The Proposals

By LK WOLLETT

At 18 years old, Rachelle left her beloved born-again parents and her small town, Collier's Place, to work in the city for Douglas, a lifetime friend.  Join Rachelle on her journey from innocence to reality and meet others who enter and leave her life.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: LK WOLLETT
• Release date: Apr 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223383604

Book preview

Chapter 1

John Alden, seminar[1] educated, left the city a few years after the birth of his only child, Rachelle, born in 1825, to take over this family farm willed to him by an uncle he didn’t know.  Though he had never farmed, John felt obliged to visit the property at least and then decided to stay, thinking he would eventually pastor a church in the small community.  Jennifer, whose maiden name was Richards, from debutant society, met John at charity events and found him irresistible, even though he made no effort to be so.  Rachelle, about to turn 17, grew up in an atmosphere of love and security, learning from her mother to add, subtract, read, write, sew, cook, and clean. From an early age, Rachelle's life included assisting her father in whatever he requested, such as fetching tools and water, holding boards, pounding nails, feeding livestock, shoveling manure, weeding the garden, and picking its produce.  She determined early that she didn’t like the boredom, filth, stench, and bugs associated with these tasks.  However, her love for her parents made her endure whatever task they wanted her to do.  Thankfully they weren’t oblivious to her preferences, and they gave her time to ride her horse, the only time she felt freedom.

Bible reading, prayer, and church were also a priority in this house.  John and Jennifer referred to themselves as born-again followers of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  Every night after the dishes were done, they gathered in the sitting room where John read and explained scripture.  Rachelle listened politely, not absorbing what he said.  The heat of the fireplace relaxed the muscles she had taxed all day with chores and its glow relaxed her mind.  She was comfortable with her parents who earned her trust with their patient, kind guidance as she bungled her way from child to teen.  At the same time, a portrait of the three of them when she was a toddler in fine city clothes took her away from them as she fantasized about the life in the city her parents would have been experiencing then.

This night, John reviewed the story of Rachael and Jacob from the Bible[2].  Rachael was described as having a beautiful figure and a lovely face and John realized that his daughter had grown into the same description.  In the Bible report, Jacob loved Rachael at first sight and asked her father, Laban, if they could marry.  Laban made Jacob work for Rachael for seven years then, on the wedding night, Laban put the older daughter, Leah, in the wedding tent.  Jacob was enraged of course but Laban said Jacob could also marry Rachael if Jacob would work for another seven years.  Jacob accepted the cruel offer just so he could have Rachael as his wife.

John closed the Bible which was Rachelle’s signal to go to her room.  Usually, no discussion of plans for the next day was necessary because it was always the same agenda but, this night, Jennifer reminded them that, tomorrow, they were going to Lawrence and Helen’s betrothal.  Rachelle rose gently from her chair and hugged both parents wishing them a good night. 

When she was gone, John said with concern, Our daughter is grown up.

Indeed, Jennifer agreed as she also rose to leave the room. 

John continued, I pray her life does not include the conflict described in the Bible among Rachael, Leah, Laban, and Jacob.

Most assuredly, Jennifer again agreed as she walked by him and touched his shoulder.  Are you coming?

In a few minutes, John assured her.

Most nights John was eager to be physically close to his wife but this night, he was feeling concerns for Rachelle that he wanted to share with God. 

She’s ready for love[3], Lord, he began, and I know it is important to protect her from the wrong kind of love.  I know young women whose lives are heavily burdened because of bad choices.  Jennifer and I are so blessed to have found each other when we did.

John remembered the night he met Jennifer.  His father demanded John’s presence at many charity events because of the pastors, deacons, and elders who would one day offer John a job.  John hated these events and consoled himself that he might find escape in the garden away from boasting and arguing.  This night, John saw a fellow student walking toward an exit and his father permitted him to break from the group. 

Jeffrey! John said as loud as he could without causing alarm.

Thankfully Jeffrey heard him and stopped.  Seeing who was calling him, Jeffrey smiled and grabbed John’s hand to shake it in greeting.

John, Me Boy, he said, pretending to be Irish.  You are just in time to meet a few lovely ladies.

Oh, no, John thought.  Should I return to my father?

John didn’t have a high opinion of his personality or his looks.  Jeffrey for example was casual, funny, and attractive and John felt dull next to him.  Making a quick decision between the two dreaded situations, John followed Jeffrey.

