Eye of a Needle: Book three in the Restoration Series

By Nancy Gooding

With little time to prepare newly married Jessica and John Michael Beyers are thrust into a
time and situation they could have never imagined. As the first of several challenges is
overcome Jessica is faced with a dilemma. As a new believer she realizes she must choose
honesty but she fears her confession will bring an end to everything she was hoping to build.
Learning to trust God with the impossible Jessica learns that God was behind the scenes all
along carefully orchestrating the entire situation to bring about the most and the highest
good.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Feb 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098350833

Book preview

Chapter One

Sinking into the softness of the feather bed, Jessie snuggled close to her new husband and smiled in delight. Less than twenty-four hours ago, she had become the wife of John Michael Beyers. She slipped her left hand from beneath the quilt and examined her wedding ring. It wasn’t a dream. It really was true.

Jessica Marie Beyers, she whispered softly. Letting her mind drift over the previous day, she stretched and sighed happily. Last night, they had arrived in Warrenton shortly before midnight. Leaving the train, they hailed a sleepy cab driver parked by the station in hopes of a fare. The streets glimmered with the soft illumination of gaslight reflected on melting snow. To Jessie’s eyes, they seemed to glisten and shimmer a welcome from the entire village.

Although the trip from the train station was only a few miles, the melodious clip-clop of horse hooves on wet brick pavement soon lulled her to sleep. She awoke moments later as they pulled up in front of the huge mansion that housed the attic apartment they would soon call their home.

Exhausted and squinting against the onslaught of wet snow, she barely noticed the building’s majestic exterior. Following her new husband up two flights of stairs to the attic apartment, she concentrated on juggling her small parcel of clothes.

John Michael carried his bag and her larger valise filled with dresses, a gift from Naomi Thorton, her former employer. At the threshold, he set the suitcases down, swept her up, and carried her into the residence he had occupied alone since first becoming a divinity student two years before.

Stand still while I light a lamp, he whispered as he set her down.

She looked around in wonder as the gaslight flooded the room.

It’s huge, she whispered, I thought it would be smaller.

Our room or the house?

Both.

Yes, three stories, all brick with a shale roof and twelve impressive gabled windows, he said in a gruff falsetto voice.

She looked at him quizzically and laughed.

Sorry, that was a poor attempt at impersonating Professor Pinkway.

She chuckled. How, how…I mean where…

It seems he inherited this monstrosity over fifty years ago. It was built by his grandfather and was probably one of the first homes in Warren County.

Three levels and he lives here alone? It’s almost seems like a castle.

It’s a long story, better told when I can give you the grand tour.

This room alone is probably bigger than my parent’s entire cabin, she remarked in amazement."

Turning in a circle, she laughed in pure joy as she took in the skylights and the window seat that featured heavy white brocade draperies. A floral print cushion invited her to the window seat, and she immediately sat down thinking of the hours she would spend in this spot curled up with a book. Oh John! It’s charming! I wish my mother could see this. When you told me you lived in the attic, I of course, pictured raw wood beams, cobwebs, and a dark gloomy room, but it’s so light and airy. I think my mother pictured a depressing room too, but this is delightful.

He turned from the wardrobe. Are you missing your mother?

She smiled. No, I was just thinkin’ about our big house in Postville and how my mother left it and moved into the tiny cabin with such high hopes, and now…

Now, God is taking care of her far better than you or I could have dreamed.

Yes, you’re right of course. I think she’s very happy.

So, what do you think? he asked.

I think it’s perfect, and I think you’re perfect, and I think I’m goin’ to be gloriously happy here.

He took her in his arms. So you won’t mind living in an attic like an owl? You don’t think we should look for someplace else to live? he asked her again.

It’s the perfect size for two. I love it! It will be our little nest, she chimed in.

He completely agreed.

***

Sometime in the night the wet snow stopped, and now the morning sun was streaming through a three inch gap in the heavily curtained dormer window.

Jessie slipped out of bed and tiptoed across the room, pulled back the curtain and pressed her face against the cold glass. Below in the semi-circle drive a large lorry was parked. Standing in the drive were two burly gentlemen arguing with a short, round elderly man. From her vantage point, she barely heard and could only see the top of the man’s balding gray head, his protruding tummy, and his chubby arms, which were waving about excitedly.

