Without Saying a Word

By A.G. Beltman

A young widower was asked by his niece to help a widowed friend of hers with three young sons. He sets out to help them create a goat farm to provide a living for themselves. The youngest son was born with problems, and he captures Elliot's heart.

In spite of the fact that he vowed never to marry again, he falls in love and finds his heart mended by the love of a little boy...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9781685262761

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Without Saying a Word

A.G. Beltman

ISBN 978-1-68526-275-4 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-68526-276-1 (Digital)

Copyright © 2023 A.G. Beltman

All rights reserved

First Edition

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

Covenant Books

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

1933–2022

Elliot stood and watched as the truck carrying the crated furniture left the yard. He turned and walked back into the house, picked up his luggage, and carried it to the back porch. Pastor Boardman would soon be here to take him to the ship. He would be sailing at noon. Tom Andrews, the young man who had purchased the farm, came from the barn. Elliot walked over to meet him.

Tom put out his hand. I want to thank you again, Mr. Wheeler, for selling us this farm and your herd of goats at such a reasonable price. Susan loves these goats as much as if they were her children. You may be sure we will give them the best of care.

Elliot shook Tom's hand. I know, that is why I choose to sell to you. I could only sell them to someone who would keep them together and care for them properly. I will write to you when I get to America and give you my address, but I am sure you won't need any advice because you have learned all I know about goats and about making cheese. I made a good living at it, and I am sure you will as well.

He turned as he heard a car turning into the yard. Well, here is my ride. Please say goodbye to Susan for me. I wish you both the best.

Thank you, sir. I pray you will have a safe journey. Susan and I will be waiting to hear from you.

Pastor Boardman turned the car around and stopped at the house. They each grabbed a suitcase from the porch and loaded it in the car.

As they started toward the city, the pastor said, I am glad you have decided to go to America. Your niece is the only close relative you have, and it will be good for you to get away from such unpleasant memories. It will be a new start for you. And I know Lily is looking forward to your arrival. Her last letter was full of the plans she has for you. I know she has missed you.

And I have missed her. Even though she is my niece, we are more like brother and sister. Her father was my oldest brother, so I am only five years her senior. It seemed rather strange at first to be considered her guardian, but we are family. And now she has a family of her own. It will be good to see Phillip and Rebecca again and to meet her two little ones. In her last letter, she wrote that Andre is doing very well with the store, and he has said he has a job waiting for me as soon as I get there.

Yes, we gathered as much from her letters. They continued chatting until they pulled up at the dock.

There is your ship, and there go the crates of furniture you are taking with you. I know Lily will be so pleased to have it.

I was only too glad to do it for her.

He took his bags from the car and shook the pastor's hand. Thank you so much for all you have done for me. I would not have made it without you and Mrs. Boardman helping me.

We were glad we could help. I hope, in time, you can find it in your heart to forgive your wife because you will never be happy until you do. And, as it is written in His Word, you cannot expect God to forgive you if you do not forgive others.

I know that. I just need some time to work it out.

Yes, it will take some time. We will be praying for you and for a safe journey also. Please write when you can and let us know how you are doing. He handed Elliot a paper bag. Here are some goodies the wife fixed for you. She didn't want you to get hungry on the trip.

I certainly will let you know as soon as I am settled. Thank you, and thank your wife for me. I think it is about time I got on board; the ship leaves in a few minutes.

Yes, go and God be with you.

Elliot picked up his bags and boarded the ship. He found his way to his room and set his luggage inside. Common courtesy called for him to return to the side of the ship and wave goodbye to his good friend, the pastor. He spotted him in the crowd of well-wishers standing on the dock and waved. A blast of the horn told him they were casting off. He continued watching until he saw the pastor leave. He took a stroll around the deck to become familiar with the layout of the ship then went to his room and began unpacking. He ate two cookies and an apple from the bag Mrs. Boardman had prepared for him then went out and took another walk. He established a pattern of walking after each meal and attempted to stay by himself. He soon learned which of the passengers to avoid. Some just asked too many questions. Word soon got around that he was a recent widower, and they began to leave him to himself, which suited him just fine. He had taken a couple of books along and read a good bit of each day. He was pleasantly surprised when someone announced that land was in sight.

