Lucy's Faith (Faith To Victory Inspirational Historical Romance 1) by Jackie Marie Stephens

Author:Jackie Marie Stephens [Stephens, Jackie Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mail-Order Bride, Sweet & Clean, Western, Inspirational, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Marriage Of Convenience, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Historical, Frontier & Pioneer, Faith To Victory, Accountant, North Dakota, Bird Watcher, Regular Pen Pals, Childhood Friends
Publisher: J.M. Stephens
Published: 2015-12-06T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6 – Proposal Thwarted

Edward was pleasantly surprised to find a letter from Lucy in the post a few mornings after. He had already given up hope on getting another one. But opening it, his happiness gave way to worry. Lucy had been seriously ill. He wasn't sure why, but he hadn't considered that option at all. Now it made much more sense.

Edward sat back in his armchair, letter in hand, unable to read his newspaper or reply to the letter, just shocked and confused at the emotions running through him.

His body felt numb. His heart ached with the knowledge that Lucy had been in such grave danger. He could have lost her, without ever knowing why. And over an illness that probably lasted much longer than necessary because of living conditions she never felt she could tell him about.

His head started to pound thinking about how little he knew of Lucy’s real life. Did she even have money for proper food? Maybe they lived where they did because they didn’t have the money to do any better.

When Suzanne walked in, she immediately noticed the pale tone to Edward's face and the general aura of helplessness around him.

“What's the matter? What's happened?”

“It's Lucy.” Was all he could manage.

“You've finally got a response back?” Suzanne sighed with relief. “I would be shocked too. What does she say?”

“She has been gravely ill. And I almost stopped writing, not knowing she was suffering, ill.”

Suzanne looked concerned momentarily. “Ill? I hope she's better now.”

Edward nodded. “At least she says so. I just... I feel sort of, in some way, responsible. I'm not sure you would understand...”

“Of course I do.” Suzanne insisted, dropping herself down into the large plush settee opposite him in the most unladylike manner possible. “When my friends are ill, I expect them to tell me and feel bad when I find out.”

“It's just... knowing the terrible area where they live, I guess I should have got them out of there sooner.”

“Now, now,” Suzanne interrupted with a scowl on her face, “they live there because they choose to live there. If they wanted to live somewhere better, don't you think they would?”

Edward sighed. “I'm not sure. I'm unsure how much money they have right now. I never asked.”

“There are plenty of poor people living moral lives in nasty places, but there are also plenty of poor people living in cottages in the country. If they wanted to live away from the nasty part of town, I'm sure they would.”

Edward wasn't convinced. “I think I will invite them over to stay. Just for a while. Until Lucy is better and everything is in order.”

Suzanne scowled. “I'm not sure that's a good idea.”

“Why not? You live with me.”

“I am your sister. But two unattached women staying at your home? That sounds like trouble. Besides, if they are truly poor and desperate, they could lead you astray. I know how much you prefer Lucy to all my respectable women friends. I am sure it would

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