The Edge of Despair

By Laura Bratcher Goins

"Word spread quickly, and my store shelves are emptying fast. People are

stockpiling, and I'm afraid of what they might do if they become desperate."

No one in Finley Valley expected to become abruptly isolated from the rest of the western towns along the Blue Mountain trainline, but when a freak avalanche covers a mile of track, that's exactly what happened. No telegraph service, no mail, and limited food and medical supplies threatened not only their livelihood but played on emotions and fragile feelings.

Anna, Mrs. McAfee, and the entire Monroe family return in this sequel to The Edge of Nowhere, and life has dealt them an unexpected chain of events. While David and Luke are stuck in Lazy Spring, Elisabeth and Anna are just as stuck in Finley Valley, each anxiously wondering when they can reunite. David worries that Elisabeth will deliver their first child without him while an unexpected visitor from Elisabeth's past creates unsettled feelings.

Luke is faced with an agonizing decision after his limited doctoring skills are questioned, and Anna feels trapped and discouraged when she realizes she can't get to Lazy Spring to begin renovations on the old boarding house that Professor Higgins gave her so she can start an orphanage. She secretly longs for a commitment from Luke, unaware what challenges he is facing when tragedy forces him to make decisions that might jeopardize their relationship.

Hidden documents found in an abandoned mine hold keys to Finley Valley's legacy, and the discovery distracts its residents from what could become a desperate situation. Hope, faith, and encouragement go a long way when they learn to pull together as a community.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9781638741084

Book preview

Chapter 1

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the

LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Jeremiah 17:7

Mrs. Eleanor McAfee woke with a start. Her heart pounded as she rose slowly, listening carefully because she was certain she heard a noise downstairs.

There it was again.

The older woman grabbed her bed coat that precariously hung from her bedpost, just after slipping on a pair of thick wool socks before leaving the warmth of her goose down comforter. The aged wood floor felt much colder than usual, and an icy shiver suddenly fled up her back, causing her hands to tremble more than just a little.

A quick look from her bedroom window revealed the cause of her overall achiness when she wearily retired that night. Heavy wet snowflakes like she had never witnessed before were falling and were falling fast and furiously! And before she could wonder the hour, the old grandfather clock in the downstairs hallway began to whirr. She silently counted as she cautiously headed down a dark narrow staircase which led straight to the kitchen.

One strike. Two strikes. Silence.

It’s only two o’clock in the morning, she thought as her mind tried to reason with the unnerving situation. She ran a calloused hand along the rough staircase wall, carefully maneuvering the narrow turn just before reaching the thin door that opened into a small but adequate kitchen. She cautiously pushed as she gingerly stepped onto the cold floor, waiting for her eyes to adjust before she took another step. That’s when she heard a groan. A soft, low groan.

Anna, is that you? she anxiously called, her eyes not adjusting as quickly as she wanted.

No, it’s me, Mrs. McAfee.

The voice was weak but familiar.

Elisabeth! What is it?

With an outstretched hand, Mrs. McAfee groped for the oil lamp that always rested on the small wooden table next to the counter that held an old gray washtub alongside a sturdy and very handy scrub brush. She gasped as her hand brushed against the lamp, nearly knocking it to the floor. But with a quick hand, she steadied it long enough to pull the fragile globe from its base. The oil-soaked wick lit quickly, and a soft glow began to gradually overtake the area all around her. She turned toward Elisabeth’s heavy breathing and was surprised to find her sitting only a few feet away.

Elisabeth Landry Monroe was sweating, despite the chilly room, her one hand pressed firmly against her extremely swollen abdomen while the other gripped the edge of a hard straight-backed chair. Her knuckles paled, and the petite young woman was trembling. She was sitting so close to the edge, it appeared she might slide off any moment. The older woman rushed to her side.

Oh, Elisabeth! Should I even ask?

Elisabeth didn’t try to answer as her entire body tightened with another unyielding contraction. Her eyes were pleading for relief of any kind, her light-blue gown stretched painfully taut across her front.

Mrs. McAfee gently tugged on Elisabeth’s coat sleeve while she pulled one arm free, then the other. Her red rubber boots were dripping from her snowy walk from the big house that sat just across the yard from the little house where the older woman lived.

