A Voice From the Past
Grabbing the receiver, Natalie spoke excitedly. “Hello, Mirah? Is that you?
“Miss Natalie, are you really alive?”
At that Natalie laughed. “More alive now than I've been in a long time. It's good to hear your voice!”
“How, Miss Natalie? How?”
“Listen, Mirah, it's a long story that will take some time to tell. Is there any way you could come here right away? There's a flight that leaves in the morning. I've already checked and reserved a seat just in case you could come.”
“But... but...” stammered Mirah. “Where are you?”
“I'm a little way outside of Kansas City, Kansas, in the country. I can meet you at the airport in Kansas City. Will you... could you... come?
“Well I have accumulated some time off, if I want to take it. If you've already reserved a seat, I'm sure I can take an extra day or two. I could throw a few things together and... uh... well... yes, sure, I'll do it! I can hardly believe this is happening! Are you sure you're all right, Miss Natalie? I mean, not in a hospital or something?
“Not any more, Mirah. I'm well and not a ghost. Tomorrow I can explain, and oh, Mirah, don't say anything to the queen yet. I may speak to her when the time is right, but not till I see you and get some more things taken care of. Okay?
“Certainly, Miss Natalie. I won't let her know. I promise.”
Mirah was so nervous when she got off the phone that she felt sick to her stomach. She wasn't sure why she felt this way. This was, after all, wonderful news and Natalie did sound good. But why hadn't she heard from her before now? What had she been doing for the last seven years? Maybe she had changed. A lot could've happened in her life. She certainly waited a long time to try and get her daughter back. That did not sound like the old Natalie that Mirah knew. She would never have stayed away from her daughter. Unless Lucienda had been despicable enough to have assigned people to do something to Natalie, for which reason she had been hiding.
Mirah rubbed her face with her hands and realized her cheeks were wet. She hadn't been aware that she was crying. All I know is, I've just spoken w ith a ghost, she thought. And what can one expect from a ghost? What w ill be done to me, when it's known that I have hidden away Queen Natasha's niece?
As Mirah stepped into the maid's kitchen entrance, at about 12:45 a.m., she saw her friend, Mr. Benson the gardener. He had had trouble sleeping and was up getting himself some warm milk. Over the years, Mr. Benson had become like a father to Mirah. She had learned she could trust him. The two were very fond of each other.
As Mirah quietly closed the door, Mr. Benson exclaimed, “Goodness, Mirah! Where have you been? You look like you've just seen a ghost and you startled me as bad as if you were one! What are you doing out at such an hour? Surely you're not having a secret rendezvous, not my good Mirah!”
She saw that he had a twinkle in his eye, though slightly startled, and a teasing smile. Seeing her uneasiness, however, he became concerned
“Sit down child, you're pale. Has someone mistreated you?”
Mirah just shook her head and sat down in a chair, at the maids' table in the large kitchen. She felt that if she tried to speak, she might burst into tears.
“What is it, honey? You look a little weak.
“Oh, I wish I could tell you,” she managed to get out. “Wish I could talk to someone, but... but... if it got to the wrong ears... Oh! I don't know!” She worked her hands nervously and fidgeted in her chair. “What I do or do not say could mean life or death for someone. I'm just so scared and mixed up!” She swallowed hard to keep back the tears.
“Now, now,” Mr. Benson said, patting her shoulder and sitting down beside her. “Maybe you need a friend to help, if it's all that serious. Life and death, that's pretty serious stuff.”
Mirah rubbed her hands up and down over her arms, closed her eyes and sighed. Then she looked around as if to be sure no one was seeing or hearing.
“I wish I could tell you. This is too much for me, all by myself,” she admitted. “Oh what's happening? What will happen?”
The fatherly gentleman reached out and began patting her hand.
“Here now, honey. You're a good girl.” He spoke like he was speaking to a young child, though she was thirty-four years old. “If someone is bothering you or has hurt you, let me help. I've never seen you so upset.”
Just then Susanne, who was a baker in the kitchen, stepped into the room. Mirah jumped when the door opened, then became quiet and still. As Mr. Benson was obviously very concerned about her, he took her hand and gave it a little squeeze. He gave her a reassuring look and whispered, “It's okay.”
