Everlasting Hope

by Annie Boone

  “Well, good luck my friend,” Hal said, standing up and re-positioning his hat.

  “And I hope you have as good a day today, as you did yesterday,” Jude said, as he walked Caesar towards the trail down into Springville.

  It was a glorious morning, and Jude decided that he would walk some of the route, so he could fully enjoy the sunlight, and the sound of the birds singing all around him. Caesar seemed relaxed at his side. Jude whistled a merry tune. His heart was soaring, just at the thought of seeing Ellie Fletcher again.

  When he arrived in Springville, the entire town seemed to have turned out for the big day at church. Everyone was clustered around the new church building, and Jude could see Parson Fletcher standing by the door proudly. Looking around, Jude couldn’t see Ellie anywhere. Then he noticed that there was a small queue of children, including young Zach, standing beside an adjoining building. This, he guessed, must be the new school.

  Ellie stood on the stoop. Next to her was a handsome, clever looking young man, wearing small round spectacles. Jude could only guess he was the new schoolmaster. He’d heard she’d pushed for inquiries to the state government for school funding since education was becoming more visible. Something must have come of it since this stranger was standing next to her.

  He had a mop of curly hair, and an endearingly kind countenance. Jude felt a surge of envy flood through his body at the sight of them together. They were standing so close they could almost have been touching, and they both looked delighted to be in each other’s company. Even Jude had to admit that they looked perfect together, and Jude was sure that Parson Fletcher would mightily approve of such a match for his daughter.

  A part of him wanted to turn around and head straight back up the mountain, but he knew if he was ever going to stand any chance in winning Ellie’s hand, he had to win over her father. That meant he had to prove he was good enough, Godly enough, and that he could provide her with everything she might ever need.

  Making his way through the crowd, he made his way towards Arthur Bower, the best known carpenter in town. He was standing just outside the school gate, with his wife and they were ushering their daughters towards the school building.

  “Good day to you both, the girls look lovely this morning, in their ribbons,” he said, shaking Arthur’s hand, and giving a polite bow to Mrs. Bower.

  “It’s such a wonderful day,” Mrs. Bower said. “It was best dresses all around for such a perfect event.”

  “And you look lovely, too. That shade of lilac is very lovely,” Jude said to her. “May I borrow your husband, just for a moment?”

  “As you are so flattering, I will be most happy to give him up,” Mrs. Bower said a little coquettishly. “But, I do want him back!”

  “I shall ensure that he is all in one piece and shall return him forthwith,” Jude said giving her a mock salute.

  “I don’t know how you do it,” Arthur said. “If I spoke to her that way, she’d bat me over the head with her parasol.” The two men laughed. “Now, how can I help you?”

  “I need you to help me build a house,” Jude said simply.

  “But, you’ve barely just built the one you have.” Arthur said, giving Jude a knowing wink. “Are we to expect wedding bells soon?”

  “No, I doubt it. But, business is doing well, and I could use more space,” Jude said, ignoring the fact that he had become a little ashamed of his one room shack the very moment Miss Fletcher had seen it. She hadn’t passed judgment, of course, she was too polite. But he knew that it would not be a home she longed to share with him, no matter how much she may protest otherwise.

  “Well, you’ve caught me at a good time. Now the church and school are built, I have some time. Shall I come up tomorrow and see what we can do? The land on that ridge isn’t entirely conducive to building, but I’ve no doubt we can come up with something that will suit your needs.”

  “Arthur, I would be glad if you would,” Jude admitted.

  A bell ringing made everyone stop talking and turn to the church. Pastor Fletcher stood beaming out at them all.

  “Good morning, to you all. And may I first say a warm and heartfelt thank you to you for requesting that I come here to Springville to minister to you. Our new home has already begun to offer my daughter and me some wonderful friends.

  “Today, we are here to open the doors of this fine church, and our wonderful school for the very first time. Thank you to you all for your generous donations that have meant we could build them both, and for your support of my ministry here.”

