settled and comfortable until youâre well. Youâre not ready yet. You know what happened when you went out to the sermon . . .â
âJonathon, Iâll make you a promise if you want to hear it.â
âWhat is it, Lorna?â
âIâll get well soon. I promise.â
CHAPTER 20
The streets of San Melas were silent. After sundown the boardwalks were unpopulated. Only the whisper of a vagrant desert wind wafted through the village structures. The light of oil lamps filtering through the curtained windows disclosed the silhouettes of citizens at supper.
Inside the Hobbsesâ house, in the dining room adjacent to the parlor, sat Caleb, Deliverance, and Joseph, at a table illuminated by two ornate candles.
Bethia, carrying a tray, made her way down the stairs, followed by Keyes, voicing his thanks.
âBethia, Lorna and I do appreciate your bringing supper upstairs. The boiled New England meal was delicious . . . and we did want to be together.â
âMore than happy to oblige, Reverend,â she acknowledged and walked toward the kitchen.
âAnd thank you, Caleb.â
âOf course, mâboy. But we did miss you.â Caleb was lighting his pipe. âWonât you sit with us for a while?â He pointed to an empty chair next to Deliverance. âItâs early yet.â
âThank you.â Keyes nodded, pulled out the chair, and took a place at the table. âI did want to come down and say good night. I see you had supper by candlelight.â
âYes,â Caleb blew out a perfect smoke ring. âThanks to Deliverance. And arenât they beautiful?â
âBeautiful,â Keyes repeated. He looked at Deliverance. It was not easy to determine whether he was referring to the candles, or the candle maker.
Deliveranceâs serene face was aglow, her silver-blue eyes reflecting the glimmer of the candleâs flame.
There was a moment of silence.
âMr. Bryant came by to express his thanks to you,â Caleb broke the silence, âbut we didnât want to disturb you and Lorna at supper. We told him weâd convey his message.â
âHow is Ethan doing?â
âQuite well, considering. Jon, how about another sip of brandy, a . . . what is it called . . . a nightcap?â
âNo, thank you . . . but it is a beautiful night. The desert can be . . . enchanting, after the sun goes down.â
âYes,â Caleb said, âand itâs been a long day and very rewarding, thanks to you.â
âHow is the missus feeling?â Joseph asked.
âAs well as could be expected.â Keyes took a breath. âShe . . . sheâs anxious to . . .â
âTo leave San Melas?â Caleb finished.
âTo get settled in Saguaro.â
âOf course,â Caleb nodded, âbut your wagon is still being repaired . . . wheels and the axle . . . and Mrs. Keyes is still in some need of repair. We wouldnât want her to go through what happened before . . . in her weakened condition. Sheâs got to gain strength.â
âI did mention that to her.â
ââTherefore, shall the strong glorify thee,â the Book says,â Joseph quoted.
âYes, well, Iâd better be getting upstairs. Lorna will be waiting.â He rose. âGood night . . . and thanks again for that supper.â His glance went again to Deliverance as he touched her shoulder, âGood night, Deliverance.â
Â
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Lornaâs hands held the open Bible. She placed it on the bed beside her as Keyes entered.
âDid you say your good nights, Jonathon?â
He nodded, then looked at the open Bible.
âMy favorite passage.â She spoke without looking down at it. ââThe voice of my beloved! Behold he cometh . . . leaping upon mountains . . . skipping upon the hills.â Remember? The Song of Solomon . . . our song.â
âYes, I remember,â he said
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