Preserved by Love

By A.G. Beltman

After a life of mis-treatment and an overwhelming problem, Lacey is shown a way out. Thus unfolds the story of her journey to forgiveness and love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781645590194

Book preview

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Preserved by Love

A.G. Beltman

ISBN 978-1-64559-018-7 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64559-019-4 (Digital)

Copyright © 2019 A.G. Beltman

All rights reserved

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

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Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

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Table of Contents

Preserved by Love

Bart finished the chores, picked up the pail of milk, and headed for the house. Spring was on the way.

The trees were starting to leaf out, and Mim’s daffodils were blossoming. He drew a great breath of air and smiled. He loved the smell of spring. Mim would have a good breakfast ready for him, either pancakes, or fried potatoes, and eggs. He opened the door and was greeted by his mother.

Good morning, son.

Good morning, Mim. Did you sleep well? Some nights he would hear her walking through the house, unable to sleep.

Yes, thank you. I slept very well last night.

He set the pail down by the sink in the corner and took his place at the table. His mother placed the food on the table and took her place. They bowed their heads, and Mim offered a prayer of thanksgiving. The house was small and sparsely furnished. By other people’s standards, they didn’t have much, but mother and son felt completely satisfied with what they had. After the meal, Bart stood and said, I’m going to that deadfall of last winter and cut up some kindling for your stove. I can take the wheelbarrow now, while the surface of the ground is still frozen, and then later, when it is good and dry, I will take the wagon and get our winter supply. That tree will keep us warm for most of next winter.

That’s good! Just please be careful with that axe.

Bart chuckled and said, Yes, Mother. You seem to forget that I am almost twenty-six and quite able to take care of myself.

She smiled and said, Yes, I know. But you are all I have.

Bart gathered his tools and headed for the back of the field. Their few acres bordered that of the wealthiest lumberman in the area. He looked toward the huge house and barns and thought, They might have more money than Mim and I, but there is not much happiness in that house. Just then, he saw something move in the trees ahead. He kept watching and, as he grew closer, made out the form of what seemed to be a young girl! What would she be doing in the woods? There were plenty farm hands to do the outside work, as well as plenty of help in the house. As he came closer, he noticed a chair nearby and that she was trying to throw the end of a rope over an overhanging branch. He walked faster. Something told him there was something wrong here. Then he realized she had fashioned a noose on the end of the rope. Bart set the wheelbarrow down and started running. He reached her just as the rope slid over the branch, and she climbed onto the chair. He grabbed her and hugged her to himself. What were you going to do? You can’t do that!

Oh, oh, let me go! She began crying and beating her small fists against his broad chest. "Put me down! Put me down!

Oh no, he said, and she began sobbing like he had never heard before. Bart started toward home. Please, don’t cry. I will take you home to my mother. We will help you.

No, no—no one can help me. Please let me go.

Just don’t cry so. We will help you.

You don’t understand! I can’t live like this. There is no place for me to go! I can’t go back to my pa—he will beat me! I do not want to live. I just want to die! That is the only way. Oh no! And she began sobbing again.

Bart’s long strides had brought them into the yard. His mother, having heard them coming, stood at the open door.

Bart, what is it? Who do you have there?

He carried the girl into the kitchen and laid her on the old daybed that stood on the far side of the kitchen, where he often took a short nap at noon. He told her what he had come upon.

I don’t know her name, but I think it’s another case of the evil work of the lumberman’s son. She is serious about doing away with herself. We must watch her carefully. See if you can learn her story and maybe we can help her.

He spoke in Dutch, their native language, but the girl was much too distressed to have heard them. Mim took a chair and sat beside the bed. She took the girl’s small hand in hers and began talking to her in a quiet voice.

Mim was struck by the beauty of the small face, even with the red, puffy eyes from all the crying.

Tell me, my dear, what is your name?

L-L-Lacey Strickman.

Mim recognized the family name. Poor folks because of the father’s drunkenness. The mother had died last year. How old are you?

I’ll be nineteen on my next birthday.

Mim was surprised. She would have guessed about fourteen. Lacey, whatever it is that you are upset about, you may be sure that I will do all that is in my power to help you. I understand you do not want to go back to your father’s place. You have a place here for as long as needed. My name is Mim van Dries, and my son’s name is Bart. Please believe me, we will care for you. Can you tell me what the problem is? I’m sure it has something to do with being at the lumberman’s house, since you were on his property when Bart found you.

