West From Fair Hill (A Refuge in Fair Hill Book 3)

by Faith Elizabeth Cummings

  “I’m so sorry,” Sheila said and Andrew knew she was having a difficult time with this situation.

  “There is still hope,” he told her quietly. “We are still praying for the best.” “Does anyone mind if we stop at the meetinghouse?” No one objected, so Andrew stopped the carriage when they reached the village. Everyone got out and went inside. This was Sheila’s first time in the Meetinghouse, but Alan had been here many times and had even spoken in meeting on occasion. Sheila took a place beside Amy, as Alan and Andrew went to the men’s side.

  She looked about her for a moment, taking in the simple surroundings, then centered down with Amy to pray. Andrew too centered down, letting the ocean of love and light, that George Fox talked of, fill his spirit and give him back the peace and hope that had filled him and healed him after the war. No matter how many times he came here, it always happened if he was open enough to accept it. The love and peace of Christ was never failing, and constant. All he had to do was to take it. He prayed for Sheila and Alan, that she would come to know that love, as Alan had, and that they could have many more years to enjoy the kind of marriage that Amy and he had, steeped in joy and peace.

  Then he prayed for Jeremy and Martha, that they and their son could remain together, watching him grow, and growing closer and stronger as the years passed. When he had said all that was necessary, and freed his mind of all thoughts, he stole a look at Sheila, beside Amy. She sat erect, her hands folded in her lap as Amy always did, her eyes downcast in an attitude of respect. Her face was changing with every second, from respect to uncertainty, and then to hope and expectation. He was glad to see this, as he knew that she was being carefully opened by Jesus’ hand to the gifts that he had to offer her. She was centering down into the silence, and Andrew could see her being caught up in the presence of god. He knew that she was waiting as they all were, for an answer to their prayers, and letting the presence of the Lord fill them up and refresh them in this difficult time.

  They were all startled an hour later, when the door to the meetinghouse was suddenly opened and Jeremy and Doc entered, both wiping tears and coming quickly to sit with them. Andrew rose, breaking meeting and then going to his son, thinking he might need comforting. But Jeremy held up his hand to stop the embrace and spoke excitedly.

  “It’s all right, Father, he said laughing through his tears. ‘They are going to be fine.”

  “What does thee mean they’re going to be fine?” Andrew asked hesitantly. They were all standing around them then, waiting to hear Jeremy’s next words.

  “We’ve just seen a miracle.” He said glancing at Doc for confirmation.

  “Yes, a real miracle.” Doc agreed, wiping tears, but smiling.

  “What happened?” Amy asked, looking at her son with wonder.

  “Martha and Robert will be all right,” he said after a pause. “I was sitting with Martha after you left, praying for them to recover, and holding the baby against my chest, to keep him warm. I had been talking to him quietly, so as not to waken Martha as she slept, when he stirred in my arms and began to cry, not the feeble cry we first heard, but a strong and lusty one. The nurse took him from me and examined him, then handed him back. Do not know what you did, Mr. Becker, she said with a smile that lit her whole face, But he is going to be fine. His lungs are no longer hampering him, and he’s breathing just fine. She went to see if she could find Doc, and brought him back. By the time he got there, Martha was awake again, and when the nurse examined her, she said that the bleeding had stopped. Martha was still weak, but everyone was sure she too would be all right with some rest and recovery time. She took the baby and was able to nurse him while we all watched. He ate well, and she was strong enough to hold him. I still can’t believe it, but Doc here saw it too.”

  “I sure did,” Doc agreed. “Martha will be home in a few days, and the baby with her.”

  By this time, they were all wiping tears, even Sheila who usually did not show her emotions. She hugged Jeremy and told him how very glad she was for this news. Andrew slapped him on the back and they both laughed, overcome by their joy. Then Amy and Alan hugged him, thanking the Lord with him that his family had been spared. They left Doc in the village, and they all rode home together, still talking excitedly about all that had happened. Jeremy looked exhausted, the difficulties of the day catching up to him.

