Don't I? Thomas told everyone at church about the barren woman who tried to trick him into marriage. Said you lied about your whole situation, made him believe you were something you weren't. Mrs. Talbot's eyes glittered.
And now here you are, latching onto the first lonely widower you could find. Tell me, Miss Crowell, does Jonas know about your little deficiency, or are you keeping that secret, too? The words hit like physical blows. Lena couldn't breathe, couldn't think past the roaring in her ears. Jonas knows everything, Ruthie said suddenly, stepping forward.
Her young face was flushed with fury. And he doesn't care about your nasty gossip, Mrs. Talbot. None of us do. Oh, sweetheart, Mrs.
Talbot's tone dripped with condescension. You're too young to understand. But mark my words, this woman is using your father. And when she's gotten what she wants, she'll move on to the next fool willing to take her in. That's a lie!
Samuel's hands were clenched into fists. Miss Lena isn't like that. Samuel, Ruthie. Lena reached for them, trying to calm the situation before it escalated further. The door banged open.
Jonas strode in, taking in the scene with sharp eyes. What's going on here? Jonas! Mrs. Talbot's expression shifted to something resembling sympathy.
I was just expressing my concerns about your arrangement. As a friend, you understand. People are talking, and I thought you should know. Let them talk. Jonas's voice was cold, flat.
What happens in my household is none of their concern, or yours. But Jonas, think of your children. What kind of example are you setting, taking in a woman of questionable character, a divorced woman, no less, who Constance. The single word cut through her speech like a blade. I'm going to say this once, and I suggest you listen carefully.
Lena Crowell is a guest in my home, helping care for my children. There is nothing improper, nothing shameful, and nothing anyone needs to concern themselves with. If you have a problem with that, you can take it up with Reverend Matthews. I'm sure he'll be interested to hear about you spreading malicious gossip about a woman you don't even know. Mrs.
Talbot's face mottled red. Well, I was only trying to help. You weren't. You were trying to cause trouble because that's what you do. Jonas stepped closer to Lena, a subtle but unmistakable positioning.
Now, if you'll excuse us, we have shopping to finish. He turned his back on Mrs. Talbot, a deliberate dismissal, and began gathering the supplies. Ruthie, Samuel, help Miss Lena load these things. We're leaving.