Free The Visitor by Lori Wick Page A

respectful, and beyond that, he just never invites any type of personal interaction. I’ve never known a person who needed so few words to live. I honestly think he could be happy alone for the rest of his life.”
    Walker encouraged Cassandra to share what life was like at Newcomb Park, and when she did, Walker knew he was going to have to get involved. Henry Steele was a reserved man at church, but not when he was with James Walker. Walker, now understanding that Henry was not talkative and caring at home—to the point that his sisters doubted his salvation—knew it was time to check into things.
    “I’m glad you came to me, Cassandra. I’ll be setting up an appointment to talk with Henry very soon.”
    Cassandra looked a bit panicked about this, even coming to her feet.
    “What if he’s angry with me? What if he feels betrayed because I’ve never gone to him? What do I do then, Mr Walker?”
    “It’s all right, Cassandra,” he comforted her, his face and voice full of compassion and understanding. “I’m not saying you can’t talk to him, but I do plan to get involved. I won’t even mention your visit unless he’s open to talking to me about personal matters. But we can’t just let this go. I’ve known your family for years, Cassandra. I don’t believe Henry will feel threatened by me. I think he’ll see how much I care, and if your visit comes up, I think he’ll see the same thing about you.”
    Cassandra nodded. Mr Walker was right. Henry was not the type to anger easily or lash out. Indeed, he was remarkably mild. And Mr Walker was right about another thing: It wasn’t right that things go on as they were. Even if Henry’s view of her changed forever, a person of integrity couldn’t go on pretending that all was well when it clearly was not.

Chapter Six

     
    Brown Manor
    When Marianne Jennings, accompanied by her baby daughter and nanny, arrived at Brown Manor, Weston met them on the drive, feeling a mixture of pleasure and chagrin.
    “Hello, Weston,” she greeted him kindly. “How is Anne today?”
    “Very ready for your visit. We’re so glad you could come.”
    “I need to tell you, Weston,” Marianne began, “Sophie can take Catherine outside or play with her downstairs if you think it will be too much to have her upstairs.”
    “To be honest with you, Marianne, Anne hoped to see the children. I know she will enjoy it.”
    “We’ll keep it brief,” Marianne suggested wisely. “I’ll send Sophie and Catherine down after just a bit.”
    “Thank you,” Weston said to Marianne, but also to his heavenly Father. He had desperately wanted to give his wife this type of visit but didn’t know how to go about it in a way that would not offend someone or tax his bedridden spouse.
    Weston trailed his guests up the stairs for one reason: to hear his wife’s reaction. It was just as he expected.
    “Oh, Mari, you brought the baby! Look how big she is! And so lovely.”
    Marianne sat proudly near the bed, Catherine on her lap.
    “Do you want to try to hold her, Anne?”
    “I’m not supposed to lift at all,” Anne answered, denying her own heart. “I’ll just lie here and talk to her. Hello, Catherine. Your dress is so pretty.”
    The baby smiled when Anne smiled at her, melting the expectant mother’s heart into a puddle.
    “She’s a good baby, isn’t she?”
    “Very. As soon as you’re able, you need to come and see her interact with Thomas, James, and Penny. She adores them and can charm any of them into holding her and carting her around.”
    “And they love it.”
    “Yes. If she cries, it breaks their hearts. Even if she’s been told no about touching something or dropping food on the floor, they can’t stand for her to be sad.”
    Anne put her hand out, but Catherine’s attention had gone to her mother’s locket, and she didn’t notice. Delighting in the soft button nose and baby chin, Anne studied that small profile and found herself asking God if she would ever