“No, Megan.” Bracken was now amused, knowing how his young cousins would view her. “I assure you, they are waiting very close by.”
Megan did not know how he could know such a thing, but with a gentle tug on her arm he urged her toward the door. She soon learned he was correct. Stephen, Louisa, and her sons were waiting not three yards away.
“Here they are,” Louisa spoke with pleasure. “Come, Megan, and meet my sons.”
Megan approached, her cheeks slightly pink, completely unaware of the charming picture she presented. The square-cut neckline of her gown, the nipped-in waist and full skirt, all trimmed in gold braid, only accentuated the loveliness of her figure. Her hair, pulled back in a length of the same braid, was like a mass of red fire around the creamy skin of her face and neck.
Bracken performed the introductions. “Megan, these are my cousins, Richard and Derek.”
“Hello,” Megan spoke softly and nodded to both men when they bowed politely before her. She had the impression that something was amiss, but didn’t become sure of it until the men raised their heads and studied her with unusual intensity.
Megan’s gaze flicked to Bracken, whose look was passive, and then to Stephen who looked a little too angelic for her taste. A glance at Louisa told her the older woman was fighting back laughter. Megan knew then that Stephen had been up to tricks.
She didn’t mention the matter, but with one look told Stephen she was onto him. He grinned at her in the same unrepentant way, and a few moments of light conversation followed. Knowing they would meet again at the evening meal, all went their separate ways. Richard spoke when he was finally alone with his brother.
“I think some just retribution is due here.”
“Toward Stephen? I quite agree. What do you have in mind?”
Richard was quiet for only an instant. “Today would be too soon, but definitely before the wedding. We’ll need everyone’s help, including Megan’s.”
Derek loved the look of mischief in his sibling’s eye, and his smile widened as Richard mapped out a plan.
At the meal that evening Megan found that Louisa’s sons were as kind and gentle as the woman herself and there were stories and much laughter as they ate a meal of rich soup filled with onions, leeks, cabbage, beans, and pork. There was dark bread on the side and cheese as well. The sweet was cream with a combination of fruits from the trees at Hawkings Crest.
Megan noticed, however, in the midst of all the good food and fellowship, that Louisa did not seem to be having the best of times. This was a great surprise to the younger woman, for she had known how much Louisa was looking forward to Richard’s and Derek’s arrival. Megan didn’t really know Bracken’s cousins, but they seemed very kind. Maybe Louisa had quarreled with one of them.
Megan tried to put it from her mind, but at bedtime, when Louisa was still heavy on her heart, Megan decided to seek her out. Her knock on Louisa’s door was answered by Louisa’s maid, Kimay, and when the servant told her mistress it was Megan, she was bade to enter. Megan was slightly surprised to find Derek in the room as well. Louisa’s features were strained. Megan debated whether or not she should remain, but with one glance at Derek’s confused face she came more fully into the room.
“I have no wish to intrude, Aunt Louisa, but is there something I can do?”
Both young people watched as Louisa stood and moved restlessly around the room. She nearly paced before stopping by the bed and facing them.
“Before dinner Derek informed me of a decision he’s made, but I am confused.”
Megan, desperate to help without intruding, turned to Bracken’s cousin. His face was not shuttered, so Megan spoke gently.
“Can you tell me, Derek?”
He nodded. “I have decided to give my life to God—Jesus Christ, actually.”
Megan’s heart leapt, but she knew that now was not the time to react with outward joy. She turned back to Louisa.
“What is the problem?”
“He says he’s giving himself to God. Don’t we all belong to God, Megan? What in the world could he mean?” Louisa was near to tears, and Megan did some fast thinking. After just a moment she began to understand. It was one thing for Louisa to have her future niece dedicated to Christ, but when it was her son and she did not understand or share the belief, it somehow said to her that she had failed as a parent.
“I believe Derek feels much as I do, Louisa. I knew a void within my heart, and I understood that Jesus Christ alone could fill that void. A surrendering of oneself to Christ doesn’t lessen a person in anyway or make it so they have less to give. Indeed, it gives one a greater life to offer.
“Derek’s decision should pose no threat to you, Louisa,” Megan went on very gently, “unless you feel God is calling you to do the same and you are trying to run.”
Megan had shot the arrow straight into the heart of the matter. One moment Louisa was standing defensive and scared, and the next she was sobbing with grief and pain. Derek was the one to approach her, and he led her carefully to a chair by the fire.
“I feel as though I can’t find Him,” Louisa sobbed. “I have watched you, Meg, and I have tried, but I feel as though I will never have your God. And now Derek has come to know Him, and I am still lost.”
Derek slipped his arms around his mother, and Louisa cried into his shoulder. Megan sat across from them and begged God to give her the words. She knew He was just waiting to show Louisa the way.
Megan thought that Derek might want to share, but when he remained quiet for several minutes and Louisa seemed more in control, Megan spoke softly.
“Louisa,” Megan called to her and waited until she met her eyes. “In the sixteenth psalm, God says He will show us the path of life, in His presence is fullness of joy, and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. God is not hiding from you, Louisa. He is waiting very patiently for you to reach out to Him.”