Jeffrey wound his way through the hundred or so people in attendance finally passing the last group to reveal four well-dressed young ladies and, as though directed by Heaven, John’s eyes fell on Jennifer.  Jeffrey started making introductions even though he didn’t know everyone’s name.  When he said John’s name to the group and mentioned they were schoolmates, Jennifer asked what school.

I’m in seminary, Miss Richards? I think? John stammered.

"You think you’re in seminary, Mr. Alden?" she giggled.

Her question made him laugh and relax at the same time.  I know I’m in seminary, Miss.  I’m not sure I caught your last name.

You were right.  It’s Richards.  Jennifer Richards, she informed him as she rose from her chair and stepped toward him.

He was now better able to see her delicate facial features and fair skin, naturally pink lips, and dimples in her cheeks.  Her dark brown hair was styled in the popular tight curls with pink ribbon that matched the lace in her long white gown.  Though her dress sleeves were puffy, some of her shoulder was enticingly visible.

Jennifer managed to engage John in conversation; he had never felt such delight talking with anyone else.  He was surprised that she smiled at and agreed with so much of what he said yet she would gently present intelligent, opposing arguments or even corrections, he was embarrassed to admit.  John’s heart sank when his father called him to leave the party.

It took several meetings over 18 months before John could watch Jennifer walk down the aisle as his bride. On their wedding night, as they presented themselves to each other, Jennifer followed his lead along with some questions, giggles, a few OH’s and some sighs.  Even though John had received advice from elders, he found his own way with her, and their marriage was consummated as God designed.  Although it was miraculous to John that their relationship became warmer and more satisfying as the years passed, their intimate relationship had a rough start.  Separate bedrooms were typical at that time in the city, which was no problem for Jennifer but it was an unwelcome barrier to John.  When they moved to the farm and the luxury of separate bedrooms was gone, it was apparent to John that Jennifer was uncomfortable when she disrobed in his presence.  Although for a while, John lingered in his chair after Bible study so that Jennifer could dress for bed, this didn’t seem right because of the many references to physical intimacy in the Bible:

..let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.[4]

Not wanting to embarrass Jennifer or pressure her, John finally asked God for guidance and assistance and God responded in his wondrous way. 

Food was scarce the first year on the farm forcing John to hunt and trap.  A small stream flowed through the woods on their property.  As John was foraging one day, he came upon an isolated pool of water fed by not only the in-ground stream but also a stream that was falling from a high overhang.  When John got home, he described the beautiful scene to Jennifer and, when time permitted, he returned there with Jennifer, Rachelle, and a picnic lunch.  Jennifer fell in love with the spot, saying it was the Pool of Siloam.[5]  Not long after, on an extremely hot day, Jennifer said she wanted to go to the pool to bathe and she wanted John to watch Rachelle.  He agreed of course and she left on her own.  In a few hours, she returned refreshed and relaxed.  A week or two later, rather than asking if she could go to the pool alone, she asked John to go with her.  They took Rachelle to a close friend’s house and spent as much time as they could enjoying each other that afternoon and they returned as often as they could.  The most wondrous even miraculous outcome for John was when the weather got cool, Jennifer started seeking special time with John.

Though these memories made him feel warm and smile, he could not shake the concern he was feeling for Rachelle.  He thanked God that Rachelle was willing to work like a farm hand which kept her busy and close by and he asked God to protect her and to lead and guide her to the man God wanted her to marry.  Saying ‘amen’ to that prayer, he rose to join his wife.

The morning came too early for Rachelle as she got out of bed, walked to the washstand, and poured water from the pitcher.  As she washed her face, the cold water trickled down her body making her shiver.  She remembered when she was a young girl, she washed in the warm kitchen as her mother prepared breakfast but now she had grown some modesty to accompany the changes that occur in the maturing female body.  She yearned for that warmth again.

Someday I will have servants, she insisted to herself, who will keep a fire burning in my room or, better yet, I’ll have a separate room where I can bathe daily if I want.

A friend of the family, Douglas Saunders, had shown her magazines and catalogs of separate bathing rooms with a bath and a sink in the house.  Douglas worked for Collier Chapman who sold goods from his home which is why the community was called ‘Collier’s Place’.  In conversations about the goods Collier sold, the phrase, I got it at Collier’s place evolved into the name of the community.  Douglas often accompanied Collier to the city to bring back feed, tools, seeds, cloth, and other supplies the settlers were unable to find, grow or create themselves. 

When Rachelle was allowed a break from chores, she rode to Collier’s to see Douglas.  She loved walks with him when he described the city buildings and homes as well as the stores and restaurants and his plan to live there someday.  Though he never mentioned her in his plan, she shared it with him in her heart.  She prayed repeatedly that God would make a way for her to escape to the city with Douglas.

