Page 22 - MailOrderBrideFlipBook

Eli smiled at her. “Yes, you speak good English.” “Anya try hard make new owner happy.” “Call me Eli. I’m not your owner. A person can’t own another person.” Anya’s voice betrayed her confusion. “But father own Anya. Father sell, Eli buy. Now Eli own.” Eli turned away, looking out over the sparkling ocean. The sun was now peeking over the horizon, creating a prism across the water that seemed to travel to the sun and beyond. The sun’s rays shot into the sky, crowning the distant edge of the earth with a sparkling tiara more beautiful than any queen’s. The beauty of the day seemed to be in deep contrast to the heaviness he felt in his heart. Eli’s voice was quiet as he answered. “No, Anya. God made man in his own image. No man can really be owned by another.” “No man, but woman.” Eli turned back to face her. His voice was firm but kind. “No. He did not make a woman to be owned any more than a man.” “Anya not understand. If Eli think this, then why buy Anya?” Eli lowered his eyes. “I didn’t buy anyone. I sent money to Molly so she could come over.” “Mean buy Molly and get Anya by mistake and make Eli sad?” Eli shook his head. “No. I did not send money to buy Molly. Molly was my fiancée. I sent money for her boat ticket.” “Oh. Already own Molly and send for her.” 19