Wife Number Seven (The Compound, #1)(82)

“Yes, they informed me,” Lehi responded, referring to his meeting with his first and last wives. He reached into his pocket and retrieved a tattered envelope. “Rebecca said you requested this letter.”

“Yes.” The prophet’s face was devoid of emotion. He extended his hand over his desk, retrieving the letter from Lehi’s hand. He studied the simple piece of paper before returning it to its envelope and handing it back to Lehi. “You may keep that.”

Lehi was puzzled. He didn’t feel a need to keep the letter. To him it was a stab at his masculinity, at his standing in the church. That this man would attempt to steal his newest wife was insulting, to say the least. Nevertheless, he stuffed the envelope back into his pocket, vowing not to return it to Rebecca. She needed to forget Elder Jameson, and the sooner the better.

“I’d suggest that you keep an eye on this situation. Make sure that Rebecca is not coerced into acting on such devilish behavior.”

“Rebecca has been nothing but gracious and willing to adapt to her life with us.”

“I’m pleased to hear that.” The prophet leaned back in his armchair, folding his hands together over his midsection. Relaxed, yet stiff. “The Cluff family has always been a model for the community. I’d hate to see that change.”

“I agree. Please be assured that I’ll do everything that I can to maintain that.”

“I’m certain you will.” The prophet shifted his weight and planted his feet on the floor, standing and placing one hand on his desk while scratching at the stubble on his chin with the other. “Which leads us to your seventh wife.”

“Brinley.” Lehi nodded.

“I must tell you that I’m puzzled as to what to do.”

“I understand.” Lehi was hesitant to make his plea. Instead, he would allow the prophet to steer the conversation and respond accordingly. That was what the prophet preferred. There was no questioning Clarence Black, but over the years Lehi had learned how to make requests without insulting the prophet.

“I’m not sure how involved Brinley is with Elder Jameson,” the prophet said. “She delivered the letter. This much we know.”

“Yes.”

“Tell me your impression of the girl.”

Lehi cleared his throat. This was his opportunity, but he had to be careful. “She’s kind, obedient, and an essential part of our family.”

“If she’s so obedient, then why did she deliver that letter?” the prophet asked, his voice rising. Lehi could feel the bite in that retort.

“Of that I’m not sure. But it is possible that Brinley did not know of the contents of the letter. Perhaps, she thought it was for the boys—”

The prophet waved a dismissive hand. “That doesn’t matter. She should have destroyed the letter. It was insubordination of the highest order.”

“I understand.”

“Listen, all wives are to know their place. Every single one. And every man must be cognizant of that, as well, and must treat them equally. Rebecca was removed from the Jameson household for that reason.”

Lehi nodded. “Yes. I strive to do that in my home.”

The prophet narrowed his eyes, perching himself on the corner of the desk and peering at Lehi. “I’m considering reassigning Brinley. There are several men in the Texas compound who are in need of additional wives. She could be relocated. Perhaps then she’d learn not to be swayed by men such as Burt.”

Disappointment spread through Lehi, and he was no longer sure that a plea would be appropriate. Brinley was the most beautiful of all his wives, the one he enjoyed the most in the bedroom, and so he’d wanted to ask the prophet not to reassign her, to allow her to stay in his home. But he feared the prophet would accuse him of favoritism if he were honest regarding his intention.

“You must do what you see fit, but I would be most appreciative if you’d allow her to remain in our household.” Quickly, Lehi thought of a half truth to sway the prophet without revealing his true motivation. “She’s quite helpful with the children and her sister wives.”

“Interesting,” the prophet responded, and Lehi could feel cynicism in that one word. “Your first wife doesn’t seem to agree with you. Perhaps there is some discrepancy here.”

“I-I don’t understand.”

“She seemed quite eager for Brinley to be removed from your home.”

Lehi’s mouth was agape as he heard this bit of information. He knew that Leandra was frequently annoyed by Brinley, which was to be expected given the large age gap between them. But he never expected that Leandra would want to see her reassigned. He had no idea what to say in response, so said nothing.

The prophet considered for a moment, then said, “I’ll take care of this. She’ll be given an honor, a position assisting my mother in her home. She’ll begin on Monday. I’ll gather information and make a decision posthaste.”

“Thank you.”

Thank God.

Lehi was determined not to lose Brinley. He enjoyed his time with her more than any of his other wives. She was the only wife who had cooperated on their honeymoon. Leandra had slapped him across the face when he’d turned on the TV. Others had cried, one had even choked and then vomited on his penis. But Brinley, she’d cooperated, and Lehi had even managed to convince himself that she’d enjoyed it.