Deciding she had daydreamed enough, Rachelle went to the kitchen and greeted her mother.  A fire was already heating the room and water was boiling.  Eggs and potatoes were simmering in the skillet but not for her; she didn’t have a large appetite and neither did her mother.  She wasn’t aware that this characteristic helped her have the beautiful figure her father had referred to the night before.  Rachelle poured a glass of milk that she herself had pumped from the cow and reached for a slice of bread that her mother had baked yesterday.  The jam she spread on the bread was made of berries she had picked, cooked, and canned.  After years of helping her mother, she was now able to produce a jar of jam herself.  Cooking was one chore she enjoyed and her mother was an excellent teacher.

The door to the kitchen opened and her father appeared with an armful of wood which he stacked carefully next to the stove.  He stepped out of the kitchen to the porch to remove his coat and hat then sat at the kitchen table.  The door opened again and Jed, who had already removed his coat and hat, sat next to John. 

Jed Saunders was Douglas Saunders’ younger brother but they were nothing alike.  The sleeves of his cotton shirt were rolled up exposing strong forearms that matched working hands; beaten up from what seemed like endless hard work. His shirt was tucked into his tan trousers where the knees were brown with dirt and holes from where they were snagged. He kept his red hair short and his skin clean-shaven, probably because his whiskers were sparse.  Though his face was relaxed and peaceful, his brow was too wrinkled for a 16-year-old.  He started working for John at a young age because his father was dead and Jed earned whatever he could to keep his mother and two sisters fed and cared for. 

Jennifer set plates of steaming eggs and potatoes in front of the men and poured coffee.  Rachelle passed them bread and jam.  All bowed their heads to give thanks for the meal.

Walnuts are on the ground, John offered and Rachelle knew he was talking to her.

Alright, she answered obediently, not looking up and creating the task list in her mind.

Gathering walnuts was mostly boring but it was better than most gardening chores.  The early November days with the mixture of warm sun and cool air could be quite pleasant and she liked walnuts.  She knew the location of many walnut trees so she would fill the small wagon with as many walnuts as she could find and then spread them on the flat porch roof to dry.  By Christmas time, the hard shell of the walnut would be ready to crack and remove the nut, so luscious in a fruit cake.

Mother, John said to his wife who had already started cleaning the dishes.  Jed and I are taking the milk and eggs to Collier’s then try to catch some fish.  Would you pack a lunch?

Selling milk and eggs and sometimes items Jennifer and Rachelle had made brought in a few coins or were traded for items they could not find or produce themselves. 

Happy to, Jennifer said turning to smile at both of them, exposing the dimples John loved. 

Then she picked up an uncut loaf of bread to start packing a bag for them.  She knew what lake they were traveling to and started to plan how to cook the catfish they would likely bring back and maybe she could smoke some if they caught a bunch.  She also caught Jed looking intently at Rachelle. 

Is your mother needing anything to get ready for winter, Jed? Jennifer asked.

Jed took a moment to swallow and answered, John and I already talked about taking some wood and we’ll take some fish if we can.  She and my sisters are canning today.  The garden did well this year.

Yes, thank you, Lord, Jennifer responded.  Our garden also did well.

Rachelle remembered the hours of work she poured into that garden; hours of back-breaking hoeing,  pulling weeds and sweat and bugs and dirt and boredom. 

And, thank you, Rachelle, Rachelle quipped, not smiling, and ready to leave. 

Yes, Rachelle, her mother agreed as she put her hands on Rachelle’s shoulders and bent down to kiss the top of her head.  Thank you for all you do.

The group got up from the table heading for their assignments and Jennifer reminded them, Lawrence and Helen’s betrothal is tonight.

Soap is in the bag for you boys to bathe in the lake, Jennifer instructed.  Rachelle, please head back at the noon sun so you can bathe and wash your hair.

Yes, Mother; yes, My Dear; yes, Ma’am, came responses from the group as chairs scraped the wood plank floor and they left the kitchen.

Chapter 2

As Rachelle pulled the small wagon away from the house to the first walnut tree, she heard her father yelling at the horse and she turned to wave at him but he didn’t see her.  Jed saw Rachelle wave but he knew she wasn’t waving at him.  Though an unkind word never came from her mouth nor did she ever look at him in an unkind way, she never talked to him or acknowledged his presence.  It wasn’t as though she didn’t like him; it was as though she didn’t see him.  Jed continued to watch her until she was out of sight.  She was taller than his sisters and could look him in the eye if she ever cared to.  Though her light brown hair looked soft and touchable and her figure was painfully appealing, he loved how she honored her parents like no one else he knew and her honesty that she shared with grace.  He had to admit that the emotions and attraction he felt for Rachelle was love, an unrequited love that was best not to think about. 

