Then suddenly things changed. The wind picked up, the clouds rolled in, and they hurriedly packed things up. They returned to the car and Justin put the top up and they quietly drove home. Despite the lovely day, Jane felt let down. She knew she was in love with Justin by then. And she desperately wanted him to feel the same way. Several pleasant but uneventful dates followed, and Jane began to think that marriage was not in Justin’s plans.

  About a month later, Justin invited her to dinner at the Cliff House. He had reserved a table that overlooked the sea, and midway through the meal they enjoyed a magnificent sunset, watching in awe until the last brilliant shades of orange and red faded into purple. Then just as they finished a wonderful and filling meal, despite Jane’s protests, Justin insisted on ordering dessert for both of them. Minutes later the waiter set an incredible nest of spun sugar on the table. Jane was just marveling at the pretty confection when she noticed a small blue velvet box inside. Justin feigned surprise but suggested she open it. Inside was an impressive solitaire diamond, exquisitely set in platinum. Then Justin took her hand in his and said the words she had been longing to hear. “Jane Howard, will you marry me?”

  “Stop it,” Jane scolded herself out loud as she came out of her reverie still holding the sponge and scouring powder above the sink. These memories were not helping her mental state in the least. What she needed right now was a good project, something consuming enough to distract her from obsessing over Justin like this. She took down her mother’s old cookbook and sat down at the table to peruse it. There must be something in it that would be a challenge to make. Wendell hopped into her lap and, as she flipped through the pages with one hand, she smoothed his silky coat with the other. It was amazing how calming it was to pet an animal. She felt as if her anxiety diminished with each stroke.

  “Hello?” a hushed male voice spoke from the back porch.

  She gently set a disappointed Wendell down and went to the door. She was surprised to see Rev. Thompson there. “Come in,” she said. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company three times in one day?”

  He glanced over her shoulder. “Belle isn’t around, is she?”

  Jane laughed. “No, but she should be back in an hour or so. Would you like me to give her a message for you?”

  “No, I would not.” He gave her a stern look. “Jane Howard, I thought you were my friend. And suddenly I feel as if I’ve been blindsided by you.”

  “By me?”

  “Yes. Inviting me to breakfast, introducing me to Belle, bringing her to the church. What exactly are you up to anyway?”

  Her eyes widened in surprise. “I am not up to anything, Kenneth Thompson. Belle just happened to show up at our door without a reservation. And she just happened to have a particular mission as the result of what she honestly believes was a God-given dream. I do not see how you can possibly blame any of that on me.”

  “Hmm.” He glanced over at the coffeemaker. “Got any decaf?”

  “I can certainly make some.”

  “Oh, don’t go to any trouble.”

  “You know it’s no trouble.” Besides, she thought, she’d been looking for a distraction. Kenneth would work just fine.

  “I felt bad when we walked in on you in the sanctuary. I had no idea you were up there, hiding behind the pulpit.”

  He chuckled. “Yes, you know me, always hiding behind the pulpit.”

  “I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “No, you meant I was lurking, just waiting to pounce on unsuspecting visitors.”

  “No. I just meant I didn’t plan to pop in on you like that, but Belle wanted to see the inside of the chapel.”

  “So she could make wedding plans?”

  “Well, yes.” Jane turned away from him to make the coffee.

  “Don’t you think that’s rather strange?”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact, I do think it’s strange.” She turned to face him. “But, Rev. Thompson, wasn’t last Sunday’s sermon about not judging?”

  He smiled weakly, then nodded. “Yes, Jane. You are right. I guess I should pay better attention.”

  Jane grinned. “Or maybe God just wanted to press your lesson home. So you’d really have it down well.”

  “Forgive me, Jane. I have been judgmental.”

  “If it’s any comfort, you’re not the only one. In fact, the only one who hasn’t judged Belle seems to be Aunt Ethel. Although I think it’s simply because she’s caught up in the glamour and excitement of having a wedding. And, of course, she does like Belle.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me.”

  “Hungry?”

