Into the Light (The Light, #1)(39)

The door opened and Elizabeth stood. My pulse quickened as she reached for my arm. Her hand trembled as she silently helped me stand. I was about to ask who was here, when he spoke.

“Sister Sara, Sister Elizabeth.”

I gasped and grabbed Elizabeth’s arm for support. For a moment I feared falling as my knees weakened. I knew the voice; I’d been listening to it for hours a day. Father Gabriel was in my room. As I tried to reason, I realized I was wearing only a nightgown and robe, mere feet from our leader. Bashfully I pulled the lapels closer together.

What am I supposed to do? Do I kneel or curtsy? I don’t know.

“Father,” Elizabeth replied.

“Sister Elizabeth, it’s nice to see you helping your sister.”

“Yes, Father.”

“And Sister Sara, you’re standing. Our God is good to help you heal.” He reached for my hand and held it as he said, “I heard you were feeling better, and I wanted to see for myself.”

“F-Father Gabriel, thank you.”

“It’s all right, Sister, you may sit. You’re suddenly pale. Perhaps you’re not well.”

I felt back for the chair and replied, “Father, I’m just surprised.”

“You knew me. You remembered my voice.”

Oh! When Jacob gave me permission to talk to anyone who visited my room, I was certain he hadn’t anticipated Father Gabriel. Yet I’d already spoken and I couldn’t refuse Father Gabriel, could I?

“I’ve been listening to your sermons. I’ve been hearing your voice throughout my days.”

“That’s very good news. However, I’d hoped your memory was returning.”

I lowered my chin and moved my head from side to side. “No, I’m sorry. I’m trying.”

“That’s what I’ve heard, Sister. That’s all we can ask. I came today to personally invite you back to service. I know you’ve been working with Sisters Lilith and Ruth, but I miss seeing you seated with the Assembly wives. I think it’s time that your seat is filled.”

“Yes, Father.”

“Very good. I’ll see you tonight.”

“Tonight?”

Someone else had entered my room with Father Gabriel, though whoever it was hadn’t spoken, and I didn’t know his identity. But by his sharp intake of breath, I knew it was a man.

Oh, shit. Did I just question Father Gabriel?

“Tonight,” I repeated more confidently, “will be wonderful, with my husband’s permission.” The drumming of my heart echoed in my ears as I tried to decipher whether I’d saved myself, or made it worse.

Do I need my husband’s permission, or does Father Gabriel’s invitation supersede Jacob’s orders?

“Very good, Sister. It seems as though Brother Jacob was correct, you’re relearning the ways of The Light well. Sister Elizabeth, you may assist Sister Sara during this evening’s service.”

“Yes, Father,” Elizabeth replied, “with my husband’s permission, I’d be happy to.”

When she reached down and squeezed my hand, I exhaled. I’d said that right.

“We’ll leave you ladies to your devotions. Tonight.”

“Thank you, Father,” Elizabeth and I said in unison.

Neither of us spoke for a few moments after the shutting of the door. The silence continued to grow as my trepidation waned and shock grew. Finally I squeezed Elizabeth’s hand one more time and whispered, “Holy shit!”

“Sara!” Elizabeth exclaimed with a giggle. “Don’t let Brother Jacob or any other man hear you speak that way.”

“But Father Gabriel was here! Oh, I need to tell Jacob.” I stood and took a step toward my bed. “Elizabeth, I need clothes. Do I have clothes here? I can’t go to service in a nightgown and robe.” Falling back to the edge of the bed, I doubled forward and held my head. “Oh my gosh! Will I be punished for wearing this when he visited?”

“That’s up to Brother Jacob, but you didn’t have much choice. It wasn’t like he announced he was coming.” She was speaking from across the room, near my closet. “You have a skirt and sweater here, but I don’t think you should change without . . .”

“I know, without Jacob’s knowledge.” My voice sounded defeated, even to me. “Be honest, please. Will Jacob be upset? Did I really question Father Gabriel?”

“I can’t presume to answer for Brother Jacob, but you recovered beautifully.” She sat beside me and gently elbowed my good side. “Father Gabriel even smiled at your response.”

He smiled? Is that good?

“Who was the other person, and why didn’t he announce himself? That’s rude. It’s obvious I can’t see.”

Elizabeth reached for my knee and lowered her voice. “Sara, I want to help you. I’m trying, but you need to be mindful. If we weren’t friends, I could share this with Luke, and he’d tell Brother Jacob. The other person was Brother Timothy, and you should remember that a man doesn’t owe us his words. He grants them. Your saying that he was rude makes you prideful. And the language you used makes you vulgar.”

A tear escaped my bandages and slid down my cheek. “That’s what I don’t understand. I’m not good at this. I’m really not.”