She strained to hear.

Take it back! the older man barked at the top of his voice. They have misrepresented the price, and I will not be taken advantage of.

With that he entered the house and slammed the door soundly.

She watched as the two remaining men struggled to reload a large bookcase. Even from a distance, she could tell it was a beautiful piece of furniture, obviously well-made and very heavy.

Dropping the curtain, she tiptoed back to the bed, smiled for a moment at her sleeping husband, and then tried to carefully slide between the covers without waking him.

Half asleep, he reached for her, pulling her close. Where have you been?

I was watching a man down on the front drive, she whispered. He seemed irritated.

Ah, that would probably be Professor Pinkway, he said trying to shake himself awake. Rolling over onto his back he continued groggily, He is usually charming, but I’ve seen him become quite angry if he thinks someone is taking advantage of him.

So I noticed, she murmured, positioning her head on his chest. John?

Yes, my love?

I have a question and I’m not quite sure how to ask it.

Anything, my love, he whispered sleepily. His eyes still closed, he kissed her on the top of her head.

It’s not a thing, she said raising her head. That is, I don’t think it’s a thing. It’s a place. When I was at home and when I worked for Naomi, we had an outhouse.

He opened his eyes, laughed out loud, and hugged her.

She answered very seriously, No, please don’t hug me now! This caused him to laugh harder and act as if he were about to tickle her.

Please, John, I’m serious. I was willing to use the facility in the closet down the hall last night because it was dark and rainin’ and I was so weary, but it was so dirty and well…who and when does…that is, who is responsible for empting the chamber pots and…well…it just didn’t seem to have been cleaned…that is really cleaned, in a long, long time. I was responsible for emptyin’ our pots when I worked for Naomi, but, of course, we only used them in the coldest of winter and we cleaned them after every use.

Yes, my flower, there is an outhouse. You can’t see it from this side of the house but I will show you the way. With that he bounded out of bed wearing only long johns and headed toward the door.

She sat up but continued to stay in bed looking at him in astonishment. You aren’t goin’ out like that? she questioned in amazement.

I was merely going to show you the way. Put your coat on over your gown and put on your shoes, of course, he added, smiling at her bewildered look.

But what if I come in contact with someone of the household?

Say good morning, he chuckled, There is a back stairway. I believe it was once the servant’s entrance, but I doubt you will come in contact with anyone. You see, Professor Pinkway let all of the servants go when his wife died ten years ago. I believe he said his wife’s name was Bernice. Seems she took care of everything. There is a girl who comes early in the morning, but she’s probably not here yet. I’m afraid we are on our own as far as dumping the chamber pot, or any other luxury. He laughed at his own sarcasm and added, Still and all, we are the only tenants, and Mr. Pinkway has given me free leeway to the kitchen, the wash-house, and even the parlor if we wish to entertain. In a way, this huge mansion is ours…except…

What?

Oh, you’ll see in time, he added with an impish smile.

He crooked his arm as if he were about to escort her to a ball and she hesitantly moved from the bed, put on her shoes, and donned her coat while eyeing his mischievous look with apprehension.

Walking back from the outhouse, which was positioned on the edge of the property, Jessie examined the behemoth of a house. It was indeed huge, in fact monstrous, in comparison to the Thorton house where she was previously employed.

Behind the house were a barn, a stable, and a wash house, although John Michael told her both the barn and stable had stood empty in the two years he had rented. She was curious about why Mr. Pinkway had no servants and why he chose to live alone, but her husband didn’t seem to know.

Although it was February, she could tell the yard had long gone to a tangle of briers. Stone enclosures were thick with dormant ivy. Weeds were waist high where once there were flowerbeds, and the entire house looked sad and neglected.

Before entering the back door, she looked up and thought she saw someone move quickly away from watching her through a second story window. Thinking it was probably Mr. Pinkway, she dismissed it and rushed up the back stairs to her new husband.

