Betsy's Return by Wanda E. Brunstetter Page A

the way I did.” Betsy lifted her chin as they walked up the steps leading to the church. “I’m older and wiser now, and I shall never do such a humiliating thing again.”
    ***
    William was glad Mrs. Bevens had come to church today, but he wasn’t pleased with the dour expression on her face as she stood off to one side of the foyer, watching him greet people as they entered the building. She’s probably scrutinizing everything I say and do. I think if she didn’t have something in which to find fault, she would be miserable.
    Turning away from Mrs. Bevens and her accusing stare, William stepped forward and greeted Betsy and her father. “Good morning. How are you feeling today, Rev. Nelson?”
    â€œI’m a bit winded from the walk over here, but I’m sure I’ll be fine once I’m seated.”
    William glanced at Betsy to gauge her reaction.
    â€œI tried to talk him into staying home today, but he insisted on coming.” She frowned. “I couldn’t get him to agree to take the buckboard, either.”
    â€œMy daughter worries too much,” Hiram said before William could offer a reply. He squeezed Betsy’s shoulder. “I’m anxious to hear the song you and Betsy will be singing today. She has a beautiful voice, and from what I hear, so do you.”
    William smiled, and he glanced at Mrs. Bevens again. She gave him an angry glare, as if to remind him of what she had told him that morning during breakfast. “I’m concerned about how your duet with Miss Nelson will look to the congregation,” she had said. When he asked what she meant, she had pursed her lips, then replied, “Some people might get the impression that you’re romantically interested in Betsy, and if you choose to sing with her, it might set off some ugly rumors.”
    He had assured Mrs. Bevens that he had no romantic interest in any woman and that he’d only asked Betsy to help with the song because she sang it so well and would keep him on key. He’d also said that he didn’t believe the people in Walnutport were like those who lived in the larger cities, where vicious gossipers seemed to be everywhere. He’d ended the conversation by saying that if he got wind of any gossip in his church, he would be quick to nip it in the bud.
    When William glanced at Mrs. Bevens again, he was relieved to see that she was now engaged in a conversation with Sarah Turner, one of the lock tenders’ wives.
    â€œWe should get into the sanctuary,” Betsy said, taking hold of her father’s arm. “Pastor William has other people to greet, and I need to get the organ warmed up.”
    As Betsy and her father moved away, the room seemed stuffy all of a sudden, and William slid one finger under the back of his shirt collar, noticing that it felt kind of tight. Oh Lord, he prayed, please tell me I didn’t do the wrong thing by asking Betsy to sing with me this morning.
    ***
    Betsy hadn’t been sure if she could get through the music part of the service without making obvious mistakes, but she’d managed to play all the hymns as well as the offertory without missing a note. The pastor had offered a lengthy prayer after the congregational singing, and he’d just announced that he and Betsy would now sing a duet.
    Dear Lord, she prayed, please still my racing heart and help my voice not to crack in the middle of our song.
    As William stepped up to the organ, Betsy glanced at the congregation and noticed her father slouched on the front pew. He seemed to be struggling to keep awake, and she wished once more that he had stayed home in bed. Her gaze went to the other side of the room, where Mrs. Bevens sat rigid without a hint of a smile on her face.
    Betsy grimaced internally. For some reason that woman doesn’t like me. Either that or she had a bowl of sour cherries for breakfast this morning.
    â€œI’m ready when you are,”