“Oh, I didn't realize others were up and out here at this hour,” Susanne said as she headed to the cabinet for a glass. She had only glanced at the two at the table, and hadn't noticed Mirah's disturbed condition. She took out the glass and headed to the refrigerator for some milk.
“I was asleep but began dreaming about Mr. Edward Williams again so I got up to pray.”
Mirah looked startled. She looked at Mr. Benson.
“Edward?” she asked. Again he squeezed her hand and whispered, “hold on, honey. I want to help.” Then to Susanne, he said, “Again, huh? Well maybe there's a reason. I don't know.”
He looked at Mirah. “You remember Mr. Williams, don't you? The young man who built the gazebo in the garden?”
As Susanne brought her milk to the table, she added, “The one who prayed for my chin and married Miss Natalie.”
Mirah nodded. She couldn't believe that tonight of all nights, these two were talking about Edward. She felt she was about to explode.
“Well,” Mr. Benson went on, “that incident was the beginning of a change in my life and Susanne's. After what happened to Susanne that day, the two of us started talking more and began trying to find out more about God. We not only found out about him, but we found Him and let him into our lives.” The two smiled at each other sweetly.
By now Susanne had noticed the strained look on Mirah's face and how Mr. Benson was holding her hand and speaking so gently to her. She knew something was wrong and began praying silently.
Mr. Benson continued, “Susanne has had a feeling for some time that something was wrong with the whole story-what's been told about Miss Natalie and her husband. Then she started having these vivid dreams that he was alive and asking her for help.”
”So I get up and start praying for him,” Susanne put in.
“For a dead man? Mirah exclaimed. Her voice came out high pitched and cracked. She was clearly far more agitated now. She stood up and began to wring her hands
“He is dead! I was there! Didn't you know Lucienda sent me to see Natalie and he died right in front of my face?”
The two looked at each other, very seriously now. They hadn't known. ”I was in the hospital room when the doctor covered him with the sheet! I'm telling you he died right in front of me. It was the most awful thing I have ever seen! I heard the nurse tell Natalie he was gone and I saw that beautiful person fall apart!”
She was wringing her hands harder and faster now. “It's enough finding out she is alive without hearing such ridiculous talk as this!” She sat back down, put her hands over her ears and began crying and trembling.
Mr. Benson and Susanne looked at each other again, surprised and shocked
“Oh no! Oh my! I didn't mean to say that!” She grabbed Mr. Benson's arm desperately, searching his face, then Susanne's. She begged them, “Oh, please tell me you'll not say a word to anyone, not a word!”
Mr. Benson put both arms around her, saying, “Calm down, honey. Calm down. You don't have to worry about me and Susanne. We're here to help, however we can. We won't say a word.”
Susanne left her seat and came to Mirah. She took her from Mr. Benson into her own arms.
“You poor thing!” she said. “You've been carrying an awful heavy load, haven't you?”
Mirah gave way to her tears now. “That's all right sweetheart,” Susanne spoke tenderly. “Look here, we're going to help. Okay? You need someone to share with and you can trust us.”
Mirah, still shaking visibly, looked hopefully at both of them and began recounting what had happened seven years earlier beginning with the mission she had been sent on and then the recent letter and phone call. They were amazed.
“We've been ignorant of so much!” Susanne spoke first to Mr. Benson and then to Mirah. “You've had a lot deal with and all alone! Now, I'll tell you what. You go to bed and get some rest. I'll be up to your apartment in the morning and help you get your things ready for your trip. Tonight just go to bed and rest. Don't worry. The only ones Mr. Benson and I will talk to is you, each other and God. That's enough. Your secret is safe.”
Mirah hugged them both. She was much calmer now. It was a relief to have someone to share with. She had held so much inside for so long.
“But you do believe me, don't you? I did see Edward Williams die.
“Of course, of course, sweetheart,” Mr. Benson spoke soothingly. I know you would never lie to us and have no reason to. If you say you were there, then it's true.”
“Miss Natalie, are you really alive?”
