Moonlight on the Millpond (32 page)

Jace and Eden parted ways at the train station in Worcester. They had ridden the train that far together, but Eden's train home went in another direction. At the beginning of the journey, Jace had questioned her about the changes he saw—not just on Friday when she arrived in Tucker Mills, but the whole weekend. She had been genuinely kind to Clara, not defensive or underhanded. And on Sunday morning, she had gone into town to services even though Jace had not wanted to go.

Eden had done her best to explain. Jace sat in quiet horror as he learned that his sister had arrived back in Pine River with the intent of taking her own life. She had even gone so far as to find a sturdy branch in a large tree, and she was trying to figure out where she could get a rope when a child interrupted her.

“She was so little,” Eden explained, “but she could talk. She said she couldn't find her house. She was very brave, not crying or carrying on, but she looked so frightened, and for a moment I forgot about myself.

“I walked her back in the direction I thought she might have come, and her family was looking for her. They were so happy to see her—just a man, a woman, and an older boy—that they wouldn't allow me to leave. They brought me in out of the cold and fed me, wrapped a warm blanket around me, and gave me something hot to drink. I couldn't remember the last time anyone had taken care of me.

“But then the most amazing thing happened: The man asked if he could pray. I didn't like it. I was uncomfortable, but I didn't feel I could say no. He sat in a nearby chair, his wife and son on the sofa, and his little daughter in his lap. He bowed his head and thanked God for bringing his child home, but that wasn't the hardest part. He then thanked God for me, Jace. I've never been so touched. By the time he was finished, I was crying and I couldn't stop.

“His wife came and put her arms around me, and I only cried more. I was so embarrassed, but they didn't seem the least surprised. He waited for me to calm down a little and then began to ask me about myself. And I told him! I don't know what came over me, but I told him what a selfish person I am, and how my own brother didn't even want me.

“But that's not all,” Eden had told Jace, the story pouring out of her as the train rocked along the tracks. “He said he understood, and what's more, he said God understood. He said God understood about my sin so well that He sent His Son. He said that I could be forgiven if I only believed what God had said about the Lord Jesus Christ, and that He was the way to life eternal.

“I have to tell you, Jace, I wasn't thinking about life at that point, eternal or otherwise. I just wanted forgiveness. I was desperate for it. I had driven Maddie away from you, and Woody was gone, but you still didn't need me the way you used to. I was losing control and ready to do anything I could to get it back. I hated what I saw in myself. It was so ugly and awful that I wanted to die. I thought if I could be forgiven, maybe I wouldn't feel so bad.”

She stopped then, seeming to be out of words, but Jace was still trying to understand.

“So what happened, Eden? This man said a prayer, and you were forgiven?”

“His name is Mr. Engler, by the way,” she said quietly, sounding tired. “He's a pastor. And no, he didn't pray. I prayed. I told God I believed in His Son and wanted the salvation He offered.” Eden sighed a little. “As soon as I told God that I was a sinner and needed His forgiveness, I knew a peace that I can't describe to you.

“Mr. Engler and his wife, Lissa, talked to me for hours. They brought their Bibles out and showed me things that I never knew. I told them more about what I'd done, especially with you and Maddie, and they showed me where Scripture says I had to repent to you.” Eden looked into his eyes. “That's why I came, Jace. I don't exactly know what this new life will look like, but lies are not part of it.”

“Eden, how do you know you can trust these strangers? Weren't you afraid of that?”

“I was too upset to think about it, but if they have some hidden agenda, they have an odd way of going about it. All they do is give to me. They offer me meals and times with their family, and they introduce me to others who attend their meetinghouse. They come by the boardinghouse just to say hello. Quite frankly, they're the kindest folks I've ever known.”

Jace didn't know what to say. He wanted to be afraid for his sister—this sounded so radical—but there was no denying the change in her.

“You're sure?” he had to ask. “You're sure they're safe?”

“If they're not, Jace, I at least have known some days of peace—something I've never had. There's so much I don't know. That doesn't scare me, but even if I find out it's a lie and they have misrepresented themselves in some way, I'll at least know that I made an effort toward God, and that it was the right thing to repent to you.”

Jace looked at her, honestly wondering how she could be the same person. Eden caught his stare and smiled.

“I wish you could know how changed I am on the inside, Jace. That's where it really matters.”

“I'm happy for you, Eden,” Jace found himself saying. “Maddie has lots of questions about death and heaven. Maybe you'll have answers for her.”

“I don't know about that, Jace, but I'm glad you mentioned Maddie. Do I write to her at this address in Boston?”

“Not yet, Eden. I hope to bring her back to Tucker Mills.”

