On Monday, Elizabeth announced her pregnancy to her students. They responded with excitement and enthusiasm, congratulating her on the new baby. She was warmed by their reaction. She also knew they would tell their parents, and that would start a chain reaction that spread the news throughout Hope Valley. Like she had at church that Sunday, Elizabeth wore a dress that revealed rather than concealed her condition.
There was no more hiding. She was determined to fully embrace her baby, no matter what people might think. Her little girl was going to be loved by her, by Nathan, by Allie and Jack, and by everyone who was her true friend.
Those true friends revealed themselves in the week that followed. As the whispers of judgement grew to full-blown gossip, she was sought out by those who knew her well. Clara and Jesse came by with a casserole. The younger woman looked mad as could be, relating a conversation she'd overheard in the café, while Jesse stood beside her, arms crossed, looking indignant that people would say such things about his friends.
Faith and Carson exchanged glances with each other when Elizabeth came in for her six-month checkup. A woman flounced out of the infirmary, giving Elizabeth a dirty look as she did. Faith explained that the woman had tried to engage them in denouncing Elizabeth's actions, which neither doctor did. That seemed to only madden the woman further. She accused them of sanctioning sin right before Elizabeth walked in the door.
Fiona had barely been able to control her anger when gossiping biddies began slandering Nathan and Elizabeth in her salon. When she asked them to refrain from gossip or leave, they'd turned their eyes on her, asking why she would defend her friends when they had clearly done wrong.
Even Lucas stopped Elizabeth in the street, concern in his eyes as he cautiously asked how she was doing. Intuitively, Elizabeth knew he'd been hearing the worst of the gossip and judgement. People were all too free with their words when they had been drinking. She also knew that he was the target of some of the gossip. Most of it focused on her and Nathan, but there were those who slandered Lucas as well.
The weight of it all broke her heart. She wasn't the only one accused of wrongdoing. Her husband was being brought down with her. Her friends were bearing scrutiny for not succumbing to judgmentalism. The irony of it all was stunning. Though she had done nothing wrong, the appearance of wrongdoing was enough to turn people against her and against those she loved.
On Friday, Elizabeth noticed that three of her students were no longer in class. When she called their parents to find out what was wrong, two hung up immediately. The third muttered something about "setting a bad example" before hanging up as well. Shocked, Elizabeth could only sit back in her chair, a hand going automatically to her stomach.
If people could be so cruel in their beliefs about her, how would they treat her daughter? Dread poured over her at the thought of little Aurora being the target of judgement herself. Elizabeth knew her child wouldn't escape scrutiny. A seed of doubt planted itself in her mind. Why was she so adamant that people not know what had happened to her? What would be best for her daughter?
Elizabeth's heart sank as she considered the possibilities. Aurora would either be seen as a child of fornication or the child of a rapist. Would people ever see her for who she truly was?
Her hands protectively splayed over her baby. "You are loved and cherished, my sweet girl," she whispered fiercely. "If anyone gives you trouble, they will have me to deal with."
"And me."
Elizabeth's head lifted at the sound of her husband's voice. Nathan was halfway down the aisle, walking toward her desk. She rose to meet him, going straight into his arms and burrowing close. Hot tears filled her eyes. "Nathan," she moaned. The one word was all that was needed. If anyone knew the struggle she'd faced over the past week, it was him. On more than one occasion, he'd stepped forward when he heard the gossip, a fire in his eyes, ready to put someone in their place. Elizabeth always stopped him with a hand to his arm. He'd barely been able to restrain himself, but he did so for her sake.
She knew it was the same for her friends. Each of them had said something about wanting to defend her honor. The unspoken part was that they were unable to, bound by Elizabeth's desire to keep her assault a secret.
Once again, she found herself wondering why she wanted it to stay a secret.
When she and Nathan pulled back, he cupped the back of her head with his hand while the other rested on her waist. "We'll get through this," he said softly, his eyes trained on hers. "We knew this would happen."
She gave a little hiccoughing sob. "Part of the reason you wanted to marry me was to protect me from this judgement." She smiled sadly. "I'm sorry you got dragged down with me."
Nathan's hand tightened on her waist. "I wouldn't change a thing," he said, his voice firm. "I love you, Elizabeth. You're my wife. I'm the happiest man in Hope Valley because I have you and the children to love. I don't care what people think of me."
Elizabeth sniffed. "But I care, Nathan. I care about your reputation. It's not fair to you."
His hand moved from her head to her cheek. "It's not fair to you," he said gently. "You're the one who suffered at the hands of a depraved criminal. Now you're suffering for that again at no fault of your own." He sighed. "It's not right."
"I couldn't have said it better myself."
