Transplanted by God

By Frona Lewis

Losing the only home, that Elaina Morgan had ever known, left the young woman confused as to what to do next. Her only living relative, that she was aware of, was her father's brother who lived in Texas. Elaina had no way of contacting him. With only one week to vacate the property, she accepted the position of caring for nine year old, Nancy Farley. Although the girl was a challenge, her father was an even greater one.

Bitter, since his wife had walked out and left him with a blind child, eight years ago, Chase Farley did not welcome Elaina into his home. His pa, Howard Farley, brought Elaina home, one day informing Chase that she had nowhere else to go and that Nancy needed a woman's guidance. Chase did not try to hide the fact that he had no use for women. With help from the Lord, Elaina soon shows him that not all women are like his wife.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jan 26, 2005
• ISBN: 9780595790654

Frona Lewis

Frona Lewis lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. She and husband Ron have three children and five grandchildren.

Book preview

Transplanted by God

Copyright © 2005 by Frona Lewis

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case ofbrief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

iUniverse

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Lincoln, NE 68512

www.iuniverse.com

1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677)

ISBN: 978-0-5957-9065-4 (e)

Contents

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Dedicated to my family; Ron, Melissa, Chris, Ben, Kim, and Quentin Lewis for their patience, while I spend a lot of time writing.

Acknowledgments

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Many thanks, to my friend and co-worker, Susan Darnell for proofreading and promoting my book. Melissa Lewis, cover photographer. Holly and Alley Bailey, and Quentin Lewis on cover.

CHAPTER 1

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The sun, peeking through the curtain, caused Elaina Morgan to pull the cover over her eyes. She could not face another day in this place. The same sick feeling had haunted her for the past two weeks. Each morning, before she forced herself to get up, she relived the circumstances that had brought her here.

Reminding herself that she had no choice in the matter, she once again played the scene in her mind.

The day started out like any other spring day, but by early afternoon the skies had opened up pouring out buckets of water. Startled by a knock on her door, Elaina looked out to see who dared come out in this downpour.

Good afternoon, Mr. Bailey. What brings you here on such a dreadful day? asked Elaina. Come on in out of the rain.

The banker gladly entered the comfortable home that had been built by the young woman’s grandfather. Thank you, Miss Morgan. It is a mite wet out there.

Please, have a seat.

That won’t be necessary. I’ll just say what I came to say and be on my way.

There was something about the way he said ‘what I came to say’ that caused Elaina to feel a moment of alarm. Mr. Bailey, please go on.

Now, Miss Morgan I am not happy about what I am about to say…It’s just that…Jackson…Jackson…he…

Mr. Bailey, what are you trying to tell me about my father? questioned Elaina. The knot in her stomach was growing with each passing moment.

Your father borrowed money against this house. He expired before repaying the loan. Miss Morgan, the bank will be taking possession ofyour home.

Elaina felt as if her legs were going to buckle. She managed to get to the sofa before she collapsed on the floor. Looking up at the banker she said, Mr. Bailey, there must be some mistake. This house was built by my mother’sfather. It was left to her and upon her death it was to be mine. You see, father could not do this. It was not his house to borrow money against.

Upon your mother’s death the house becameyourfather’s property. I am sorry for your loss, both your father and your home. I have no choice but to give you notice that we will be taking possession in one week.

One week! Mr. Bailey, what am I to do? I have no where to go. I work at Carter’s two days a week. I will repay the money father owes you. You must understand this has been my home since I was born. I have no intention ofgiving it up without a fight.

Fight ifyou like, but there is nothingyou can do to redeem it. You have no idea what kind ofmoney we are talkingabout. Women have no business worrying about these affairs. One weekfrom today we expectyou to have vacated theprop-erty. Good day, Miss Morgan.

Elaina Morgan had not had a good day since. She was not sure how long she sat on the sofa numb with fear. What was she to do? With Father gone there was no one. She remembered Father talking about a brother, out west somewhere, but she had no idea how to locate him. Where would she go? How would she survive? What was a woman to do on her own?

She realized that her tears were pouring like the rain outside her window. Well, not her window ifMr. Bailey had his way. Once the tears dried up, Elaina decided to go talk to Mrs.

Carter. Perhaps the she would allow her to work more hours at the store. If she had more money she could redeem her beloved house.

Mrs. Carter tried to comfort the young woman, but explained she could not afford to pay her to work more hours. Defeated, Elaina returned home. Just like she always did, when things were out of her control, she gave her problem to the Lord.

She reminded the Lord that this situation was not fair. This was her house. There had to be a way to save it. She asked God to show her a way to keep the house. Over and over in her mind she tried to think of someone that would hire her. She was willing to work day and night if that’s what it took. After pleading for the Lord’s guidance, she finally fell asleep. The last words out of her mouth, before drifting off, were Thy will be done.

The days passed much too quickly. Each day Elaina prayed for guidance. Each night she went to bed wondering what she was going to do. How could father do this to me? What could he have used the money for? On the fourth day she started packing her meager belongings.

