“I still say you need to just tell him the truth,” Pastor Jenkins said.
Addie nodded. “I figured you’d say that. I plan to tell him, but how do I deal with him beyond that? How can I convince him that he can’t marry me for his own sake?”
“I don’t believe that’s the truth of it, Addie. This is the twentieth century, after all. People are far more open in their understanding of the Bible and God. You did nothing wrong, but even if you had, it would be forgiven. Either you believe that, or you don’t. Addie, you are forgiven, and you love Isaac. Isaac is forgiven and loves you. I’d say the two of you belong together.”
This wasn’t at all what Addie had figured to hear. She looked at Selma. “Do you mean to tell me that you don’t think any less of me, knowing that I was a man’s mistress and lived in a brothel? Does that not bother you at all?”
“Addie,” Mrs. Jenkins began, “you know nothing of my sins. None of us want folks to know about the sins we’ve done. But in this case, you committed no sin. Your heart was with Isaac, and the wrong done to you was not your fault. My child, I weep for you and the insult heaped upon you. But even if it had been your sin, it would be no worse than my own.”
“Sin is sin,” Pastor Jenkins said. “God abhors it all, but Jesus washes it away. He takes it on himself, and it’s no longer our burden. Do you trust Him to do that for you, Addie?”
“I know He can.”
“But you wonder if He has? Or if He will? Is that it?”
Addie met his kind eyes and nodded. “I don’t feel worthy of forgiveness.”
“No one is worthy. We don’t get forgiveness because we have earned it. It’s a gift—a loving gift from a loving God. God made the way for us to be reconciled to Him. He gave us Jesus, and you must now trust that He died for your sins and the sins of others. You must see that He loves you and has brought you out of that hopelessness and sin into life everlasting.”
Addie considered that for a moment. “I do believe that. It’s just so hard to understand why God allowed it to happen. If He truly loves me, why would He let others hurt me?”
“That’s a hard question for Christians. Why do we suffer loss? Why doesn’t God prevent bad things from happening to us?” The pastor smiled. “That’s where faith comes in. We have to trust, and when we do, our faith grows a little more. God loves you, Addie, and He always knows exactly where you are and what’s happening to you. Remember that. You’re never alone.”
She left the church and found Isaac waiting with the carriage just outside the door. She could see the look of love in his eyes and knew beyond any doubt that if not for the problems it would cause him, she would happily spend the rest of her life with Isaac.
“Is everything all right?” he asked.
“Yes, I needed to speak to the pastor, but all is well.” She forced a smile. Why couldn’t that be the truth?
“I’m eager to show you where I live. Of course, it’s not my place, and I will eventually find myself a house near the university to save time and money.”
Addie nodded. “I understand.” She started to allow him to help her up when she heard someone call her name.
“Addie!”
She turned and found Mr. Fisher hurrying across the church grounds. “Can you come quickly? It’s Pearl. She’s not feeling well, and I need your help.”
Addie looked at Isaac for one long, regretful moment. “I’d better see what’s wrong.”
He nodded. “Let me see if I can be of any help as well.”
They went with Mr. Fisher to where Pearl sat resting. “What happened?” Addie asked.
“I got dizzy and started to faint,” Pearl replied. She rubbed her temples. “I’m not sure what happened. I’m sure I’ll be just fine in a moment. Please don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried. We’re going to get you home, and I’m going to take care of you,” Addie said, looking to Isaac. “Sorry about this, but could you drive us to the Fishers’ place? They haven’t a carriage.”
“Of course,” Isaac replied. “I’ll bring the carriage around.”
Addie looked to Mr. Fisher. “I know you have to get to the expo shop. I can manage helping Pearl, and Isaac can help as well. You go on ahead.”
“Oh, thank you, Addie.” He wrung his hands and looked at his wife. “Do you think she’s really all right?”
“I can’t be sure, but I think perhaps she just overdid things. It is warm and sunny, and she’s dressed rather heavily for such a day.”
Pearl nodded. “I’m sure that’s all it is, Otis. Go and open the shop at the expo. Addie has the day off, and she will take care of me.”
“Very well. If you’re sure.” He hesitated a moment, thenturned and hurried away. As he passed Isaac in the approaching carriage, he gave a wave. “Thank you, Mr. Hanson.”