  8

  Sheila sat beside Alan in the carriage, leaning against him, his other arm around her to hold her close. She was very quiet, and seemed to be deep in her own thoughts, saying little amid the happy chatter.

  Alan hoped she was strong enough to deal with all of this. When he lifted her face to look at her though, she gave him a soft smile, and assured him that she was fine, just resting. He was glad to hear this, and hoped she would say more later. When they reached home, they ate a light supper and then all of them went up to their rooms earlier than usual, weary after the day’s events. When they reached the top of the stairs, Sheila asked if Alan would come to her room for a few minutes to talk. He followed her into her room, and they took chairs near the fireplace. There was a fire laid there, and he lit it to take the chill from the room. December had almost arrived, and the evenings were getting cold. Sheila satin her chair and waited until the fire crackled cheerfully.

  Alan sat down near her then, and waited for her to speak.

  “Alan, are you a Christian?” she asked after a pause.

  “If you mean have I accepted Jesus as my savior, yes,” he answered slowly. “I think I started to do that when Barbara was here. And as the years have passed, I’ve made a definite decision, and even professed my faith before the Meeting.”

  “I have so many things going through my head that I don’t even know what to think.” She said and he could see her confusion on her face.

  “Tell me about it, Sheila, and I’ll try and help you sort it all out.” he suggested, reaching for her hand and holding it in both of his.

  “I’m not even sure where to start, Alan,” she said, and he could see that tears were close. Her voice was shaky, and she was trying hard not to weep.

  “There’s no rush, Sheila, take your time. I’ll wait,” he urged, trying to allow her time to calm her emotions. But she could not contain her tears, and was soon in his arms, sobbing as if the world had suddenly become a very uncertain place. He held her wordlessly while she gave vent to her pent up feelings.

  When the sobs subsided, she looked up at him, and he gently wiped her tear-stained face.

  “I have been thinking for some time about different things that Molly and Amy have said to me.” She began slowly, finally able to speak more firmly. “They have often told me about grace and the love of Jesus, but I couldn’t believe that anyone, much less Jesus, could care about me that much.” Then, today, while we were at the Meetinghouse, I got a glimpse of the truth of what they’ve been saying.”

  “What happened?” he asked, his arms tightening around her. “Are you all right?”

  “I think I’m probably better than I’ve been since my mother died.” She said simply. “After she died, my whole world fell apart. My father became a monster and, oh, Alan, I can’t tell you how horrible that was!”

  “I already know.” he told her, stroking her hair. “I read your father’s journals and he wrote about what happened between you.”

  “In detail?” she asked, her face registering shock.

  “In more detail than I wanted.” He admitted. “I don’t know how you got through that and remained sane.”

  “I’m not altogether sure I did,” she said with a little laugh. “But how can you still sit here holding me and listening to me after reading all that?”

  “Sheila, I love you!” he said, lightly kissing her cheek. “I told you I would always be here and I will. You are not to blame for any of that. I know that, and Jesus knows that.”

  “I’m beginning to see that what you say might just be true,” she said, her voice full of wonder. “Amy and Molly have been te
lling me that Jesus loves me, no matter what has happened in my life.”

  “Yes, and I believe that he loves you and wants to heal the broken places and the wounds you carry.”

  “But I’m not even near being worthy enough for that,” she said and he could hear the desperation in her words.

  “What did Molly and Amy say about that?” he asked, knowing well what her answer would be, but wanting her to say it.

  “They say that Jesus gives us the faith to believe, and the grace to be saved from our sins. It has nothing to do with our being worthy according to them.”

  “And do you think they’re right, my love?”

  “I’m beginning to truly wonder if such a thing could be possible.” She admitted.

  “What made you start wondering?”