At that Natalie laughed. “More alive now than I've been in a long time. It's good to hear your voice!”
“How, Miss Natalie? How?”
“Listen, Mirah, it's a long story that will take some time to tell. Is there any way you could come here right away? There's a flight that leaves in the morning. I've already checked and reserved a seat just in case you could come.”
“But... but...” stammered Mirah. “Where are you?”
“I'm a little way outside of Kansas City, Kansas, in the country. I can meet you at the airport in Kansas City. Will you... could you... come?
“Well I have accumulated some time off, if I want to take it. If you've already reserved a seat, I'm sure I can take an extra day or two. I could throw a few things together and... uh... well... yes, sure, I'll do it! I can hardly believe this is happening! Are you sure you're all right, Miss Natalie? I mean, not in a hospital or something?
“Not any more, Mirah. I'm well and not a ghost. Tomorrow I can explain, and oh, Mirah, don't say anything to the queen yet. I may speak to her when the time is right, but not till I see you and get some more things taken care of. Okay?
“Certainly, Miss Natalie. I won't let her know. I promise.”
Mirah was so nervous when she got off the phone that she felt sick to her stomach. She wasn't sure why she felt this way. This was, after all, wonderful news and Natalie did sound good. But why hadn't she heard from her before now? What had she been doing for the last seven years? Maybe she had changed. A lot could've happened in her life. She certainly waited a long time to try and get her daughter back. That did not sound like the old Natalie that Mirah knew. She would never have stayed away from her daughter. Unless Lucienda had been despicable enough to have assigned people to do something to Natalie, for which reason she had been hiding.
Mirah rubbed her face with her hands and realized her cheeks were wet. She hadn't been aware that she was crying. All I know is, I've just spoken w ith a ghost, she thought. And what can one expect from a ghost? What w ill be done to me, when it's known that I have hidden away Queen Natasha's niece?
As Mirah stepped into the maid's kitchen entrance, at about 12:45 a.m., she saw her friend, Mr. Benson the gardener. He had had trouble sleeping and was up getting himself some warm milk. Over the years, Mr. Benson had become like a father to Mirah. She had learned she could trust him. The two were very fond of each other.
As Mirah quietly closed the door, Mr. Benson exclaimed, “Goodness, Mirah! Where have you been? You look like you've just seen a ghost and you startled me as bad as if you were one! What are you doing out at such an hour? Surely you're not having a secret rendezvous, not my good Mirah!”
She saw that he had a twinkle in his eye, though slightly startled, and a teasing smile. Seeing her uneasiness, however, he became concerned
“Sit down child, you're pale. Has someone mistreated you?”
Mirah just shook her head and sat down in a chair, at the maids' table in the large kitchen. She felt that if she tried to speak, she might burst into tears.
“What is it, honey? You look a little weak.
“Oh, I wish I could tell you,” she managed to get out. “Wish I could talk to someone, but... but... if it got to the wrong ears... Oh! I don't know!” She worked her hands nervously and fidgeted in her chair. “What I do or do not say could mean life or death for someone. I'm just so scared and mixed up!” She swallowed hard to keep back the tears.
“Now, now,” Mr. Benson said, patting her shoulder and sitting down beside her. “Maybe you need a friend to help, if it's all that serious. Life and death, that's pretty serious stuff.”
Mirah rubbed her hands up and down over her arms, closed her eyes and sighed. Then she looked around as if to be sure no one was seeing or hearing.
“I wish I could tell you. This is too much for me, all by myself,” she admitted. “Oh what's happening? What will happen?”
The fatherly gentleman reached out and began patting her hand.
“Here now, honey. You're a good girl.” He spoke like he was speaking to a young child, though she was thirty-four years old. “If someone is bothering you or has hurt you, let me help. I've never seen you so upset.”
Just then Susanne, who was a baker in the kitchen, stepped into the room. Mirah jumped when the door opened, then became quiet and still. As Mr. Benson was obviously very concerned about her, he took her hand and gave it a little squeeze. He gave her a reassuring look and whispered, “It's okay.”
