Page 223 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Mr. Goulding kept Kitty laughing as they crossed the churchyard, and when they reached the carriage, neither seemed in any hurry to end their conversation. They were still conversing when the rest of the family arrived and obliged them to part.

* * *

A few days later, Mary took her notebook to the rectory. Mr. Fernside had asked her to call after hearing about some of the needs she had encountered.

“The clothing has been easiest,” Mary said. “Lydia can find a use for almost anything. But some families need medicine, and others manage well enough until someone falls ill or a father loses a week’s wages.”

“That is the difficulty,” Mr. Fernside said. “We help one family through a hard week, only to find another in the same situation.”

Mary opened her notebook. “I have begun keeping a record of what each family needs and what we have already provided. I thought it might prevent us from helping one household repeatedly while overlooking another.”

Mr. Fernside held out his hand for the notebook.

Mary had recorded the families she had visited, the number and ages of their children, and what had been taken to each household. Beside several names she had added things still needed.

“This is very well done, Miss Mary.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He returned the notebook. “I think it is time we made this a parish effort. We could establish a small fund for necessities that cannot be donated and collect clothing and household goods regularly. I believe a good many people in the neighborhood would contribute if they knew what was needed.”

Mary set down her pencil. “Yes, sir. That is exactly the remedy. A fund to help families when the need arises.”

“There is a room adjoining the parish school that is not being used. I will have the caretaker clean it, and we can store the donations there.”

“Sir, we could bring the altered gowns here as they are finished. Volunteers could keep the room open at certain hours so families may come and take what they need.”

“I believe that is the best plan, Miss Mary. I will work toward that end.”

* * *

Mary had scarcely begun asking for contributions when the room beside the parish school began to fill. Once Mr. Fernside announced the collection at church, donations arrived throughout the week.

Lydia and Mary began the work, but soon other women of the parish volunteered their time.

One morning, Alexander entered carrying a wooden box.

“I was told I would find you here.”

He set the box beside Mary and removed paper, ink, sealing wax, and two new account books.

Mary picked up one of the books. “Thank you, Alexander. You purchased these for me?”

“I noticed that you have only a few blank pages left in your notebook.”

She looked through the other supplies. “This is exactly what I needed. You have thought of everything, sir.”

“My father has also agreed that I may have one of the farm carts on Thursday. If you give me the names of the families with larger things to contribute, I can collect them and bring them here.”

“You need not spend your morning collecting used clothes and blankets.”

“I want to help.”

Mary ran her fingers along the edge of the new account book before looking at him. “Then I shall find enough work to keep you occupied, Mr. Lucas.”

Alexander grinned. “Yes, ma’am.”

He drew a chair nearer and sat beside her. “Where shall we begin?”