Come, child, let’s get you to the sofa where you’ll be more comfortable. Do you think you could sip some hot tea?

Elisabeth immediately shook her head. Her long brown hair, wet from the heavy snow, fell limp across her small shoulders.

All right, then. You once told me you were in the room with your mother when two of your sisters were born. I’m trusting you remember what’s coming next?

Elisabeth nodded, and her gritted teeth prevented her from saying a word.

The older woman began to calmly hum a simple melody as she led the trembling young woman to a soft sofa. She proceeded to remove her snowy boots, only to discover she was barefoot, and her feet were ice cold. Elisabeth managed a small childlike smile, then shrugged.

That’s my girl! Chin up.

Mrs. McAfee placed a cool hand on Elisabeth’s flushed cheek and spoke comforting words through understanding eyes. And Elisabeth’s look of appreciation wasn’t missed by the woman who wore deep wrinkles about her eyes and laugh lines down her face.

I’ll build a nice fire, and this room will be warm and cozy before you know it.

Mrs. McAfee pulled a favorite quilt from a nearby chair and tucked it all around Elisabeth, paying close attention to covering her feet. But as the older woman headed back toward the kitchen, Elisabeth released a desperate cry as another contraction gripped her, appearing to be much stronger than the last. Mrs. McAfee, pushing back a few reddish gray hairs, pondered on the brave young woman only a moment.

The fire can wait, dear. I think we better head you on up to the spare bedroom.

Elisabeth’s staggered breathing was labored, her brown eyes squeezed tightly shut.

From the look of things, my dear Elisabeth, that baby is ready whether we’re ready or not!

Chapter 2

O Lord my God, thou art very great;

thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

Psalm 104:1b

Dr. David Monroe accepted the cup of lukewarm coffee handed to him. He had been awake so many hours he had to stop to remember what day it was. He tried to focus on the woman in front of him and what she was attempting to say.

Dr. Monroe—

But she couldn’t say any more. Tears overcame her, and she just couldn’t say anything, not one word. David pulled her close to comfort her.

You have to stay strong, Mrs. Whitley. Will is going to need a lot of care, and he needs to see you’re strong. Can you do that?

The woman was nodding as he released her.

I set his broken leg the best I could, but that’s a nasty wound. I’ll come back around in a day or two to see how he’s doing.

Lazy Spring’s resident doctor laid a steady hand on the woman’s trembling shoulder so she would look up. He was tall and lanky in a rugged sort of way. Some would say he was young to be as experienced as he was, but he knew that time and the constant needs of a growing community kept him busy, and being busy created experience no matter how old you were. His thirty-one-year-old face was roughened with a dark two-day stubble, and he longed for a good hot bath and a hearty meal, but those things would just have to wait.

Mrs. Whitley, you must listen and listen very, very closely.

His blue-gray eyes were searching her green ones as his firm hand tightly gripped her shoulder. She wiped her face with her apron and stopped crying as much as she could. He spoke slowly.

It’s imperative that you keep that wound clean so it won’t get infected. Use the medicine I gave you. Once in the morning and once in the evening. Change the bandages often, no matter how much he protests. I left plenty of fresh ones on the table by the window.

I will, she whispered.

Good. Now his arm isn’t broken, but it’s deeply bruised and quite swollen, so that means it’ll be very sensitive to the touch. He needs to keep it in that sling, and he can’t be moving it around. He needs complete bedrest until I return.

Nothing about her gave away how much, if any, she was processing.

Do you understand?

I understand.

Her voice seemed more controlled, so David was finally satisfied that she clearly understood.

I know it won’t be easy to keep him down, but if anyone can do it, you can.

She was smiling, but her red, swollen eyes were more noticeable than her smile. David finally pulled his gaze away and instead focused on the two small children asleep on the floor only a few feet away. The mattress they shared looked clean but lumpy and uncomfortable.

You must think of your children now and their needs. The sooner Will recovers, the sooner he can get back to work so he can care for all of you. But he’s dependent on you right now.

The young mother took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. She found her voice.

My sister and her husband said they can help us get by till Will is able.

