Chastity's Angel

by Linda Ford

  Adam's smile faded, and he grew serious. "Now it seems you wear a pair of blinders so you can't see what's outside your safe little world. When did you become so scared of life?"

  Chastity had forgotten the incident with Carl, but now the feeling of angry defiance returned. She glared at Adam. "If you'd grown up without a father, always wondering if it was your fault he'd left; if you'd grown up in a houseful of strangers coming and going, asking questions, feeling free to touch your hair and make comments; if you could never have your mother to yourself because of the guests, then maybe you'd understand." She sucked in heated air.

  "I am not afraid." She ground the words out. "I only want what I've never had." She stepped around him and pointed at the house. "I want a little home with a white picket fence. A house just for me and my family." With her hands on her hips, she looked at him. "I want a husband who is there for me and our children. I don't want to end up alone—for any reason." She gulped in some air. "I couldn't stand wondering if you would take off again."

  Adam touched his finger to her cheek. She hadn't realized she was crying until he wiped a tear from her face.

  "Oh, Chastity. I can't promise I would never go away, but I would always come back. I love you, and I don't mean that tattered sketch I carried for years. I mean you, all grown up and fierce and gentle and sweet."

  She shook away his hand. "You didn't hear a word I said. What we want in life is different." Her voice fell to a whisper. "I can't love you." And ignoring the protest from deep inside her heart, she mentally slammed a door in her mind.

  "Can't or won't?"

  His words were so low that she wondered if she had imagined them.

  "I must go. I have work to do."

  She spun around, not caring if he followed or stayed, every pounding footstep she made driving her determination deeper. His footsteps echoed her own.

  At the corner where she would turn one direction and Adam another, she paused.

  "Adam, I don't mean to be rude or unkind, but I think it's best this way. I am not the person you think I am. We would never be happy together." She spoke as if he had asked her to marry him, but she had to make him understand. "You're a special person. You deserve someone who shares your dreams and goals, not someone who would always be fighting with them—and you—because of basic differences."

  His eyes told her he didn't accept her words, but she still rushed on.

  "I hope we can continue to be friends. And I wish you happiness." She held out her hand.

  He stared at it as if she had offered a snake and then stuffed his hands in his pockets. "And I hope you come to your senses."

  She wiped her palm on her thigh and swallowed hard. "I am being sensible."

  He shook his head, a frown carved deeply into his cheek. "By burying your head in the sand? You could end up in a confining, dull existence if you do."

  "I don't think that's going to happen."

  She rushed toward home until she reached the final corner. She paused to let her racing heart slow down. She knew what she wanted. She would accept nothing else. She marched up the steps and into the boardinghouse.

  "How was it?" Emma asked before Chastity could close the door behind her.

  Feeling as if she'd been caught with her hand in someone's change purse, Chastity stared at Emma. "I suppose you could say we sorted things out satisfactorily."

  Emma's eyebrows went up. "I meant Adam's show."

  Chastity adjusted a curtain. "The show was wonderful. He has a lovely collection of pictures of the Klondike. He says he'll leave it up awhile and then put up pictures on gold mining. He says he could pick a different topic every week of the year and change his display to suit the topic."

  Emma watched with a wide-eyed expression. When Chastity paused to catch her breath, Emma asked, "What was it you sorted out satisfactorily?"

  "Things. Nothing. I'm going to check on Mother." She rushed from the room.

  "Chicken!" Emma called after her.

  The next day Adam appeared in time for tea, carrying a bundle of photos.

  "What do you have for us?" Mother leaned forward eagerly.

  "Pictures of the Queen Charlotte Islands and the Gulf Islands. I think you'll enjoy the mystic beauty of them."

  Chastity hung back, not wanting Adam to think she had changed her mind about what she'd said the day before, yet longing to get more than a glimpse of the pictures as they were passed from hand to hand.

  "Look, Chastity." Her mother indicated Chastity should come to her side. "Isn't this wonderful?"