  Jude watched as Pastor Fletcher opened the door, stepped to the side, and motioned for people to enter. He couldn’t help but feel moved, along with everyone else present, no doubt. There was a real sense of community, of warmth and affection in the town this morning. Jude was truly glad he had come. Not just because he had been able to catch a glimpse of Ellie, but because he could feel a stir in his heart for the faith he’d thought was long gone.

  The people started entering the new church, one by one, family by family. Pastor Fletcher spoke with every single person, shaking the men’s hands and clasping those of the women between both of his warmly. Jude could see just how much he seemed to mean to everyone, and he found himself praying that the pastor would bestow that welcoming smile and warm welcome upon him, too.

  “Mr. Rigsby,” Pastor Fletcher said, his tone wary. “I wasn’t expecting you to be here.”

  “The new church is a big thing for everyone here, a new beginning for the town,” Jude said. “I suppose I thought that maybe it was time I took the chance at a new beginning, too.”

  “I hope you mean that,” Pastor Fletcher said. “A man needs community, and God’s guidance to keep him straight.”

  “I agree, at least in part,” Jude said with a wry smile. He took the pastor’s hand and pumped it firmly. “Perhaps your teachings will help me to banish my doubts.”

  “I shall certainly do my best if you give me the chance,” the pastor said fervently. “I am told by many that you are a good man, I do so hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive the Lord for what you must believe was His failing you.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Ellie sat at the window, looking out over the street. Fort Worth seemed even busier and even less welcoming than she’d remembered, even though she had only been gone for a few weeks. She was angry, and resentful that her daddy had still insisted she come back here. She’d done nothing wrong, nor had Mr. Rigsby, and it was terrible that they were being punished for her father’s unfounded fears.

  “Ellie, darling, there is a letter for you,” Aunt Augusta called from the hallway.

  Ellie hurried to fetch it. She doubted it was anything important, but she felt so angry and alone that anything to distract her was welcome. She would do anything to take her thoughts from her plight.

  She almost gasped out loud when she recognized the handwriting on the envelope, but she said nothing. She was sure that Daddy would have given Aunt Augusta the firmest of instructions regarding any contact by Jude Rigsby. “Might I go to my room?” she asked her aunt.

  “You may. But, remember we are to attend dear Mrs. Wilkinson this afternoon. She has been quite unwell, and could use a little company,” Aunt Augusta reminded her.

  “I shall not forget,” Ellie assured her.

  Hurrying up to her old bedroom, Ellie frowned briefly at the portrait of her father that hung on the landing. He looked so amiable and kind, yet he was being so stubborn and decidedly unkind over all of this. She hated having to sneak around to read the letter, but she also couldn’t bear the thought of losing Mr. Rigsby. He had come to mean so very much to her.

  She ripped open the letter before she had even crossed the threshold of her room. She closed the door and flung herself down on the bed to read it. Lying on her belly, she propped herself up on her elbows and let her thoughts take her to Mr. Rigsby’s shack on the ridge, sitting by his fire and watching the sunset.

  Dear Miss Fletcher
,

  Everyone here misses your presence, terribly—especially myself. I only came to the church that day to see you, and then before we could speak, you had been whisked away. Your father spread the word that your aunt is unwell, and I do so hope that she is now recovering under what I am sure is your expert and loving care. But, I know everyone, especially myself and all the children hope you will return very soon.

  Hearing your father’s sermon has been life-changing for me. I had not realized how angry I was at God. I thought He had abandoned not just me, but all of humanity. I could not accept that if He truly existed that He could have allowed such terrible things to happen to so many good people. Yet, as I listen to your father preach, I realize that the choices a man makes are what defines him. A man’s choices are his alone. When we’re bound up in our own righteousness, our own pride and arrogance we diverge from God’s truth. He gave us free will to think and act on our own.