And I know they will. You were there for them when they needed comforting. Of anyone, they would understand your anxiety and fears.

David rubbed his eyes and tried to suppress a yawn.

Like I said, I’ll be back tomorrow or the next day at the latest. Right now, I have other pressing matters demanding my attention as well.

Amanda Whitley’s body was still as she listened, but her mind wasn’t. David was pushing his fingers through his dark hair as he continued.

Elisabeth is due to have our baby in just about a month, and frankly, Mrs. Whitley, I’m not nearly as ready as I should be.

Amanda produced a sweet smile.

Well, you tell her we are thinkin’ on her and, please call me Amanda like she does. Callin’ me Mrs. Whitley makes me feel old-like.

David chuckled.

Of course. And thank you for the cornbread and honey. I appreciate it more than you know because Elisabeth is up in Finley Valley, visiting my brother and his wife right now. So I’m afraid I’m at the mercy of my own cooking for the time being.

The young wife and mother produced a weak smile, and he could tell she was distracted and eager to say something else.

He’ll be determined to pay ya when he comes ’round. When he sells the timber.

David reached for her small calloused hand.

Please, don’t worry about that right now. When Will is ready, I’m sure he’ll find a way.

David gathered his things and headed to the barn to ready his horse for the ride home. The heavy packed snow was knee-deep in spots, and walking proved to be difficult, but he had ventured out in worse weather plenty of times before. He was just pleased the snow had finally stopped so he could be on his way. The sky was such a brilliant blue it was hard to believe they had endured an ugly snowstorm that left the mountains covered.

His mind was on Elisabeth. He would rather be heading home, knowing she was waiting for him with a hot meal and warm embraces, but he didn’t regret sending her to Finley Valley instead of allowing her to stay in Lazy Spring all alone. He estimated she should have their baby in about a month, but she was already so large and awkward he didn’t want to take any chance of her falling again, especially while he was away on his rounds in the more remote areas around and above Lazy Spring. He decided to finish all the loose ends he could, then he would head to Finley Valley. He missed his wife.

The ride home was a pretty one but slow-going. The Blue Mountain Range was always beautiful, snow or not. He could envision Elisabeth relaxing in the comfort of his brother’s home, admiring the rugged mountain peaks for which Finley Valley was best known. It was peaceful and remote, a place where someone could get away and easily relax. And as her doctor, as well as her husband, that’s exactly what he ordered her to do.

"Relax," he had told her because he knew when the baby came, she would discover that she was much too busy and long for some relaxing days. She finally agreed and surrendered to his insistences. He envied Elisabeth. His much older brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Martha Monroe, would be thrilled to see to her needs.

She’s probably sleeping away right now, he thought as he maneuvered his horse around a freshly fallen tree. And most likely spending time with Anna.

Anna, who had been an orphan not that long ago, came to live with Frank and Martha after a series of decisions and complicated circumstances. Elisabeth, now nineteen years old and Anna just sixteen, had become fast friends during a difficult time for both of them. David was glad Elisabeth could go for a visit before the baby came.

As he rode along, his mind began to spin as he tried to figure out exactly what he needed to accomplish to get his medical affairs in good order so he could head to Finley Valley earlier than planned. The thought of surprising Elisabeth produced a satisfying smile, just as a burst of adrenaline coursed through him. He firmly nudged his horse and urged him to head home at a safe but much faster pace. The good doctor planned to get some much-needed rest, then he would make the necessary preparations to get away sooner. He wanted to relax with Elisabeth her last few weeks before their baby arrived.

Chapter 3

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.

For he that wavereth is like a wave of the

sea driven with the wind and tossed.

James 1:6

Mac abruptly woke Anna from a sound and peaceful sleep.

Oh, Mac, Anna moaned as she reluctantly opened one eye. Her long blond hair was a mess.

Go back to sleep! What is wrong with you?

The dog suddenly began tearing at her covers and started to whine and whimper. Ignoring him the best she could, she rolled over with her face right up against the wall. But Mac persisted, and his barking was starting to hurt her ears.

All right, all right, I’ll take you out, she said as she sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Quiet down or you’ll wake Elisabeth!

