Because of Rebecca(22)

“You’re quite the scoundrel, double-crossing your cousin. Oak Hill’s facing ruin because of you and your gambling debts,” she spat, her emerald eyes growing dark.

He smirked. “Good to know my cousin spoke so highly of me.”

“Don’t pride yourself in your folly. He confessed his financial burden to me so I’d know what I was getting myself into if I accepted his proposal.”

“And did you?”

“Not that it is any of your concern, but no. I couldn’t. Not when I didn’t know how this assignment would turn out. I couldn’t risk connecting him more than I possibly had. Now knowing you too are associated with him proves I was right in my hesitation.”

Rory nodded, grateful for her admission. Women who worked for the Vigilante Committee were always courageous and compassionate for those in need of assistance. Her commitment to the cause was worthy. And yet she obviously loved his cousin. Why did Jared have all the luck? First, Charisse and now Miss Rebecca Davis loved him.

He mentally shook himself and refocused his attention on the matter at hand. “About the assignment, have you made arrangements for your passage?”

She nodded. “We leave tonight. There’s a late train departing at eleven that will take us to Grenada. From there we will go on to Memphis.”

“Perfect.” He took a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to her. “Meet me at this location no later than ten and I will deliver the package to you. Do you have a cloak? If not, get one. You will not want anyone seeing you at this establishment.”

“Then why—”

“Sh-h-h. Someone’s coming.”

The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder. The murmur of voices faded into silence and the footsteps retreated. When he was certain they would not be overheard he answered her question.

“Because no one will expect it.”

Miss Davis stared at him before speaking again. “You take pleasure in this don’t you?”

Rory grinned. “It’s the chase that makes the game pleasurable. Just like chasing a woman. The pursuit is more satisfying if there’s a challenge. You’ll find Delia waiting for you.”

“Delia?”

“Her new name. It fits her disguise.”

Rebecca watched as Rory turned and left the chapel. A chill crept over her as she waited a safe amount of time before she followed, replacing her prayer shawl on her head. Once again she feared for her safety and Ruth’s as she passed through the corridor leading into the sanctuary.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw a priest approaching her. Alarm that he’d overheard her conversation with Rory filled her and she turned her head in his direction.

Her sudden movement startled the man. He stopped at the end of the pew. “Are you troubled, my child?”

She swallowed. How could this man take one look at her and read her soul? She slowly nodded.

“Father, I know it isn’t the appointed hour, but will you hear my confession?”

“Of course.”

Taking a deep breath, she followed him to the nave and the nearest confessional, going inside.

Kneeling, she bowed her head. “Bless me Father, for I have sinned. It has been four weeks since my last confession. My life is a lie. I pretend to be a mother when I’m not for the good of the child. Now, I must journey for the sake of another to have freedom. I seek guidance and deliverance for my deception.”

“Kindness, compassion and humility are virtues to seek. Do you love this child?” the priest asked.

“Oh yes, with all my heart.”

“And where is the true mother?”

“She died shortly after giving the child life. She asked me to take him.”

“Then where is the lie? One day you can tell the child of his mother.”

“But others believe he is mine.”

“Giving birth is not always the true sign of being a mother. Loving and nurturing a child is the true form of motherhood.”

“Yes, Father. But this journey I’m about to make... I’m risking everything. I thought I could do this...but—but I’m not sure now.” She’d known the gravity of the consequences when she took on this assignment, but now that the time had come, she didn’t know if she could go through with it. Meeting Jared and falling in love with him had not been in her plan.

“Tell me about this journey. Are you being forced to take this path?”

The priest’s words startled her. “N-No, Father,” she stammered again. “I chose this journey to help another.”

“And you must deceive for the safety of this person?”

“Yes.”

“How long will this deception continue? What will happen if you are unable to succeed with this lie?”

Rebecca closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she answered his questions. She’d expected censure not possible understanding from him. Moisture formed at her eyes. “Many lives are at risk, Father. Mine, my family’s, and the person I’m trying to help. It’s a heavy burden. One I thought I was prepared to carry.”

“And now you are not sure?” he asked.

“Yes, Father. What am I going to do?”

“Risking your life for another is a noble act. You should have faith that you will see your goals accomplished. Trust that God will give you the strength to see it through. Keep your rosary with you and pray to the Blessed Virgin daily.”

She nodded, prepared to rise, but stopped when he spoke again.

“But know this, a lie is a lie no matter the reason you tell it. I cannot absolve you for this sin when I know you are going to continue in this path until your journey is complete.”

“I understand, Father.” She took a handkerchief from her bag and dried her eyes. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, my child. Go in peace.” The priest made the sign of the cross then closed the portal between them.

Go in peace. The thought was difficult when accompanied by an image of her swinging from the end of a rope. The image was so real in her mind she felt herself suffocating, and she gasped for air.

“Stop it, Rebecca,” she told herself. “You can’t start doubting your resolve now.”

The priest was right. She’d chosen this journey. It was a noble act. She’d accomplish her goal and return to raise Lucas. There was no need for her to worry.

Still, she had a nagging feeling that tonight would not play out the way she imagined.

****

“I do wish you’d allow me to see you off at the train station,” Josephine complained as Rebecca gathered her things later that evening.

“It isn’t necessary. I’ll be fine. I’d like to know you are here in case Lucas should awake. This is the first time I’ll be away from him for more than a day. It makes me nervous just thinking about leaving him even for a short trip.”

“Then you need to be away from him more,” Josephine said, startling her. This was not the same woman from a few days ago. Her aunt sounded more confident. It made Rebecca feel better about leaving the child in her care.

“There’s nothing to worry about,” Josephine continued. “I think I can handle the boy while you’re away. We’ll be just fine.”

Rebecca hugged her one last time, tighter than she intended. “I know you will. I love you both very much.”

When she broke away from the hug, her aunt gave her a questioning look. “You’re not eloping are you?”

“No.”

“This sudden trip has nothing to do with Mr. Hollingsworth?” Josephine crossed her arms over her chest, looking stern.

“Absolutely not. I told you I have some financial matters to attend, and I must see my lawyer immediately. I’ll be back within the week if all goes as planned.”

Her eyes narrowed as she continued to study Rebecca. “All right. You have a safe journey. I’ll see you when you return.”

Rebecca kissed a sleeping Lucas on the cheek as Charlotte held him. “Mama loves you dearly, little one. Take care, Charlotte.”

“Yes, miss. There’s nothing to worry about. He’ll be fine.”

Nodding, she took a deep breath and without further delay, she turned, picked up her bag and cloak, and headed to the door.

A knock sounded before she reached it. She stopped and her heart skipped a beat. What if Rory had been caught after he left St. Anna’s and somehow the authorities had linked them together?

“Heavens, who could that be at this late hour?” Josephine said.

“I don’t know.” She still didn’t move toward the door as another knock came.

“Aren’t you going to open it?” Josephine asked, impatiently.

When she hesitated further her aunt implored, “Rebecca, did you hear me?”

“Yes. Yes. I’ll get it.” She forced her feet to take the remaining two steps to the door. She opened it wide and was stunned seeing the man on the other side. “Jared!”