Dorothy McQuire: Book 2

By Brian Reddish

A novel about ordinary people whose lives are touched by an extraordinary God!
Dorothy McGuire is seen as one of the very few people who have
integrity, wisdom and compassion. As she demonstrates a determination
to reach the hearts of each person she encounters, she also exhibits a
resilient strength and asserti

• Language: English
• Publisher: Caracal Books
• Release date: Jul 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9780993488740

Book preview

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my grandchildren:

Kenni, Zachary, Ethan and Alexander

Preface

This sequel highlights the challenges in sharing the Gospel when confronting ordinary people in a world where all too often hidden pain is the norm, family life is disaffected, and the young fall victims of a society that lacks the essential ingredients of family love and care.

This is vividly revealed in the person of Robert Templeman, whose father abandons all responsibility towards the home after the death of his wife, leaving Robert to fend for himself within a drug and gangland culture.

The focus is upon God’s saving grace with its transforming power and how it is the ignorant, the downtrodden sinner, who can find this grace more readily than those who consider themselves as righteous just as the scriptures indicates,

I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance!

The influx of young people into Pastor John Peterson’s church, following Alfred Townsend’s open-air witness, challenges the status quo.

John delivers a challenging sermon that rocks the church to its core.

One could summarise the situation as this: God did something wonderful in the church, and the irony was that certain quarters thought it was not so wonderful! 

Dorothy McGuire is seen as one of the very few who have words of common sense, wisdom and gentle compassion as she demonstrates a determination to reach the hearts of each person she encounters who shows a particular need, and yet she also exhibits a resilient strength and assertiveness that  confronts and challenges those whose views are contrary to reason. The latter is demonstrated in particular with two individuals, who appear for the first time in this second book – the ex-husband of Mary Osborne and the absent wife of Alfred Townsend.

Dorothy’s relationship with David Osborne blossoms in leaps and bounds – quite literally when they have a hilarious walk in the park together where childhood antics resurface.

... David rushed out from under the Yew tree enclosure with Dorothy chasing him in the grass. She was hard on his tail, and even though David took a course of several sharp, unexpected circular turns trying his utmost to evade her, it was to no avail. Dorothy was speedily catching up with him...

However, before too long, another ghost from Dorothy’s dark abusive past resurfaces.

Can she overcome her next challenge - that of a physical relationship with David – with the same resolve she manifested during her manic depressive condition?

Chapter 1

Alfred Townsend Returns Home

A red car drew up and stopped adjacent to a small cottage. A young lady was seated in the front of the vehicle next to a young man who was doing the driving, and in the rear sat an elderly man.

The day was a Sunday and thus far it had been eventful to say the least. Whilst it was customary for the young couple, Maria Townsend and her boyfriend, Ian McPherson, to have driven to church that morning, it had to be said that it was most unusual indeed for Maria’s father, Alfred Townsend, to have done so too. It had been unexpected and unprecedented!

The outcomes of events as a result of Alfred’s visit to church were so surprising and dramatic that Maria was still reeling under the impact of it all. Her heart was so full of emotion!

Alfred Townsend had previously held a grudge against the Almighty, as he would say, owing to his tragic plight of receiving an injured leg that had been inflicted some eight years previously, and as a consequence had deprived him of continuing and extending the thirty-seven years of work he had accumulated as a farm hand. Was it the wheel of a tractor alone that had done this to him? No!

Since it had been permitted by the Almighty, it followed in Alfred’s mind that He could have helped – but he hadn’t and was therefore to blame, so that what developed in Alfred was a bitter resentful attitude, which he thought was legitimised by his misfortune.

Why should my life have been virtually destroyed of all that I love?

This resentful frame of mind of his had been untreated for far too long. It had been left alone to fester, instead of being mollified and soothed by the warmth and compassion of those living in his own household – though it had to be said that he never received or accepted such whenever it was given, and there was much sympathy that came his way. 