Anna swung her legs over the side of her tall four-poster bed and glared at the black and white dog who was running circles on the braided rug that covered much of her spacious bedroom floor. Just across from her tall bed sat a fluffy peach-colored sofa. She was glad Elisabeth decided at the last minute not to sleep there like she had done a few times before but had wisely decided to retreat to one of the other bedrooms after struggling to get comfortable.

Good thing Frank and Martha are away, you crazy dog! They’d be putting you out in the barn in the freezing cold with all the other animals.

And it was freezing cold, she quickly realized. She was tempted to just dive back under the covers where it was warm, but it was obvious Mac had other things on his mind. He just stared at her with his tongue pulsing up and down, seemingly happy that he had now obtained her full attention. She reluctantly slipped into her bed coat and grabbed her shoes as Mac paced in front of her closed bedroom door. She drew a deep breath and sighed.

What is it, boy? Is something wrong? Do you hear something I don’t?

Anna had been living in Finley Valley with Frank and Martha ever since she arrived from the Logan’s Gap Children’s Shelter, which was located many train miles away from the mountainous town of Finley Valley. A strictly enforced rule at that shelter stated that once an orphan turned fifteen years old, they were no longer allowed to live there and were sadly forced to make it on their own. But because of a notice on a busy bulletin board at the Finley Valley Post Office, Frank and Martha Monroe graciously invited an older orphan girl to come stay with them on a temporary basis. Their hope was to make a difference in an orphan’s life before life had an opportunity to mold them in a wrong direction. But they never expected that when Anna showed up that she would be the one making an incredible difference in theirs.

Thankfully, and only after a short time, the Monroes told Anna she could stay infinitely if she wanted. Life in the Monroe home was vastly different from living at the overcrowded shelter, and Anna never forgot to thank God every day for allowing her to be in such a wonderful place. And even though it had been less than a year since she came to Finley Valley, it felt like home, like the home she always dreamed about.

So much had changed since she left the shelter, not just for her but for the entire Monroe family. And that was because Professor Applebee Q. Higgins III had entered their lives and changed them forever. Anna thought of the professor often since his death. They all had.

Mac was certainly acting strange, and now that she was fully awake, she wondered why. She pressed her nose against a frosty glass pane in one of her balcony doors and peered into the darkness. She was alarmed to see the amount of snow falling. Mac had followed her every step, starting to bark all over again.

Of all nights, Mac! There’s a mess of snow out there, and it looks a lot like the mountain blizzards Luke warned me about.

Suddenly, something caught Anna’s eye. She squinted as she stared through the blowing snow and into the distance. There seemed to be no mistake. There appeared to be a lamp burning at the little house.

Looks like Mrs. McAfee is awake too, Mac.

So Anna laid her bed coat aside and dressed warmly instead. She was pulling on her stockings when Mac suddenly jumped on her bed.

Mac! You aren’t allowed up here, and you know that! What’s going on with you, anyway?

Anna carefully watched one more time to make sure her eyes weren’t playing tricks on her, but no, there was most certainly a lamp burning at the little house.

Come on, Mac!

Anna headed down the hall toward the stairway as quietly as she could so she wouldn’t wake Elisabeth while Mac was way ahead of her, impatiently waiting by the front door. She grabbed her coat and pulled on a sturdy pair of boots that belonged to Martha. Then, as she took a deep breath, headed out into the fierce snowstorm. Inches upon inches of snow had already fallen, and walking proved to be more difficult than she imagined. But despite the difficulty, she ducked her head and headed toward the little house where Mrs. McAfee lived.

Mac! Anna called, after fearfully losing sight of him. Come, boy! Come!

Relieved, she saw him playfully jumping back and forth, heading her way. She and her snow-covered dog soon entered the little house through the front door that Frank had painted a bright red at Martha’s request many years before when they lived there as a young couple. Even though the paint had faded, to Anna’s relief, the door was easy to spot. She knew she couldn’t just leave Mac outside, so she instructed him to lay on the kitchen rug and was pleasantly surprised when he quickly obeyed. But she was puzzled when he continued to whine just as he had before.

Mrs. McAfee? Anna called out quietly as she pulled a scarf from her neck. She noticed the lit lamp but no sign of the older woman.

