“Not well. When Henderson came by afterward, he confronted him. Henderson insisted that he was ordained by a higher power than the church. That his calling is to find true believers like your father who are willing to do God’s work.”
“But not through an established church,” Joseph suggested, astounded the man had gotten away with it.
She shook her head. “So it seems. For a moment, I feared your father might have an apoplectic fit, his anger was so great.”
Joseph could easily imagine his father’s reaction.
“Your father demanded Henderson return the money he’d donated. Henderson refused, saying it had already been put toward the purchase of an abandoned monastery in northern England where he will lead true believers who turn away from earthly possessions.”
“And give them to Henderson?” Joseph guessed.
“I assume so. I don’t know what your father intends to do now, but I thought you’d want to know.”
“Thank you. This is very helpful.” He reached out to touch his mother’s arm, hope building inside him. “The timing of the news is excellent.”
“Oh?”
“Do you remember me telling you about Lady Harriet?”
“Of course. You seem rather taken with her.”
“I am. But I believe Henderson is doing something to frighten her. What you’ve told me might help me stop him.”
“Do take care. I don’t trust that man.”
“Nor do I.” He blew out a breath, relieved to have leverage of any sort in the situation. “I want to aid Harriet.” He looked at his mother, sad that he was never able to help her.
“You’re a good man, Joseph. She is blessed to have you in her life just as I am.”
“Thank you.” He smiled. “But I will be the lucky one if she allows me to court her.”
“Do you love her?” she asked.
“My feelings are certainly moving in that direction.” He knew it was too soon to say for sure, but what other explanation was there for the way he felt?
Surely, the news about Henderson would aid her and allow Joseph to convince her to change her mind. He couldn’t have misunderstood. She had to care for him the same way he did for her.
The way he felt was so different than what he’d thought love to be. He didn’t want to manipulate her or force her to his will as his father had done to him.
Being open to love might leave him vulnerable to hurt. But it also could bring more joy than he’d ever known. What they shared was special, and still so fragile. They needed time together to make it stronger—if Harriet agreed.
“I’m happy for you, Joseph.” His mother touched his hand where it still rested on her arm. “I wish you luck.”
“I’m going to need it.” At the moment, the crevasse that separated them seemed vast. But not as impossible as it had a quarter of an hour ago.
“Your father should return soon.” Her brow puckered with worry.
“I’ll go before he does. I will return in the coming days to speak with him.” He didn’t think the situation between them had changed despite the information about Henderson.
But he had to continue attempting to mend the distance between them. To keep trying to convince him to undertake the improvements and repairs at the country estate. He wanted them to find some common ground.
“Thank you for sharing this with me, Mother.” He rose and kissed her cheek once again. “Take care.”
The shadows had already returned to her eyes, and they broke his heart. “You as well, Joseph.”
She was the reason he had to keep trying with his father. The worry and occasional fear in his mother’s expression reminded him of Harriet’s. While he might not be able to save his mother, he intended to do everything in his power to save Harriet from whatever threat Henderson posed.