Instead of facing the reality of his circumstances and moving on, instead of humbly receiving this love and care with sympathy provided by both his wife and daughter, he had hardened his heart and turned instead to drink. This inevitably took him from the frying pan into the fire, for things deteriorated drastically from that point on. A sharp temper was released from within him whenever sober – and violence when otherwise. This had led his wife to vacate the home, moving away to live with her sister nearby.  Maria though had chosen to stay in the house she was born in.

Ian got out of the vehicle and politely opened the door for Maria and then Alfred.

Hey, that was awesome as you would say, Maria, chirped Alfred steadily walking unaided towards the door of the house.

Just look at this, I tell thee! I’m actually walking without that old crutch o’ mine for first time since I can’t remember! It’s just a bit stiff; that’s all.

Maria gently held Ian back with her arm, and the pair of them stood glued to the spot watching the sight before them in absolute amazement.

Tears trickled down Maria’s cheeks and were rubbed away immediately with the back of her hand. Ian tenderly held his girlfriend, placing his arm around her as the two followed Alfred into the house.

Could it be possible, thought Maria, that Dad’s leg has really been healed! These were the occasional doubts that invaded her mind. Or is he simply walking without his crutch? Maria didn’t know just what to think.

Alfred seemed to have no doubts, however, and after all it was his leg!

Sitting himself down once again in his chair, which was rarely ever left unoccupied for quite so long, he commenced by saying, "Nar that was amazing, I tell yer!

Have you ever seen anything like that before, lass?

No, Dad, I have not – in fact never! How are you? How are you feeling, Dad? How is your leg?

There you go again – questions, questions, questions!

What does it look like?

Let your eyes be the judge. I tell yer, the Almighty keeps His Word yer know, though I didn’t expect this I have to admit.

Mr Townsend, chirped in Ian excitedly, for unlike Maria he had no doubts whatsoever.  This is so fantastically awesome! I find it all amazing! What was it that made you come to church this morning, Sir?

Young lad, it be time now you stop calling me sir and all that. From now on yer can call me Alfred. Why! Yer might be part of the family one day, eh?

Upon hearing this from her dad, Maria felt proud and blushed a little with embarrassment, not realising these thoughts and opinions had actually existed in his mind until now. She was happy with them all the same. It was just that she had never heard such a disclosure from him ever before!

Ian’s reaction was also of interest, for he suddenly realised the responsible commitment expected of him by Alfred. Even so, he felt good about it and its implication. In any case, he couldn’t ever imagine being without Maria.

Ian sat himself down near to Alfred’s chair, feeling much more mature with that special sense of belonging upon his shoulders that came with hearing Alfred’s comment regarding his being part of the family one day.

Well, what was it Mr Towns..., sorry, Alfred? Why did you come to church this morning? You have never been before. We were both so surprised; weren’t we, Maria?

"It be a long story, lad, but thanks for your interest and concern about me. Let’s make a cuppa, shall we?

Maria, my dear, will yer put that kettle on and make us all one, bless yer?

One thing was certainly dramatically different about Alfred it had to be said, for he hadn’t said a cross word since arriving home. There had been no shouting out, no impatient bickering, not a single moan regarding his leg.

Maria had immediately started making tea, whereas Ian was now feeling quite at ease. In the past, whenever visiting Maria, he would be in fear and trepidation of Alfred’s company. Instead, he continued chatting amicably with Alfred about the events that had taken place that morning in church, as if finding a new friend in his girlfriend’s father who was clearly only too pleased to accommodate him.

Maria came with the tea and pulled up a chair, sitting on the opposite side of Alfred’s easy chair to Ian.

She was short of conversation, being deep in thought, so Alfred turned to her and said, My dear Maria, I got something to say to yer.  It been long overdue, and I must say it straight away to yer.

Maria was taken by surprise with the conversation now being directed towards her. She suddenly jolted herself in order to hear what her father was about to say to her. 