  I know this probably sounds pompous and priggish. You are probably more than aware of such things already. But it took me the solitude of my mountain home, and the genuine compassion of your father’s love of God to help me see how far I had strayed. I cannot thank you enough for being the person who brought me back to my faith. Your goodness, your courage, your honesty and kindness made me want to be a better man, to want to rejoin the world I had so desperately wanted to leave behind. Your unbreakable faith in God and in our fellow men made me think twice, thrice and more.

  I shall be in Fort Worth, purchasing some stock from the mercantile on Thursday afternoon. If you receive this in time, I should be glad to call upon you, if I may. I have some letters, written by the children at the new school, to deliver to you and I would be glad if I might deliver them in person to you.”

  Yours always

  Jude Rigsby

  Ellie sighed heavily. She traced her finger over the words, lingering over every loop and swirl. He would be here, in Fort Worth, tomorrow. But, did she dare sneak out to go and meet him?

  Why did he have the letters from the children? Surely Daddy could have sent them on, or even Mr. Galsworthy, the schoolmaster? Something seemed very strange, and Ellie was not sure what had her more confused–that her Daddy had lied about Aunt Augusta being sick, or the revelation that in just one month Mr. Rigsby seemed to have found his faith and was at peace with himself and God.

  She’d prayed that this would happen and now it had come to pass, but she’d never expected it to happen so soon.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Jude nibbled nervously at his bottom lip as he drove into the outskirts of Fort Worth. He didn’t know if he would be welcomed. Maybe Miss Fletcher had left Springville to get away from him? Maybe she’d decided that small town life was not for her.

  He’d wanted to write to her so many times, had longed to rekindle the friendship that had begun that way, but he couldn’t seem to do it. Every time he had sat down to write, he had not known what to say.

  Much had changed in his life, and it had been as sudden and as overwhelming as an avalanche. Sitting in the church, what seemed like an age ago now, he’d felt an overwhelming sense of peace come over him as he listened to Pastor Fletcher give his sermon. Every word had seemed to be directed solely at him, and it had somehow mended his broken soul.

  The very next week, he had volunteered to assist Mr. Galsworthy with Sunday School determined to continue the work he knew was so important to Ellie. He had built his new house, and a fine and welcoming home it was. He’d kept the shack for his visitors, but had also added a large and comfortable bunk house, so men could choose companionship or solitude, whichever was their preference.

  Pastor Fletcher had taken some time to come around to him. Jude couldn’t blame him for being skeptical that all the changes weren’t without an ulterior motive. But, though he had started out with one, to marry Ellie, those changes had become real and bound tightly to his very soul.

  The pastor had seen this and had invited Jude to supper one night. They had talked for hours, Jude sharing all his disappointments, sadness, and hopes. He even included his early wishes for a relationship with Ellie. Pastor Fletcher had confessed his own duplicity—that he’d lied to everyone about why he had sent Ellie back to Fort Worth.

  And now, finally, Jude had the pastor’s blessing to ask for Ellie’s hand. He was determined not to waste a moment in finding out if she cared for him as much as he prayed she did.

  The door to Mr. Wilson’s store was wide open when Jude pulled the cart up outside. He hitched the reins to the post and went in. “Good day,” he called out, finding nobody inside. “Mr. Wilson?”

  He heard a rustling out the back, and so he waited patiently, moving around the store, looking at all the merchandise and beginning to make a pile of the items he wanted on the counter.

  “Ah, Mr. Rigsby, I’m glad to see you,” the portly storekeeper said, as he finally appeared. “How goes your enterprise?”

  “Very well. I need all of this,” Jude waved to the pile he had accumulated. “And all of these, as well.” He handed Mr. Wilson a list.

  “This will take me a while to get sorted for you. Can you come back in, say, two hours?”

  “I can,” Jude said.

  “You have a cart?”

  “I do.”

  “Then, take it round the back, and we can have everything loaded and ready for you by three o’clock,” Mr. Wilson said.