Firm footsteps sounded behind them. Elizabeth and Nathan turned in unison to see Rosemary coming their way. Elizabeth immediately knew something was wrong. Her friend's face was set, a deadly calm in her eyes. Though Rosemary was prone to theatrics and outlandish behavior, when something truly bothered her, she became serious and quiet.
Like right now.
She came to a stop in front of her friends. Her words came out measured and sure, without a hint of the typical Rosemary flair. "This needs to stop."
Elizabeth didn't have to ask what she meant. All her friends were indignant on her behalf, but Rosemary seethed every time she caught wind of the gossip. Judging by the look on her face, she'd heard something right before coming to find Elizabeth.
Rosemary stepped forward, grasping both of Elizabeth's hands in hers. A look of pleading filled her face. "I know you're hesitant for your story to be known," she said. "I understand that. But Elizabeth, I can't stand hearing you and Nathan slandered. It's unjust. It's morally wrong. People need to realize they can't put others down like this." Her grip tightened. "Please, let me tell your story. The Valley Voice reaches most of our town." Determination glistened in her eyes. "I want to do this for you."
Elizabeth glanced between Rosemary and Nathan. She saw the support on her husband's face. He would accept her whatever she chose. He stood by her quietly, allowing the choice to come from her.
She looked back at her friend, squeezing her hands gently. "Can I think about it, Rosie?" The nickname slid out naturally. It wasn't one Elizabeth used often, but in that moment, it felt right.
Rosemary's eyes softened. "Of course, Elizabeth." She pulled her into an embrace. "I just hate seeing you hurt. I love you too much to let injustice continue."
Elizabeth closed her eyes, allowing her friend to comfort her. "Thank you," she whispered. When she pulled back, a genuine smile lit her face. "You are a wonderful friend, you know that?"
Some of Rosemary's flair returned in her grin. "Naturally." She quickly sobered again. "I'm here for you, Elizabeth. Just say the word, and I will run the piece."
Elizabeth's brows raised. "Is it already written?"
Rosemary's eyes glistened. "Yes," she admitted. "I wrote it last night, just to sort through my anger at hearing you judged. Then just now I heard more in the streets and knew I had to talk to you." She placed a hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. "But I promise you it will never see the light of day if you say no. This is completely up to you."
"Thank you, Rosemary," Elizabeth said. "I appreciate how protective you are." She smiled up at Nathan. "It seems I have several protectors in my life."
Nathan slid an arm around her. "You're not alone, my love," he said quietly. "And you never will be."
She leaned her head against his arm. "I know." She looked at Rosemary once more." I will think about it, Rosemary. I promise."
Rosemary smiled. "That's all I ask." She nodded at them both. "If you'll excuse me, I need to go home to my children." Her smile softened as it always did when she spoke of Danny and Reagan. "Will you come for lunch after church on Sunday? I know the children would love to play together, and it would be good for us to have some adult conversation." She chuckled. "Sometimes I realize I mostly talk to kids all day!"
Elizabeth laughed outright. "Welcome to my world," she said with a grin.
Nathan kept an arm wrapped around Elizabeth as they walked home from school. She was quiet, clearly thinking over Rosemary's offer. He let her think, knowing she needed to come to her own decision. It wouldn't happen overnight. If he knew his wife, she would take a couple days at least to make up her mind.
"What should I do, Nathan?" she asked, looking up at him. Though it was the middle of March, a light snow had started falling shortly after they left the school. The flakes landed in her hair, the white a lovely contrast to her dark curls.
"I think you should do what you want to do," he said, pulling her a little closer. "This will impact you the most, Elizabeth. If you don't want people to know, then we won't tell them. If you do, then I will support your decision."
Elizabeth's hands were resting over their daughter. "I wonder what will be best for Aurora," she said, her words thoughtful and quiet. "Either way, I feel like she will face some scrutiny." She sighed. "Through no fault of her own, our little girl is going to be looked at differently."
Nathan's free hand came to rest over hers. He could feel the tension Elizabeth was holding inside. A protective instinct filled him. The thought that his daughter could face judgement immediately raised his hackles. The baby was innocent. She hadn't asked to exist. She wasn't responsible for the actions of her father. She wasn't to blame for anything. Even so, she would inevitably experience the consequences that rolled down to her from the circumstances surrounding her conception.
Nathan's throat tightened. If only he could protect his wife from the pain one evil man had inflicted. If only he could protect his daughter from the scrutiny of those who had nothing better to do than judge.
When he finally found his voice, it was raspy with emotion. "Aurora will know what unconditional love is. She will know the love of a father and a mother, of a brother and a sister. She will know what it is to have a family who adores her. She will never want for attention or protection. We will equip her as best we can for the hardness of this world. She might face that hardness, but she'll always have us to talk to and work through anything that needs to be worked through." He let out a shuddering breath. "We'll face what comes, Elizabeth. We'll be there for Aurora and make sure she knows her true worth."
