15
I couldn't run, there were too many about and I would only draw attention to myself. I smiled brittlely at those I passed and made it as far as the front of the church, where I slipped inside the quiet sanctuary unnoticed. There I let the tears fall, the shame at being so weak willed, the constant worry I would say something to make a man turn from kind to enraged.
I slumped down into the last pew and crossed my arms about my waist, hugging myself.
"Leah."
I startled at the sound of my name and whipped my head around to see Mr. Worth in the doorway, the bright sunshine at his back. I started to rise, but he walked toward me, held his hand out in front of him. "Please, no. Sit."
His voice was quiet, his motions slow and relaxed.
I sat down on the hard pew. He stood in the center ai