His thoughts were interrupted by John, What do you think of Lawrence and Helen’s marriage?

It will be fine, Jed said.  It’s always good when a man and woman decide to marry with God’s blessing.

Indeed, John agreed.  I usually feel God’s presence at betrothals.  I certainly felt his presence at my wedding.  I felt like he joined me to Jennifer just as Jesus said he would.[6]

Did you have a betrothal ceremony? Jed asked.

We didn’t.  I know about a similar ceremony, the Ketuvah, from Jewish history but I didn’t know any Christians who practiced it, John answered.

Jed explained: I was taught that it was started in this community by one of the early preachers who thought Christians should follow Jewish law, and the women especially liked that their daughters had a pledge in writing from the man.

The pledge Jed referred to was a contract or covenant in writing that was read in public and the woman, in public would accept or reject it.

Will you offer a proposal to a lucky young lady someday? John ventured.

Jed glanced at John wanting to share his deepest secret:  his love for Rachelle, but he feared it would result in a situation he wasn’t ready for.

Who would want me? Jed replied, laughing.

I’m sure God has picked out a woman for you, John responded.  His will be done?

Amen.  His will be done, Jed said smiling.

Jed and John reached the lake and set out several fishing poles hoping for a very large catch.  Jed watched the poles and put fish in buckets while John filled the wagon with wood.  When the sun was a little passed high noon, they stopped for the bread and cheese Jennifer packed for them. 

By this time, Rachelle was done spreading walnuts on the flat porch roof.  She entered the house and her mother had a steaming bath waiting for her.  The modest women had the men set up a small enclosure attached to the kitchen just for their bath.  Rachelle’s dry skin and aching muscles were so thankful for the soothing warmth and she closed her eyes, losing track of time.  Jennifer walked to the bath and saw that Rachelle was sleeping. 

Dear Lord, Jennifer whispered.  "Rachelle is such a blessing.  She works hard to be helpful and she is always so pleasant.  Please protect her, lead and guide her and bless her with the desires of her heart.  More importantly, bless her with the desires of your heart.  We haven’t made life easy for her, Lord, and she had no choice in the matter."

Seeing the effect of farm life on her daughter, Jennifer sometimes allowed herself to question their decision to live on the farm.  If they had stayed in the city, Jennifer would have had an income from her father’s substantial estate and John would have had a well-paying job in a wealthy church.  Before she left the city with John, newlywed friends were having homes built in developments east of the state house in the center of town.  Perhaps her father would have built a house for her in that prestigious area. 

Jennifer broke away from her thoughts and decided to wake Rachelle.

Rachelle, her mother whispered.

Oh, Rachelle said quietly though she was startled. She looked up at her mother.  I went to sleep.  What time is it?

It’s alright, her mother assured.  You’ve got time to wash and get dressed.  I made pot pie for supper.

The men arrived with greetings, changed into clean shirts and pants, and sat at the table to eat.  John recounted the day and happily reported the number of fish God had provided.  By dusk, as the schedule demanded, they all walked toward the church with the men holding lanterns to light the path.

In the church, an unknown melody was being played quietly on guitar as people found a place to sit.  In the dim light of the many lanterns, Rachelle surveyed the room until she found who she was looking for, Douglas, sitting with his mother and two sisters.  She was happy with the hope she might get to talk to him.

The guitar stopped playing and the pastor stepped to the pulpit.  He led the group in prayer and read the story of Rachael and Jacob.

When he closed his Bible, he said: This is a day like no other for these two young people.  Their path is their own.  Their journey will be unique.  I’ll ask Helen’s father to come to the pulpit.

The father walked to the pulpit and read the proposal. He then had Helen stand on his left and Lawrence on his right.  Helen’s eyes were fixed on Lawrence as she blushed and smiled; Lawrence’s eyes were fixed on Helen as he blushed and smiled as well.  Rachelle was entranced and envisioned herself in Helen’s place with Douglas’ eyes fixed on her.  She longed for that moment; she prayed for it.  Jed envisioned himself in Lawrence’s place with eyes fixed on Rachelle. 

