Page 82 - The Last Gift

years older than she was. She had recognized
that it was merely for the satisfaction of taking
her away from Jacob, yet she allowed it to
continue.

She could well remember Jacob begging her
not to go with Matthew, nor to take his presents.
But she had eight brothers and sisters, and her
family had had so little money that the presents
were too tempting to turn down. She also
realized that if she married Jacob, they would
have nothing to start out on. She had grown up
with little money and she desired more. Jacob
had pledged his love and promised her that he
would take care of her, but she held back from
committing to him.

Inexplicably she had reveled in Jacob’s
jealousy, feeling powerful and in complete

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