John Michael had partially dressed and was shaving in front of a washbasin perched precariously on a window ledge. Concentrating on removing his sparse growth of facial hair, he peered into the small mirror he’d placed beside the basin. Delighted at the image, she removed her wrap to the coat tree, sat on the bed and watched him.

I always loved watchin’ my father shave.

For an answer he raised his eyebrows, smiled, and continued carefully removing all traces of hair.

Jessie sighed remembering her father. He had died at the plow a few years before and she still missed him immensely. His death forced her and several of her siblings to go to work for a wealthy farm family by the name of Thorton. Jessie worked as a hired girl for Naomi Thorton.

Although sharing a tumultuous beginning, Jessie and Naomi had become close friends. It was while she was working for the Thortons that she met her new husband, John Michael Beyers.

Watching John Michael, Jessie hugged herself in pure pleasure. Thank you, God. I don’t deserve such a wonderful man, but I really am the wife of this amazing man. She pondered upon her blessings, hardly able to comprehend them all.

Was it really only yesterday? What a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. I can scarcely believe it actually happened. I really am John Michael’s wife. The whole day turned out to be perfect. It was so kind of Naomi to decorate the parlor with Juniper boughs, red ribbons, and twinkling candles. My mother looked glowing and young and I was so proud of my brothers and sisters dressed in their newly acquired Sunday best. John’s mother and Aunt Maggie beamed in pleasure. And my dear friends, Abraham, and his family were all so happy. Oh, thank you, God. I never deserved so much joy. And thank you most of all for Naomi and her new life in You, and for her baby, and for our new friend, Mr. Morris, and…

Hey, where did you go? He smiled noticing she seemed to be deep in serious thought.

I was just thinkin’ about yesterday. The weddin’ was so beautiful and, and I’m just so thankful. Tears flooded her eyes and she turned away.

He moved quickly to sit on the bed beside her. You’re not homesick already, are you?

She shook her head.

Taking her gently by the shoulders and gazing into her eyes, he asked, What are the tears for?

Embarrassed, she tried to blink back her tears. For happiness, she laughed softly. Sometimes, I’m so overwhelmed with how happy I am that it leaks out of my eyes.

He hugged her. Whew, that’s a relief! he chuckled. Now, get dressed and we will go downstairs and see what the kitchen has to offer. Then, I must go and talk to my professors about my classes. If they recommend I wait until next semester to continue my studies, I will be back in a matter of hours. If not, I may not be back until late afternoon. Will you be alright by yourself?

Of course, silly. She smiled and wiped away the tears with the back of her hand. What could possibly go wrong?

Chapter Two

Her initial impression, as she followed John Michael down the front stairs, was of wonder. The splendor and beauty of the old house were overwhelming. It was so opulent, she felt as if she was dreaming. This was not only the largest but also the most elegant house she had ever entered. Descending the narrow stairs leading from the attic, the stairwell opened to a long hall with closed doors on either side. Jessie counted six doors before the hall opened into a corridor. The corridor was open from the second story ceiling to the room below. A banister overlooked the entranceway and a wide curved stairway led to the bottom floor.

Peeking past the corridor and down the hallway of the second story, she saw there were six more doors on the opposite side of the hallway. The opening in the center also featured a banister with an intricately carved railing.

When they entered the home last night, it was pitch black. John Michael had removed a candle from its holder at the bottom of the first flight of stairs, lit it with flint, and began the climb. She had followed closely and focused on his back, barely noticing anything about the house except the lavish oriental rugs that covered the first flight of the winding stairway and the entire second floor corridor.

The stairway to the attic was enclosed and narrow with highly polished wooden steps. She supposed the attic originally housed the servants. It was divided into eight large bedrooms and several storage rooms. Their bedroom was located next to the stairwell with the powder room two doors down. She soon learned the powder room was nothing more than a large closet with a chamber pot and a small table holding a mirror, a pitcher of water, an oil lamp, and a wash basin. A window in the powder room was gabled as were two of the windows in their bedroom. A round window near the ceiling allowed light from the south end of the house.