  Chastity slid to the chair, hoping Adam would ignore her. The photo was a scene of spectacular mountain beauty and tall trees reflected in glass-calm water.

  "I painted the same scene."

  Adam handed Chastity a small oil painting, and she gasped.

  "Adam," Mother said, "I've never had a desire to travel, but these pictures make me want to go sit on this beach."

  The beauty was so powerful that Chastity felt her heart would explode from her chest. She stood to her feet.

  "I have to make a pudding for dessert," she mumbled, fleeing to the kitchen, where she yanked the pot from the cupboard and measured in milk. It was wonderful to see the beauties of the world. She could understand why Adam wanted to travel and see more of them. But she didn't want to think about him leaving again. She was thankful Michael did not feel the same need. He was content to enjoy the pleasures secondhand.

  Reason and purpose returned.

  Emma joined her a few minutes later. "Why are you in such an all-fired hurry all of a sudden? Did something bite you?"

  Chastity answered calmly, "Just the need to get supper ready."

  "Wouldn't be you're suddenly anxious to avoid Adam?"

  Chastity shook her head. "I told you there's nothing between us except friendship."

  The girl began filling the basin from the bin of potatoes. "By the way, Adam is still in there with your mother."

  She shrugged. "It's good of him to spend time with Mother. I know she appreciates it."

  Emma sat on a stool and began peeling vegetables. "Why don't you get the rest of the tea things while I do this?"

  Chastity narrowed her eyes, studying Emma. But the girl was busy with her job, and Chastity had no choice but to mumble, "Sure."

  Adam and her mother sat with their heads close together, the pictures piled neatly on Adam's knee. As soon she entered the room, they stopped speaking and looked up, their expressions startled.

  Chastity looked from one to the other. "What are you two up to?"

  "I'm going to help Emma," Mother said, struggling to her feet.

  Adam jumped up. "I need to get back to the shop."

  Chastity stared at them.

  * * *

  That was the last she saw of Adam for some time, and life settled back into routine.

  Michael joined them for supper on Wednesday. They had barely seated themselves around the table when he announced, "Adam has agreed to talk to the students, but he wants to know what subject I'd like him to talk about. What would you suggest?" He addressed the assembled group.

  Beryl became dreamy eyed. "The glacier picture, for sure. The mountains and glaciers and rivers of the Yukon."

  "That's too vague," Roy insisted. "I'd want to know more about his travels—how long it took him to reach the Klondike and how he did it. A bit about his travels down the coast."

  Mother laid her fork down. "Michael, the Klondike gold rush will go down as a significant part of our history. I'm sure Adam could make it a real learning experience for the children."

  The conversation went back and forth.

  Chastity, for her part, silently wished everyone would forget Adam.

  Days passed, and Adam did not visit the boardinghouse. Days turned into weeks, and apart from the glimpses Chastity had of him seated with his family at church on Sunday, he might as well have disappeared into the wild yonder.

  Then one day Emma looked up from washing the dishes. "Ada
m has a new display at the shop. He calls it 'Faces of the North.' It's very interesting."

  Chastity nodded. Adam had obviously decided it was best for them to go their separate ways. She agreed. But why was she missing his visits?

  "I hear his sales have gone well too. Several parties have come from Calgary and Edmonton for the sole purpose of seeing his display and buying one of his paintings."

  "I don't blame them. He's a very good artist."

  Emma spun around to face her. "I don't understand you."

  "What's to understand?"

  "How can you be so dense?" Emma slapped the wet rag over the table. "I had you and him figured out for a sure thing, and now you avoid each other as if you both have something catching."

  Chastity kept her attention on the platter she was drying. "I tried to tell you we had nothing in common."

  Emma exhaled loudly. "He adored you with his eyes. I can't believe you would let that sort of thing go to waste. I know I wouldn't. When Gordon looks at me like that, I'm ready to fall at his feet."

  Chastity laughed. "Somehow I don't see you turning into a docile slave for anyone."