  He shrugged. “I already sponged one meal off the inn, I shouldn’t—”

  “Oh, come on, Kenneth. I consider it an honor to feed you. It’s like making a church donation.”

  He made a face. “You do have a way of making a guy feel at home.”

  “I had a cookie a bit ago,” she confessed as she opened the fridge. “But I’m hungry for something healthy. How about a nice Caesar salad with some grilled chicken?”

  “Mmm. Sounds terrific. Need any help?”

  “Just help yourself to some coffee and take a seat. I need company right now.” She wished she hadn’t said that last line. It seemed an open invitation to an inquiry, and she just was not ready to discuss her concern over Justin’s impending visit quite yet. And so she decided to keep the conversation flowing in another direction.

  “Due to Aunt Ethel’s allergy problems, I was chosen to escort Belle around town.” Then, as she got out the ingredients for the salad, she told him about how she’d shoved that pleasure off on poor, unsuspecting Alice.

  “You have been naughty,” said Kenneth.

  “I know,” she admitted. “You should’ve heard Alice a little while ago. She was in here giving me the details. It was seriously funny.”

  “Sometimes I think you have a warped sense of humor, Jane.”

  “Well, listen to this,” she persisted. “Alice took Belle into Wild Things, where Belle decided to order wedding flowers from Craig. When he discovered that the flowers were for Belle’s wedding, but that she didn’t have a groom, he was flabbergasted. And, can you believe it, our sweet Alice had the nerve to point out that, as an Acorn Hill bachelor, Craig Tracy was also on the list of candidates.”

  “Alice did that?”

  “She did. Naturally, she regretted it right away, but she was a little flustered at the time. And Alice said Craig looked perfectly horrified.”

  Kenneth laughed loudly. “Oh, you’re making me feel much better now.”

  “So, you see, you are definitely not alone.” “It’s really odd, isn’t it?”

  “Very.” Jane flipped some chicken on the grill, then went back to finish tossing the romaine lettuce in the dressing.

  “It’s not that she doesn’t seem to be a nice person,” he continued as she sliced some sourdough bread, “and she’s attractive enough, but she’s a little scary too.”

  “Especially if you’re a bachelor.” Then she told him how Alice had felt a little bit guilty for leaving Belle with Lloyd.

  “Why is that?”

  “She was afraid they were sort of hitting it off.”

  “Really?”

  Jane removed a piece of chicken from the grill and quickly sliced it into strips, neatly arranging these on their individual salads. Then she brought the salads and bread and joined Kenneth at the table, waiting as he said grace.

  “You didn’t answer me, Jane. Alice didn’t really think Lloyd would be interested in Belle, did she?”

  She chuckled. “Well, she said that he truly seemed to like her, enough to make Alice uncomfortable. But you know how she’s sensitive to people’s feelings. I suppose she felt bad for Aunt Ethel.”

  “Can’t say that I blame her.”

  “Oh, I’m sure it was harmless flirting. Lloyd was probably flattered by the attentions of a young, pretty woman.”

  “And he was probably just being the congenial mayor.”

  “Also, to be fair, Aunt Ethel had called Lloyd, asking him to help with Belle. She so wanted to be the one to take Belle around and introduce her to everyone. She’s quite taken with Belle.”

  “Yes, I can imagine that. How is your aunt feeling anyway?”

  “She says that she’s better, but she still looks rather frightening.”

  “Poor Ethel. Maybe I should pay her a visit this afternoon.”

  “Maybe not. I don’t think she cares to be seen, not until her face goes back to normal. I know that she doesn’t intend to let Lloyd see her like this.”

  “Understandable. Ethel does care about appearances.” He took another bite. “By the way, this is delicious, Jane.” He winked at her. “Anytime you want to make a donation to church, you just let me know.”

  “Okay, now that I’ve gotten you all relaxed about Belle, I think it’s only fair to warn you.”

  He looked up in mild alarm. “About what?”