“I don’t know how.”
“It sounds to me like you’re well on your way,” Megan told her with a smile.
“Really?” Louisa’s tear-stained face grew hopeful.
Megan nodded. “The Proverbs say that every word of God is pure, and that He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do you believe God’s Word, Louisa?”
“Yes, but I have heard so little.”
Megan nodded again, this time in understanding. It had been a true privilege to be raised at the Stone Lake abbey, and now that Megan had been given her copy of the Psalms and Proverbs, she had spent many hours studying what she could of God’s Word.
“Then I shall tell you what God says, unless Derek would rather.”
“Go ahead, Megan,” he told her with an encouraging smile.
“Psalm 22 tells of Christ’s death and suffering on the cross; His very thoughts are recorded. And then in Psalm 32 it says, ‘Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.... I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hidden. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord, and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.... For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found.... Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance... Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.’ ”
“Oh, Megan,” Louisa breathed. “I need only to pray and tell God that I trust Him to deliver me from my sins. He will be merciful to me if only I will ask.”
Megan beamed at her and then at Derek, who spoke softly.
“It is just as Megan said, Mother. God is only waiting for you to call on Him.”
“I can see that now,” Louisa said. “It wasn’t clear before.”
“Did you want to be left alone, Aunt Louisa?”
“No, dear. I want you both here.”
Megan and Derek fell quiet, and after a moment Louisa bowed her head. “I now confess my transgressions to You, dear God, and I trust
in You, Lord, to forgive me. Please fill the void in me as you have done for Derek and Megan. Please cover me with Your mercy and let me find a hiding place in You forevermore. Amen.”
Louisa’s head came up, but Megan could barely see her for the tears. They began to talk all at once. Louisa had dozens of questions and so did Derek. It didn’t take long for Megan to see just how new a believer Derek was. Megan did not know the answer to each question, and couldn’t really promise to find out, but she told them what she did know. They spent over an hour rejoicing in Louisa’s new life in Christ.
The hour was far past midnight before anyone even mentioned bed. Louisa was walking Derek and Megan to the door when she made a comment that brought the younger woman to a standstill.
“I can’t wait for Joyce to arrive. I can’t wait to tell her.”
“Bracken’s mother?”
“Yes,” Louisa beamed at her. “She told me of her own decision more than two years ago. I can’t wait to see her.”
Louisa hugged Megan before she stepped out the door and moved on her way. Megan could hardly believe what she had just heard. Not even seeing Arik outside her door (obviously under the impression that she was in for the night) could disrupt the prayer of her heart.
Bracken’s mother believes, Lord; she belongs to You. Oh, Father God, it’s such a gift. I don’t know if I ever knew just how much You love me.
Twenty-Four
“BRACKEN?” MEGAN CALLED TO HIM from her place in the doorway of his bedchamber. She had never come anywhere near this room, but her need to see him had driven her upstairs to where Lyndon had directed.
“Yes, Megan,” he spoke as he approached from within the shadowy chamber. Kent had opened the door and now stood back.
“May I speak with you?”
Bracken’s eyes roamed her face. She looked tired and upset, and he found his heart burgeoning within him that she would come to him at all. At the moment he thought he would hand her the moon if she asked it of him.
“Why don’t I meet you in the salon.”
“I believe Louisa is sewing in there.”
Bracken opened his mouth to say that he would ask her to leave but changed his mind.
“Give me a moment, and we’ll walk to the tower.”
Megan waited in the hallway. Just a minute later, Bracken joined her. They walked silently up the stairs to the tower and when they had gained the first large salon, Megan led the way inside. The room was empty, as Bracken knew it would be, and although he wanted to make himself comfortable in one of the chairs, Megan continued to stand.
She seemed nervous, and it wasn’t long before he found out why. She faced him squarely, forced herself to look into his eyes, and said, “My attempts to hire a castle steward have failed miserably. I have let you down as well as all of Hawkings Crest.”
Bracken hated her shame. He had never worked at anything the way he had worked at this relationship. He was very pleased at the way she’d come to him, but not at the shame he had caused her to feel.
“The task before you is not easy, but I feel you are doing a fine job. Do not rush yourself. Take your time in finding the right man.”
His words were no help. Tears did not come to her eyes, but her voice wobbled horribly.
“But there is so much to do, and the wedding approaches. I do not think I can keep up the pace.”
“Then you must delegate the jobs. You take too much on yourself.”
Megan’s eyes were huge. “You told me I was to see to Barton’s duties personally.”
Alarm washed over Bracken. That was exactly what he had said. How could he have forgotten? No wonder she retired so early these last nights and looked so tired by the middle of the afternoon.
Without speaking, Bracken took Megan’s hand and led her to the double settee. He sat beside her after she’d sat down, but he could see instantly that she was not relaxed. Her back was stiff as a poker, and she did not lean into the upholstered support.
“Megan,” Bracken began tenderly.
“I’m not going to cry.”
