The Proposals - Outset: The Proposals, #1

By LK WOLLETT

Part 1 of 3 parts: Rachelle at 18 years old leaves the shelter of her Christian home to pursue her dream of leaving farm life, living in the city and marrying Douglas, a lifetime friend.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LK WOLLETT
• Release date: Sep 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215154588

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