Page 42 of The Return of the Rake

“You haven’t caused a mite of trouble,” the captain said, his tone stern. “Your husband caused the uproar, treating you with such violence and disrespect. This is none of your doing, and these good people wish nothing but to show you the kindness you deserve. Pray let them do so, Mrs Jenner, or you shall offend them, I think.”

He softened his rather stern words by smiling at her and then handed her somewhat reluctantly into the arms of a plump woman who came bustling out, bringing the scent of freshly baked bread with her.

“Oh, Lucy, you poor dear girl. Come along, my love. Oh, that wretched man deserves a good hiding, may the lord forgive me saying so.”

“Oh, Mrs Ad-Addie,” Mrs Jenner said, and promptly burst into tears, allowing her and the lady still carrying the baby to usher her inside.

King and Captain Dearborn waited outside as the ladies' voices receded, and a few moments later the reverend appeared, his expression troubled.

“The poor young woman,” he said with a sigh. “You did right to bring her to me and I thank you for it. We’ll take good care of her.”

“I know you will, Reverend,” Captain Dearborn said. “I really do not think she ought ever to return to that vile wretch, though. I shall not call him a man, for he is not fit to bear the description.”

“I know I ought not to condemn any of God’s creatures and find forgiveness for all, but Bill Jenner is a sore trial to my good intentions,” Honeywell admitted, shaking his head. “I’m glad you came, though, Jasper. Come in, my boy, come in. I beg you’ll forgive us, Captain Dearborn, but Jasper and I have a little private business to attend to.”

“Oh, not in the least,” the captain said with a smile. “I’ll leave you to it, but if I might call upon the lady in the morning, just to assure myself of her wellbeing?”

“I’m sure Mrs Jenner would be gratified by your concern,” the reverend said with a warm smile.

So, the captain raised his hat and bade them a good afternoon before making his way back to the town.

“An excellent man, that one,” the reverend mused as he guided Jasper into the vicarage. “I really must find him a suitable wife.”

“Anyone in mind?” King asked, suddenly feeling a surge of annoyance that he would more than likely think of Mrs Adamson.

“Not at present,” the reverend replied with a sigh. “But I shall come up with something if he does not.”

“I believe the captain has already made up his own mind,” King said sourly, unable to help himself as the reverend bustled about, finding his coat and putting on his hat.

“You mean Mrs Adamson, I suppose,” the Reverend said, his eyes twinkling as he tugged on his gloves. “Yes, he’s admired her for some time, but that will never do.”

King brightened at this information, hating himself for asking but unable to deny the temptation. “Oh? I thought a respectable fellow like that would be just what you’d like for her.”

“Then you do not know me, or Mrs Adamson,” the reverend replied, his lips twitching. “Poor Anne would murder the fellow inside a week, for she cannot abide being treated like a china doll. She is a capable woman, and one that enjoys her independence and making her own decisions. No, no, the captain is seeking a very different kind of lady, I assure you, though he might not see that yet.”

The reverend looked around the hallway, picked up a parcel wrapped in brown paper, and then patted his pockets with a frown. He pursed his lips. “I think I have everything, but I shall no doubt discover I have not soon enough,” he said with a sigh. “Come along, then, best foot forward.”

“Where are we going?” King asked, following the old man down the driveway.

Honeywell winced as he opened the garden gate, and it gave a loud shriek of protest. “Dear me, I never did get George to fix that. I really must find a new gardener and handyman before everything goes to rack and ruin. Oh, and we’re going for a little walk. I believe I know where we shall find young Tommy at this hour of the day.”

King groaned. “And what exactly do you expect me to say to him? What do you think will come of this meeting?”

“I’ve no idea,” the reverend said with a shrug. “I only know my instincts tell me you can do the young man some good.”

“You’re the good Samaritan, not me,” King grumbled, following the reverend as he headed towards Winsham Woods.

“Says the man who brought Mrs Jenner to my door,” the reverend said with a smile.

“That was the captain,” King protested, frowning as the reverend headed into the trees. “You can’t seriously mean to walk about in the woods at this hour. It’ll be dark soon.”

“Surely you aren’t scared of the dark?”

King rolled his eyes. “I am not, but I don’t want to stumble about in the pitch black or carry you home because you’ve broken your leg tripping over a tree stump.”

“Don’t you worry about me, and it’s not far now—” The reverend held up his hand and then pointed ahead of them.

King saw the flicker of a fire through the woods and nodded as the reverend walked on.