Kris stepped back, only to have her follow. “Miss French, stop this immediately. You will not trap me in your little scheme.”
The door opened, flooding the space with light. When he recognized Maggie silhouetted in the frame, Kris didn’t know whether to give thanks or howl in frustration. Of all people to find him alone with Adelaide. What would she think?
“Good afternoon, Reverend Oltmann.” Maggie opened the door wide enough to let in light and put them in view of anyone walking past. “Everything looks so pretty out here. How did you manage to have so many flowers so early in the season?”
“Welcome, Miss Flanaghan.” He avoided Adelaide’s attempt to grab his arm and crossed to Maggie. “Have you met Miss French?”
“Hello.” Maggie remained in the doorway, her gaze going from Adelaide to Kris and back again while Adelaide studied her.
“I’ll be going, Reverend.” Adelaide fussed with the wide ribbon of her hat. “You think about what I mentioned. I think we’d be a perfect match.” She whispered the last, fluttered her lashes at him then flounced through the door, forcing Maggie to step out of the way or be knocked down.
Maggie fought back a grin as the young woman flounced out of sight. “I’m sorry if I interrupted.”
“I’m not! That girl is not to be trusted.” Kris joined Maggie on the church steps, barely stopping the rest of the words trying to pour out. “She wants a husband,” he finally offered in explanation.
“I gathered that by the way she looked around for witnesses before following you inside.”
Kris glanced at Maggie, his gaze snagging on her beautiful green eyes—and the laughter lurking there. “You saw her?”
Maggie’s lips curved up. “Oh, she made sure of it. But don’t worry. I also saw her close the door.”
“I’ll have to speak to her father again. He simply has to take her in hand. She can’t continue in this manner.”
“She might just be lonely. Perhaps someone could invite her to join the church ladies for an afternoon of needlework. If they do that sort of thing, of course.”
“Through the long winter months, they do.” Why hadn’t he thought of that? “That’s a fine suggestion, Margaret. I’ll speak with Mrs. Sloan about it.”
Maggie’s shoulders rose and fell on a deep sigh. “I came to thank you again. For inviting me to tomorrow’s festivities,” she clarified.
“I’m glad you’ll join us, Margaret. I’ve missed seeing you. How are you doing?”
Did he imagine the slight hunching of her shoulders, as if he’d said something wrong?
“I’m fine,” she assured him with a smile, but something in her voice said just the opposite was true. She glanced around the sanctuary. “I still miss Papa.”
“It’s only been a few weeks. Give yourself time.” Kris wanted to take her hand, hold her close, to somehow show her she wasn’t alone. “Are things still working out with the Bittners? Are you happy there?”
Maggie’s smile was genuine this time. “They are very kind. And I’m treated more like one of the family than an employee.”
“They like you, too.” Kris patted her shoulder, barely resisting the urge to stroke her shining hair. She was lovely, irresistible to him. Could she ever feel the same? While they stood together in silence, he felt Maggie shift. Had she just leaned into his touch?
Before he could be certain, she retreated. “I should be getting back. You have things to do, I’m sure.”
“Margaret, I wonder… Would you allow me to escort you to the Spring Social tomorrow evening?”
“Oh, I…” She looked away as a blush warmed her skin.
“I would like to introduce you to your new neighbors.” And to show her off, he admitted to himself.
“Do you need me to keep you safe from certain marriage-minded young ladies?” she teased.
“No. Well, I suppose having you on my arm will have that effect, but that isn’t why I asked. I really do want—”
“Kris,” she interrupted him. “I’d be honored to attend the dance with you.”
“Wonderful.” He knew his smile was so wide it bordered on undignified, but he was too happy to care. “We might arrive a bit late since I need to remain here until everyone leaves.”
“That will be fine,” she assured him. “The preacher mustn’t abandon his own festival. See you tomorrow.”
Kris waved her on, laughing at her teasing. He watched her until she was out of sight, admiring the line of her back and the sway of her hips. As he turned to go back inside, he spotted Matt and Martha observing him from the side of the church.
“Your taste is almost as good as mine, Reverend.” Matt grinned when his wife scolded him. “Well, she’s a pretty woman. Not as pretty as you, but since I already caught you…”