Free The Promise of Morning by Ann Shorey Page B

freshly turned soil. Ordinarily he took pleasure in evening trips to survey his newly planted crops, but tonight he saw the furrows through a haze of dismay. His family acted as though it was his reaction they needed to worry about. He was just the messenger. Lifting his eyes to the indigo sky, he focused on the evening star. One star among thousands. He’d never felt more alone.
    In better times, he’d have taken his worries to Ellie. She’d listen, and whether or not she offered advice, talking it out would have helped him. Matthew shook his head. Over the past month, he’d avoided broaching any subject that would cause her distress.

    Several days after Molly’s visit, Matthew sat at the kitchen table studying for Sunday’s sermon while Ellie worked in the sitting room sewing Maria’s dress. A plum-colored phaeton clipped past the window on its way to the front door. He recognized Beldon’s vehicle. No one else drove a carriage that grand.
    Matthew jumped to his feet, tucking his loose-fitting linen shirt into his waistband. The thought crossed his mind to dash upstairs and change from his stretched-out black felt slippers into his Sunday boots, but he stopped himself. If it were Ben at the door, he wouldn’t worry about his slippers. Why shine himself up for Mr. Beldon?
    Ellie set her sewing aside and joined him at the door. Her blonde hair was braided and drawn back in a neat circle at the nape of her neck. A crisp white apron covered her black dress. With pride, he put an arm around her shoulders and opened the door at the first knock.
    “Reverend.” Marcus Beldon swept his hat from his head with a flourish. “And Mrs. Craig.” He bowed in her direction. “I trust I’m not intruding. I wanted to exercise my team, and found myself out in your part of the county.”
    “We’re pleased you stopped by.” Matthew opened the door to the parlor and gestured toward twin upholstered settees positioned at either side of the cold hearth. “Please come in and rest yourself.”
    He waited for Beldon to be seated, then sat facing their caller. Ellie stood behind him. “Would you like some tea?” She directed her question toward Marcus Beldon.
    “No, thank you. Anything from your lovely hands would be a delight, but I’ll only be staying a short while.”
    Matthew glanced up to see a flush bloom on Ellie’s cheeks at the man’s flattering tone. “I notice Mrs. Beldon isn’t with you.”
    “Unfortunately, she suffers from a sick headache and asked that I go out without her.” The settee creaked as he shifted his weight. “She sends her regards.” He paused, moistening his full lips with the tip of his tongue. “We are both extremely sorry for the loss of your beautiful child.”
    Matthew swallowed hard. The mention of Julia brought tears to his eyes, which he fought to conceal. He darted another glance at Ellie.
    Her eyes clouded. “Thank you. She was beautiful, and such a joy to me.”
    Beldon studied Matthew and then looked back at Ellie. “I understand this is the fourth time the Lord has called one of your children home.” His features melted in sympathy. “What a tragedy for you.”
    Matthew stood and moved next to his wife, resting a hand on her shoulder. “Yes, it is tragic. But we must let the Lord do what seems good in his eyes.” He cringed inwardly. That sounded so pompous!
    Ellie tipped her head and scowled at him. At the same time, she shrugged her shoulder free of his grip. “It’s kind of you to call,” she said. “I’m sure the two of you have more to discuss than our personal losses.” She nodded at their guest. “If you’ll excuse me?”
    He rose and bowed in her direction. “Certainly. Always a pleasure, Mrs. Craig.”
    After Ellie left the room, Matthew studied Beldon for a moment, uncertain how to proceed.
    His guest saved him the trouble. “From last Sunday’s sermon, I gather you’re still opposed to culture in our little community?”
    Matthew bristled. “If you