“Oh, I didn't realize others were up and out here at this hour,” Susanne said as she headed to the cabinet for a glass. She had only glanced at the two at the table, and hadn't noticed Mirah's disturbed condition. She took out the glass and headed to the refrigerator for some milk.
“I was asleep but began dreaming about Mr. Edward Williams again so I got up to pray.”
Mirah looked startled. She looked at Mr. Benson.
“Edward?” she asked. Again he squeezed her hand and whispered, “hold on, honey. I want to help.” Then to Susanne, he said, “Again, huh? Well maybe there's a reason. I don't know.”
He looked at Mirah. “You remember Mr. Williams, don't you? The young man who built the gazebo in the garden?”
As Susanne brought her milk to the table, she added, “The one who prayed for my chin and married Miss Natalie.”
Mirah nodded. She couldn't believe that tonight of all nights, these two were talking about Edward. She felt she was about to explode.
“Well,” Mr. Benson went on, “that incident was the beginning of a change in my life and Susanne's. After what happened to Susanne that day, the two of us started talking more and began trying to find out more about God. We not only found out about him, but we found Him and let him into our lives.” The two smiled at each other sweetly.
By now Susanne had noticed the strained look on Mirah's face and how Mr. Benson was holding her hand and speaking so gently to her. She knew something was wrong and began praying silently.
Mr. Benson continued, “Susanne has had a feeling for some time that something was wrong with the whole story-what's been told about Miss Natalie and her husband. Then she started having these vivid dreams that he was alive and asking her for help.”
”So I get up and start praying for him,” Susanne put in.
“For a dead man? Mirah exclaimed. Her voice came out high pitched and cracked. She was clearly far more agitated now. She stood up and began to wring her hands
“He is dead! I was there! Didn't you know Lucienda sent me to see Natalie and he died right in front of my face?”
The two looked at each other, very seriously now. They hadn't known. ”I was in the hospital room when the doctor covered him with the sheet! I'm telling you he died right in front of me. It was the most awful thing I have ever seen! I heard the nurse tell Natalie he was gone and I saw that beautiful person fall apart!”
She was wringing her hands harder and faster now. “It's enough finding out she is alive without hearing such ridiculous talk as this!” She sat back down, put her hands over her ears and began crying and trembling.
Mr. Benson and Susanne looked at each other again, surprised and shocked
“Oh no! Oh my! I didn't mean to say that!” She grabbed Mr. Benson's arm desperately, searching his face, then Susanne's. She begged them, “Oh, please tell me you'll not say a word to anyone, not a word!”
Mr. Benson put both arms around her, saying, “Calm down, honey. Calm down. You don't have to worry about me and Susanne. We're here to help, however we can. We won't say a word.”
Susanne left her seat and came to Mirah. She took her from Mr. Benson into her own arms.
“You poor thing!” she said. “You've been carrying an awful heavy load, haven't you?”
Mirah gave way to her tears now. “That's all right sweetheart,” Susanne spoke tenderly. “Look here, we're going to help. Okay? You need someone to share with and you can trust us.”
Mirah, still shaking visibly, looked hopefully at both of them and began recounting what had happened seven years earlier beginning with the mission she had been sent on and then the recent letter and phone call. They were amazed.
“We've been ignorant of so much!” Susanne spoke first to Mr. Benson and then to Mirah. “You've had a lot deal with and all alone! Now, I'll tell you what. You go to bed and get some rest. I'll be up to your apartment in the morning and help you get your things ready for your trip. Tonight just go to bed and rest. Don't worry. The only ones Mr. Benson and I will talk to is you, each other and God. That's enough. Your secret is safe.”
Mirah hugged them both. She was much calmer now. It was a relief to have someone to share with. She had held so much inside for so long.
“But you do believe me, don't you? I did see Edward Williams die.
“Of course, of course, sweetheart,” Mr. Benson spoke soothingly. I know you would never lie to us and have no reason to. If you say you were there, then it's true.”
“And if he hadn't truly been dead,” Mirah added, “those doctors and nurses wouldn't have let Miss Natalie lay in that hospital for days and never tell her different. They were always saying how awful they felt that such a young, sweet person like Natalie had to lose her husband and be alone with a young child to raise. I heard them outside at the desk and in the hall. I even saw one nurse crying.”
