Wife Number Seven (The Compound, #1)(62)

“It’s all right, dear,” she’d whispered to Rebecca. “Let’s go back to my house. I’ll let you sit in my armchair. You can rest your head, rest your thoughts.”

“Oh, okay,” Rebecca muttered, hanging her head.

Within days, Rebecca had been reassigned to the Cluff household. Since then, Jorjina had been plagued with guilt and remorse. She wished that she had misdirected Clarence’s suspicions. But she felt it would have been only a matter of time before one or both of Rebecca’s sister wives reported Burt to the prophet.

Jorjina had enjoyed a few peaceful months with no helper to speak of. She’d been able to lounge on her back patio, listening to the birds sing from the wall of the compound. She’d hoped that Clarence’s conniving ways would catch up to him, that no more helpers would be assigned to her home.

But on a day when she least expected it, Clarence informed her of a new helper. And in a moment of irony, that new helper was one of the very sister wives she’d assumed would be aware of her underhanded behavior. A wife of Lehi Cluff.

But Brinley knew nothing of Rebecca’s earlier position as her helper. And not only that, the two women had bonded . . . truly bonded. Jorjina genuinely liked the seventh wife of Lehi Cluff, despite the fact that she despised Brinley’s husband.

Lehi reminded Jorjina of her son, Clarence. Both were selfish, narrow minded, and expected their wives to be completely subservient to them in every possible way.

Walter hadn’t been like that. Despite being the most powerful man in their compound, Walter was interested in the opinions of his wives. Each week, they’d have extensive family meetings where he not only welcomed his wives to offer him feedback on the household, but he demanded that if they were too intimidated to share during the meetings, that they made time to tell him one-on-one. He knew he couldn’t make them all happy at once, but he did his very best to maintain harmony in his household. The happiness of his wives, his children, his family meant something to him.

Once he had passed away, she realized just how lucky she had been to have such a considerate husband. Now she was surrounded by men like Clarence, like Lehi, who had no appreciation for their wives or children.

Men who did not deserve sweet and gracious young women like Brinley.

Jorjina saw something in Brinley—something she wanted to encourage, to nurture. She wanted to give Brinley every opportunity to explore the world on her own terms. Never before had Jorjina offered to allow a helper to have a daily break. That was specifically something she had offered to her newest helper. She could only imagine how unappreciated Brinley was by Lehi Cluff. And although it was against the doctrine she held so dear, she was tempted to encourage Brinley to leave the compound, to leave the religion, the faith.

Jorjina was old. She’d lived her life, but when she spent time with Brinley she was reminded of just how many young women were sacrificing theirs. And she cared too much for Brinley to lose decades of her life to a man who didn’t appreciate her.

She wanted to help her. But after her slipup in the kitchen, she wasn’t sure that could ever happen.

Brinley no longer trusted her. And she had no idea how to regain that trust.

But she was determined to do her very best to do just that . . . Clarence be damned.




Chapter 22

The plan was set into motion. In just a matter of hours, I’d have an entire night away with Porter. More than twenty-four hours away from the compound, the Cluff household, and my role as the seventh wife of Lehi. For one night only, it would just be Brinley and Porter. That was all.

I was so excited that my thoughts were bouncing around inside my head. Calming myself enough to talk with Lehi had been challenging. For just a moment, I thought that maybe he’d express concern regarding my supposed pregnancy, that perhaps he wouldn’t want me exerting myself by traveling to Jessa’s home across the compound, or assisting her with too many things in her home. I had a speech prepared in case it was necessary.

It wasn’t.

“How long will you be gone?” he asked, feigning interest. It was a Saturday morning, and the children surrounded my husband in the common area of the home. The boys played a rowdy game of tag while two of the girls assisted Brenda with her knitting project. He removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Just one evening,” I said. “Her husband is away on a job, and she needs support.”

“And your mother? She can’t help Jessa for one night?”

“She’s still not well and there’s no one else. I’m sorry, but she nee—”

He shook his head. “It’s fine. But check with Leandra regarding your chores.”

“Yes, sir,” I said. “And thank you.”

“Mm-hmm.” He grunted, turning his attention back to the children running freely around the common area.

Quickly, I went to speak to the first wife regarding my responsibilities. As my feet crossed the threshold into the kitchen area, I could hear Lehi scolding two of the boys for being too aggressive with each other. I shook my head at the irony.

? ? ?

“Overnight?” Leandra screeched.

“Yes.” I remained stone-faced, determined not to let Leandra get to me. I had permission from Lehi and that was all I needed. “Lehi has given me his blessing. I just need to know if there are any chores you’ll need me to complete before I leave.”