*****

Elliot followed his fellow passengers off the ship. He set his bags down and waited until the crowd thinned. Andre had written him to look for a Bill Davidson who would have a truck and would take him and the furniture directly to their door. He spied a man walking toward him that fit the description Andre had given him. He approached Elliot and held out his hand.

Would you be Elliot Wheeler?

Elliot shook his hand and said, Yes, and you must be Bill Davidson.

‘That I am." He picked up one of Elliot's bags, and Elliot picked up the other.

I see they are just unloading some crates that might be yours. Let's park this luggage over by the crates, and I'll bring my truck over and get them loaded.

Elliot checked the crates to identify them and was pleased to see that they were in excellent condition. He smiled as he pictured Lily's reaction when she saw the dining suite again. He remembered the look on her face as she had smoothed her hand over the beautiful table the day she left for America. She was sure she would never see it again. But Andre had planned a beautiful surprise for his wife, and Elliot was pleased to have a part in it. The crates were soon loaded, and they began their journey. Elliot was impressed by the way Bill wormed his way through the crowded streets.

You seem to know this city very well.

Yes, I lived most of my life here. But it was not a good part of my life. I became a drunkard and was living on the streets. Then I met Andre when he was here for a business meeting. I had crashed on the steps going to his room. He took me into his room and started talking to me like no one ever had done before. He told me where I was headed if I continued to live as I was doing. He told me if I would promise never to touch another drop of liquor, he would take me home with him and give me a job. He made me sign that promise. I stayed in his room for two days while he attended his meetings. When we left, he bought me a complete set of clothes and gave me some money. Said it was an advance on the job. I will be forever grateful for what Andre Whitlock has done for me. I have since bought into a trucking company, and now that you are here, I can spend more time at my own company. I will always be ready to do any job he asks of me. I understand you are a relative of his wife?

Yes. I am her uncle. I was named her guardian when her father died. We are more like brother and sister because she said she would call me Elliot because I never called her niece Lily. I laughed and agreed with her. She is the only close relative I have, so I agreed to come and live here with her and her family.

After a few more hours of driving, they approached a small town.

Bill said, Here is where we will spend the night. Andre has made a reservation for us. We will have a good meal, a good night's sleep, and be on our way right after breakfast in the morning.

*****

Two more days of travel brought them to the city where Andre and Lily had settled. It was late afternoon when Bill stopped the truck in front of a very large house with a beautifully landscaped yard. There was a wide wraparound porch which seemed to say Welcome to Elliot. The men climbed the steps, and Bill rang the bell. The door flew open, and Elliot was almost bowled over as Lily threw herself into his arms.

Ooh, it is so good to see you! Andre told me only this morning that you were coming. Oh! Do come in. I have just about stared a hole through the window watching for you. Come to the kitchen, we were just about to eat. Bertie has made enough for the both of you.

Elliot hugged her and said, It is so good to be here and see you and Andre and the children.

They made their way to the kitchen and seated themselves at the table. Andre bowed his head and asked a blessing on the meal and gave thanks for the safe arrival of Elliot and Bill.

Lily said, I can hardly believe that you are finally here. It is so good to have you with us.

Lily, your welcome assured me that I made the right decision.

In a quieter voice Lily said, I am sorry about Aunt Sophie. But now, you will not be alone. Elliot has found a house for you just a few blocks from the store. She put up her hand to silence him. You are more than welcome to stay with us, but it gets pretty hectic sometimes with the children all coming and going in different directions. We felt you might like a little quiet sometime.

I'm sure I could find a room somewhere, but what you have planned is fine with me.

Lily began asking questions about his trip, all the former neighbors, and then those of the church.

As they finished eating, Andre said, Lily, my love, you and Elliot will have to finish catching up some other time. I have some men coming in a few minutes to unload the truck and get that furniture uncrated.

After the men had finished unpacking the furniture, Lily slid her hand over the table and smiled, unable to speak. Then she said, Now let me take you to the house I have prepared for you. I know you must be tired, and I am anxious to see what you think of the house. The car is in the back, so take your luggage and we will go.

