“I think my family was surprised by my decision to become a full-time pastor to a flock of starving, scared people down on their luck, but as the church flourished, I believe they saw God’s hand in it. My wife, Greta, always understood. She’d say to me, ‘Christopher, I will not even attempt to interfere with the Almighty. Should He call you to perform on street corners, I will stand by your side.’”

“What a wonderful wife. To have such support must have truly blessed you.”

“It did and always has.”

“And what of your children? Is Theodore the only one?”

Pastor Sedgwick shook his head. “No, although he is the eldest. I have four, and all are married with children save Theodore. Three sons and a daughter.”

“And the others moved away from Duluth?”

“Yes. They chose homes elsewhere, and they are dearly missed. We hardly have a chance to know our grandchildren, although we get occasional letters.” He shrugged. “But we act as grandparents to a good number here. Especially the ones who’ve lost their fathers and grandfathers, uncles and brothers. The lake can be especially cruel, but she calls to them and employs them, and they have no ability to ward her off.”

“And Theodore is now returned.” Luke wanted so much to ask for information but knew it wasn’t right. The best he could do was give the pastor openings for comment. Whether or not he took them was entirely another matter.

“Yes. He’s returned.” Pastor Sedgwick looked as if he might say something else, then stopped. “I hope he finds his place with this new job.”

“Pastor Sedgwick, I didn’t know you were here,” Gloriana said, coming to join them. “I was just feeding the baby and getting her settled.”

“And I was just getting to know this young man a little better,” the pastor said, rising in greeting. “But alas, I must return home. I promised Greta I would be there for supper.” He smiled at Gloriana, then turned back to Luke. “I wish you the best, Mr. Carson.”

“Luke. Please call me Luke.”

Pastor Sedgwick nodded. “I would be honored.”

Chapter 10

“What do you know about Theodore Sedgwick?” Luke asked Gloriana after supper that evening.

She gave him a quizzical glance, then shrugged. “Rumors mostly, although his mother has spoken at times of her concern for him. He’s twenty years my senior and was long gone before I started taking notice of the men in town.”

Luke chuckled. “And when did you start taking notice?”

She smiled as she stacked the dishes. “I suppose about the time most girls do—when I was fifteen or so. Of course, up here most of the eligible ladies had chosen their mates by that age.”

“But none of the beaus suited you?”