Lacey wiped her eyes with the handkerchief Mim had given her and sat up. Yes, it does. I was sent there to work off a debt of my pa’s for some lumber he bought from the lumberman. He was going to add a room on our house, so I would not have to sleep on the couch any more. But that didn’t get done. Her voice became hard with bitterness. That lumber is still on a pile, rotting away. But the bill had to be paid, so I was sent to work it off. As soon as I got there, I met the man’s son. I did not like the way he looked at me, and I always tried to stay out of any room that he was in. The woman who did all the cooking warned me about him. I never cleaned upstairs unless the Missus was up there, too. But one day in February, the family had to go to a funeral. The other maid was not working because they would be gone all day. I watched them all get into the carriage and leave. I took my cleaning things and went upstairs, thinking I could clean all the rooms without running into him. I was working in his mother’s room when I heard him behind me. He grabbed me and carried me into his room. He locked the door and took off his clothes. He said he told the family to let him out because he did not feel good and wanted to stay home. I ran to the window, planning to jump out, but it was nailed shut. He laughed— Lacey put her hands over her ears and shuddered. I can still hear that evil laugh. I screamed, but there was no one to help. The cook is so deaf she would never hear. She was still for a few minutes, then heaving a deep sigh, she continued, He tore my clothes off from me and had his way with me. Over and over until I passed out. I woke up late that evening on my bed, my clothes dumped on top of me. I stayed in bed for two days, just hoping I could die. But then the Missus said if I couldn’t work I better go home, and they would get someone else. I knew I could not go home. My pa would beat me. I almost considered that, thinking I could die that way. Bitterness dripped from her voice.

Mim’s heart was torn with sorrow for the girl. Lacey took a deep breath and continued, Soon after, I realized I was going to have a baby. She looked at Mim in despair. I cannot bring a child into this world without a father. It is not fair to the child, and I know the names people will use behind my back. I’ve had enough of that because of Pa’s drinking. I know what that’s like. And how can I support myself and a baby? So you see, the best way is for me to end my life and that of the baby. That is the best for both of us. So please let me go!

She fell back on the bed and cried, quiet sobbing that went deep into Mim’s heart. She wanted to take the girl in her arms and comfort her. She went and got a wet cloth and carefully wiped the girl’s face. "I know, right now, that seems like the only thing for you, but there will be something better. I know God will provide a way for you.

At this, Lacey became very agitated. No! You got that wrong! If God loved me, He would never have let this happen to me. My mama used to take me to church before Pa started drinking, so I know all about God. He doesn’t care about me.

My dear girl, some time we will talk about this, and you will see that He feels very bad about what has happened. And He will make a way out for you, just wait and see. Mim offered up a silent prayer, Dear Lord, help me to know what to say to her. Help me to help her. She continued to sit quietly by the bed, holding her hand.

I have cried so many tears I’m surprised there are any left. I just don’t know what to do, other than do away with myself. That’s the only thing I can think to do.

Just don’t think about it for now. Something will work out, I know.

Lacey lay back against the pillow and closed her eyes. Mim continued to hold her hand, determined to convince the girl she must not carry out her plan. Slowly, Lacey fell asleep.

Bart had left the house and headed back to his wheelbarrow. When he got to the edge of his land, he took the axe and went over to the chair and chopped it and the rope into small pieces, venting his anger. There, let them come and ask me about that! He then proceeded to chop a load of kindling for the stove and went back to the house. His big pocket watch told him it was just about noon and time for dinner. He entered as quietly as he could, stepping over the creaking board in the doorway. Mim stood and came over to him. Speaking quietly in Dutch, she told him the girl’s name, and that it was as he had suspected.

But we are going to have to keep a close watch on her because she is determined to do away with herself. You go sit by the bed while I finish getting dinner ready.

While she was preparing the meal, Lacey woke. She lay silently, looking intently at Bart. She saw a big man, by no means considered handsome. He had a high forehead and deep-set blue eyes, behind a pair of thick glasses. He had a prominent jaw with a thin face. But his eyes were gentle as he smiled at her. Lacey felt his strength, as she recalled how he had carried her. She almost returned his smile. Mim came over and said, Come now, we can eat.

Lacey did not move. I don’t want anything. I’m not hungry.

Mim took her hand and said, But you must eat. I have had a beef roast in the oven with potatoes, and we have vegetables and applesauce. Come and join us, please.

Lacey got up and went to the table. She stared intently at Bart while he bowed his head and prayed. She was surprised to hear him thank God for bringing her to them. When he had finished, she asked, Why are you thankful that I am here? I can’t do anything to pay my way. I will just be a burden to you if I stay. You should just have left me where I was.

No, you will not be a burden. We will wait and see what God has planned for you. Mim and I have done that ever since my dad died, and they had done that all their married life before he died. She can tell you about that this afternoon He passed the bowls of food to her and Mim, and then filled his plate. Lacey found herself enjoying the tasty food in spite of saying she was not hungry. Bart and Mim discussed the plans Bart had for the afternoon, and soon the meal was finished.

Bart left the house and Mim started clearing the table. She prepared the dishwater and Lacey said, I can help you with the dishes. Dinner was delicious.

Thank you. I would appreciate your help. I will wipe them and put them away, and we will be done soon. Then, would you like to help me make a pie? I have some and milk that must be used before it spoils. Custard pie is Bart’s favorite.

I don’t know how much help I can be, as I have never made a pie in my life. There never was anything left to make a pie out of at our house, and at the lumberman’s house, cook did all the cooking and baking.

