Saving Grace (The Grace Series Book 2) by Elizabeth Courtright

the many times he unexpectedly teased her.
    While she hung laundry she thought of his compassion for others and his exceptional perception and intuition, not just when it came to her, but with everyone. During these musings she came to the conclusion that Sebastian had the ability to read minds.
    While she trekked out to the cabins to deliver soup for the sick children, she thought of his modesty and how he didn’t think his sermons were any good. He’d told her most of his lessons were repeats of his father’s. Of course Jessica refuted this claim. She told him he captured her attention every single week, from his very first word to his last.
    While she kneaded and shaped dough, she thought of what a wonderful friend he’d become, how he made her feel important and special, and how good it was to share both her joys and sorrows with someone who cared.
    While she dusted and swept floors, she thought of his Meggie, and wondered, as she had so many times, what it would feel like to be as deeply loved as Meggie had been.
    It was at night, however, that she thought of him the most. While lying in bed, waiting for sleep to claim her, she pictured him in black clothing, with a kerchief hiding his face and the black scarf she made around his neck. She imagined him riding across the countryside, traversing fields and forests on his grand black stallion, Apostle. From all the stories she’d heard from Ruth and Martha about the spook, it wasn’t difficult to envision the perilous situations, or the man who, time and time again, risked his life to save others.
    Of course, Jessica wasn’t entirely certain Sebastian was the spook, but her gut told her he was. A while ago she’d asked him point blank. He laughed and said, “Who, me?” He didn’t confirm it. But he didn’t deny it either. She knew, from eavesdropping on her husband and his Klan friends that they believed he was.
    This was another reason it was a good idea for her to be at home in the afternoons. Her husband liked to entertain. At least two or three times a week, he invited his fellow Klansmen to the manor. For hours they drank whiskey and made plans. By standing outside the parlor door and clandestinely listening, Jessica could learn of their intentions with regard to the spook, and she would be able to warn Sebastian. She’d made a vow to protect him, but because she’d spent so much time away, she’d neglected this essential duty. In the last couple weeks, she’d eavesdropped four times. Even though she hadn’t heard anything significant, she knew eventually she would. The valiant hero wasn’t concerned enough for his own safety. Someone had to look out for him, and that someone was her.
    The third Sunday of the month, as always, Jessica rose excitedly. She always enjoyed Sundays and they were even better since her husband no longer accompanied her to church. As she hurried across the lawn to where Herlin parked the carriage, the last thing she expected was to see Jon standing beside it. Herlin was already in the driver seat. His shrug told her he didn’t know why Jon was there either.
    “Good morning,” her husband said coolly.
    To avoid looking at him, Jessica fiddled with her glove.
    “I’m coming with you today,” he announced in his typical haughty manner.
    He held out his hand to assist her, but she ignored it. During the ride not a word was spoken between them, and this suited Jessica just fine. She was content staring out the window. At the church, again Jon reached out to help her descend the carriage step, and again she ignored him.
    Although Jessica said nothing aloud, Herlin knew exactly what she was asking when she looked up at him—would he come inside the church to worship? The slight shake of his head infuriated her, but she wasn’t angry with Herlin. She was angry with Jon.
    It was not worth it, however, to press the issue and make a scene. It was bad enough she had to endure the next tension-filled moments greeting her father,