At twenty-eight, what hope did she have of finding a husband? Time was running out. Lord, I know you have a plan for my life. I think it is time you shared that plan with me, she said, pulling the door closed. She had to get through another day at the store. At least the sun is shining. Elaina loved the sunshine. Ordinarily, everything seemed better on sunny days. Today however, even the sun could not lift the burden she was carrying.

Pasting on a smile, she walked into the general store, Good morning, Mrs. Carter.

Good morning, Elaina. How are you today, dear?

I’ve been better. I’m running out of time and I don’t know what I am going to do.

Now Elaina, you know you are welcome to stay with us until something comes along.

Thank you, Mrs. Carter. I appreciate the offer and I might have to take you up on it. Elaina knew Mrs. Carter was just being nice. They did not really have room for her. She would have to sleep on the floor in the children’s room. It’s better than sleeping on the street! Elaina breathed a silent prayer, Oh, God I don’t want to be a burden on anyone. Isn’t there someone that needs me?

Try not to worry yourself sick, said Mrs. Carter.

Too late for that! I’m trying, Elaina answered, fighting back the tears that were on the verge of overflowing. What would you like for me to do today?

I’ve got some errands to run so I’m leaving you in charge. The fabric needs straightened up and Lilly Addison dropped off a list of things she needs. She will be by later this afternoon to pick up her order so go ahead and get it ready.

I haven’t seen Lilly in awhile. How are things out at the farm?

Fine, I reckon. She seems to be very happy as Mrs. Travis Addison. That baby of theirs is the cutest little thing. Looks just like his pa. Travis’s little niece, Rose is such a darling. I’ll be back by noon, said Mrs. Carter, on her way out the door.

Left alone, Elaina dropped her head in her hands and fought back the sick feeling in her stomach. How would she get through this day? One step at a time. She took the first step toward the fabric. The bell over the door rang causing her to turn back toward the front of the store.

Good morning, Sheriff.

Good morning, Miss Morgan, he said, removing his hat.

Is there something I can help you find?

Miss Morgan…Elaina, I know you are running out of time…and…well I was thinking.

Yes, I am about out of time. Do you know of someone that needs.

Me. Elaina, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about your situation and in the process I came to realize that…I really need a wife. I mean.

Excuse me, Sheriff, let me make sure I understand. You are willing to marry me to give me a place to live?

Yes, well that…and I feel like its time…I took a wife, he stammered.

Elaina was not sure what to say. Choosing her words carefully, trying not to embarrass him she said, Sheriff Barker, it is very kind of you to offer…but I’m…fm afraid I have been caught off guard. I never thought of marrying for convenience. Actually, I had given up the idea of marriage at all.

You are a lovely young woman, I would be proud to have you as my wife.

Thank you, I would like some time to think about your offer.

Don’t think of it as an offer Elaina, it’s a proposal.

Yes, well…thank you and I’ll let you know as soon as I have reached a decision.

Good day, he said as he turned to leave.

Good day, Sheriff.

Things had gone from bad to worse. How could she remain in Danville? Everyone was feeling sorry for her. How could she marry the sheriff when she knew his offer was born out of pity? She would not be able to hold her head up in public with everyone knowing the only reason Sheriff Barker had married her was because he felt sorry for her.

Elaina wished she could vanish from the face of the earth. How could her father do this to her? All she wanted to do was go home. Home. Her beloved home was being taken away and there was nothing she could do about it.

The day seemed to drag by. Elaina tried to stay busy to keep her mind from dwelling on her situation. The bright spot of the day came when Lilly Addison stopped in to pick up her order.

Elaina Morgan! It’s so nice to see you again.

Hello, Lilly. It has been awhile. It seems I’m never working when you come to town.

I don’t get to town often. With two little ones I stay pretty busy.

I can just imagine. Mrs. Carter was right. She said little Tyler looks just like his pa and he sure does. To Rose she said, Look at you, Rose. You are getting to be a big girl.

So what are you up to these days, Elaina? asked Lilly.

Elaina paused a moment before answering. I don’t know if you’ve heard or not…but I…I…my father… she felt the tears forming behind her eyes and stopped mid-sentence.

Elaina, honey, what is it? What has happened?

Taking a deep breath she answered, Lilly, my father borrowed money against my house and he…died before he could repay the debt. The bank is taking…my house.

Oh, no I’m so sorry. What are you going to do?

I don’t know…yet. Not wanting Lilly to think she had no where to go she added, Mrs. Carter said I can stay here for awhile.

Elaina, sometimes God takes bad situations and turns them into good. I will pray for God’s will for your future.

Thank you, Lilly. I have your order ready, it’s over here.

After Lilly and the children left, Elaina thought about what Lilly had said. She knew it was true, but right now she didn’t want a bad situation in her life. How long would she have to wait for the good to come along?

Elaina! Mrs. Carter shouted, as she entered the front door.