Elizabeth stopped walking. In the middle of the street along the rowhouses, she pulled him into her arms, resting against his chest. "Have I ever told you how much I love you?" she whispered, holding onto him as if she would never let go.
Nathan rested his head against hers. "A few times, but it's always nice to hear," he said, injecting some levity into his tone. He could feel her smile against his chest. They stood for a few moments before beginning their walk again. This time, they walked arm in arm.
As they reached their home, Joseph came out onto his porch. "Nathan! Elizabeth! I'm so glad I caught you." He walked down his steps, coming to a stop in front of them. A look of anger flickered in his eyes, but it was a righteous anger. "I've heard more talk in town." He shook his head. "It boils my blood to hear God-fearing people blatantly ignore one of His commands and pass judgement on another one of His children." He looked between them. "I have a sermon prepared for Sunday, but I wanted your permission before adding something to it. It would indicate what happened to Elizabeth without actually using your names." He briefly outlined his plan.
Nathan watched Elizabeth's face. She was biting her lip, something between hesitation and acceptance in her eyes. Nathan once more remained quiet, letting her come to her own decision. Joseph's plan might not name them, but it wouldn't leave any room for doubt as to who he was talking about.
Finally, Elizabeth gave a single nod. "You have my permission, Joseph," she said, her words quiet yet steady.
The pastor reached out, giving her shoulder a light squeeze. "I'll add it in," he said. "If you end up changing your mind, just let me know. I don't want you to feel forced into this."
She smiled, giving him a grateful look. "I appreciate that."
He nodded, stepping back. "I'll let you two get back to your family," he said. "Please let me know if you need anything between now and Sunday."
"Thank you, Joseph," Nathan said, reaching out to shake his friend's hand. Joseph nodded again, then made his way into his house.
Nathan looked at Elizabeth as they climbed the steps to their own home. "Are you sure about this?" he asked. "There will be no going back after Sunday."
Determination filled his wife's face. "I'm sure," she said. There was a confidence in her voice that told Nathan she knew what it would mean. "And I'm ready." She smiled at him. "No more hiding."
He raised a brow, pushing the door open and motioning for her to enter first. "Are you going to let Rosemary write that piece?"
She pursed her lips. "I'm not sure. That would reach a lot more people. I'll have to think on that some more."
Nathan nodded, pressing a kiss to her temple. "You are very brave, Elizabeth."
She let out a little snort. "You keep saying that, and I keep having trouble believing it."
He turned her to face him, placing both hands on her shoulders. "And I'll keep saying it until you believe it." He leaned forward, kissing her gently. "It's the truth."
Elizabeth didn't say anything further, but the smile that blossomed on her face warmed his heart completely.
On Sunday morning, Elizabeth sat with Nathan and the children in their usual pew. She felt her hands sweating and her body trembling. She knew she had made the right decision in allowing Joseph to say what he wanted, but she was more nervous than she'd been in a while. Nathan slid a comforting arm around her shoulders. His presence calmed her slightly, but she still twisted a handkerchief in her hands, needing something to occupy them as Joseph stepped up to the pulpit.
"Good morning," he said, his voice filling the little church. "Today, we're going to talk about a problem that has infested our fair town." He paused for effect, looking at each person in the church before booming a single word. "Judgement."
A few whispered murmurs sounded, along with some shuffling in the pews. Elizabeth kept her eyes on Joseph, refusing the urge to look around. He continued on, lifting his Bible. "We will begin with a couple passages from Scripture." He flipped open the sacred book. "The first comes from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter seven. 'Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, "Let me take the speck out of your eye," when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." He began turning the pages. "The next verse is from a parallel passage in Luke 6:37 - 'Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.'"
He shut the Bible reverently, then looked out at his flock. "These verses make it clear that we will face the same judgement we pronounce on others. That should be a sobering thought for everyone. Judging is all too easy. I think we all know that." He held up a hand. "Now, these verses do not necessarily forbid us from all judgement. We believe that certain actions are objectively right or wrong." His voice grew. "But while actions can be judged, people cannot be. We do not know the intentions or reasons behind someone's actions. We certainly cannot be the ones to justify or condemn a person. Only God can do that. As our Lord once said to those who would pass judgement on the woman caught in adultery, 'Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.' Jesus was clear in that story - He forgave the woman, but he also told her to sin no more. He could do that because He is the just judge. But he told those who would stone her for her actions that they had no right to condemn her." He paused. "I've often wondered what that woman's story was. What brought her to commit adultery? What circumstances had she found herself in? Was it voluntary or did she feel she had no other choice? We don't know. We don't know that woman's heart or what her intentions were. Were her actions wrong? Yes. Can we judge her? No."
