Chapter 61

“Oh, yes. Given rest and God’s good will.”

“Was anybody else hurt?”

She seemed a little surprised at his question, but answered anyway. “No, just the reverend. But after everything else that’s been happening at the church this fall and winter, people are starting to worry.”

“Yes, I don’t blame you. The experience must have been quite frightening.” Jefferson’s words were sympathetic, but his tone was distracted. “Could we get your sons to help us carry Micah’s trunks to my home?”

“Oh, is he going to be staying with you, then?”

“Yes. He’s going to be working on his own volume of poetry and needed a quiet place to work.”

Mrs. Ruark beamed at Micah. “Well, imagine that. Can you imagine Wroxham having its own famous writer? You know, I read all the pamphlets and newspapers I can get my hands on. There aren’t as many in the winter, though, since we don’t have as many guests.”

“Then I’ll be sure to send over anything I get,” he returned with a smile.