“Well, perhaps there is meaning in Susanne's dreams, only not that he might be alive. Perhaps the message God is trying to get across to Susanne has to do with Natalie and their daughter. In the dreams he is alive. Well, he knew the Lord, so he is alive in the presence of God. The help he is asking for may be for his family who are still with us. After all, in God's eyes a husband and wife are one. If Susanne prays for them, in effect she is praying for Edward too.”
“There is definitely truth in that,” Susanne said. “When a man who knows the Lord dies, God looks out after his family. His eye is always on them. He may very well lead others to pray for them and minister to their needs.”
“Perhaps, Susanne, God has put Mr. Williams on your heart because he has chosen you to pray for them and love them in his absence. After all, he is the one who first gave you a glimpse of what God is really like. God used him in your life. He has a special place in your heart. Now God may use you for the good of his family.
“That may be” Susanne agreed. “But now let's get this tired young lady to bed. She has an exciting day ahead of her.
Mirah was ready for bed now. They believed her and were going to help her. It was good to have someone she could finally share with. They may be a little “out there” with all this God and dreams-with-meaning stuff, but they were caring, honest and trustworthy. They would be there for her to lean on and right now she could certainly use such friends.
The next morning Susanne was at Mirah's door at 6:30 with a breakfast tray. There were blueberry muffins, bacon, apple juice and coffee. Mirah opened the door and stared sleepy eyed. “Susanne!” she said in a surprised tone.
“You have to eat and must get off to a good start on your mission. Sit down and eat while I run your bath,” came the cheerful but very authoritative command. Mirah sat down on the bed, rubbing her eyes and pushing her tousled hair off of her forehead. The food smelled good. She accepted it gladly, unaccustomed to such service.
“Thank you,” she said between bites of muffin. “This is good! What do you mean, mission?
“Well ma'am, you have been chosen to carry out a very important mission. I can feel it.”
“Oh, Susanne, I don't want to go on another mission. Who knows what sort of trouble I'll be a part of this time.”
“No, no, Mirah. This is a good thing. I just know it.”
“How can you? I mean no disrespect, Susanne, but you thought you were supposed to pray for a dead man. How can you trust your feelings so?"
“I do believe the dreams were from God, Mirah, and for a purpose. I may not have been able to interpret it perfectly, but I am sure I was to pray concerning Edward, even if it was for his family. You did find out Natalie was alive, after I had the dreams, right?”
“Yes. It's true.”
“And what is happening now is no dream. You watch and see, God is in this thing, Mirah. This trip will bring you joy and do a lot of good. I'm honored just to know about it and be able to help any way I can, even if it's only feeding you and helping get you to the airport. Honey, you're about to see a precious friend, as if come back from the dead. Now, you hurry and get ready and be happy. I stayed up late praying and the Lord has answered me. Good things are coming. Don't you fret or let fear trouble your mind.”
“My goodness!” Mirah declared. “You just talk to God any time and he talks back? Just like that?”
“Sure. He doesn't always answer immediately or always give the answer I want, but yes, he does talk back. Now that I'm his child and there's nothing wrong between us, we have some sweet communications.
Mirah almost chuckled, then caught herself and looked serious. Susanne spoke as if she knew for certain that what she was saying was absolute truth.
“You sound a little like Miss Natalie did after she got to know Edward Williams, before she went away.”
“Well, I'd say she found out there was a lot more of life to be living with Mr. Edward than what she'd ever known before,” Susanne stated knowingly.
“She did that for sure,” Mirah agreed. She drank the last of her coffee and hurried to the bathroom for a quick bath, calling out instructions to Susanne, who insisted on packing her things for her while she dressed and combed her hair. Susanne said she was driving her to the airport and seeing her off. She was so jolly and able to think of everything in such short order that Mirah appreciated her help. She found she was beginning to feel happy and excited thanks to Susanne.
A little later, as they headed outside they saw Mr. Benson leaning against the car that he had pulled up, waiting for her. “Don't have to work today,” he said, as though talking to himself. “Sure could use some diversion maybe a ride into town or something.”
