The Yoke

By Sarah Hale

Lachlan Kennedy removed his coat and settled into his seat. The train west would soon be leaving. He closed his eyes in silent prayer, dwelling on his favorite verse: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your soul. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." He found the words to be true. The best decision of his life was to slip under the yoke of salvation. His burdens had been many, but God always provided rest. Life had dealt him yet another blow. He had plowed through, weathering the storm, and now he was seeking that promised rest in the home of his longtime friend in the Dakota Territory. Sitting just five seats away was Lachlan's next battle. The three unsuspecting Westgate girls were headed to the same place. They too were seeking rest and a new beginning. Jamie Westgate was finally able to break away from a past dominated by men. The teaching job out west was her ticket to freedom, and she was dragging her late husband's cousin Cathleen and her daughter Amelia with her. When a sudden confrontation on the train takes Lachlan by surprise, his response leaves the trio in a whirlwind of emotion. One detested him, one admired him, and one loved him with all her heart. Can the four reside in the same place and find the rest they need?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 8, 2018
• ISBN: 9781642996494

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The Yoke

Sarah Hale

ISBN 978-1-64299-648-7 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64299-649-4 (Digital)

Copyright © 2018 by Sarah Hale

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.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

This is a work of fiction. Names and characters are derived from the author’s imagination. All real-life places and locales mentioned in the story are used fictionally.

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

To those who have come to understand that life isn’t fair, it is just life. With this realization comes the deep understanding that when you are yoked with the Master, life becomes a beautiful string of meaningful relationships no matter what trials you face.

Amy Fox, I dedicate this book to you.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:29–30

A special thank-you to all those who have helped and supported me. As always, do not neglect the daily reading of God’s Word.

Chapter 1

Chicago, 1883

Westgate, get in here!

Jamie Westgate headed to her boss’s office, hat and coat in hand. She had put in a ten-hour day and was longing to be home.

Yes, sir.

The man looked at her over his spectacles, which was always perched on the tip of his nose.

Could you proof one more page of advertisements before you head out? Puffs of smoke from the cigarette dangling from his lip accentuated the request. He didn’t wait for an answer but tossed the paper across the desk. Jamie retrieved it and headed to her workstation.

The sample newsprint was still wet. She blotted the parchment. She read the work meticulously, concentrating on finding any grammatical errors. This would be the third time the page had been proofread. She doubted she would find any more mistakes. What caught her eye was a new small advertisement in the left-hand corner.

Schoolteacher Wanted

Small home for boys in need of a teacher

for children 6 to 18 years old

Send inquiries to

Thad Sheridan

Rudolph, Dakota Territory

She found no error in the document. She indicated as such by putting her thumb up in the air to her waiting editor. He nodded, causing smoke to fill his small office. She folded the paper, stuck it in her pocket, and left. She had been waiting for something like this to materialize.

As she exited the Chicago Daily News, she was met by the cold winds so common to a Chicago spring. She was also met by her brother-in-law, who brought his own chilling wind.

It has been nearly two years since my brother passed away. When are you going to stop wearing that dreadful black attire? Typical Chandler Westgate comment. He could be rather rude.

I am still in mourning, Chandler. I will wear black as long as I need to. She continued north toward her apartment building. He fell into step beside her.

You know you don’t have to work like this, putting yourself in danger night after night, walking Downtown Chicago alone.

But I don’t walk home alone. You are always here to see that I don’t, she commented with a bit of frustration. She didn’t need her brother-in-law to walk her home. She was perfectly capable.

All this could be alleviated if you would just do the right thing and marry me. He said this as if he was stating the condition of the weather. And he might as well be; the subject held the same amount of interest for her.

"But I don’t love you." She stopped and looked him in the eye.

You didn’t love my brother either, but you married him.

He took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. She supposed he was right. She didn’t love Fletcher Westgate in the beginning. She didn’t love him at the end, not the marrying kind of love. They were friends, more than anything; and in that respect, she loved him dearly.

College of Charleston

Lachlan Kennedy knocked on the door to Professor Elliott’s office and then stood patiently waiting to be summoned in.

Lach, come in, my boy.