  Emma looked thoughtful. "Knowing someone thinks you're as special as the sun rising makes any task seem like a privilege."

  It was Chastity's turn to stare. "Why, I do believe you've fallen in love."

  Emma's cheeks darkened. She angled her shoulders in an attempt to block Chastity's view.

  Chastity laughed. "I hope he deserves you."

  Emma nodded. "I hope I deserve him." Then she straightened. "But you're not making me forget what we were talking about. You must have said something to discourage Adam, for I know he saw nothing, and nobody, but you."

  "You're always such a dreamer, Emma. You see romance in every look and conversation. Adam and I are friends, but we are worlds apart when it comes to what we want in life."

  "Well," Emma sniffed, "it wouldn't do you any harm to expand your world a little."

  "You're impossible. Number one, I have had a very broad experience in life from living in this house. I've met people from all walks of life and from all over the world. Why, right now we have under our roof a man who spent years in the East Indies."

  "Oh, I'd forgotten." Emma rolled her eyes. "I suppose you're going to tell me it's been a real learning experience? None of us even knew about our Mr. Elias until Adam showed up." She shook her head, mumbling, "Wonderful things we've heard about the East, I'd say."

  "That may be so, but there's something else."

  "Yeah, what?"

  "As far as expanding my horizons, I wonder how I could do that and still manage this house? You ever think about that?"

  Emma was instantly contrite. "I'm sorry, Chastity. Sometimes I forget you're stuck here."

  "I'm not stuck. This is where I belong."

  Emma nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I suppose that leaves Michael."

  Emma made it sound like leftover breakfast.

  "You are truly impossible." Chastity turned away, not wanting her to see how her remark had stung.

  Michael visited regularly as before, but if Chastity had expected their relationship to change, she was disappointed. He brought papers for her to help with and news of the children. He reported that Adam had given a talk of the Klondike, and it had been very good. But he had said nothing more about what he had called "being more than friends."

  Chastity took her restless feelings to bed with her and sat at her little table, pulling her Bible toward her. The page fell open to the piece of paper on which she had penned her father's name. Her heart twisted into a knot, and she rested her fingertip on her mouth. Simon LaBlanc, who are you? Why did you never care enough to find me?

  Michael came as usual on Wednesday. It took Chastity a few minutes to realize he had come without his usual armful of papers.

  "Did you forget something?" She glanced down the hall, wondering if he had set them on the table in the entry way.

  He shook his head and followed the direction of her look. "I don't think so. What have I forgotten?"

  "Where is the children's schoolwork?"

  His grin slightly lopsided, he held out empty hands. "No papers tonight." His expression sobered. "I thought we'd just enjoy the evening."

  Her heart gave a sudden jolt, and hope swelled in a wave. Then her mother's voice called Chastity back to her senses.

  "Have a seat, Michael. Supper is served."

  Chastity barely heard the discussion around the table as they ate.

  "Chastity." Her mother's voice was amused. "Have you forgotten dessert?"

  Chastity leapt to her feet, ignoring the curious stares of those across the table, and hurried to the kitchen. As she dished out rhubarb crisp, she hummed.

  After the meal, Michael leaned back in his chair. "I know you like to get the meal things cleaned up right away, so go ahead. I'll have another cup of tea."

  Emma followed on Chastity's heels. "Don't suppose it occurred to him to help. I'll bet he doesn't even know what dishwater is for."

  Chastity chuckled. "He must do dishes at home. After all, he lives alone."

  "You mean he hasn't invited you to visit him so you can do them?"

  "Emma, shame on you. Besides, you know I'd never go to his house."

  Emma shrugged. "I guess if you're happy with him waiting for you in the dining room, I shouldn't be concerned. If it was me, I'd want him at least to sit in the same room." She got a faraway look in her eyes, and Chastity knew she was thinking of young Gordon, who came frequently to the back door to walk her home.