The pastor offered a closing prayer with blessings on the congregation.  John, Jennifer, and Rachelle walked toward the pulpit and Jed walked to where his mother was sitting.  Then, to Rachelle’s surprise and delight, Douglas walked to where she was standing.  Her anticipation of his presence and spending time with him made her heart race.

Good evening, Rachelle, he smiled and bowed slightly. 

She loved hearing him say her name.

Good evening to you, Sir, she smiled back warmly blushing.

A nice ceremony wasn’t it? he asked making small talk.

It was very nice, she answered going along with the chit-chat.  She knew there was a reason he singled her out and she was impatient to know it.

He hesitated, I thought you should know I will be leaving Collier’s Place.

Oh? was all she could muster; not knowing if this was good news or bad. 

Is he going to ask me to go with him? she fantasized to herself.

Again, he hesitated, I’ve taken a job with a merchandise company and I’m leaving tomorrow.  Your family has been so kind to me all these years and you especially have been such a good friend.  I didn’t want to leave and have you hear it from someone else.

John and Jennifer joined them and, when Douglas repeated the news, they responded with joy and wished congratulations.  For many years, until his father died, Douglas was practically part of the family learning to read and write in the Alden home along with Jed and Rachelle.

Rachelle turned away to hide the tears pushing at her eyelids and walked to the bench.  She put on her shawl and went outside so the tears could finally escape, waiting impatiently for her parents.

Sadly, she whispered,  this is definitely a day like no other.

Her parents finally appeared and Jennifer knew at once that something was wrong.

What is it, Rachelle? she asked, laying her hand on her daughter’s shoulder.

Rachelle did not hold back her sorrow as she wrapped her arms around her mother and sobbed. 

Douglas is leaving Collier’s Place, Rachelle managed to say.

Her parents had long observed Rachelle’s crush on Douglas and his name came up often when Rachelle spoke of leaving the farm.  Jennifer held her daughter and let her cry until the tears were spent.  Then Jennifer gently stepped back to end their embrace.  On cue, John started the walk home.  He was silently praying for God’s guidance and help.

There’s no need to be so upset.  You will see him again, Jennifer assured.

I know I might see him again when he visits his mother, but he won’t be visiting me.  He called me ‘a good friend’, Rachelle wailed and put her shawl up to her eyes to catch more tears.

With a mother’s instinct, Jennifer leaned close and said softly, You wanted to go with him, didn’t you?

Rachelle nodded, having no more to say.

John and Jennifer didn’t try to use words to comfort their daughter.  They walked close to her as though they were attending a funeral, wisely knowing they could not relate to this loss.  In addition, they could not encourage her with any possibility of her leaving with him when she was older because they were aware of unseemly situations involving Douglas; they didn’t want Rachelle to go anywhere with him.  They considered his departure an answer to prayer. 

From a distance, Rachelle’s pain was observed by Jed, though he had no idea why she was weeping.  He wished, though, that he could hold her, comfort her and fix whatever was broken.  He asked God to help her and he asked for guidance.

Chapter 3

As he did most of his life, John wanted to attend service with fellow believers and they tried going to the one and only church in Collier’s Place.  However, they soon learned that the pastor, Blake, did not follow scripture.  Blake taught that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross saved every person in the world and hell did not exist.  To John, this teaching ignored the many references to hell throughout scripture. 

At the Collier’s Place church, however, they met Agnes Saunders, nearly 60 years old, and discovered that her beliefs matched theirs.  Agnes had married Arnold Saunders, who was 15 years younger.  Arnold’s first wife had died giving birth to their fourth child and Agnes agreed to marry Arnold to take care of the newborn and the three other children.  Arnold never attended church, but he did allow Agnes to take all the children.  Although Agnes did not agree with the pastor, Blake, he did read some of the Bible and he was an example of the Biblical morality she wanted the children to experience and follow.  By the grace of God, though, through her example and teaching, Jed also made Jesus the Lord of his life. 

Learning the circumstances of Agnes’ life, Jennifer at once recognized the burden Agnes was carrying and Agnes at once recognized that Jennifer was an answer to prayer.  As a result, Jennifer and Agnes became best friends and Jennifer began schooling the children in her home which gave Agnes a break and gave Rachelle some playmates.  As the children grew, Jed began helping John in return for food or whatever John had to give him.  Douglas started working for Collier Chapman and the two girls stayed home to help Agnes.

This morning, guests would be arriving for Alden-house worship, Bible teaching, and fellowship potluck so John arranged seating in the sitting room for them.  Jed, Agnes, and his two sisters, Portia and Alea, along with a few other believers, would be attending. 