“Well, perhaps there is meaning in Susanne's dreams, only not that he might be alive. Perhaps the message God is trying to get across to Susanne has to do with Natalie and their daughter. In the dreams he is alive. Well, he knew the Lord, so he is alive in the presence of God. The help he is asking for may be for his family who are still with us. After all, in God's eyes a husband and wife are one. If Susanne prays for them, in effect she is praying for Edward too.”
“There is definitely truth in that,” Susanne said. “When a man who knows the Lord dies, God looks out after his family. His eye is always on them. He may very well lead others to pray for them and minister to their needs.”
“Perhaps, Susanne, God has put Mr. Williams on your heart because he has chosen you to pray for them and love them in his absence. After all, he is the one who first gave you a glimpse of what God is really like. God used him in your life. He has a special place in your heart. Now God may use you for the good of his family.
“That may be” Susanne agreed. “But now let's get this tired young lady to bed. She has an exciting day ahead of her.
Mirah was ready for bed now. They believed her and were going to help her. It was good to have someone she could finally share with. They may be a little “out there” with all this God and dreams-with-meaning stuff, but they were caring, honest and trustworthy. They would be there for her to lean on and right now she could certainly use such friends.
The next morning Susanne was at Mirah's door at 6:30 with a breakfast tray. There were blueberry muffins, bacon, apple juice and coffee. Mirah opened the door and stared sleepy eyed. “Susanne!” she said in a surprised tone.
“You have to eat and must get off to a good start on your mission. Sit down and eat while I run your bath,” came the cheerful but very authoritative command. Mirah sat down on the bed, rubbing her eyes and pushing her tousled hair off of her forehead. The food smelled good. She accepted it gladly, unaccustomed to such service.
“Thank you,” she said between bites of muffin. “This is good! What do you mean, mission?
“Well ma'am, you have been chosen to carry out a very important mission. I can feel it.”
“Oh, Susanne, I don't want to go on another mission. Who knows what sort of trouble I'll be a part of this time.”
“No, no, Mirah. This is a good thing. I just know it.”
“How can you? I mean no disrespect, Susanne, but you thought you were supposed to pray for a dead man. How can you trust your feelings so?"
“I do believe the dreams were from God, Mirah, and for a purpose. I may not have been able to interpret it perfectly, but I am sure I was to pray concerning Edward, even if it was for his family. You did find out Natalie was alive, after I had the dreams, right?”
“Yes. It's true.”
“And what is happening now is no dream. You watch and see, God is in this thing, Mirah. This trip will bring you joy and do a lot of good. I'm honored just to know about it and be able to help any way I can, even if it's only feeding you and helping get you to the airport. Honey, you're about to see a precious friend, as if come back from the dead. Now, you hurry and get ready and be happy. I stayed up late praying and the Lord has answered me. Good things are coming. Don't you fret or let fear trouble your mind.”
“My goodness!” Mirah declared. “You just talk to God any time and he talks back? Just like that?”
“Sure. He doesn't always answer immediately or always give the answer I want, but yes, he does talk back. Now that I'm his child and there's nothing wrong between us, we have some sweet communications.
Mirah almost chuckled, then caught herself and looked serious. Susanne spoke as if she knew for certain that what she was saying was absolute truth.
“You sound a little like Miss Natalie did after she got to know Edward Williams, before she went away.”
“Well, I'd say she found out there was a lot more of life to be living with Mr. Edward than what she'd ever known before,” Susanne stated knowingly.
“She did that for sure,” Mirah agreed. She drank the last of her coffee and hurried to the bathroom for a quick bath, calling out instructions to Susanne, who insisted on packing her things for her while she dressed and combed her hair. Susanne said she was driving her to the airport and seeing her off. She was so jolly and able to think of everything in such short order that Mirah appreciated her help. She found she was beginning to feel happy and excited thanks to Susanne.
A little later, as they headed outside they saw Mr. Benson leaning against the car that he had pulled up, waiting for her. “Don't have to work today,” he said, as though talking to himself. “Sure could use some diversion maybe a ride into town or something.”
