Measure of Grace

by Al Lacy

  “Mama,” said Derick, “I’m afraid we won’t be able to hide her anywhere near Richmond where Papa can’t find her. We’ve got to think of something before a week from Thursday.”

  “I’ve been praying very much about it, Derick,” said Martha. “God will show us what to do.”

  Derick, Deborah, and Daniel exchanged skeptical glances, but remained silent.

  That evening, while the rest of the family were in the parlor, Diana wrote to Jordan in her room, saying she would come to Elkton as his prospective bride if he knew for sure he really wanted her.

  Alone in her bedroom that night, Martha lay in the darkness and said, “Dear Lord, I am still quite new at this, but I’m asking You to work out a way for us to hide Diana in a safe place until she receives Jordan’s letter with the money in it, and she can get a train out of Richmond.”

  As she continued to pray, another concern filled her heart. “Lord,” she said, fighting tears, “as much as I want Diana safe on this earth from her father, I so much more want her soul safe in Your care. Please help me to know what to say to her. I’m so sorry for leading her astray from You and Your saving grace for so many years. Please use me now to bring her to Your saving power. Help me not to falter before any of my children, nor before Stu when he is released. Oh, heavenly Father, give me that special ‘measure of grace’ and use me for Your glory.

  “Thank You for being so patient and long-suffering with me. Help me now, as I wait upon You. I am having moments of fear. But as I read in Your word just yesterday, help me to say: ‘What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.’ It seems to me that one of the hardest things for a new Christian is to learn to trust in Thee. Help me, dear Father, not to live in doubt and fear, but to fully trust You. Thank You, Lord, for Your understanding of this humble servant. And thank You, again, for saving me.”

  When Martha had finished praying, a peace stole over her soul.

  Diana’s letter to Jordan was mailed at the post office early the next morning.

  At supper that evening, Martha talked to her four oldest children about salvation, as she had done periodically since becoming a Christian. They listened politely, but each one was having a hard time with it because of what both parents had taught them for as long as they could remember.

  Martha did not push them, but once more told them how wrong she had been to teach them not to believe the Bible. She also told them that she had prayed hard last night, asking the Lord to show them what to do about Diana before their father was released from jail a week from Thursday.

  When Tuesday of the next week came, and Martha and her children were still without a satisfactory place to hide Diana while she waited for Jordan Shaw’s letter containing the travel money, they were on the verge of panic.

  As the children climbed in the wagon after breakfast, ready to head for school, Diana was standing close while Martha looked on from the front porch.

  Derick looked down at Diana from the wagon seat and said, “Sis, if nothing else, I’ll take you to Petersburg tomorrow and we’ll tell the police there about the danger you’re in. We’ll ask them if they can put you someplace where you will be safe until you can leave for Idaho.”

  From her place on the porch, Martha said, “Derick, that’s a good idea. You plan to do that. How does it sound to you, Diana?”

  Diana looked over her shoulder. “It’s the best idea yet, Mama. I’ll go along with that.”

  Derick put the horses in motion, and Diana moved onto the porch, standing beside her mother. As they watched the wagon pull out of the yard, Martha said, “Honey, somehow, as good as Derick’s plan is, I am getting a feeling down deep inside that the Lord has some better plan for you to escape your father’s anger.”

  They were about to turn and enter the house when they saw a rider coming toward the house from the road.

  “Who do you suppose that is, Mama?” said Diana.

  Squinting, Martha said, “I can’t tell yet, but another few seconds will answer your question.”

  Diana was first to make out the man’s face. “It’s Chief Perry, Mama. I wonder why he’s coming here.”

  Martha shrugged. “I have no idea, but I guess we’re about to find out.”

  DIANA MORROW OPENED THE FRONT DOOR just as Chief Perry started up the porch steps. The air was quite chilly, and there was a stiff breeze.

  “Good morning, Chief Perry,” she said with a smile. “Please come in.”

  “Thank you, Diana,” said Perry, stepping past her and removing his hat. “I think winter may come early this year. That air has a bite to it.”