  “Well, as far as I can see, and Alice confirmed it, Belle has placed a certain Acorn Hill cleric at the top of her eligible-bachelors list.”

  “Oh my.” He shook his head. “Is there any way to get my name off her list?”

  Jane shrugged and took another bite.

  “Perhaps you could dissuade her, Jane?”

  “She’s a pretty determined gal. I think if anyone is going to dissuade her, it’ll have to be you.”

  “I was afraid you were going to say that.”

  “Don’t you think straightforward is usually the best approach?”

  “Yes. And that is exactly how I would advise someone else in my shoes. Funny how things change when you are the person in an uncomfortable position.” He frowned. “I just don’t want to hurt her feelings. Despite not wanting to be on her list, I do think she’s a sweet and sensitive person. I think she means well. And I’m sure that she believes her dream is from God. And, as you pointed out, who am I to judge?”

  “I don’t really see that it would hurt her feelings, Kenneth. After all, she wants to marry God’s pick for her. Surely, she must understand that there will be some rejection involved. I mean, going about looking for a husband like this is bound to result in a few disappointments. But she shouldn’t take it personally.”

  “You’re right.” But even as he said this, Jane got the feeling he wasn’t convinced.

  “But you still don’t want to tell her?”

  “I don’t even know how I’d go about it. What do I do? Simply walk up and say, ‘Belle, I have no intention of marrying you’? That seems presumptuous.”

  “Yes, I see your point. Well, perhaps just let life take its course, and if marriage comes up, which I’m sure it will, be honest and kind to her.”

  “Most definitely.” He grinned. “In the meantime, you’ll excuse me if I lay low?”

  “That’s a long time to lay low, Kenneth. She will probably be on the hunt for a good two weeks.”

  “Too bad I couldn’t go on vacation for a couple of weeks.”

  “Chicken.”

  “Certainly,” he said, “I’d love some more chicken.” “Oh, you!” But she got up and took another piece off the grill, sliced it and placed it on the remainder of his salad. “Thank you.”

  “You know, Louise and Alice were discussing Belle’s wedding tactics, and they came to a rather interesting conclusion.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Well, there are people who get married for what seem the right reasons, but still many of those marriages end in divorce. Then there are others whom you’d never expect to make it to their first anniversary, and they stay happily married for years. Sometimes there really seems to be no rhyme or reason to marital success. I wonder if it’s just the luck of the draw.”

  “That’s a rather cynical view, Jane.”

  “Perhaps I’m being negative.”

  “I happen to believe that marriage really was designed by God.”

  “Yes, of course you would.”

  “Catherine and I were very happily married before she passed away, and so I have good reason to believe that a godly marriage has a much greater chance of succeeding than a marriage where God is left out.”

  “So, you think Belle should have a successful marriage?”

  “I think if she does indeed marry a godly man, and if they are genuinely in love, well, yes, I would think her chances would be better than average.”

  “But you don’t want to be that man?”

  He shook his fork at her. “Jane, Jane, Jane.”

  “So, do you think that my marriage would’ve succeeded if Justin had been a godly man? Not that I was such a godly woman when we married. I had rebelled against my roots, you know. Perhaps that in itself destined us to failure.”

  “Not necessarily. I’ve known couples who were wed without having God in the picture at the time. Then one comes around, perhaps the other one does too, and they end up being happily married for the rest of their days.”

  “So what you’re saying is that without God, marriage is tricky.”

  “You do have a way of boiling things down, Jane.”

  “Just call me a poached philosopher.”

  They chatted a bit longer and were just finishing up lunch when they heard Belle calling out. “Jane, dear? Are you in there?”

  “Excuse me,” Kenneth jumped to his feet, dabbed his lips with the napkin, then whispered a thank-you and made a hasty exit.

  Jane laughed as she cleared their salad plates. “Coming, Belle,” she called as she went through the swinging door to find Belle in the dining room.

  Belle held up a little brown bag. “Wilhelm mixed me up the most delicious batch of tea, and I hoped I might beg some hot water from you.”