  Shaking on their agreement, Jude bid him good day and walked out into the street. He turned to the left, and was surprised to see Miss Fletcher walking towards him, not more than ten feet away. She smiled brightly upon seeing him and picked up her pace.

  But, as she reached him, she stopped. Neither of them seemed to know how to greet the other. Jude longed to pick her up, to embrace her, to whirl her around and show the world that she was his. But, Pastor Fletcher had been quite clear that Ellie must make her own choice, and he and Jude must abide by it.

  “How are you?” she asked, breaking the tense silence.

  “I’m well. How are you?”

  “Well, too, thank you.”

  “You definitely look well,” Jude said, noting the flush in her cheeks.

  “As do you.”

  “Goodness, this is quite ridiculous,” he said, laughing out loud at the absurdity of such a conversation. “I suppose you got my letter? As you are here.”

  “I did. I didn’t want to get Aunt Augusta into any trouble since Daddy probably gave her strict orders that I wasn’t to see you,” Ellie said, wringing her hands, her eyes darting from side to side, as though she feared they might be spotted.

  “There is no need to worry. Believe it or not, I’m here with your father’s blessing.” Jude let his choice of words sink in for a moment before continuing to speak. Ellie’s mouth, and her deep blue eyes widened in wonder. “Yes, he and I have become, well not quite friends, but I think we understand one another a little better,” Jude said, laughing.

  “He knew you were coming here to see me?” Ellie asked incredulously.

  “Indeed, Miss Fletcher, he did,” Jude teased.

  “I can hardly believe it. I’d begun to fear I might never see you or Springville ever again.”

  “I have my orders to bring you home at once, but I must ask you something before we go,” Jude said. He could feel his stomach tying itself in knots as he prepared to ask the most important question he had ever uttered in his life. “Miss Fletcher, will you marry me? Will you be my bride and let me love you for the rest of our lives?”

  “Oh, Mr. Rigsby,” she sighed. She paused for a moment and he leaned in. “I do think you should call me Ellie. If we’re to be wed, that is!”

  “You’re saying yes? You’ll marry me?” Jude clarified, beaming as he could tell by the flirtatious tone of her voice and the twinkle in her eyes that she had already made her agreement.

  “Of course, I will. I cannot think of anyone I’d rather spend the rest of my days with.”

  “And you don’t mind th
at I only live in a shack, in the wilds?”

  “I’d live in a cave in the frozen north, if you asked it of me,” Ellie said. “Because, you see… I love you, Jude Rigsby.”

  “And I adore you, Ellie Fletcher. With all that I am or ever hope to be. You’re my future.” Forgetting they were in the street, he picked her up and sought her lips with his own. Finally, she was in his arms where she belonged, and he could taste just how sweet her rosebud mouth truly was. Jude knew he had all the treasure in the world, wrapped tightly in his arms and he vowed to never let her go again.

  Epilogue

  Daddy stood on the porch, fidgeting with his suit. Ellie smiled as she opened the door and walked towards him. She smoothed down the fine wool of his coat and straightened his cravat. “You look very handsome,” she said, standing on tip-toe to press a kiss to his cheek.

  “And you look like your dear Mama,” he said, stroking her hair and smiling. “She would be so very proud of you today. And every day, of course.”

  “I think she would be proud of us both, Daddy,” Ellie said, slipping her arm through his as they made their way down the path and across the street to the church.

  “Oh, I think she might have been more than a little disappointed in me, for a while there at least,” Daddy admitted. “I wasn’t too charitable to your Mr. Rigsby. I think I feared losing my baby girl far more than I was concerned about his character. I realized that when I saw you with Mr. Galsworthy. He should have been everything I could have asked for in a suitor for you. A good and Godly man, a schoolmaster and a man you respected and liked from the first. Yet, I found myself disliking him. I knew then that it wouldn’t matter who came calling for my baby girl, I’d never think anyone was good enough for you.”