Lachlan Kennedy filled the doorway. He was a tall man, and broad through the shoulders. You would never guess he was a math and history instructor at the College of Charleston. He carried a perpetual lazy smile. His gift was making everyone he met feel special, in addition to being a good teacher. Teaching came naturally to him. He embraced the challenges, which made what Professor Elliott was about to do truly hard.

You wanted to see me, sir?

Yes, have a seat.

The look on the professor’s face clued Lach in; this was not going to be a good meeting.

Whatever it is, Professor, please just say it outright.

The older man sighed while removing his glasses. He folded his hands on his desk. I hate to do this.

Uh-oh! Lach knew what that meant. He was on his way out of a job. He kept his eyes leveled on his longtime mentor.

The board has decided to implement a new standard. The older gentleman paused as if he had to force the words out. All educators must be married, no single instructors.

Lach’s face showed utter surprise. After ten years, I am being fired because I am single?

Our new board president made the motion. It was accepted unanimously. Lach started to speak, but Professor Elliott put his hand up to stop him. Do you have a student by the name of Elizabeth Lewis?

Yes, she is in both my classes. She is not doing very well in her math class. What does she have to do with me losing my job?

Her father, the board president, found this in his daughter’s math book.

The professor slid a piece of paper across the desk. Lach surveyed the paper. Doodled all across, written in Elizabeth Lewis’s script, were the words Mrs. Elizabeth Kennedy, Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy, and Lach and Elizabeth Kennedy.

Lach’s familiar laugh bubbled from his chest. Certainly, Mr. Lewis does not believe there is any merit to this? I have always had female students. Schoolgirl notions have been present every year.

The professor produced three more pieces of paper, all with the same sentiment penned by different female students. These students all have some relative on the board. The professor put his glasses back on. Your employment is good until the spring break. I’m sorry, Lach. I will be happy to write letters of recommendation for you. Perhaps an all-boys school might be better suited for you.

Lach couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Just like that, in two weeks, he would be out of a job.

The board will give you the rest of the year’s pay.

Soothing their conscience, are they? What about Miss Taylor, did they let her go also?

No, she is pushing sixty. She can’t find another job at her age.

Lachlan Kennedy stood. He put out his hand to shake his friend’s. Just like that, it was over. He was numb. His mind kept asking, What just happened? He headed out the door. He had a lot of praying to do.

He walked along the walls of the institution where he had spent many fond years helping young adults open up their minds to the possibilities God had placed before them. He would miss teaching.

Wait, what was he thinking? He was talking to himself as if he would never teach again. He could find another job. Something hit him full-force. What did Professor Elliot say? Perhaps a boys’ school would be better suited for him. A boys’ school in the Dakota Territory? Yes, perhaps.

*****

Chandler Westgate followed Jamie through the apartment door as if he lived there. The tall, lanky man plopped down in the first chair he came to, draping his leg over the arm.

I’m your ticket out of this apartment, Jamie. I can give you a real home. You wouldn’t have to work. I don’t understand why you refuse me. This is what Fletcher wanted. His voice carried a commanding tone—the kind of tone Jamie couldn’t abide. It put her on edge.

Whatever conversation you and Fletcher had was between the two of you. He never once mentioned to me his wishes for me after he was gone. He only wanted Amelia and me to be happy.

Amelia.

Chandler never talked much about his niece. He never mentioned her except once, and that was to suggest that Jamie institutionalize the child. How could she marry a man who would not accept her daughter? The object of her thoughts was brought through the door.

Momma! The four-year-old leaned out of her cousin Cathleen’s arms toward her mother. Jamie reached for the small girl, snuggling her close. She took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of rosewater. Amelia had just finished her nightly bath and exercises. The braces she wore on both legs came off at night, and her legs had to be massaged and manipulated in hopes it would strengthen the muscles. Then she went into a warm bath.

How is my snuggle bug?

Jamie held the child back to look into the slightly cross-eyed girl’s face. Her thick glasses made her eyes look much larger than they truly were. Her wheat-colored hair hung in damp loose ringlets. The little girl reached up and patted her mother, a big smile on her face.

Can you wave to Uncle Chandler? She placed the child on her hip, turning toward Chandler. The man had the good grace to wave to the little girl. Amelia just smiled as her mother took her little hand and waved it in return.