The women smiled at each other and said in unison, “Hop in.” He did not hesitate but hurried into the back seat, grinning from ear to ear.
“Good mornin' for an adventure, ladies,” he declared like an enthusiastic child. “Yes sir, a little adventure is just the thing for such a fine day as this.”
The ladies looked at each other, eyebrows lifted and amused expressions on their faces
“But who knows what I'll find in Kansas, Mr. Benson. I'm a bit nervous,” Mirah pointed out.
“Aw, but that's the intrigue of it, darlin'. That's the intrigue!” He was rubbing his hands together like someone getting ready to dive into a feast and having the time of his life. “Besides, we may not know all what's comin' but we do know there will be a good ending. Don't we, Susanne?” This he said with a wink. Mirah laughed. “I certainly hope things work out as well as you two expect.”
”Listen, honey,” Susanne began. “Miss Natalie loved you and you faithfully carried out her wishes. She has no reason to think you would ever do her wrong, now does she?”
“Well... no, I wouldn't think so, that is, if she's the same Natalie she used to be. Something did happen to her when Edward died, though. She fell apart. She could be very different now. Why would she wait so long to want her daughter back? The Natalie I knew loved that child more than life itself. What's she been doing for seven long years with no husband, no child, out there on her own, alone? If she is alone. She could have remarried and have other children. Anything could have happened. What if her mind isn't right? Besides, if she just shows up, after all this time, rips her little girl from the family she knows and announces to the Queen, “Here I am, I'm back, the rightful heir to the throne, I'll just take my crown now, I shudder to think of all the frightening repercussions there could be.”
“Hey, slow down, girlie!” Mr. Benson leaned forward and patted Mirah's shoulder.
“Those are a lot of 'what ifs', but they're all negative 'what ifs'. How about some positive possibilities? Suppose now that the Zeers are actually happy to learn that the little girl's mama is alive - happy for the child? What if the little thing is overjoyed to think that her real mother is not dead after all, but alive and coming for her? Suppose too that Miss Natalie is of sound mind and has perfectly good reasons why she's been unable to make her life known before now, but is leading a good, productive life with no desire or designs at all for the throne, only wishes to continue her life peacefully and with her daughter?”
“Which seems more likely?” Mirah asked.
“Who can say,” Susanne joined in. “From what I saw of Mr. Edward and his relationship with God, I'm quite certain that God's been watching out after his family for him since he's been gone. And honey, there's not one thing too big or hard for God.” She smiled at Mirah and pointed to her chin, which had only a hairline scar that was barely even visible.
“So,” she went on, “if I think of it from the standpoint of faith in a loving God, I can easily believe in the best of scenarios.”
“This faith you two have sure gives you a positive outlook. I hope you're right and I certainly hope you don't get disappointed or let down one of these days,” Mirah said thoughtfully.
Mr. Benson spoke up again in his same cheerful manner. “Little lady, we do have our share of disappointments, but it's okay because we know in the end, God is in control. Don't fret any over us. You are embarking on an adventure. Now just watch how this whole thing works out and enjoy! Gonna be pretty exciting, yep, pretty exciting!
Mirah found his cheerfulness contagious. She was feeling much better now than last night.
“I'll watch. That's for sure.” she told them, as they were pulling into the airport parking lot.
“By my watch,” said Mr. Benson, with a look of excitement, “we better get movin'. Oh... um... by the way, I've never seen the United States, you know, and I do have a few days off, so I think I'll go with you as far as Kansas City. I can do some sightseeing and be on hand should you happen to need a friend for any reason.
Mirah couldn't believe her ears. “Just like that? How? You tell me this now that we're at the airport?”
“Well, I did call this morning and there was a seat available, and I do have my suitcase in the trunk.” He had such an innocent look on his face that Mirah began to laugh. She looked at Susanne.
“You knew!” Susanne just smiled innocently and shrugged her shoulders.
“You two are unbelievable!” Mirah exclaimed with an exasperated expression. “I do declare! Just a good day for an adventure, huh?”
