Waves Of Mercy 02 - Legacy of Mercy by Lynn Austin

Author:Lynn Austin
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Christian Fiction, FIC042030, FIC026000, FIC014000, Historical Fiction
ISBN: 9781493416141
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2018-07-20T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Geesje

Holland, Michigan

Cornelia and I walk to Van Putten’s Dry Goods, and I let her choose a few drawing supplies. She is so grateful that she manages a rare smile. I leave her to browse through the ready-made clothing that has just come in while I pay for the supplies and speak to Mrs. Van Putten. “I noticed you have a Help Wanted sign in the window,” I say. “What sort of help do you need?”

“We’re looking for someone to restock the shelves, sweep the floors, and straighten up. Maybe take money and make change if it gets busy. It’s only a few hours a week. And I can’t pay very much.”

“I will need to ask Cornelia’s grandfather first, but would you consider hiring her? Her English is getting better all the time. She’s a good housekeeper, and I know she’s bright enough to count money and make change.”

“I could give her a try. It’s been hard to find someone for only a few hours a week.”

“Good. I’ll talk with Cornelia and her grandfather about it.” I dread the prospect of facing Marinus again. I don’t enjoy being shouted at and called names. I decide to wait until after supper to visit him, and Cornelia and I walk up to the cemetery together instead. She doesn’t sob as hard as she did the first time, and I can see that remembering her family and acknowledging her grief has brought healing.

We have just returned home from the cemetery when the dominie surprises me by knocking on my front door. “May I have a word with you in private?” he asks.

I send up a silent prayer for patience and wisdom. “Yes, of course. Let’s sit out here on my porch.” I choose one of my porch chairs while he perches on the railing. Anyone who saw him sitting with me—and who didn’t know him as well as I do—would think he was a dignified, distinguished-looking man of God who had come to pay a pastoral call. But I have seen the man behind the façade, and I brace myself for what he might be about to say.

“I have come to apologize for the way I spoke to you yesterday, Mrs. de Jonge.” My mouth drops open. I can’t disguise my surprise. He hurries on. “I was upset to learn that Cornelia tried to kill herself again. I thought she was past all of that. I shouldn’t have yelled at you or said the things I did. I’m sorry.”

For a moment, I’m so stunned I can only nod. “Thank you,” I finally murmur. I wait to see if he has more to say. I’m afraid to speak, afraid to unleash his anger again. Marinus is staring at the porch floor. He looks distressed. I’m guessing the apology hasn’t come easy to him. When he remains silent, I summon the courage to speak. “Dominie, I would like very much to help you and Cornelia. Please tell me how I can do that.”

“I don’t know,” he says, spreading his hands.

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