"Well, I got lots of things I need to say to

yer… like, lots… and as I said, they’re long overdue.

First of all, you have been takin’ far too much grief from me o’er the last year in this house, and I wants to apologise to yer, Maria. I shall need to say sorry as well to yer mum; I know that, but I can start wi’ you, me lass.

Now, Maria’s heart and mind were not settled or at peace as yet. Everything was all too sudden. How could her dad desire to go to church? Why? This in itself was mindboggling. She kept thinking to herself, Why the change?

Then he comes to the Lord and becomes remorseful before everyone in church; then he seemingly gets healed with a great spectacle following!

She wondered what this was all about. Was it really happening to her dad, a man who had only shown bitterness and distaste about such things in the past? A man who never ever talked about God and never wished anyone else to do so either in his presence? And now here he was telling her he was sorry?

Why did she feel this was not enough? Why did she not feel appeased and happy for him?

She wanted to; she really did, but unfortunately dear Maria had been on the receiving end of verbal abuse and grief from her father for so long that it had left her emotionally and mentally bruised and drained. This condition of which she was unaware until now needed healing in itself. She needed answers to satisfy her curiosity; she needed something more – but at this moment in time it was not forthcoming.

Her reply to Alfred was somewhat indifferent. "Dad, I wouldn’t have stayed in this house if I didn’t wish to. You are still my dad, 

yer know… and goodness me! Someone had to look after you – warts and all."

Thank you, Maria, that is good of yer… but it weren’t right, and I’m sorry. So there, I’ve told yer.

Alfred was conscious of Maria’s apparent indifference in her reply towards him and realised it would take far more than just words to convince her. Actions spoke louder than words.

Suddenly, Alfred thought of one action that was impending and that might help a little, for he had a certain secret in that household which had to be revealed and dealt with.

Maria! Do me a favour. Go to that cupboard over there. If yer look behind the stack of plates on the right hand side, you will see hiding in there two bottles of hard stuff. Bring ‘em o’er to me, will yer? Please?

Alfred added that polite word at the end of his request to Maria deliberately – though it had to be said that normally it was very unusual for him to do so – for, upon realising and being made aware of her reservations towards him with her recent comments, he had quickly decided that he must remedy his behaviour towards his daughter by making every possible effort to do so.

Maria went and did as she was directed, and upon looking behind the stack of plates, behold she found two bottles of liquid whose contents she immediately recognised.

What is this, Dad? she exclaimed holding up the two bottles for all to see. You’ve been hiding it in here all the time! Well... like... what good will that do you? Have you no common sense, Dad? Or thought for anyone else? Here I am trying to help you, Dad, and this is what you do behind my back in secret! This is so hurtful to me, you know!

Maria placed the bottles down – anywhere would do – and stormed out of the room into the kitchen in order to compose herself, being quite overcome by emotion and visibly shaken and upset.

Ian got up from his chair and ventured in the same direction as Maria in order to be with her.

Shortly afterwards, they both came back into the room and sat down as before – one each side of Alfred. Then Maria completed her task by firmly placing the two bottles of hard spirits on a table in front of him.

Okay, Dad! I’ve done what you asked; now what?

"You’ve done your bit, lass; thank you very much.

Ian lad, will you now do me the honour of takin’ them two bottles into the kitchen and pouring out them contents in the sink ... please.

Ian quickly jumped up from his seat in order to execute Alfred’s command, for the firmness and tone of his voice at that instant had reminded him of former times – except this time Alfred had added the word please.

Maria’s countenance, it had to be said, changed slightly for the better upon observing what had just taken place.  Alfred had been right in his thinking – actions were indeed louder than words!

This though was just the beginning. There was much more to be consistently said and done, but it had been a good start, and Maria’s attitude did mellow somewhat after this. It needed to for her own sake, for her peace of mind. 