  “This evident work of the Holy Spirit that has happened today. I know from stories my mother read to me when I was a child, that Jesus healed people, and even raised them from the dead. Today, he has done it again, not just in the Bible, but right here in Newport.”

  “Yes, that’s true enough.” He agreed.

  “So since he’s done that, and I know he has, then maybe the rest is true as well.” She said hesitantly.

  “And why do you hesitate, Sheila?” he asked. “Since Jesus has restored Martha, and saved little Robert from death, he will surely save you too if you ask him into your heart and your life.”

  “But Martha is a believer, and Robert is an innocent baby.” She said simply.

  “And in God’s eyes, you are also innocent.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “Because I believe. I have seen too much of his work in my life to doubt.” he answered. “Have you ever read the Gospel of John, Sheila?”

  “No, I’ve never read the Bible at all, just heard those stories my mother read to me.”

  “Did she read the one about the Prodigal son from Luke, or the one about the woman who was caught in adultery, or about Mary Magdalene?”

  “She read the one about the Prodigal son, I believe,” she said. “His father accepted him back, even after he had spent his inheritance and wasted his life.” “Yes, but I haven’t done that.” She said, confused.

  “All right, then let’s look at Mary Magdalene.” He suggested. She was a prostitute, and she was possessed by demons. I know you were never a prostitute, or possessed. But you were forced into sin by what your father did, and Mary Magdalene probably felt as unworthy as you do.”

  “But she became a believer?”

  “Yes. Jesus healed her of the demons, and showed her that God wanted more for her than what she had been doing. He taught her that even though she had been living a life that she believed made her unworthy, she was still a daughter of God, and He loved her. Then, when Jesus rose, he gave her the privilege of telling the disciples that he had risen. She was the first to see him, and the first to tell the good news. He wants just as much for you, Sheila. He loves you just that much.”

  “Molly said that once too. She said that Jesus loved me so much that he died on a cross for me. But I was not there then.”

  “He died for the sins of the world, Sheila, not just for those who were there then.” “When he was about to leave for the arrest which led to his death, he prayed that God would protect all of those who accepted him, not just then, but always. That includes you, if you believe.” They sat in silence then, neither of them too sure what to say. Alan knew she was thinking about what he had said, and he did not want to interrupt her. Finally, after a few minutes had passed, she looked up at him, and asked,

  “How do I do this?”

  “Just pray and ask him to be your Lord and Savior. Once you ask, he will.” Then you should read the Bible, and learn more about him, and how to follow him. I can help you with that, and so can anyone else here.” “I have a Bible in my room that you may have.”

  “Will you pray with me, Alan?” She asked, and he hugged her close for a moment.

  “Yes, gladly.” he said. They prayed then, Sheila still nestled in his arms, and she asked Jesus to save and heal her. Her prayer was very simple and heartfelt. Alan was praising God as she prayed, thanking Him for bringing them together before it was too late. After she finished, she gave him a smile of such radiance that he was speechless. Then she said that she was very weary, and asked if he would remain with her instead of sleeping apart.

  “Are you sure?” he asked, remembering the last time.

  “It’s different this time. Jesus will watch over us.” So he got his things, and they spent their first night together.

  9

  When Sheila woke the next morning, Alan was just waking beside her.

  “Did you sleep well?” He asked.

  “Yes, probably better than I have since I can’t remember when.” she answered gratefully. “Thanks for your help last night.”

  “I’m very glad you’ve come to this point, Sheila. He rose from the bed and handed her his Bible. “You might want this.” He added.

  She took the book from his hand, feeling as if she had just been given a lifeline. “Thank you,” she said, putting it on the table beside her. “I’ll read some after breakfast.” She rose and they dressed for the day, then joined Amy in the kitchen.

  “I’m going out to help Andrew and Jeremy.” ALAN said as they entered the kitchen.

  Amy looked at Sheila for a moment as she stood by the stove, then beckoned her closer. “What has happened to thee, Sheila?” she asked with a small smile.

