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ignite behind them. He turned an impish grin toward Rosaleen. “I just decided on my theme for Sunday’s sermon. ‘Faith without works is dead.’ ”
    Rosaleen allowed her gaze to meet Jacob’s, dancing with fun. As they shared a secret grin, she acknowledged the truth screaming from her heart.
    How am I going to leave now that I know Patsey is right?

Five
    “Rosaleen.”
    Jacob’s quiet voice caused Rosaleen’s heart to thump. She turned toward the parlor doorway, her feather duster poised in midair.
    She’d been careful not to enter the parlor until she felt sure he’d gone to the church building site. If she were to squelch her blossoming feelings for the preacher, Rosaleen knew she must avoid him whenever possible.
    “I was wondering if you might like to accompany me to my sister’s home for a visit this afternoon.”
    A small burst of panic flared inside her. How could she trust her heart to behave during an entire afternoon in Jacob’s company? “I—I have chores to do. Opal expects—”
    “Opal’s already told me it would be fine.” His blue eyes twinkled into hers. “She says you’ve been cooped up in this house for the last month and need to get out more. I agree.”
    Rosaleen had to admit it would be nice to get away from the boardinghouse for a while. Her self-imposed confinement here had ceased to feel as much like protection as incarceration. But she needed to stay detached from Madison—from Jacob. She must find some excuse. Any excuse.
    She glanced down at the patched calico dress Patsey had loaned her. “I have nothing decent to wear for a social call.”
    “And that is precisely the reason you need to visit Becky. She told me she’s found a few of her dresses from last summer that are a little too snug since the birth of my niece, Lucy. She’s sure they will fit you perfectly.”
    Rosaleen stiffened. She didn’t like being considered a charity case. Worse, she did not want to feel beholden to Jacob’s sister. “From what I remember, your sister looked very trim. I’d think with a small alteration. . .”
    Jacob’s grin suggested he had no plans to cede the argument. “My guess is Becky’s glad for an excuse to buy new dresses.” His smile softened with his tone. He took her hand in his. Rosaleen’s heart began racing at his touch.
    “Rosaleen, Becky wants to help you. We all want to help you. We believe that helping others is the same as helping our Lord. Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:40, ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ ”
    The kind look in his eyes eroded her resolve.
    “Please, Rosaleen, allow Becky to help you. Allow us all to help you.”
    Rosaleen swallowed hard and blinked back tears. Kindness, charity, and generosity were qualities she’d rarely encountered. She returned to dusting the cherry table that no longer needed it. “I still have nothing fit to wear.”
    “Mrs. Buchanan was able to salvage that purple frock you were wearing when I found you.” His gaze held hers in a tender embrace and her heart stood still. “Whatever you wear, you will look fetching.”
    A half hour later, Rosaleen stood in Opal Buchanan’s bedchamber, the yards of purple silk rustling as she shook out the dress. Though water stained and with a bodice cut far too low to be proper for day wear, it was the best she had.
    After donning the dress, Rosaleen stood before the dresser mirror, her heart aflutter. Opal had managed to brush away all visible remnants of river mud. Rosaleen had to admit, aside from its inappropriate style and damaged condition, the dress did flatter her coloring.
    Three times she twisted her auburn locks into a figure-eight bun without complete satisfaction. Grimacing her dismay, she covered her unruly hair with the gray silk bonnet Opal had loaned her.
    It’s only Jacob. I see him every day.
    The silent admonitions did little to calm Rosaleen’s palpitating heart. What she saw in the