And so the conversation continued more amicably between them, and Maria began to think and speak more positively and respectfully towards Alfred.

Alfred freely talked about the church that Maria and Ian attended and how he had enjoyed her singing and Ian’s vibrant playing of the drums.

"Why, you sing like a bird, me lass! I’m proud of yer.

"That preacher man… do yer know I  called him Yer Worship, but he straight told me to call him John. Well, he be alright too! Very friendly, he were… and blow me, he never wore no dog collar either!

His wife were quite nice too, Alfred added. Do yer know what she’s called?

Miriam Peterson, replied Maria. She and Dorothy McGuire are great friends, and in fact that’s were Dot lives at the moment – with them.

Maria looked towards Ian then, desiring to tell him something.

I have a strong feeling Dot and David Osborne are going out together, Ian.  He is a really nice man is David… Remember how he treated us all out for an Indian after helping Dot move house to the Peterson’s?"

Yeah, and we all found out he were a black belt at karate too, replied Ian spontaneously as he recollected the event with fond memories.

Well, I saw them speaking with each other after church, continued Maria in a gossiping, nosey manner, and guess what? They were laughing together and smiling at one another big time!

Hey! That’s the lady that came here one time – Dorothy McGuire! interrupted Alfred quite enthusiastically, so much so it caught Maria’s interest and attention.

Why, Dad! Did you enjoy her visit then… when she came?

Alfred did not respond to his daughter’s question but went on to ask with a sense of interest and eagerness, And do you think she might come here again soon?

Dad, you did like her; didn’t you? replied the latter with a cheeky tang to her voice, for it was well known just how beautiful Dorothy was.

Maria! I must speak to her again – yer Dorothy. It’s important! Please ask her to come and see me again soon, will yer? And if she is goin’ out with that David fellow, tell her she can bring him too.

Chapter 2

Something of Dorothy’s Past

It did not take long for the message to get down the grapevine regarding Alfred’s seemingly desperate desire and need to speak to Dorothy McGuire. Ian communicated with David Osborne, whilst Maria contacted Dorothy.

Ian was attracted to David like opposite poles of a magnet the moment he found out about his extra curricula activities – in short, that David was a black belt karate instructor! Ian had immediately taken up this activity. He had joined David’s class for beginners and thoroughly enjoyed it, especially since he had such a trainer and teacher as David.

As it happened, Maria longed to have one of her deep, meaningful chats with her friend, Dorothy, but Alfred had set the ball rolling and got in there first.

Ever since Dorothy’s encounter with God and her attendance at the same church as Maria, things had really taken off with both of them.

Dorothy, being about ten years older, was able to speak the kind of things necessary for a young teenager to hear and had helped Maria tremendously regarding certain issues common to young girls. Dorothy was never overpowering but listened; she was gentle and polite in her manner, and Maria appreciated this.

Further, Dorothy was intelligent but down to earth; beautiful but not with that vain self-centeredness or boastfulness that intimidates ordinary mortals. She was clothed with a gracious humility, yet was reactive, responsive and innovative to people’s problems, always offering help, encouragement and support by being prepared to run that extra mile if necessary.

To Maria, Dorothy McGuire was awesome – the best friend ever!

Dorothy’s past was slowly becoming known to other close friends. She had suffered dreadfully with depression later on in life; this depression was an offshoot of sexual child abuse at the hands of her father. For years she had struggled, living alone and isolated in her one- bedroomed flat.

Being well qualified in information technology and working in market research, she was comfortable financially and in that respect secure. Yet the effects of her illness had paid their toll. So often she had been suicidal and hated the thought of ever having a physical relationship with a man. Ironically her self-esteem was low in spite of her elegant and attractive looks. These made no difference to her well-being whatsoever!

Most ladies would have probably changed places with Dorothy at any time, but not if they had realised her hurts and mental condition were part of the package. Dorothy had even wished at times she were less beautiful and more mediocre

as one might say, for then perhaps she might have received