Second Chance Hero by Winnie Griggs Page B

but yes, the choir looks to her to lead their practices. And she usually works with Reverend Harper to make the hymn selections.” He studied Nate. “That won’t be a problem, will it?”
    â€œNo, of course not.” It seemed the more he resolved to keep his distance from the widow, the more circumstances conspired to throw them together. But he’d already given his word. And there was no reason he couldn’t handle this in a businesslike manner.
    â€œGood. Because there is one other thing. Reverend Harper says Mrs. Leggett will also be working with some of the local children to put on a musical performance for the Founders’ Day Festival. She’ll need you to work with her on that, as well.”
    â€œDoes she know that I’m taking Mrs. Ford’s place?”
    â€œI haven’t said anything to her, or anyone else for that matter. I wanted to make sure you would agree first.” He gave Nate that probing look again. “There’s no reason
she
should object, is there?”
    â€œNone that I’m aware of.” He grimaced. “In fact, she still considers me a hero.”
    Adam relaxed as the light of understanding dawned in his expression. “I see. Well, there’s nothing wrong with that.”
    Nate answered with a scowl. Then changed the subject. “I assume there is sheet music. Back when I had access to a piano, the pieces I played were classical rather than from hymn books.”
    â€œI’m sure there is, but you’ll have to ask Mrs. Leggett about that.” Adam stood. “I’ll let Reverend Harper and Mrs. Peavy know the good news.”
    â€œAnd Mrs. Leggett?”
    â€œI’ll leave that up to you. Remember, choir practice is tomorrow at four o’clock at the church.”
    As Adam left, Nate wondered if Mrs. Leggett would welcome the news or not. With his luck, she’d see this as one more aspect of him being a hero.
    He groaned and decided it was time to take Beans for a walk.
    * * *
    Every Saturday, at three o’clock, Verity and four of her friends from the choir met at the Blue Bottle Sweet Shop and Tea Parlor for tea before they went to choir practice. It had become a ritual of sorts for the five of them.
    Besides herself, there was Hazel, and Janell Whitman, Reverend Harper’s daughter Constance, and Abigail Fulton, the young woman behind Abigail’s Subscription Library.
    Constance Harper was the last to arrive this Saturday, and she didn’t immediately take her seat. Instead she stood facing them with barely suppressed excitement. She was obviously bursting with news of some sort. “I have an announcement.”
    Verity smiled. “Whatever it is, it looks like good news.”
    Constance nodded. “Yes. Well, both good and bad. I’m afraid this is the last Saturday tea I will be attending with you ladies for quite some time.” Then she grimaced. “That’s obviously not the good-news part.”
    â€œWell, I should say not!” Abigail gave her friend a pouty frown. “The good news better be mighty good to make up for that bad news.”
    Constance coyly took her seat. “Oh, it is.”
    From the smile on the girl’s face, Verity had no doubt that something wonderful had happened.
    â€œWell,” Abigail said impatiently, “don’t keep us waiting.”
    â€œThe reason I won’t be here is that I’m going to pharmacy school in New York.”
    There was an immediate chorus of congratulations, followed by a stream of questions.
    Finally Constance held up both hands, palms out. “Thanks, everyone. I will miss all of you, of course, but this is such a great opportunity. Mr. Flaherty has taught me a lot since I’ve been working for him at the apothecary shop, but he says there’s more to be learned and he wants me to be ready to take over the business when he retires in a few years. So he’s sending me to a pharmacy school.