Redeeming-Love-By-Francine-Rivers

R E D E E M I N G L O V E
Angel didn’t reply.
Michael and Miriam walked up the hill together to see about little Ruth,
who was swinging. Elizabeth watched them with a faint frown. “She quotes
Michael like gospel. I’ve been so hoping she would fall in love with Paul.”
“Paul?” Angel looked at her in surprise.
“He’s young and strong and very good-looking. He works hard on that
place of his, and he’ll make something of himself. I asked Miriam what she
thought of him, and all she would say is he told her his wife was very pretty
and he missed her. He hardly looks at her when he comes over to help
John.” She sighed. “I suppose he’s still grieving. Too much so to notice a
pretty young girl just the right age for him. And Miriam is—” She stopped
as she realized what she was about to say.
“In love with Michael,” Angel said.
Elizabeth blushed. “She’s never said so.”
“She doesn’t have to, does she?”
Elizabeth wondered what damage she had done with her wandering
thoughts and tongue. Sometimes she spoke with as little wisdom and tact as
her children. Why hadn’t she kept silent about her concerns? Amanda was
too easy to talk to. “I’ve wondered,” she admitted, seeing no way to avert the
subject now. She wondered especially today, watching Miriam walk away
with Michael and seeing how her daughter hung on his every word. Was
Michael aware of her affection? How could he not be? Miriam never could
hide anything.
Elizabeth touched Angel’s hand. “Miriam would never do anything about
those feelings, even if she does have them for Michael. She adores you, and
she’s a good girl. She’s no fool, Amanda.”
“Of course not.” Angel watched Michael come down the hill with her
friend and thought they looked very good together. They both had dark hair
and were beautifully made. They had so much in common. They both
believed in the same God. They loved the land. They both embraced life
with zeal and joy. They gave their love without condition.
She saw Miriam loop her arm through Michael’s and laugh up at him in
easy camaraderie. Angel’s heart contracted with a sharp stab of jealousy, but
it was quickly gone, overcome by an overwhelming sadness. She watched
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