Free Brides of Ohio by Jennifer A. Davids Page B

the swirling water. The rush of the creek filled her ears and rays of sunshine poked though the green, leafy roof, dancing here and there as the wind played through the trees. She took a deep breath. The air had a wholesome, earthy scent. Sitting there taking in the rhythm of God’s creation helped her bring her emotions back in order.
    Daniel looked over from where he sat at the edge of the creek. “Feeling better?”
    “Yes, but you must think I’m the type to cry at the drop of a hat.”
    He chuckled. “I have to admit I’m beginning to wonder if I should go buy more handkerchiefs.”
    “I’m sorry.”
    “Don’t apologize. I’m only joking. You don’t seem like the weepy type.” His face grew serious. “Have people at church been behaving like that since you came here?”
    Katherine hesitated. She didn’t want to seem like a gossip or a snitch, but neither did she want to lie. Fingering her scar, she looked down.
    She heard him give an exasperated sigh. “Katherine, I’m sorry you’ve been treated so poorly.” He paused. “I want you to know this isn’t like any of them.”
    “I know,” she replied. “But I can’t blame them for feeling the way they do. The war has been hard on everybody.”
    “That doesn’t give them the right to treat you badly. No one should be treated like that by the body of Christ. It doesn’t matter if they’re from the North or the South, saved or sinner.” He looked out over the creek for a moment before turning toward her once more. “I’m going to take this to Reverend Warren.”
    Katherine bit her lip. “Mary wanted to do the same thing weeks ago. I persuaded her not to.”
    “Why?” He frowned.
    She looked down at her lap. “Folks already think of me as a spoiled Southern belle. A rebuke won’t change their opinions of me. It will only make it worse.”
    “What they are doing is wrong in God’s eyes.” She turned to find him standing with his arms crossed and a look of gentle consternation on his face.
    He was right. Even if she could talk him out of going to the reverend, she would be letting these people remain in sin.
    “Whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.”
The verse rang in her head.
But Father, it will only make matters worse
, she prayed desperately. But the Lord’s call was clear. And in her heart she knew He knew what was best. She looked at Daniel miserably and nodded.
    He crouched down in front of her. “Don’t look so worried,” he said with a small half smile. “Trust God to work it out.”
    An hour later, she, Daniel, Mary, and Reverend Warren were seated in the parlor discussing the situation. Katherine looked at the clergyman warily as he took in all that Daniel had said. He was an older gentleman, slender with round wire-rim glasses and light brown hair. His generous sideburns were streaked with gray. He looked like a strict headmaster of a boarding school, but Daniel had told her Paul and Minnie Warren were two of the kindest people he knew. She looked away. If that were true, she had yet to experience it.
    “Daniel, Mary,” the man finally said, and Katherine looked at the reverend once more. “You know how greatly your family is respected, not only in the church but in this community.”
    They both nodded.
    “But I have to question your judgment in bringing Miss Wallace here.”
    Katherine felt her face burn.
    Mary pursed her lips.
    Daniel’s face hardened. “Excuse me, Reverend,” he said, his voice surprisingly calm, “but I can’t quite believe what I’m hearing. The Word clearly states—”
    “I’m not refuting the many scriptures you brought to my attention,” he declared with a raised hand. “I just don’t think you realize how deeply the war has affected the church and the community.” He gave both of them a firm and steady gaze. “The members of Mill Creek Church were very proud to have had so many of its young men go off to fight. But over half of