Free And Those Who Trespass Against Us by Helen M MacPherson Page A

one of our ladies would be honoured to accommodate you."
    Katherine was stuck in a situation she didn't care to be in. If she said yes, then she wouldn't be able to help those she'd come all this way for. And what would Catriona think? She offered her home without a second thought. Katherine hadn't seen any of these ladies yesterday making a similar offer. It would be terribly impolite to move into town. Yet how could she say no without causing offense? She hit upon a solution and her face brightened.
    "Thank you for you most gracious offer. However, I believe it is more prudent for me to stay where I am. I am most aggrieved by the loss of Sister Coreen. And there are a number of her papers and personal items out at the property which must be sorted through, prior to them being returned to her family in Ireland. As a fellow sister, I feel I should be the one to do this. So, at least until the return of Father Cleary, I believe it best that I reside out there." That wasn't that far from the truth. There were personal items of Coreen's, as well as letters which needed to be written to her family and to the Mother Superior in Ireland. By the looks on their faces though, she deduced it wasn't what these ladies wanted to hear.
    The room suddenly fell silent. The women seated around her exchanged worried glances between them. Why were they so keen for her to leave Catriona? Katherine sensed asking such a question wasn't a good idea and, in turn, elected to remain silent.
    "It's very touching that you place your responsibilities of caring for your fellow sister's meagre belongings to the forefront. Such a move is most Christian," said Mrs. Cross. "Unfortunately the environment at the property is far from one of a Christian household. My dear, I feel it is our responsibility to advise you the young Mr. Pelham is currently seeking a father for the purposes of performing marriage vows for him and Sister Coreen. He's obviously not yet aware of her passing."
    "I appreciate your concern and honesty. Miss Pelham has advised me of the situation between Mr. Pelham and Sister Coreen." Katherine sensed the formal use of Catriona's name was more appropriate for this gathering. "You must understand this makes it even more important that I should be the one to see to her papers and belongings. Can you imagine the shock for her family, or the Mother Superior, in finding something which could only bring heartache to those back home?"
    "Sister," Mrs. Cross replied, "I believe the situation between Sister Coreen and Mr. Pelham is the least of your troubles. I feel you may be badly influenced by Miss Pelham."
    Finally Catriona had been directly referred to by the gathering. Katherine was puzzled by what sort of influence Catriona might possess. Despite her curiosity, she decided to play dumb, which wasn't hard, particularly given she had no idea what they were talking about. Looking at Mrs. Greystone, she tried to put on the best confused look she could muster.
    "Er, as you can see she dresses very differently and entirely inappropriately for a woman with the assets she and her brother possess," Mrs. Greystone said, her wrinkled face flushed. "She's too old to be wearing the clothes of a tomboy. It's time she was married and starting her own family."
    So she doesn't fit the mould of what you all demand of a woman. Katherine admired Catriona for her refusal to surrender to the yoke of convention. She wished she could do the same. Sensing tact was again called for, she carefully replied, "Do not overly concern yourself about her influence on my dress as I already have my habit. My calling does not allow me to wear trousers. As for her unmarried state, I expect she has had plenty of suitors and is yet to find one she wishes to spend the rest of her life with. I am sure you would all agree such a choice should not be made lightly."
    "You see that's just it," Mrs. Cross interjected. "She has never had a suitor. She prefers to seek out the company of males