Mac, Anna whispered, I think Mrs. McAfee just forgot and left her lamp burning. Stop your whining and be quiet because we don’t want to wake her.

She was soon tempted by the soft sofa in the main living area and decided to head there to sleep until morning, but then she thought she heard Mrs. McAfee’s voice coming from upstairs. She listened. Yes, it was Mrs. McAfee, and it sounded like she was talking to someone. She turned and listened intently.

It’s definitely Mrs. McAfee’s voice, she thought.

She climbed the steps that led to the upstairs hallway where she timidly followed a dim light coming from the spare bedroom. Mrs. McAfee’s room looked dark, so she frowned then listened. Mrs. McAfee’s voice sounded anxious.

She was confused but glad Mac was with her, even though he had stayed downstairs. She hurried toward the spare bedroom until she stood in the doorway. There, she stood like a statue. Mrs. McAfee didn’t notice her right away but turned to look only after Elisabeth did.

Oh, Anna! Elisabeth cried.

Elisabeth’s face was flushed, and her hair was tangled and damp. Her breathing was rapid, and her fists were filled with the white sheet that covered her. Mrs. McAfee quickly rushed over and grabbed Anna’s hand.

Anna! I’m so glad you’re here. Her voice was hushed but urgent.

Anna didn’t know what to say. It was obvious Elisabeth was having her baby, but it was the last thing she expected to witness that morning.

Anna!

Anna pulled her eyes away from Elisabeth and looked on the older woman’s solemn face.

I need your help. Sit by Elisabeth, and raise her up until she can rest her head in your lap. Hold her around her shoulders firmly when I tell you.

Anna did exactly as she was told. She had never witnessed a birth, but it appeared something was wrong. Mrs. McAfee’s eyes sent a clear message as Elisabeth held her breath and suppressed her urge to yell. There was something obviously wrong, but Mrs. McAfee wasn’t ready to admit it just yet, not to Elisabeth or Anna, and most of all, to herself.

Chapter 4

…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

David was pouring over a stack of paperwork when Luke Monroe walked into his medical clinic. His tall lanky frame, much like David’s, suited him. His thick brown hair was flat from wearing a cowboy hat, and his denim pants looked worn but comfortable.

I see you still have that awful hat, David said as he rose to greet his nephew.

Don’t start making fun of my hat again because it has served me well these past few weeks. And for your information, I’ve been on horseback more than riding the train. This weather hasn’t been friendly, and the train tracks are covered in areas. I don’t have the patience to wait on snow-covered tracks to be cleared when I have a good horse to get me where I need to go in a hurry.

David poured two cups of coffee, then handed one to Luke. He gestured toward the flowered sofa that sat in the newly decorated waiting area.

Have a seat. You look worn out.

That I am! Luke said as he gladly followed. Wow, I see Elisabeth has made some much-needed improvements around here.

Luke scanned the room. Hard straight-backed chairs had been replaced by overstuffed armchairs, and the new sofa looked much more comfortable than what had sat there before. The various pictures that dotted the walls added warmth, and the colorful braided rug made the room look more like a parlor than a medical clinic. The walls displayed a fresh coat of paint, blue-gray like David and Luke’s eyes.

"Elisabeth argued that the patients should be more comfortable while they wait. I seem to have more patients than ever, and I use the word patients lightly. Elisabeth spoils everyone by offering hot beverages, lively conversation, and a comforting touch. They come to see her more than me, I think."

Sounds like a happy situation to me, Luke said as he threw an arm across the back of the sofa. I wouldn’t be complaining.

David came and sat across from him.

"Oh, I’m not complaining. It is a happy situation…a great situation!"

David sighed as he sat forward, resting his elbows on his knees. His cup sat empty. He smiled as he studied his nephew who was only five years younger, making Luke twenty-six years old and who looked more like him than his brother, Frank, who was Luke’s father.

Elisabeth has made a huge difference in my life. It’s hard to believe we’ve only been married a short time. The townspeople love her, and she still helps over at the hotel restaurant when I’m not looking.

Is that where she is now? In fact, I sure could use some breakfast instead of this overheated coffee you’re serving.