“It’s all right if you do,” he said kindly.
“No, it isn’t,” Megan declared. “You are going to think you are marrying a child, not a woman grown and capable. I—”
Megan cut off when Bracken’s arms went around her and he swept her over against his chest. Megan looked up into his face, and tears filled her eyes.
“I’m sorry, Bracken.”
“Shhh,” he hushed her, pressing her head down against his shoulder. “I have asked too much of you. We will find Lyndon, and he can take over some of your duties. The rest we will delegate as well. I will not have my wife sick with exhaustion on her wedding day.”
Megan’s look was so comical that Bracken chuckled.
“Now what goes through that fascinating head of yours?”
“The wedding. I have lived here as Megan of Stone Lake for so long that sometimes I find it hard to believe we are really going to wed.” Megan looked up into Bracken’s eyes. “Do you ever find it hard to believe?”
“Ahh, no,” he drew the words out for several heartbeats and shook his head very slowly. The next moment his head lowered, and his lips touched down on Megan’s. The kiss might have turned more intimate, but a voice spoke from the door.
“Have I missed the wedding, Bracken?”
Bracken’s head came up, and a huge smile split his face.
Megan’s response was not so pleasant. Her head spun, and she stared in panic at a small, plump woman with hair so black and curly that Megan couldn’t help but wonder how she ever managed a brush through it.
In the wink of an eye, Bracken had them both off the settee and was turning Megan toward the door.
“Megan, I want you to meet my mother.”
Megan’s mouth opened in horror. “Your mother?” she squeaked.
Bracken was urging her forward, but Megan’s mouth was still moving like that of a fish out of water. Joyce did not seem to notice, and enfolded Megan in her arms as soon as the younger woman was within arm’s reach.
“I’m so pleased to meet you, my dear,” she said when she was finally holding Megan in front of her. “Louisa said you were lovely, but I had no idea.”
Megan had still not made a suitable reply, but again, Joyce did not seem to notice. She turned abruptly to Bracken.
“And what business have you taking advantage of this girl before the vows are spoken?”
Bracken only smiled, his eyes alight with pleasure.
“Now, come and hug me, and I’ll think about forgiving you.”
Bracken gave his mother a hug that lifted her free of the floor. He dropped a kiss onto her cheek just as he set her back down and spoke with one arm still around her.
“Hello, Mother.”
“Hello, dear.” Joyce’s face was now wreathed in soft smiles. “How are you?”
“I’m doing well. How was your trip?”
“Long, but worth seeing you and Megan.”
Joyce now transferred her gaze back to her future daughter-in-law. She reached out and touched the soft skin of Megan’s cheek.
“Oh, Megan, Megan, how long I’ve prayed for you. You must come below right away. The rest of the family is dying to meet you.” With that she swept away, and Bracken began to follow. He was out the door by several paces when he realized Megan had not accompanied them.
“Megan,” Bracken spoke as he poked his head back in the door.
“I’m so ashamed.”
Bracken came back in.
“There is no reason. Mother was but teasing. She does that quite often. I can assure you—we’ve done nothing to feel shame over.”
“But she’s right, the vows have not been spoken.”
Bracken sighed gently. “It is as I say, Megan; we have done nothing wrong, and in little over a week, we will be free before God and man to touch each other at will.”
Megan’s face flamed, and Bracken knew he would have to let the matter drop. He gently to
ok her hand and led the way toward the stairs, thinking as he went that marriage or no, they might not be as free as he hoped.
Megan laughed until she had tears in her eyes. She was in the upstairs salon with both Joyce and Louisa, and the two older women were telling stories from their childhood. Megan didn’t know when she’d been more entertained.
After having what Megan considered a poor beginning, she and her future mother-in-law had certainly made up for lost time. Lady Joyce was one of the most delightful women Megan had ever met. Her walk with God was so close that she found joy in nearly everything. In some ways she was a quiet rebuke to Megan, who tended to worry overly much and wanted her way in most matters. Joyce was a true example of the joy Megan read about in the Scriptures.
Megan had not been in attendance when Louisa told Joyce her news, but Louisa reported that it had been a very tearful scene. There were further tears when Joyce then came to Megan to thank her for the part she had played. Megan had been present when Joyce had shared the news with her family, and the look on Bracken’s face was still in her mind. He appeared to be skeptical yet yearning at the same time. And Megan was struck by how little conversation they’d had concerning religious matters.
His sweet treatment of Megan had been growing as the days passed, but there was very little time for them to be alone. Nearly every barrier was down between them, and Megan had few reservations over the marriage.
“Now, Megan,” Joyce suddenly said to her. “When will your parents arrive?”
“I’m not sure they will,” Megan told her matter-of-factly.
Joyce’s look became very intense then, and her voice changed as well.
“Can you tell me why?”
Leaving some of the details out, Megan simply reported that Bracken had taken her away from a difficult situation and she had not heard from her parents since.
Joyce nodded her wise head as she completely heard Megan out, and then asked, “Would you say that your mother is a prideful woman, dear?”