She had a perfect day, Jamie. We did her exercises three times, Cathleen reported.

Cathleen Westgate was Fletcher and Chandler’s cousin. She and Jamie became close friends when Jamie married into the Westgate family. After Fletcher’s death, Jamie needed someone to help her take care of Amelia. Cathleen was more than willing to move in, taking on some of the burdens.

That is wonderful, love. She stroked the girl’s soft hair. Amelia nestled against her mother.

Chandler, are you staying for supper?

No, I’m headed home. He rose and sauntered toward the door. I am not giving up, Jamie, he said as he grabbed his hat and coat. It’s just a matter of time. You were meant to be mine in the first place. He suavely put the hat on his head and gave her a sly smile.

Who wouldn’t want to marry Chandler Westgate? He was a looker but, unfortunately, a player. He courted several women over the years, but his heart always drove him back to Jamie. He had loved her at first sight.

Six years ago, Jamie Hammond’s father decided she should marry one of the Westgate boys. He had discussed the idea with Neal Westgate, Fletcher and Chandler’s father. He agreed that Jamie would make a good wife for either of his sons. Chandler and Fletcher both consented to the arrangement. Jamie, however, went a little less willingly into her father’s agreement.

She was allotted the privilege of choosing between the two. Her thoughts traveled back to the days of making the fateful decision. Chandler was the oldest, handsome and full of life. He loved to be the center of attention. He enjoyed playing games. The time she spent with him was always fun, but meaningless. His antics grew old very fast. Fletcher, on the other hand, was quiet and sedate. He loved books and music. Fletcher played the piano without flaw. He was handsome in his own way, but you never noticed him because of Chandler.

Chandler pursued Jamie relentlessly, which pushed her into the choice of Fletcher. She was fond of both men but did not have a deep, resounding romantic love for either. Her decision caused a slight rift between the brothers, but in time, everyone accepted their place in the family.

You know you will end up marrying him, Cathleen spoke as she helped put supper on the table. And I will be forced to marry Stuart.

Maybe not? Jamie pulled the ad she proofed from her pocket. I have an idea.

Charleston

Lach stood in the church cemetery. The Kennedy name was carved on three headstones: his father, his mother, and his sister Lorelei had all succumbed to death. His family lay there in peace. Their souls were resting in paradise. He was leaving Charleston, maybe forever. He wanted to say his good-byes.

He had spent a lot of time in prayer and felt that the Lord was leading him to his old friend Thad Sheridan. Thad and his wife, Merry, had opened a boys’ home in the Dakota Territory. Over the last couple of years, he had assisted in getting the project off the ground.

The home provided a safe, loving environment for children who otherwise may be stuck in asylums, or worse. Lachlan had been able to help some of the boys transfer from Charleston to Dakota early last year. He enjoyed escorting the boys to the halfway point, where Thad picked them up.

Lach knew that at Thad’s, he could work and wait for the Lord to direct his path. He put his family home on the market. In less than two weeks, it sold. He felt the Lord was briskly working in his life to get him where he needed to be. He just had to trust and obey.

*****

Cathleen read the ad, her eyes as big as saucers. What are you thinking? Her gaze followed her cousin whisking around the small kitchen with Amelia on her hip.

I am thinking of taking the first train. You, Amelia, and I are heading west.

You cannot be serious. We can’t afford it. How do you know this Sheridan person will give you the job? You have your teaching certificate but have never taught. Have you thought of that? You would be the last choice. Cathleen outlined her concerns rather convincingly.

"I am very serious. I haven’t got all the details worked out, but that will come when I put more thought into it. If we get to this Rudolph place first, I know I can persuade Sheridan to give me the job."

What about Amelia? How do you think she would fare on such a long journey? Doctors will be scarce—at least the kind you may need. Have you thought of her? Cathleen knew how to push Jamie’s buttons.

I am thinking of her and you. I want Amelia to grow up without others staring at her. I want her to have a life where people aren’t cruel. The emotion was raw in her voice. I want you to have the chance to marry for love.

But are you thinking of you? It will be harder than you think.