Luke sat his half-emptied cup on the long table in front of him, avoiding the white lace doily that spread across most of its surface.

No. Actually, I sent her to your parents’ place to get some rest. She was wearing me out around here because I was having to watch her like a hawk. She fell on the stairs last week trying to carry an overflowing clothes basket!

Was she hurt?

No, not hurt. Just bruised one leg a little along with her pride. She suffered most from my harsh rebuke.

Luke laughed.

And I’m sure that didn’t stop her, right?

Exactly right! So I sent her there for her own protection and my sanity. I’m franticly trying to finish some affairs so I can head on up there as soon as possible. I’m guessing she only has three or four more weeks before the baby comes.

What’s so pressing that you can’t leave now? Luke asked as he propped his feet on the table. Can’t Sam fill in for you?

Oh, Sam’s been a great help! But between barbering and helping me here and there, he stays busy. Will Whitley fell a tree on his leg a couple of days ago. He’s in bad shape, and I hate to leave until I’ve had a chance to check back with him and Amanda. She was pretty upset when I left there yesterday. And frankly, I’m not sure she can handle him and everything that’ll need to be done. She has her hands full with their children as well.

Luke sat up, dropping his feet to the floor.

Will Whitley fell a tree on himself? That surprises me.

I don’t know the details, just that it’s fortunate I was making my rounds up that way. I found him in bed with a terrible break to one leg along with an open wound that needed immediate attention. His right arm is pretty bruised up as well. His brother-in-law was with him when it happened, and he managed to stop the bleeding. I seriously doubt Will would’ve survived if he’d been alone. I happened on all the commotion only hours after it happened.

Sorry to hear. Timbering is what has always gotten them through until spring planting.

So you see why I can’t leave right now. I had hoped I could, but it’s impossible. I’d never forgive myself if he lost that leg from infection just because I wasn’t here to prevent it. I’m just not sure Amanda is up to the job. Will can be difficult, even when he’s healthy.

Luke was quiet a moment.

I have an idea, he finally said. Let me check on Will and his family for you. I don’t have anything pressing right now. I was heading up to Finley Valley to see everyone, but that can wait.

I don’t know, Luke.

David rubbed the stubble on his chin.

I’ve had my doctor’s training back east and all the hours working with you, Luke was saying. I know how to treat breaks and wounds. Remember the Russell boy? You let me set his bone after that buggy accident.

But this is different. It’s much, much worse.

How difficult can it be? I’ll grab some breakfast, then head over to Sam’s so I can get a haircut and a hot bath. I’ll pack some clothes and stay over at the Whitleys’ if need be, then you can go check on Elisabeth. I can handle Will Whitley.

David studied Luke’s face. He saw a determined young man with a set jaw.

Are you sure?

Absolutely! Luke said as he stood. Come on, I’ll treat you to breakfast, then we can talk over all the gory details. Then I’ll fill you in on what’s going on with the latest business deals I’ve made and the progress at Professor Higgins’ old homestead.

David nodded.

It would be good to see Elisabeth. She’s only been gone a few days, but it feels like weeks.

Go! She’s probably rested up and ready to come home by now.

David chuckled.

You’re probably right.

It’s settled then. Let’s go get that breakfast, and when I get back from Sam’s, I’ll help you with any pressing details you have left to do around here. Then we can both head out first thing in the morning—me to the Whitleys’, and you to Finley Valley.

Chapter 5

Fear thou not; for I am with thee:

be not dismayed; for I am thy God.

Isaiah 41:10a

"Elisabeth, dear, please try to focus on me and nothing else. Don’t take your eyes off mine."

Mrs. McAfee looked straight into Elisabeth’s wild eyes. Anna still had Elisabeth’s head cradled in her lap, her gaze looking first toward Mrs. McAfee then Elisabeth.

Suddenly, to Anna and Elisabeth’s surprise, Mrs. McAfee spoke boldly and confidently as she raised her face toward the ceiling. Her eyes were wide open.

Dear heavenly Father, we praise Your name above the heavens! We rejoice in Your blessings and grace. There is joy in knowing You care for our every need. And we need You now.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, her head still tilted toward