I’m over here.

Oh, Elaina, you will never believe what just happened. I was over at the post office when Mr. Farley came in.

Mr. Farley? I don’t believe I know him. Is he from around here? asked Elaina.

He and his son live out in Clayton now, but I knew him years ago when he lived here. Anyway, we got to talking and he mentioned that he is looking for a woman to come live with them to take care of his granddaughter, Nancy. It seems the girl was born blind and is unable to care for herself. He has done the best he could, but she is getting older now and needs a woman around to teach her things he can’t.

How old is she? •

She is nine years old.

Where are her parents? asked Elaina.

Her ma ran off when she was just a little thing. Said she didn’t want no kid that couldn’t see. Her pa is Howard Farley’s son, Chase.

You mean the girl has lived with these two men since she was a baby?

Yes, and from what I understand they haven’t done a very good job raising her?

What do you mean?

Velma said the girl has not been taught manners and is not a very pretty sight, answered Mrs. Carter.

I don’t know, Mrs. Carter. What do I know about children? I’ve never been around a blind person before. How would I teach her?

How bad could it be? She is a child, Elaina.

• • •

How bad indeed! Pushing the covers back, Elaina decided she could not stay in bed all day. So far, the elder Mr. Farley fixed breakfast each morning, giving Elaina a chance to sleep in a little longer. She felt it was for her sake so she would not have to face Chase Farley. She had to admit if the child was a challenge, her father was an even bigger one.

She knew the younger Mr. Farley resented her being there. Elaina had overheard the men discussing her presence, more than once, since she arrived. The grandfather insisted that the girl needed a woman to teach her things that they could not. The father argued that they had gotten along just fine without a woman and they didn’t need one now.

For the first time in her life Elaina Morgan felt unwanted, unneeded, but most of all unloved. What new challenge must Iface today? She had faced many since arriving at the Farley house, two weeks ago. Most of the time Nancy seemed glad to have her there, but occasionally she shouted that she hated her.

Elaina compared giving the girl a bath and washing her hair, to bathing a cat. It was obvious, when she arrived, that the child’s hair had not been washed or brushed in weeks. Her first thought was to cut it all off, but she decided no matter how long it took she would get the tangles out. She did, although she was kicked, hit, and bit a few times during the process.

She discovered immediately why the child acted the way she did. Her father treated her like a misfit. He never talked directly to her. She had never once seen him touch the girl. Her grandfather did the best he could, but Nancy needed someone to confide in, someone to lead and teach her.

Entering the kitchen Elaina noticed breakfast was not on the table. Mr. Farley, she yelled. When he didn’t answer she went to his room. The door was open but he was not there. Something must be wrong!

Nancy! No answer. She ran out the door yelling for the child, Nancy!

"Well if it isn’t Miss Morgan. Did you finally decide to get up this morn-

Λ» ing?

Startled, Elaina jumped at the sound of the younger Mr. Farley’s voice. Mr. Farley, I…where is Nancy?

Pa rode over to Danville this morning. He took the girl with him.

Elaina felt her temper start to flair. She had had enough of this man referring to Nancy as the girl. Mr. Farley, the girl is your daughter and she has a name. It is Nancy! She is a living, breathing person. She has feelings. Just because she is blind doesn’t mean she can’t feel. Don’t you think she knows she is a burden to you? She just wants you to love her!

"Well, well, the mouse has turned into a lion. I didn’t think you had it in you to stand up to me, Miss Morgan. Let me remind you that this is my home, the girl is my responsibility, and you are here to take care of the girl. I believe you took this position because you have nowhere else to go. Remember that Miss Morgan, and don’t cross me again!"

Elaina had never been talked to in that tone of voice in all her twenty-eight years. She felt the tears forming and wanted to disappear into a hole in the ground. She would not cower before this man, nor would she let him see her cry. Taking a deep breath and more courage than she knew she possessed she said, "Thank you, Mr. Farley, for welcoming me into your home. Now that we have that settled I am going to fix myself something to eat." She turned, forcing herself not to run to her room, and walked back into the house.

Standing by the stove, Elaina took several deep breaths trying to get her emotions under control. It would not do for Mr. Farley to walk in and catch her crying. What was wrong with this man? How could he treat his own child like a misfit? Although her appetite had long deserted her, she would not give the man the satisfaction of knowing he had upset her.

Sitting at the table, she wondered what she would do today without the child to care for. First, she read her Bible trying to find a reason that she had landed here in this miserable place. She knew the Lord had a plan for her life. Mother always said to grow where you are planted. Elaina did not want to be planted here.

Looking heavenward she said, Lord, how long must I stay before I can be transplanted? Not one to sit and sulk, she decided something had to be done about Nancy’s clothes. She needed a dress that fit. She always wondered why she kept Mother’s clothes after she died. When she packed to move, she could not make herself get rid of her things. Now she knew why. She would make Nancy new clothes out of her mother’s dresses.

Opening the chest and looking at her mother’s