Page 23 - MailOrderBrideFlipBook

“No. I did not own Molly. She was my fiancée.” “But if fiancée, Eli own.” Eli felt the frustration welling up inside of him. It wasn’t directed at Anya, because she was more of an innocent victim than he was. So at whom did he feel this anger? Was it at himself for believing and trusting Molly? Was it at Molly? But how could he feel upset at someone he had loved for so many years? He swallowed hard and took a deep breath. “No, Anya. I don’t own anyone.” Eli could again hear the fear and discouragement fill Anya’s voice when she spoke. “Then Eli send Anya back?” Eli smiled gently. “Wouldn’t you be happier back home with your own family?” She turned to look at him. “Father beat Anya since not please owner. Sell ’nother owner.” Her eyes appeared to be pleading with him, begging him to understand something that was beyond his comprehension. For a brief moment, they looked directly into each other’s soul. Her words sank into his heart. She lowered her eyes, and he turned and looked again out over the ocean as the sun burst fully into view above the horizon. His heart felt dark and heavy even as the day burst forth full of light. It was as if a new day was dawning, but he wanted to hang on to the old day, the day when he still believed Molly was coming. He didn’t get to contemplate it all very long before the clump of shoes hitting the dock sounded behind him. He turned and saw Agnes Harris bearing down on him with Whitman strolling far behind at a leisurely pace. By the way Agnes was walking, and the scowl on her face, Eli 20