  “You may be right about an early winter,” said Diana, wondering what kind of weather they were having in Idaho.

  Unbuttoning his coat, Perry asked, “Is your mother up to talking to me? There’s something I need to tell you both.”

  “Yes, sir. She’s in the parlor. Let me take your coat.”

  Perry thanked her, handing her the coat. She also took his hat, and hung them on hooks next to the door.

  Martha gave the chief a pleasant look as he followed Diana into the parlor. “I overheard what you told Diana, Chief. I assumed this was more than just a social call when we saw you coming.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he said, obviously a bit nervous. “May I ask how you are feeling? You look much better than you did when I saw you last.”

  A small grateful smile flitted across Martha’s face, which still carried some bruise marks. “Each day I feel a bit better, thank you. This cast is a hindrance at times, but I’m learning to live with it. Might as well. I’ve got several weeks to go before it can come off.”

  “Chief, we’ve got hot coffee on the stove,” said Diana. “Would you like some?”

  “Sounds wonderful!” said Perry.

  “I’ll be right back,” Diana said as she rushed into the hall and disappeared.

  In an attempt to fill the time until Diana returned, Perry said, “I met up with your older children on the road. I assume they were on their way to school.”

  “Yes.”

  “We waved to each other, but didn’t stop to talk.”

  “Mm-hmm.”

  Looking around, he said, “Your little guy—”

  “Dennis.”

  “Yes. Dennis. He around?”

  Martha grinned. “He’s a late sleeper. No sounds from him yet.”

  “Oh. Dennis is how old?”

  “He’s five. Four months to go before he turns six. And I can wait.”

  “I understand. My children grew up too fast.”

  Diana entered the parlor carrying a tray with three cups of steaming coffee. “Here we are!” she said cheerfully.

  When all three were seated, each holding a cup, Martha and Diana looked at each other questioningly and waited for the chief to state his business.

  After taking tentative sips of coffee, Perry cleared his throat nervously and said, “I … I don’t know if what I have to tell you will come as good news or bad. It’s about Stu.”

  Both women kept their eyes on him, waiting for further information.

  “Stu, as you know, has a very flinty temper.”

  Both women nodded.

  “Well, yesterday we had an incident. One of my deputies, Johnny Galloway, carried the prisoners’ food trays to their cells as usual. You may have noticed, Diana, that there is a six-inch space under the cell doors.”

  “I hadn’t noticed,” commented Diana.

  “Well, anyway, when Johnny slid Stu’s lunch tray under the door, his hand slipped and some of the coffee slopped out of the cup, soaking Stu’s sandwich. Before Johnny could say he would take the tray back and get more coffee and another sandwich, Stu swore at him, calling him a clumsy—well, a name I wouldn’t say in front of you ladies.

  “Johnny held his own temper, apologized, and said he would take the tray and bring him another sandwich. But Stu wouldn’t leave it alone. In a temper fit, he swore at Johnny again, called him a worse name, bent down and picked up the coffee cup
and flung the hot coffee in Johnny’s face.”

  “Oh, my,” said Martha. “I’m sorry.”

  “The sorry one is your husband, Mrs. Morrow. Judge Weathers added two more weeks to Stu’s sentence for his deed. If he behaves himself, he’ll be released on November 28.” Perry took a deep breath. “I … don’t know whether this is good news or bad. Given the circumstances, I figured it might be a relief to you, but on the other hand, this keeps Stu away from the work he ordinarily does here on the farm.”

  Mother and daughter looked at each other with relief.

  This answered Perry’s question for him.

  “Did your deputy get burned by the coffee, Chief?” asked Martha.

  “No, ma’am. He’s fine.”

  “I’m so glad. Thank you for riding out here to tell us. We really appreciate it.”

  Perry finished his coffee, and moments later as Martha and Diana stood at the parlor window and watched him ride away, they held onto each other with tears flowing.

