Free The Captain's Lady by Louise M. Gouge

as he would a drowning man’s. Moberly’s words indicated he comprehended hisown sinfulness. Surely that meant it wasn’t too late for him. “Don’t believe that lie. The blood Jesus Christ shed on the cross covers every sin. God’s grace is offered as a free gift to you right now. All you need to do is accept it.”
    Moberly seemed to fold into himself. “No. It cannot be that simple.” His gaze hardened. “There are rules and rituals and righteousness. ” His lips curled. “All the things I despise about religion and—”
    “No!” Jamie prayed Robert wouldn’t take his stern tone as an affront. “Christ’s death and resurrection are sufficient to save the worst sinner. If we were required to do even one small thing other than accept His grace, none of us could be saved. Did He not say to the thief who was crucified beside him ‘Today thou shalt be with me in Paradise’?”
    Moberly’s dark eyebrows met in a frown, and his left eye twitched. “I thought perhaps the man received a special dispensation.”
    Jamie shook his head. “I believe, in fact I am more than certain, that thief was meant for an example to us. As he was saved, so we can be saved.” He leaned close again. “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, Moberly, and you will be saved.”
    A long, narrow swath of light shone from beneath the drapes onto the Wilton carpet at the center of the room. The smell of sweat vied with the scents of soap and lavender for preeminence. Moments passed without a sound in the room, not even a rustle. Some hours ago, a maid had started a fire in the hearth, and Ian kept it burning. A barely audible sigh came from across the room, and Jamie guessed both ladies were praying. He wondered how much longer he could sit up without rest.
    “I will try,” Moberly whispered.
    Jamie’s energies vanished, and his posture drooped. This was useless. The man did not grasp God’s truth at all.Jamie’s head pounded, and he ached to go to his own chambers, his own bed. He glanced at Lady Marianne. Her eyes reflected the same weariness he felt. But Miss Kendall, who always carried herself with reserve, now sat at the edge of her seat and stared toward Moberly with her jaw set firmly and fire in her eyes. Jamie shook off his lethargy, which he realized was nothing less than the work of eternal darkness. He would, he must, continue his struggle for Moberly’s soul.
    “Faith is not something you can try, Moberly. Accept God’s gift of eternal life, or reject it. There is no middle ground.”
    Moberly blinked. He opened his mouth…and closed it. Another moment passed. “I see. Yes, I think you are right about that.”
    “Well, then?”
    He chuckled, but winced as if the effort pained him. “A bit pushy, aren’t we?” Another chuckle, then he sobered as a tranquil expression smoothed the premature lines around his eyes. “I feel…there is… peace …here.” He touched his chest and spoke in a hushed voice. “Peace such as I have never felt in my life. It floods me, floods my very soul.” His eyes glistened with hope. “I have always known about God. I have seen His goodness in my stepmother and my sister. But now I believe. I accept Him. Why, Templeton, I think if I were to die at this moment, God Himself would take me up in His arms.”
    Jamie experienced his own flood of emotions—joy, gratitude, tranquility—and he cleared his throat. Before he could offer an affirmation to his new brother in Christ, Lady Marianne appeared at the bedside and kissed Moberly, pressing her cheek against his and blending her sweet tears with her brother’s. Beyond her, Miss Kendall stood withlifted chin, her tear-filled eyes ablaze with victory. Jamie gave her a nod. When his energies had failed, her prayers had infused him with strength enough to complete his mission.
    A sharp thump on the bedchamber door caused them all to jump. Before anyone could respond, Lord Bennington threw open the door and strode into the room, staring