  "I'm happy." It was enough to know Michael was content to wait for her, content to visit at the boardinghouse and not expect her to be free to take time for a bunch of social activities. It was enough he didn't resent her work.

  Emma studied Chastity's face. "I sincerely hope you are. You deserve every bit of happiness there is."

  "Emma, that is so kind." Chastity hugged the younger girl.

  Emma nodded. "Let's get this finished so you can visit with your Michael." She glanced toward the back door.

  "And so you can go out walking with Gordon."

  They rushed through the dishes and Emma hurried away on Gordon’s arm.

  Chastity and Michael sat together in the corner of the veranda. The sun dipped toward the horizon, casting ribbons of red, orange, pink, and purple across the sky.

  Chastity sighed. "There's nothing much better than watching the sun go down on a summer evening." She brushed a strand of hair from her face. Sharing the sunset with someone special made it even more enjoyable.

  "You are happy, aren't you?" It was half question, half affirmation.

  "Yes, I am. What reason would I have not to be?"

  He was silent a moment. "I wondered for awhile if you were greatly disappointed because you couldn't return to teaching."

  She continued to watch the sky, the colors dancing into different formations. "I love teaching and would gladly go back, but I'm content to leave things in God's hands and trust His timing. He knows what is best."

  "Sometimes He sends unexpected events into our lives."

  She nodded, her attention drawn to a sudden flare of orange over the roof of the house across the alley. "Mother always says the unexpected carries a special gift."

  Michael laughed a little. "And she's usually referring to you."

  Chastity turned then to smile at Michael. "She does rather belabor the point."

  His brown eyes darkened to the color of rich chocolate. "I don't think that's possible."

  Her tongue suddenly uncooperative, Chastity let herself float in the depths of his look.

  He studied her, his gaze lingering on her hair, her chin, and her lips before returning to her eyes. Somewhat distractedly he said, "I wondered for awhile if you were interested in Adam."

  "He's just a friend." Her voice sounded strange in her ears.

  "Does that mean I have the right to think you might be interested in me as more than a friend?"
r />   "Didn't we have this discussion not long ago?" It was impossible to concentrate. His look did funny things to her mind.

  "Might it be possible for you to consider marrying me?"

  The moment froze. She was aware of color dancing across the sky, bathing Michael's features in a warm golden glow. Her heart throbbed inside her chest. Her emotions curled for a moment and then erupted in a glorious burst of color and joy. She gave one low-throated laugh. "Michael, if this is a proposal, I want it done right." His features softened into a knowing smile. "You shall certainly have your wish." He fell to one knee at her feet and took her hands between his. "Chastity LaBlanc, may I have the honor of requesting your hand in marriage?"

  She giggled. "Yes. Oh, yes, I'll marry you, Michael Martin." I'll share your life. I'll enjoy your love. I'll be beside you always and you beside me.

  He stood to his feet and drew her to her feet, their clasped hands against his chest.

  She tilted her head back so she could see his dear familiar features. Michael of my heart. The words filled her being.

  He smiled gently and then lowered his head to touch his lips to hers. It was a kiss as soft and gentle as dew upon the cheek, as pure and undemanding as the summer sun.

  And as Chastity rested her head against his shoulder, her heart sang with joy.

  Chapter 7

  Chastity bounced down on the bed beside her mother.

  Mother lowered her Bible and smiled at Chastity. "You're looking pleased with yourself, ma cherie."

  "That's because I'm so happy."

  "Something special?"

  Chastity turned to her side. "Something very special indeed. Tonight Michael asked me to marry him."

  Her mother nodded. "And I take it that you've accepted."

  "Of course."

  "Then I'm very happy for you. Michael is a nice young man, steady and dependable." She leaned over and kissed Chastity's cheek.

  The familiar scent of her mother's dusting powder filled Chastity's nostrils. "I'm very lucky."

  Her mother lay back against her pillows and sighed. "I guess we'll have to begin making plans. Have you picked a date?"

  Chastity laughed. "I never even thought of it."