Morning light gave the house an entirely different feel. John Michael led Jessie down the two flights of stairs. As they walked toward the parlor John Michael pointed to an entrance on the opposite side of the sitting room. He explained that the double doors led to a library, an office, and on the other side of the office the only downstairs bedroom. A powder room and a closet were on the far side of the bedroom. Making their way through the dining room, they entered a large bright cheery kitchen. To the left of the room, they were greeted by a bank of leaded glass windows that illuminated the room with the brilliance of the morning sun. Jessie followed John Michael into the kitchen wordlessly and in awe.

A cast iron stove filled the fireplace at one end of the room. A fire raged in the stove cocooning the room in cozy warmth. Enclosed cupboards and a long counter with a sink and a pump occupied the wall to the right.

On one end of the kitchen, there was a long table with eight chairs. In the center of the room stood a huge island topped by a planked cutting board, and on the island sat two cats. One of the cats was a pale orange with darker orange stripes; the other one was black with a white chest. The cats, busy licking their paws and bathing in the morning sunlight, paid them little mind.

Millie…Angus, get down! John Michael said and clapped his hands. They barely paid attention until he forcibly shooed them away with a push of his hand.

Jessie frowned. The cats rule, I see. Which one is which?

Millie is the orange, Angus, the black, and yes, I am afraid they do rule. They are Mr. Pinkway’s babies, and sadly they are only the first two of seven.

Seven! she exclaimed, in amazement. And all seven are house cats?

All seven are allowed in the house, although they have the freedom to come and go as they please. Since four are females, we may have more soon, he sighed. There are twelve bedrooms on the second floor, and we are to keep the doors closed at all times as the cats claim the beds as their own. Professor Pinkway’s bedroom is the one on the main floor on the opposite side of the office. He’s in his eighties and says his knees can’t take the stairs anymore. Other than the second floor and, of course, our room, the cats have the run of the house.

Humm, she said. Brushing her hand over the counter, she noticed a fine layer of cat hair covering almost everything in the kitchen. He must really like cats, she said, frowning.

When I first moved in two years ago, the house was overrun with mice. I’m afraid I was the one who suggested he should get a cat. He thought it a good idea and was pleased with Angus for almost a year but then decided Angus was lonely.

Oh, dear.

‘Oh dear’ is right. Once the idea entered his mind, he couldn’t rest until he found Millie. Before long, she had her first litter. He was all in favor of Katie Baldwin, his part-time hired girl, finding homes for the first litter. When the second litter came, it was turning cold and the kittens were allowed to play in his bedroom and…

I can guess he became attached to them all, she chipped in.

John sighed, Yes, I’m afraid so. As I said, Katie only comes a few hours a day. She usually comes early, fixes breakfast, leaves something in the larder for supper, and leaves right after lunch. You will like her. She was widowed in the war but seems cheery enough. I’ve not found her to be particularly efficient, but I think she’s probably overwhelmed. She and her young son, Timmy, live a few blocks from here.

Does…does the professor know you are…that is, does he know about me? she asked.

Yes, I wired him I was getting married, but he didn’t wire back. I’m anxious to see his reaction.

So, you didn’t exactly get permission, she said pensively. He won’t throw us out, will he?

John Michael laughed a short mirthless laugh. Hardly. In fact, he will probably commandeer you to cook, clean, and do all kinds of things…without pay. I might add.

Oh, John, you know I will want to lend a hand. This house certainly looks as if it could use a good cleanin’. Sweeping her hand across the table she frowned at the handful of cat hair stuck to her fingers. It will give me somethin’ to do while you’re in class all day, she added trying to sound cheerful.

I just don’t want him to take advantage of you.

I don’t think that’s possible. Why, just this mornin’ I read in your Bible, if someone demands my coat, I’m suppose to ask ‘em if they would like my cloak also.

John Michael smiled sheepishly and took her in his arms. Come here, my little scholar. You put me to shame.

She hugged him back whispering, I just want to be the best pastor’s wife possible, and I feel like I have so far to go.

He kissed her before she could say more. When she pulled away from his embrace, he said, Jess you have the most loving heart of anyone I know. Jesus said that if we keep the commandment to love, we’ve kept all of the commandments.

But I have so much to learn and I don’t want to let you down and I don’t want to let God down. I want to always do the most loving thing in every situation, Jessie added.

"There is no way you can possibly