Redeeming-Love-By-Francine-Rivers

R E D E E M I N G L O V E
4
Angel lay in bed staring up at the ceiling. She knew she had done the right
thing, but sometimes her longing for Michael became so intense it was physical
pain. Was he well? Was he happy? Surely he would have given up on her
by now. He would have come to realize they were never meant to be together.
She knew he would never forgive her, but he could go on with his life. He
would have Miriam. He could have children.
She couldn’t let herself dwell on it. If she did, she would drown in selfpity.
It was over, finished, behind her. She had to go on. She closed her eyes,
pushing the pain down. She rose and dressed, thinking over the wonderful
things that had happened.
Cherry was settled with a couple who owned a bakery. She was happy
and adapting to her new life. Little Faith had been adopted by a Baptist family
and was now living in Monterey with her new brothers and sisters. And
she was learning to read and write, for letters had come.
As much as Angel loved living with the Axles, she knew she couldn’t
remain with them forever. They had been far too kind already, providing her
with shelter, protection, and friendship. They had even seen to a new
wardrobe for her. Given the choice of what she wanted, she had asked for
dove gray and brown wool in simple styles.
Susanna was the one who insisted on tutoring her. Angel despaired of
learning what Susanna laid out, but her new friend insisted. “You’re quick,
and it’ll come to you. Don’t expect so much of yourself so soon.” The lessons
were hard, and Angel wondered if the effort would be worth the labor.
She thought about going back to work for Virgil, then dismissed it.
Somehow, she knew that wasn’t what she was intended to do. But what was?
Susanna took her along when she did the buying for the family. They
wandered through the markets purchasing meat, vegetables, bread, and
sundry items. Angel learned to bargain. It wasn’t much different from selling
pans to miners. She knew how to bluff. She knew how to pretend indifference.
And she usually got what Susanna wanted for rock-bottom price.
“One look into your baby blue eyes and they practically hand over their
goods for free. They fall all over themselves to serve you.” Susanna laughed.
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