Jed and his family were the first to arrive and the rest came a few minutes later.  As each guest arrived, they gave John their contribution to the meal. 

Portia was the first to speak excitedly to one of the other younger attendees, Melissa:

Douglas has gone to the city!

A collective ‘gasp’ was heard from those who didn’t know.

Portia! Agnes scolded.  This is no place for gossip.

Let’s begin with prayer, John said to get the group’s attention now that his wife and daughter had seated themselves.  Jed was looking at Rachelle trying to determine if she was still in pain but seeing her head bowed and looking lovely as always, he also bowed his head to join the prayer.

John began the teaching with, Turn to the book of Romans, chapter 1 verse 16[7].  The apostle Paul tells his audience that the good news of Jesus Christ is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.

John expounded on the importance of living for God through Jesus Christ then asked for testimonies or prayer requests.  Agnes announced that Douglas had moved to the city and she asked for God to watch over him.

John prayed, Dear Lord, all of us are subject to temptations no matter where we live but throughout history, cities have been the dwelling of evil.  We ask you to lead and guide Douglas.  We ask you to bring your Word to him through your servants.  Only you know his heart, Dear Lord, and if his name is not written in the Book of Life[8], we ask you to have mercy on him and pursue him for as long as you can.

Amen, the group agreed.

Anyone else? John asked and the group was silent.  Then let’s eat!

The women went into the kitchen and the men brought a table into the sitting room then brought their plates filled with food to their seats.  The ladies ate in the kitchen.

Jed, do you know what Douglas is going to do at the merchandise company? one of the men, Boris, asked.

He will be a buyer of the merchandise that will be sold in the store, Jed replied.

How did he get a position like that? Boris continued.

You know he has worked at Collier’s for many years doing whatever Collier wanted him to do.  They made many trips to the city and Douglas made friends with these merchants who eventually offered him the job, Jed recounted.

I’m sure he will make decent money, Boris offered.  But Collier talks about the parties he attends with drinking and women.

I’ve heard that, too, Jed nodded sadly.  We are praying for him.

Not surprisingly, the conversation in the kitchen centered on Douglas also, and, though Rachelle didn’t want to hear it, she wanted to hear it.

Douglas won’t drink and he won’t get involved with women! Rachelle stated firmly.

I’m afraid you’re mistaken, Melissa responded.  He told my brother about the parties and my brother told me.

Rachelle pressed her napkin to her lips and her cheeks flushed with distress.

Perhaps your brother misunderstood, Jennifer suggested.  Perhaps Douglas was required to attend the parties but didn’t participate.

I hope that’s true, Melissa answered, seeing Rachelle’s distress.  I truly do.

Rachelle rose from the table, took her plate to the sink then went onto the porch.  She did not want to go back into the house.  She wanted to talk to Douglas and hear him refute these horrible accusations.  She headed towards her horse.

Jed noticed that Rachelle was not with her mother and father as the group filed out the front door.

Is Rachelle alright? Jed asked John.

Jennifer heard the question and answered, She is upset that Douglas has left.

This was a puzzle to Jed and he asked, Why?

Jed’s question was a puzzle to Jennifer, Don’t you know she has a crush on him?

The alarm on Jed’s face was noticeable.  No!

She talks about him all the time.  She would spend every waking minute with him if she could, John added.

How is that possible? Jed replied.  He’s not saved.  At least I don’t think he is.  If he is saved, he is not following Jesus. 

Jed remembered conversations with Douglas about his temper, his drinking, cussing, and fornication.  He was wondering now if he should have told the Aldens.

Rachelle obviously doesn’t realize that about him, Jennifer offered.  She only knows him as a walking companion who shares her dream to live in the city.

Jed, John added with his hand on Jed’s shoulder.  We know that Douglas picked up your father’s habits and we made every effort to keep Rachelle away from Douglas.

Thank God he will be leaving! Jed exclaimed.

We agree, John said.  God answered our prayers.

Chapter 4

The warm April sun had melted all the snow and tiny patches of spring flowers peeked through the ground.  When John returned from his egg and milk run to Collier‘s, he brought a letter for Jennifer from her mother.  Though Jennifer’s parents were devastated when she and John moved to the farm, Jennifer’s mother wrote occasionally with news of the family and Jennifer’s childhood friends.  Her mother included details about the houses Jennifer’s friends had built or trips they took, including a trip on the newly established steam-powered passenger train.  Jennifer often felt her mother was enticing her to return to the city and it