No Journey Too Far (McAlister Family #2) - Carrie Turansky Page 0,91

and tried to think of something positive and hopeful. The best memory was Garth returning from the war and arriving at the café. That was such a wonderful surprise and an amazing answer to her prayers. He’d declared his love for her and asked her to go to England with him. It seemed like a wonderful dream. All she’d hoped and prayed for had finally come true, but then she’d been arrested and the dream was shattered.

Now she saw Garth only once or twice a week for a short visit, and always under the watchful eyes of the guard. There was little chance to speak about anything other than the upcoming trial.

Garth and Andrew had assured her they were working hard to discover who was truly at fault for Mrs. Hazelton’s death. On their last visit, they tried to give her sagging spirits a boost, but nothing had really changed. There was no new evidence and nothing to point to anyone else as the murderer.

She rubbed her stinging eyes. Lord, I’m so weary. Please help me find the courage to hold on and not give up hope. You know I’m innocent. No matter how hateful Mrs. Hazelton was to me, I’d never strike back at her. Please protect me and defend me and make a way for the truth to come out. Show Garth and Andrew what others have missed. Reveal the true culprit and let justice prevail.

Her thoughts shifted to Garth, and her heart twisted. He’d put so much time and energy into the search to prove she was innocent. If his search was in vain and she was found guilty, it would be a terrible blow for him.

She closed her eyes again. Please, Lord, for Garth’s sake, don’t let that happen. Keep him strong. Don’t let his faith fail no matter what the outcome of the trial may be. Keep him close to You and moving forward in his life…even if he has to go on without me.

She turned her face to the wall, fighting back tears and the sense of doom hovering over her like a thick cloud. She could not give up. She had to keep fighting. Pressing her eyes tight, she returned to her prayer. I know You are good and You are faithful. You see the end from the beginning. You’ll carry us through this dark time to a brighter day. I believe it. Please give me strength and help me believe.

The sound of someone softly singing drifted through the night air toward her.

She turned her head, straining to catch the tune and words. Other prisoners in nearby cells awaited their trials, but all she’d heard from them were loud complaints and shouted curses. Who would be singing in this dark place in the middle of the night?

The song rose, and the words became clear:

“Fairest Lord Jesus,

ruler of all nature,

O thou of God and man the Son,

thee will I cherish, thee will I honor,

thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.”

Her heart lifted as she listened to the familiar hymn. She’d sung those same words many times, standing with Garth on a Sunday morning in church before he’d left for the war. The precious memory stirred her soul, and hope flooded in.

The singer continued, and Emma raised her voice and joined in:

“Fair is the sunshine,

Fairer still the moonlight,

and all the twinkling starry host:

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer

than all the angels heav’n can boast.”

The truth of those lyrics washed over her, renewing her strength and boosting her courage. All of creation reflected the Lord’s beauty and goodness. Even that little sliver of moonlight shining down into her cell was a reflection of His love.

The unexpected song in the night and that shimmering moonlight were the Lord’s message, telling her to hold on and trust Him. No matter what happened at the trial, she was His and He was hers. And that was enough for her.

Grace climbed the step stool in the Chapmans’ new kitchen and glanced out the window while she waited for Mabel to sort through another stack of dishes. Memories of Richard Findley’s arrival at the farm ran through her mind again, but she refused to dwell on it. She’d told him her decision and endured his angry reply. Her friends had circled around her and sent him packing.

“Do you think these would fit up on this top shelf?” Mabel lifted a few platters from the kitchen table.

“I think so.” Grace took the platters, placed them on the shelf,