  “I accepted Jesus last night.” Sheila told her, unable to keep from smiling.

  “This is definitely an answer to prayer!” Amy said and hugged her hard. “I’m so very happy to hear this!”

  “Not as happy as I am to tell you.” Sheila said laughing a little as she began to help her by setting the table and making the tea.

  “Now we are truly sisters,” Amy said as they worked together to get breakfast on the table.

  “I want to thank you for all you have done to help me get to this point.” Sheila told her.

  “I am glad I could help thee.” Amy replied and Sheila knew she truly was.

  After breakfast, Jeremy went to see Martha, and Amy and Sheila went to see Molly. Sheila wanted to share the news with her and thank her too for all her help. Molly was just as glad as Amy had been, and welcomed her just as warmly into the family of believers.

  “Does thee have a Bible?” She asked as they sat around her kitchen table enjoying tea and cookies.

  “Alan gave me one this morning.” Sheila answered.

  “Thee is blessed to have a Christian husband.” Molly said. “I was too, for over fifty years.” They talked on for a while, then Sheila and Amy returned to the farm to start the noon meal. Andrew and Alan came in just as they finished it, and said that the cold had made them hungry.

  “We have just the thing,” Amy said teasingly, putting dinner on the table. The talk was lively as usual around the table, and Sheila reveled in it. Jeremy returned from the hospital that afternoon, and had Martha and the baby with him. Martha’s color was much better now, the blush of happiness and youth back in her cheeks. She held her tiny son, bundled warm against the cold, and everyone gathered to welcome them home. When Martha was seated comfortably with the baby and a hot cup of tea near at hand, they all took places with her around the living room.

  “It’s so good to be home!” She said when everyone was seated and sipping tea. “I missed all of thee so much!”

  “Yes, we missed thee too, and we’re very glad that thee and little Robert are back safely.” Andrew agreed. We came close to losing thee both!”

  “Yes, that was pretty scary!” Martha agreed, holding the baby a little tighter. “I appreciate the little things a lot more now.”

  Sheila knew what she meant. Sometimes it takes a crisis in our lives to teach us how much we have and take for granted. Martha gazed around her for a moment at the familiar room, then her gaze fell on Sheila.

  “Sheila, thee is lo
oking well,” she said with a hint of a question.

  “Yes, Martha, I’m much better.” she answered. “I accepted Jesus as my Savior last night.”

  “That’s good news!” Martha said reaching out to squeeze her hand. “I’m so happy for thee!” After supper that evening, Sheila excused herself a bit early, and went to her room, wanting to read from the Bible. Alan had advised her to start with the Gospel of John, so she turned to it, and began to read. Soon, she was lost in it, feeling as if she had never before opened the book for any reason, though this was not true. But this time was different. Everything Alan had said the night before was borne out in every word. God really did send his son to die for her, not just the whole group of those who accepted him, but for her, despite what had happened to her in her earlier life. God did not condemn her for that, any more than he condemned anyone else who honestly repented of their sins. Sheila understood too, that Alan was right. She was not the one who had sinned in the situation with her father. He was the adult and he was the responsible one. That did not mean that she had not sinned in her lifetime. But she was learning that if she earnestly repented of her sins, and asked Jesus to save her from them, she could have a new and abundant life. She could be the person he wanted her to be, the wife that Alan deserved, and someone who gave to others instead of taking. There was still time to change and be renewed. She realized, as she read, that she had hated God, because she hated her earthly father. But he was dead, and had answered for his crimes. So she could let him go and put him in God’s hands. But God had been there all the time, preserving her so that when she grew older, she could marry Alan and have a better, fuller life. Instead of looking at her as an object as her earthly father had, God saw her as his daughter. She could now be full of grace and faith, and pass on the mercy he had given her to everyone around her. And the more she gave, the more he would give back to her. Before she knew it, everyone else was going to bed and Alan came to her to ask how she was.