Well, then, this is a good time to learn. Mim quickly got the necessary supplies and proceeded to show Lacey how it was done. When the pie was left to cool on the table, Lacey moved to the daybed. She sat down and looked at Mim expectantly. Bart said you would tell me about your life and about your husband. What was his name? Did you always live here?

Mim was thankful for a way to take Lacey’s thoughts from her problem for a time. Sitting down in the large rocker she said, "My husband died when Bart was eight years old. His name was John van Dries. We lived in a town about forty miles south of here. He came from the Netherlands, to work at a nearby dairy farm. The owner’s son had become very ill and could not work. John was hired to help. We met at church at the young people’s meetings. He could speak only a bit of English, and I could speak Dutch quite well, so I helped him to understand what was going on. Then the dairy farmer hired me to come once a week and teach him English. And that is how we became good friends. He was very kind and also very handsome, and I soon realized I was in love with him. After some time, he said he loved me and wanted us to marry. We had no money, so we would have to wait until he could earn enough to support us. I agreed because I knew how hard it would be to start without a place of our own. He often walked me home after church in the warmer months, and one time, my brother happened to see him kiss me goodnight as he was leaving. He went to my father and made up a story about us. Of course, my father believed him. He always believed whatever my brother said. As a child, I was punished many, many times for things that my brother had done, so I was not surprised when he did not believe me. I thought he would just order me to leave, but he called John to come and see him and ordered him to marry me at once. We both denied doing anything wrong, but my father was a hardheaded man. So we made plans to go to the justice of the peace and get married, not knowing what else to do. But my mother intervened. She demanded that we get married by the minister at our house. My father was outraged, but for once, he gave in to her. When we left, she handed me an envelope with some money in it. She said it would help us buy a place of our own. John had heard of a small farm some miles north for sale, so we got on the train and headed north. When I opened the envelope, I was astounded! There was enough cash to pay for a modest-size farm! I never did find out where she got that much money, but for us, it was an answer to our prayers. And believe me, we prayed many prayers on that train. We did some investigating and found this place. It was quite run down and needed a lot of work, but the soil was good, rich soil, and we were young and able to do the work. So we bought it. Four years later Bart was born, and we were so happy. Then when Bart was eight years old, John became sick, and one week later, he died.

I was devastated. I loved him so, and now, it was up to me to provide for me and my son. Again and again, I prayed and asked God to help me. Then, that fall, at the county fair, I met a friend from church. She raised sheep, and then wove the wool and sold the items she made. They were going to move to Arizona for her husband’s health, and did I want to buy her sheep and her loom? She would teach us all about raising sheep and carding the wool and how she found wild flowers for dye to make the different colors. She felt Bart was old enough to help with the sheep, as they were gentle creatures and would not be as dangerous as trying to raise cattle. She made me a good offer, far below what she might have gotten from someone else. I felt it was an answer to my prayers, and it has been a profitable living for us all these years. So you see, God does care for us. We just have to wait and see what He has planned.

Lacey sat in total silence for a few seconds after Mim stopped speaking. She looked at Mim and said with a furrowed brow, You really believe this business about God helping you, don’t you?

Yes, I do. I believe it with all my heart.

Then why did God let your husband die?

I don’t have an answer for that. God doesn’t always tell us His reasons. He just tells us to trust Him. I know someday I will see my husband again because God tells us that He has prepared a place for us. That is in the book of John. So I know He has a place prepared for me also. I also know that someday, I will see my Savior face-to-face. That is a day that I look forward to. Now, would you like me to fix you a nice warm bath? I have an old nightie and robe you can wear. It will be a bit large for you, but you can put that on and be ready for supper when Bart comes. Supper will be a bit late I’m afraid, as Bart went to a neighbor to help butcher a pig.

I can eat at the table in a nightie and robe? This was a new idea to Lacey.

Yes, you can. I have done it many times after I have been out in the woods looking for wild flowers. When I would be too hot and sweaty to be comfortable, I would take a bath and put on my nightie and robe, rather than dress again. Supper and bedtime come rather close together sometimes here on the farm. Mim drew a kettle full of hot water from the reservoir on the stove and carried it to a small bathroom, just off the kitchen. She brought a nightie and robe and laid it on a chair near the bathtub.

"You can come in here. Bart built this as a separate room for bathing, so I could take a bath whenever I felt the need for one. Just cool the water as you like and put on this nightie and robe when you are through. I have supper almost ready, and we will eat when Bart comes home.

Lacey did as she was told and enjoyed the warm bath. Meanwhile, Mim could relax a bit as she figured the girl would not slip out at night without her clothes and shoes, which Mim took to the weaving room. She would return them in the morning. Thus she eased her conscience.

Bart returned soon after Lacey had finished her bath. As they ate, he told her about the butchering, and that sometime in the morning, he would return and receive a portion of the meat as payment for helping. After the dishes were washed and put away, Mim showed Lacey to her bedroom. Lacey slipped into the most comfortable bed she had ever slept in and