“Will you let me know what happens?”

“Yes,” Jace was able to answer with assurance. “I'll write this time, no matter how this comes out.”

They looked at each other for a few minutes, and then Eden looked away. “I love you, Jace,” she said quietly, hoping that he heard.

Jace reached over and briefly squeezed her hand before moving in the seat and trying to get more comfortable. It had been an emotional time, and both Randalls fell asleep. When they woke, they were nearly to Worcester and had to say their goodbyes. Again Eden wanted to hug her brother but held back. Instead, she boarded her next train, asking God to work the same miracle in Jace's heart that He'd performed in her own.

Boston

“Maddie,” Beth said, having finally found her in the kitchen. Her voice was oddly low as she spoke. “There's someone here to see you. I put him in the front parlor.”

“Oh.” Maddie was unconcerned. “Is it that man I contacted about cleaning those portraits in the hall?”

“I don't think so.”

Maddie frowned at the maid, thinking she was acting odd, but she left her apron on the kitchen counter and headed toward the parlor. The door was shut, and Maddie almost laughed. They were never overly formal with the servicemen that came. She didn't know what had gotten into Beth.

“Hello, Maddie,” Jace said as soon as the door opened and she stepped in.

“Jace,” Maddie whispered, forgetting herself for a moment and almost moving toward him. She stopped in time, however, and turned with deliberate movements to shut the door.

“Why have you come?” Maddie asked him, her stance and voice formal.

“I have something to tell you.”

“You could have written.”

“No, this had to be said in person.”

Maddie nodded, the pounding of her heart belying the sedate way she looked. Why had she not remembered how wonderful he was to look at? Why had she thought that all feelings for him had been carefully put away?

“Please, sit down,” she invited, and waited to take a chair some ways from his. Jace noticed this but didn't comment.

“How are you?” he asked, drinking in the sight of her and hoping not to get caught doing it.

“I'm well. And you?”

“I'm glad to be in Boston,” he said, sidestepping the question. “It's my first time.”

“I'm sure you'll enjoy it.”

“Thank you.”

Maddie hated herself for making small talk, especially when a silence fell. She determined to let Jace speak next. He said he had something to tell her, and with what his presence was doing to her heart, he needed to say it and go.

“My sister came to see me recently. She told me some awful things.”

Maddie didn't want to be interested but found herself more than a little curious.

“She lied to me, Maddie. She never saw you kissing someone else. She made that up.”

“She told you I was kissing someone?” This was news to the small blonde.

“Yes.”

“And that's why you stopped seeing me?”

Jace nodded. She was getting angry, and he couldn't blame her. He watched her come to her feet.

“Let me get this straight. You know that your sister doesn't like anyone, but when she tells you I've been kissing someone, you believe her?”

“I'm sorry, Maddie.”

“You're sorry?” Maddie demanded. “You asked me to leave, Jace Randall. I walked alone to the farm in the dark, and you told me to
leave!”

“Maddie,” Jace made the mistake of saying, “you never told me about David. I didn't realize.”

“David is a happily married man, whose wife does
not
need to be reminded that he was once in love with me!”

Jace could only stare at her. He'd never seen her so angry. She was beautiful too, but he knew this was the last thing he could mention.

“I think you need to leave,” Maddie finally said.

“My uncle died,” Jace added quietly, not sure why he mentioned it and surprised at the change in her.

“Oh, Jace.” Her voice was as soft and sweet as he remembered. “I don't think Cathy wrote me about that. I'm so sorry.”

“Thank you. I don't know why I told you just now, but I thought you would want to know.”

“I'm glad you mentioned it. I truly am sorry.”

The silence that fell between them in the next few seconds was uncomfortable. Maddie wanted Jace to leave, and Jace wanted anything but. When Maddie couldn't take the quiet any longer, she sat back down and looked at Jace. She had realized this was not settled, and she wanted some answers.

Fifteen

“I guess I still don't understand why you came,” Maddie stated plainly. “Why was it so important that I know?”

“After the way I treated you, I couldn't handle it any other way. The last thing I deserve is your forgiveness, but I'll admit that I'm desperate for that very thing.”

His words touched her in a way she didn't expect. Jace should have asked her about what he'd heard, and not just assumed, but he'd been lied to as well. And he'd come all the way to Boston to tell her.

“I do forgive you, Jace. Indeed, I feel sorry that your own sister is so horrid.”

“As a matter of fact, she seems to be a different person now, but you're right, she has been horrid.”

Maddie nodded and then watched Jace look around the room.

“You said one time that you couldn't begin to describe the differences between Boston and Tucker Mills. I think I can see what you mean.”