As he placed his bags in the back of the car, he was surprised to see Lily get behind the wheel.

Wow, you are driving! That is great. Andre has provided very well for you. I am glad for your sake. And now you have four beautiful children.

Yes. It was the happiest day of my life when I found out Andre loved me as much as I loved him. We have been so very happy. He is so good to me.

I somehow felt that things would go well for you when you came and told me that you were going to America with Andre and the two children. Andre came and assured me that he would not let anything happen to you. I think he was in love with you then, but it was too soon after Cynthia died for him to realize it.

Lily stopped the car in front of a neat little house. Here we are. This will be yours for as long as you need it. They entered, and Lily gave him the key.

Thanks. I will settle up with Andre tomorrow.

She turned and said in a very stern voice, My dear Uncle, there is nothing to settle. It is part of your pay. Andre feels you deserve it for all you did for me. If it had not been for you, I would have been sent to an orphanage. You made a good life for me, and I just want to show you my appreciation. She waved toward the bedroom. Take a look around, and if there is anything you need, let me know.

Elliot walked into the bedroom and then into the kitchen.

You have thought of everything. He opened the door of the refrigerator. You even filled this! I will have to work night and day to earn all this.

Elliot! I told you! You already have earned this! I will leave you now to unpack. Bertie is expecting you for breakfast in the morning. You can take your meals with us. What is in the refrigerator is just for little extras. She gave him a hug. Good night, El. I hope you sleep well. I am so glad you are here.

Good night, Lily, and thank you for everything. I will see you in the morning.

*****

Elliot slept better than he thought he would and woke feeling refreshed. He dressed and walked the few blocks to Lily's house. The sun was shining, and birds seemed to be everywhere. He lifted a prayer of thanks to God for the beauty of his creation. Then added, Dear Lord, help me through the next few weeks. As Pastor Boardman said, I need to forgive. But seeing Lily's children makes it very hard. Just help me.

He found the work at the store very pleasant. Andre quickly set him to work learning all the ins and outs of the business.

I want to be able to leave you in charge when I am gone so I do not have to worry about what I will find when I return. I like to attend conferences that different companies put on so I know what is new and decide if it will sell. Bill, the fellow who brought you here, is very good, but he cannot do it alone. I needed to hire someone, and when I heard you were coming, I knew you were the man for the job.

Well, I thank you for the vote of confidence. I just hope I do not disappoint you.

From what I have heard about your routes into town selling your cheeses, I am not worried.

*****

Elliot soon set a routine for each day. He would fix his own breakfast, slip home for lunch or go to a local cafe, and then eat the evening meal at Lily's. This allowed him to confer with Andre on the days when Andre had been away from the store and make any needed plans for the next day. He attended church with them and often dined with them on Sunday and was surprised at how often he was invited by members of the church to come home with them for Sunday dinner.

Lily warned him about a certain Valoriah Benson. She has set her sights on you, I am told, and you will be getting an invitation to Sunday dinner with her and her mother. The mother is a sweet little old lady who you will thoroughly enjoy if you get a chance to talk with her. Valoriah will dominate the conversation, all in her direction. So, my dear Uncle, you have been warned. I wish you well.

Thank you for the warning. I will do my best to avoid her.

But not too many Sundays later, he was approached by Valoriah as he was just about to slip out the door. She was tall and thin with a little pointy nose and moved with quick nods of her head which reminded Elliot of a chicken. Her mother's sweet smile did him in, and so he accepted. It could not be as bad as Lily had said.

The meal was delicious; everything was cooked just the way he liked it. He was just beginning to enjoy the afternoon, visiting with Mrs. Benson, when Valoriah suggested they take a walk. The weather was perfect and Mother should take her nap. So they walked, with Valoriah clinging to his arm and telling him in great detail all of her likes and dislikes. Then bombarding him with questions, asking him about his wife, his work, his family, did he have any children, why did he leave England. Elliot was sure her next question would be about his bank account when he was pleased to see they had returned to the street where she lived.