Jamie sat across from her cousin. I have got to get out of here, Cathleen. I have saved every penny for the right opportunity. Tonight it presented itself. She tapped her finger on the ad. I will not pass this up. I would love for you to go with me, but I will understand if you can’t.

Cathleen sighed. She too wanted out of Chicago.

*****

The Chicago rain pelted Lach’s face. The lake effect made the spring shower feel much colder than those in Charleston. He pulled the collar of his coat up and opened up his umbrella. The train station was very crowded for such a miserable day.

As he pushed toward the train, he noticed a woman with a child getting drenched by the steady downfall. Her facial expression indicated a state of panic. He made his way over, standing in front of the woman to block the rain from the little girl’s face. He held the umbrella over the woman’s head.

The woman turned her green eyes up in his direction. Her face, streaked with water, was the color of cream. A splash of freckles graced her cheeks. He couldn’t tell if the fluid laced in her long eyelashes were effects of the rain or tears.

Ma’am, is there something I can help you with?

Oh, no, my friend will be back shortly. She is trying to find someone to load our trunk. She inadvertently took both our umbrellas with her. She shrugged her shoulders. A small smile enhanced her appeal. Her right hand encircled the child, drawing her close.

Which train are you taking?

That one. She pointed her gloved hand to the one headed west.

Lachlan placed his umbrella in her hand. Then he lifted the trunk, slung it over his shoulder, and headed toward the westbound train. He helped the porter load the baggage; this was done with minimal effort on his part. When he returned, a second woman had appeared. She was very animated as she spoke to her friend.

Can you believe I can’t find one person to help load the trunk. She stopped when she noticed the trunk was nowhere in sight.

Cathleen, where is the trunk? She looked at the girl as if she had just let someone take off with it, which in all reality was what had happened.

I loaded it, ma’am, Lach supplied the answer to the question of the missing trunk.

The short brunette turned to face him. And who gave you the liberty to do that? I suppose you want to be paid now for a service to which you were not retained.

Jamie! It was very kind of him to help. Cathleen was astonished at her cousin’s behavior.

I know how these people work. They load your belongings and then exact an exuberant price. She looked Lach up and down as if he was a street thief. I won’t give you a nickel.

I wasn’t asking for anything, ma’am. He tipped his hat to the ladies, winked at the little girl, and then turned and boarded the train.

A Southerner, Jamie said as if it was a topic not to be discussed I should have known.

You have royally embarrassed yourself, Jamie. Do you realize what a great favor the man did for us? Did you forget you left Amelia and me without an umbrella in this cold, pouring rain? She pointed up to the man’s umbrella still shielding them from the onslaught. You said yourself you couldn’t find anyone to load the trunk. He did it without being asked. Really, Jamie, your need to be in control is going to be your downfall. The redhead was infuriated.

Be careful, Cathleen, not to let good looks and a deep voice cloud your thinking. You can’t go around trusting everyone. Jamie picked up her valise, and then lifted Amelia and followed Cathleen to the train.

Once on the train, Lach removed his outer coat and his suit coat. He was soaked. He took his seat. He wanted to get settled in for the long ride.

He had ended up in Chicago at the request of Professor Elliot, who was confident he could procure employment for Lachlan at a boys’ school in the area. Lach’s heart was not in Chicago, but he did not want to miss any open door the Lord may have for him, so he interviewed for the position. Thank the Lord he did not get the job. He felt the freedom to head west.

Jamie removed Amelia’s hat and coat and draped them over the seat in front of her to dry. When she turned, she noticed Cathleen heading directly to the Southerner who had assisted them, the loaned umbrella in her hand.

When Cathleen approached, the gentleman rose.

Thank you, sir, for what you did. I appreciate it.

It was my pleasure, ma’am.

I doubt that. She smiled as she handed him the umbrella. I would like to apologize for Jamie’s behavior. It was reprehensible.

Everyone has a bad day now and again.

No, that’s pretty much Jamie’s everyday way, the girl said, more to herself than to him.

Jamie watched the two converse. The man was smiling as his eyes took in the beauty of Cathleen’s face. What kind of yarn was he spinning? Cathleen could be too gullible. She wished they would end the conversation soon.

Suddenly there was a burst of laughter from the couple that made