  Sniffling, Martha said, “Oh, honey, God indeed has answered my prayers. Do you see it? There was no way you could have been out of here and headed for Idaho before your father was released from jail. Now, instead of finding a place to hide you till you could be on your way to join Jordan Shaw, the Lord simply let your father’s temper cause him to get time added to his sentence. I just know you’ll at least be on your way to Idaho when he gets out.”

  “I see it all right, Mama,” Diana said softly. “Thank God for answered prayer!”

  On the same day Diana and her mother were visited by Chief Perry with his good news—Tuesday, November 12—Jordan Shaw rode into Ketcham, Idaho, and dismounted in front of the post office. Since the stagecoach only came to Elkton three times a week, Jordan was making the trip to Ketcham daily to pick up the mail. He was eager to hear back from Diana and didn’t want any time wasted.

  Four other letters from hopeful young women had come, but Jordan had dismissed each one, telling himself Diana Morrow was the girl for him.

  Entering the post office, he approached the counter. One of the clerks looked up from something he was reading and smiled. “Well, if it isn’t Mr. Shaw again. Whatever you’re expecting in the mail must be mighty important!”

  “It is, Barney,” said Jordan. “Very important.”

  Barney disappeared for a moment, then returned with a small stack of mail. Jordan thanked him, went to a table that was provided for customers, and hurriedly sifted through the mail. His heart thudded his rib cage when his eyes fell on an envelope with his name on it and the return address was from Diana Morrow of Richmond, Virginia.

  Nervously licking his lips, he pulled out his pocketknife and carefully opened the envelope. Taking out the letter, he unfolded it and let his eyes take in Diana’s written words.

  Dear Mr. Jordan Shaw,

  I was very surprised by your letter. I had never replied to a mail order bride ad before, and I was sure that I had made a dreadful mess of it. I too had serious doubts about this method of finding a life partner. I suppose it is rather frightening for both parties in a situation like this.

  As soon as I opened your letter, every trace of fear melted away. You call yourself an ordinary, simple man, but I sincerely doubt that you are. No one who can write as you do could ever be considered just an ordinary man. Everything you say about yourself fascinates me, and your letter really did make me want to truly know you, too. I believe you and I could build a good life together. We seem to be similar in heart and mind.

  I will offer you a few warnings, though. I cannot bear being around snakes. They scare me more than answering newspaper ads for brides! Also, I have been known for speaking my mind at times. (This may make you rethink your proposal.) I usually freckle in the summer, and I bite my bottom lip when I’m upset. I believe that marriage is a partnership, and I cannot abide overbearing men who assume the role of dictators over their wives. If after reading all of this, you still think I’m the one for you, then I happily accept your proposal. If you are having second thoughts, as you may well be, please do not hesitate to be honest with me.

  I am looking forward to receiving your next letter. If you are absolutely sure that I am the one you want as your bride, I request that you send me any information I may need for traveling to Elkton, Idaho.

  Please write to me soon, no matter what you must tell me.

  Rather anxiously,

  Diana Morrow

  Smiling in elation, Jordan whispered. “Diana, there’s nothing to be anxious about. I am absolutely sure you’re the one for me!”

  He read the letter again, feeling stronger yet about Diana with each word. While placing the letter back in the envelope, he felt gratitude toward the railroad people for running their trains day and night across America so a letter could get from Virginia to Idaho in seven or eight days.

  Hurrying out the door, Jordan swung into the saddle and put his horse into motion through the fresh blanket of snow that was on the ground.

  Knight Colburn was at Erline Tyler’s desk, discussing an article she had written, when the door opened and with the rush of cold air came Jordan Shaw.

  Both greeted Jordan, then Knight said, “What can I do for you, ol’ pal?”

  “Need a little private time with the big newspaper magnate,” said Jordan.

  Knight laughed. “Sorry, but Dan Tyler isn’t here right now.”

  Erline giggled.

  “Will I do?” asked Knight.

  “Sure,” said Jordan. “I’d wait for the big magnate, but I’m in a hurry.”

  Erline grinned to herself as the two friends entered Knight’s office and the door went shut.

