought was enough to cause her to grimace, even now, months later.

She arrived promptly, as always, for her appointment. Cleanliness wasn't the only personality trait that was next to godliness.

"Pastor Lovelace will see you now," Joanne said when Harriett entered the office. The other woman led the way into Pastor Lovelace's private study.

The minister was a good man who preached straight out of the King James version of the Bible. Harriett approved of his choice and had let it be known early on. Although young, he possessed a healthy appreciation for the traditional view of such important matters.

He stood as she entered the room and motioned to the chair on the other side of his desk. "Good morning, Mrs. Foster. I understand you wanted to see me."

Harriett sat and folded her hands primly in her lap. "It's a matter of some importance."

"That's what I understand."

He sat down and waited for her to continue. Harriett had hoped to exchange small talk and ease her way into this burden on her heart. She inhaled slowly, thinking the direct approach was probably for the best. A soul couldn't ease into a discussion about sin.

Pastor Lovelace waited silently, and Harriett plunged right in. "As you're probably aware, I've been a member of this congregation for well over twenty years."

"It seems longer."

"My husband's family was one of the founding members of this congregation." She bowed her head out of reverence for the dead. "May God rest his soul."

"You've served our church community with great vigor," Pastor Lovelace admitted graciously.

Harriett had always been fond of the man. He showed a keen insight into the many personal sacrifices others had made on behalf of the church.

"Tell me, how is the pageant coming along? Have you enjoyed working with Reba Maxwell?"

"Well," Harriett said with a heavy sigh, and scooted closer to the edge of the cushion. "I understand that when Milly's husband was transferred, the church was in something of a bind, but personally - "

"From all indications," Pastor Lovelace interrupted, "Miss Maxwell is doing an excellent job, working long hours, and putting a great deal of time and energy into the project."

"Yes," Harriett admitted reluctantly. The Maxwell woman had done everything he said, but the church had taken a risk by allowing a woman, one with spotty attendance at best, to step in at the last minute. Luckily there hadn't been too many problems.

"I apologize, Mrs. Foster, I've sidetracked you."

Harriett cleared her throat. "As I was saying earlier, I've attended this church for several years now and am familiar with many of the families."

Pastor Lovelace relaxed on his chair.

"It's because I know the parishioners as well as I do that I feel I can speak freely about their concerns."

"As you see them?"

"Yes." There were things she could tell him that would turn his hair prematurely gray. If he showed any indication of wanting to know the levels of depravity some of the upstanding members of this very church had shown, she'd be happy to tell him. Only as a matter of prayer, of course.

"There appear to be a number of areas of deep concern," she said, meeting and holding his gaze.

He arched his eyebrows. "I'm afraid I'm not following you."

"First off, let's discuss Emily Merkle." She could tell by his blank look that he hadn't placed the name. "Seth Webster's new housekeeper."

"Ah, yes." A smile quivered at the edges of his mouth.

Harriett wondered what he found so amusing. "The woman's a busybody." And an old biddy besides, but she feared Pastor Lovelace would find her words unkind She didn't want to alienate him before she zeroed in on the real reason for her visit.

"I find Mrs. Miracle...I mean, Merkle...to be a woman of unique faith."

"Perhaps." Harriett was willing to