  “Of course,” said Jane. “Usually we have it out in the dining room, but without many guests, I sort of forgot. Let me get it for you.”

  “Oh, thank you,” gushed Belle.

  “I’ll be just a few minutes.” Jane took the thermos pitcher and retreated to the kitchen. She turned on the teakettle and quickly disposed of any evidence that Kenneth had just eaten lunch with her. Of course, she knew that Belle had no idea, but even so, Jane felt guilty.

  “Here you go,” said Jane as she set the pitcher on the sideboard. “Enough water here for a whole pot if you like. And as you can see, the teapot and cups and sugar and whatnot are right there. Do you need cream?”

  “No, I never put cream in tea.” Belle opened the bag and held it toward Jane. “Just smell that. Isn’t it heavenly?”

  Louise came into the dining room. “Did I hear talk of tea?” she asked hopefully.

  “Belle has a special blend,” said Jane.

  “That’s right,” said Belle. “Would y’all care to join me?” She held out the packet for Louise to sniff.

  “It smells like peaches,” said Louise, “and spices?”

  “That’s exactly right,” gushed Belle. “It’s called Southern Belle. Wilhelm named it after me.”

  “Wasn’t that nice,” said Louise, suddenly curious if Wilhelm might be taken with a certain southern Belle. Louise had been telling Wilhelm for years now that he would be quite a catch for the right woman. Was Belle that woman?

  “Won’t you have some?” asked their guest as she filled the teapot with hot water. “Both of you.”

  “If you’ll excuse me,” said Jane. “I’ve got something I need to tend to in the kitchen.”

  “I’d love to have some tea,” said Louise as she set out two cups.

  Soon the tea was brewed, and they both sat down at the table. Louise waited as Belle filled her cup, then she took a cautious sip. It was a bit too flowery for her taste, but refreshing.

  “Oh, this is simply wonderful,” said Belle. “I’ll have to tell Wilhelm to keep it on hand for me.”

  “And what did you think of Wilhelm?” asked Louise. “Alice mentioned that he seemed to like you. Any possibility that he might be the one?”

  “Well, it’s hard to say. Although I do think Wilhelm seemed interested in getting better acquainted. He was quite friendly. Then, when Lloyd asked me if I played bridge and I said that I do, Wilhelm seemed pleased. Lloyd even suggested that we might set up a bridge night this weekend. Lloyd and Ethel and Wilhelm and me. I said that sounded nice, and Wilhelm seemed quite agreeable.”

  “That sounds promising.”

  “I suppose.” Belle frowned. “Except that I don’t want to give Rev. Thompson the wrong idea.”

  “The wrong idea?” Louise’s eyebrows lifted.

  “I don’t want him thinking I’ve set my sights on Wilhelm.”

  “Oh, I’m sure no one will think that, Belle. It only makes sense that you should get acquainted with the eligible bachelors of Acorn Hill.”

  “Yes, I suppose that’s true.” Belle brightened. “Besides, it might not hurt to make the pastor feel threatened by Wilhelm.”

  “Threatened?”

  “Oh, you know what they say about jealousy. Or maybe I’m thinking of distance, but I do think it makes the heart grow fonder. Sometimes people need a little push to help them realize what they might be missing.”

  “I see.” Louise finished her tea and thanked Belle for it. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some office work that I need to tend to.” She paused before she left. “Oh, and although we don’t normally invite guests staying at the inn to join us for dinner, since you’re our only guest at the moment, you’re more than welcome to join us again tonight.”

  “No, but thank you very much.” Belle carried her teacup back to the sideboard. “I actually have plans for tonight.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. Lloyd invited me to join Ethel and him for bingo this evening.” She clapped her hands together. “I just adore that game. Oh, Louise, I’m feeling so at home here already. It’s just wonderful. And Lloyd mentioned that they’ll be serving hot dogs and chili tonight. So I won’t need to bother you about dinner. But thanks so much anyway.” She picked up her purse and package of tea. “And y’all have a good evening.”