  As Knight closed the door, he looked at Jordan with anticipation and said, “You got your reply from Diana!”

  “Yes!” said Jordan, pulling the envelope from his coat pocket. “Here. Read it. I need another letter to her immediately.”

  Knight sat down in his chair behind the desk and took the letter from the envelope. Jordan eased onto one of the straight-backed chairs and watched his friend’s face as he read it.

  When Knight finished, he looked at Jordan with a smile. “She’s quite the little gal, isn’t she?”

  “She sure is! Now let me give you what I want to say slowly, so you can get it just right.”

  After nearly an hour, Jordan held the finished product in his hand after reading it through three times. “Beautiful, Knight! You have such a way with words. You really should put your own ad in the eastern newspapers and get yourself a mail order bride.”

  Knight smiled. “I know in my heart that a mail order bride ad isn’t necessary. My heavenly Father has given me peace about it. He is going to send the bride He has chosen for me in His own way, and in His own time.”

  Not wanting to get into another discussion on God and His Son, Jordan shrugged his shoulders and stood up. Taking out his wallet, he said, “If you’ll address an envelope for me, I’ll put in sufficient money for Diana’s trip, and ride back to Ketcham so I can get it in the mail right away.”

  A few minutes later, sealed envelope in hand, Jordan thanked Knight once again for helping him, and hurried out the door.

  On Tuesday afternoon, November 19, Diana and her mother were in the sewing room next to the girls’ bedroom when they heard the back door open.

  “They’re home from school,” said Martha.

  Rapid footsteps could be heard in the hall, and Derick’s voice pierced the air as he shouted, “Diana! Diana! Jordan’s letter is here!”

  Jumping up from the table, Diana rushed to the door just in time to find her excited brother skidding to a stop on the wooden floor. The others drew up as Diana took the envelope from Derick and ripped it open. As she turned back toward her mother while pulling out the letter, several bills of currency slipped from the letter and fluttered to the floor. While her siblings dropped to their knees to retrieve the money, Martha said, “Read it quickly, honey, so you can tell us what he says.”

  Biti
ng her bottom lip, Diana nodded and stepped to the window where she read the letter while her heart pounded so hard, she could feel the pulse in her neck and temples. As she read it, tears filled her eyes and a smile lighted up her lovely face. She ran her gaze to her mother, then to Derick, Deborah, and Daniel. “He wants me to come and marry him!”

  Martha’s brow formed deep lines and her eyes misted as she put a hand to her mouth.

  “I sorta figured that when I saw all that money.” Derick chuckled.

  “Read it to us!” said Deborah.

  “Yeah!” chimed in Daniel.

  Diana looked at her mother. “We would all like to hear it, honey,” said Martha.

  Diana took a deep breath in an attempt to ease the fluttering of her heart and holding the letter with trembling hands, read it slowly:

  “Dear Miss Diana,

  I was overjoyed to receive your letter accepting my proposal. From the moment I began reading your first letter, I knew you were the one I wanted as my wife. I only hope that I will not disappoint you. I’m not at all concerned that you will disappoint me.

  As to your warnings, I have a freckle or two, myself. And if I learn there is a snake around, I am the first to run! I agree that partnership in marriage is absolutely essential, and an overbearing husband is blind to the fact that he is building a wall between himself and his wife. Someone you are not afraid to share everything with is the ideal life partner. I would never be the overbearing kind to you because I know that dictating husbands miss out on the true happiness marriage can hold. And, Miss Diana, as for speaking your mind, what is that but honesty? I would not expect less. By all means, I want you to always be honest with me. As long as it is not cruel, honesty could never be considered to be wrong.

  Enclosed is more than enough money to cover all your traveling expenses, and as you will see, at the bottom of this sheet, I have explained about the railroad line to Ketcham and the stage line to Elkton. I will pay for a room at an Elkton boardinghouse for you to stay in until the wedding. I am sure you will agree that we need to have an ample courting period so we can get to know each other better before we make a lifelong commitment.