“You’ve a good heart, Evie. The problem isn’t in providing the materials, but in getting people to take them. You know they’re quite proud, and charity isn’t always something they will receive.”
“Seems a shame to suffer and make your children go without all because of pride. No wonder the Bible says, ‘Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.’ If people are too proud to face a bit of embarrassment at their circumstance and thus miss out on a blessing, then how can we help them?”
“We must continue to try, and we must pray for them. Now pick up the pace and head straight to Charlotte’s house,” Mother said. “I don’t want to be late.”
Evie could tell her mother was discouraged by all that she’d witnessed. Mother had such a tender heart.
“You did a good thing, Mother. You helped them as best you could. Especially the scarred man.”
“Did you see that he was missing three of his fingers? I wonder if the fire cost him that as well.”
“Whatever his limitations, we gave what we could, and the mission will see to his needs. They won’t turn him away.” Yet she understood her mother’s sorrow over the matter. The plight of the homeless was something impossible to ignore.
“There are just so many, Evie. Just so many.”
They were welcomed into the Van Cleve house and ushered into the large front room where the women were all talking informally. Charlotte Van Cleve had not yet called the meeting to order.
“I’m so glad we aren’t late,” Mother whispered in Evie’s ear. “Let’s sit here near the door in case I get too warm.”
“So good to see you again, Judith and Evie.” Mrs. Van Cleve came into the room just as they claimed their chairs. Both stood to greet the older woman. Evie let her mother do the talking for them both. “I see you’ve been hard at work.”
“We were delivering help baskets and tending to the poor,” Mother explained.
Mrs. Van Cleve smiled. “I’m sure they were delighted to see you. Oh, the time is getting away from me. I should start the meeting.” She gave Mother a hug and then hurried to the front of the room. “Ladies, if you will take your seats, we can open our meeting in prayer.”
Evie settled in and listened as Mrs. Van Cleve prayed, then immediately began discussing a variety of themes. After about twenty minutes of news regarding their various projects, Mrs. Van Cleve shared information related to Bethany Home, perhaps her favorite task.
“We only have four women with us at this time,” she began. “Each has signed contracts to remain for a year, as we ask. During that time, they will be cared for and upon delivering their babies will make the final decision as to whether they will give their children up for adoption or keep them. They will also learn life skills such as sewing and cooking.
“These women come from the most difficult of situations. Most have never had a husband, and those who do have been deserted with no one else to turn to. One of the women in our house was actually the victim of a terrible attack. She has already decided to give up her child, and once the baby is born, we are paying her way to Washington state where she intends to live a quiet life with her grandmother.”
Evie’s heart was tender toward those poor souls who had been tricked into believing the men in their lives had good intentions. She felt sorry for those who had found themselves with no other choice but to sell themselves for food and board. It was heartbreaking that society cared so little for people’s plights that they would look away from such great need and offer condemnation rather than love.
When she and Evan turned twenty-one and inherited a portion of money the year before, Evie had immediately donated part of it to Bethany Home. Like Mrs. Van Cleve, it was one of her favorite charities, perhaps because she knew how little regard society gave these women. It was almost as if they were being punished for a sin that wasn’t entirely their own. Mother once said most women were afraid to even acknowledge these lowly sisters because such a thin dividing line lay between those who were considered the lowest form of womanhood and themselves. Evie had even heard women pledge that they would die at their own hand before taking on such a heinous position. Hopefully, most would never need to make such a decision.
But lingering questions haunted Evie’s thoughts. Where was God’s mercy for these duped women, these soiled doves? Where was the mercy of their neighbors and friends? Why could good people so completely and easily discard these wounded women?
Max opened the door to his new house and paused just inside the door. Silence greeted him but not in an unfriendly manner. This house felt like a sanctuary. Closing the door, Max had a distinct feeling of shutting the world out. He leaned back against the jamb and smiled.
Earlier in the day, an invitation had arrived for him. Evan had invited Max to join them for their family night. There would be food and games. And Evie.
Of course, there would be other people as well. In fact, Max knew that even if there were no other guests but himself, it would still be a large gathering, since Evie’s family consisted of twelve souls all by itself. Max had been more than a little amused at the stories she and Evan each shared. It was impossible for him to imagine the cacophony they had grown up with when his own life had been so very quiet. Like this house.
He climbed the stairs, listening for any creak or moan from the steps. None came. The place was solidly built and not very old, but it needed a family like Evie’s to make it a true home. For now, it suited his purposes. It offered him a place away from the Duchess and his father, and it also made a good investment. Property generally made for smart transactions. This was why Max had already purchased several pieces of land around town. He had heard of several planned projects for the city. His properties would be nearby and were bound to increase in value. Of course, no one was moving ahead onexpansions until the economy settled and the banking crisis ended, but there was hope. Already issues with bankrupt railroads seemed to be fading away. Hopefully, the country would rebound and move forward soon.
His father’s thoughts of burning down the mills came to mind. It was certainly a mystery as to how he and his friends had come to such conclusions. Max had always considered his father to have trustworthy standards. He’d never witnessed his father cheat anyone or try to hide the facts when they didn’t go his way. So why would his father consider breaking the law now?
Max pulled off his suit coat and draped it over the valet stand, then undid the buttons on his vest and removed it as well. The heat of the day had left him damp and uncomfortable. A bath might suit him well.
He thought of what Evan had said about believing Max was going to be important to their family. He didn’t try to shy away from Max’s interests in Evie. Rather Evan simply told him to seek God first.
What exactly should he do? Evan had suggested more Bible reading and prayer. Max had purchased a Bible, and it now lay on the table downstairs. He had glanced at it and even opened it to peruse the various books. He was familiar enough to know there was an Old Testament and a New, and he understood that the teachings of the Christian church were mainly spelled out in the New Testament, where Jesus’s arrival on earth, death, and resurrection were explained and shared for all to understand.
Other than that, however, he was a little lost as to what to read. Where did one start with such a book?
That day at the lake, Evan had mentioned how much good he had taken away from their Sunday sermons. He told of his admiration of their current pastor. Apparently there had been another man prior to this minister who went east to take upnew work. Everyone spoke of loving the man’s ability to make God’s Word understandable but agreed the new reverend was equally gifted.
Perhaps going to church would resolve all his problems. He could listen to the sermon and learn what he needed to know. Maybe he could also ask Evan questions.