He raised his chin. "Let's apply this to our own times. How often do we see something and condemn both the action and the person? Let's say you see a thief robbing the mercantile. The action - theft - is wrong. You automatically assume the thief is bad. But what you might not know is that that person's family is starving and they've been driven to desperate measures. Or you see a child bullying another in the schoolyard. Is that wrong? Of course. But what you might not know is that the bully lives under the thumb of an abusive parent and is acting in the only way he knows how."
Elizabeth felt her breath hitch, knowing what was coming next. Nathan gave her shoulders a reassuring squeeze and smiled. "It will be alright," he mouthed.
She nodded, holding onto his words like a lifeline.
Joseph's voice became slightly louder. "Or let's say a man and a woman get married quickly, to the surprise of everyone. A few months later, it becomes clear she's pregnant beyond the timeline of their marriage. The natural assumption is that they engaged in actions prior to their marriage that resulted in a pregnancy."
Utter silence descended on the church. Joseph's voice lowered accordingly, his tone turning sad. "What you might not know is that the woman was raped in her own home, an act of brutality by a man whose sole intent was to cause pain. The judgement she then faced for her quick marriage and pregnancy caused further emotional pain."
It was so quiet. Elizabeth felt the stares from those in the room. Nathan's free hand found hers in a silent show of support. She leaned into him, both relieved and frightened that the truth was out for those who would understand it.
Joseph was quiet for several long moments. "There are many things we may think we understand, when we truly have no idea what is happening in a person's heart," he said, his voice ringing through the building. "It makes me wonder how we would have reacted to circumstances in the time of Christ Himself. We hold Mary and Joseph in high regard today, but how would we have looked at them if we lived in Nazareth almost two millennia ago? Mary became pregnant with the Savior because she said yes to God. Joseph, being a man of faith, took her into his home, knowing full well people would believe the child to be his, a child conceived before they lived together as man and wife. What kind of judgement did they face in their little town? What kind of judgement did Christ face for the supposed action of His parents?" He looked each person in the face once again, fire in his eyes. "What would we have said about Him? About His parents? If we're so quick to judge those we know today, we would have done the same back then to God Himself."
He held up the Bible again. "As we heard a little while ago, this tells us to remove the log from our own eye before trying to take a speck from the eye of our neighbor. Every single person in this church has some kind of log in their eye. Myself included. It's human nature, my friends. Maybe before we think to judge another person, we should take a good, long, hard look at ourselves first."
His voice lowered, but it was clear as a bell in the quiet church. "Make no mistake. We all will face judgement one day from the Lord of both justice and mercy. Matthew tells us that we will have to render an account for every careless word we utter. He also tells us we will be judged on how well we loved others." Joseph steepled his fingers on the pulpit. "I think what every one of us needs to ask ourselves is this: do my words show love toward others? Do my actions show love toward others? Am I thinking, talking, and acting in ways I would if Christ were standing beside me?" He stepped away from the pulpit. "Food for thought, my friends. God bless you all in the week ahead."
There was no sound for a solid minute. Elizabeth held her breath. Allie, from her spot on Elizabeth's other side, slid an arm into her mother's. Though she was young, she understood Joseph's message. Her silent show of support spoke right to Elizabeth's heart. She leaned over to press a kiss to her daughter's forehead, smiling at the teenager.
Murmurings began to sound as people stood and filed from the church. Most avoided Elizabeth's eyes when she stood as well. A couple of them came up to her, shamed looks in their eyes as they apologized for making assumptions. When they asked for forgiveness, she granted it without hesitation.
Nathan smiled at her, leaning down to whisper in her ear. "I'm proud of you, sweetheart."
She smiled back, loving him for his quiet strength. They walked from the church together, hand in hand with Allie and Jack. As they greeted Joseph, Elizabeth leaned forward to kiss his cheek. "Thank you, Joseph," she said, feeling tears prick her eyes.
He gave her a nod. "Thank you for allowing me to speak," he said. "I think it was the right decision."
She knew it was.
They met Lee and Rosemary with their children in the church yard. Rosemary smiled brightly. "Are we ready for lunch?" she asked.
"Yes!" Allie said. Her little brother repeated the word with just as much excitement.
Rosemary turned her eyes on Elizabeth. A gentle look filled her gaze. "Are you alright?"
Elizabeth nodded, surprised to find that she was. "To be honest, it feels rather freeing that people know the truth."
Rosemary was quiet for a moment, regarding her friend with a question in her eyes. Elizabeth smiled slightly, knowing what Rosemary was silently asking. The church had only housed a fraction of the population of Hope Valley. The Valley Voice would reach much further. She gave a little nod, her decision made.
"Run the story, Rosemary."