“That's it! That it is!” Mr. Benson was eager. “I don't believe it, but come on, we better hurry.” She was laughing and shaking her head in amazement as they rushed inside. She was actually having fun. Mr. Benson has always been so good for me, she thought. He had certainly lifted her spirits and changed her mood. And Susanne had been wonderful too. She never realized what a fine person she was before now. Because of these two Mirah no longer felt alone. How many times she had heard Mr. Benson speak of God she wasn't sure, but maybe it was time for her to give God a little more thought. She wouldn't mind being able to be as positive and hopeful as he and Susanne were.
“Good mornin' for an adventure, ladies,” he declared like an enthusiastic child. “Yes sir, a little adventure is just the thing for such a fine day as this.”
The ladies looked at each other, eyebrows lifted and amused expressions on their faces
“But who knows what I'll find in Kansas, Mr. Benson. I'm a bit nervous,” Mirah pointed out.
“Aw, but that's the intrigue of it, darlin'. That's the intrigue!” He was rubbing his hands together like someone getting ready to dive into a feast and having the time of his life. “Besides, we may not know all what's comin' but we do know there will be a good ending. Don't we, Susanne?” This he said with a wink. Mirah laughed. “I certainly hope things work out as well as you two expect.”
”Listen, honey,” Susanne began. “Miss Natalie loved you and you faithfully carried out her wishes. She has no reason to think you would ever do her wrong, now does she?”
“Well... no, I wouldn't think so, that is, if she's the same Natalie she used to be. Something did happen to her when Edward died, though. She fell apart. She could be very different now. Why would she wait so long to want her daughter back? The Natalie I knew loved that child more than life itself. What's she been doing for seven long years with no husband, no child, out there on her own, alone? If she is alone. She could have remarried and have other children. Anything could have happened. What if her mind isn't right? Besides, if she just shows up, after all this time, rips her little girl from the family she knows and announces to the Queen, “Here I am, I'm back, the rightful heir to the throne, I'll just take my crown now, I shudder to think of all the frightening repercussions there could be.”
“Hey, slow down, girlie!” Mr. Benson leaned forward and patted Mirah's shoulder.
“Those are a lot of 'what ifs', but they're all negative 'what ifs'. How about some positive possibilities? Suppose now that the Zeers are actually happy to learn that the little girl's mama is alive - happy for the child? What if the little thing is overjoyed to think that her real mother is not dead after all, but alive and coming for her? Suppose too that Miss Natalie is of sound mind and has perfectly good reasons why she's been unable to make her life known before now, but is leading a good, productive life with no desire or designs at all for the throne, only wishes to continue her life peacefully and with her daughter?”
“Which seems more likely?” Mirah asked.
“Who can say,” Susanne joined in. “From what I saw of Mr. Edward and his relationship with God, I'm quite certain that God's been watching out after his family for him since he's been gone. And honey, there's not one thing too big or hard for God.” She smiled at Mirah and pointed to her chin, which had only a hairline scar that was barely even visible.
“So,” she went on, “if I think of it from the standpoint of faith in a loving God, I can easily believe in the best of scenarios.”
“This faith you two have sure gives you a positive outlook. I hope you're right and I certainly hope you don't get disappointed or let down one of these days,” Mirah said thoughtfully.
Mr. Benson spoke up again in his same cheerful manner. “Little lady, we do have our share of disappointments, but it's okay because we know in the end, God is in control. Don't fret any over us. You are embarking on an adventure. Now just watch how this whole thing works out and enjoy! Gonna be pretty exciting, yep, pretty exciting!
Mirah found his cheerfulness contagious. She was feeling much better now than last night.
“I'll watch. That's for sure.” she told them, as they were pulling into the airport parking lot.
“By my watch,” said Mr. Benson, with a look of excitement, “we better get movin'. Oh... um... by the way, I've never seen the United States, you know, and I do have a few days off, so I think I'll go with you as far as Kansas City. I can do some sightseeing and be on hand should you happen to need a friend for any reason.
Mirah couldn't believe her ears. “Just like that? How? You tell me this now that we're at the airport?”
“Well, I did call this morning and there was a seat available, and I do have my suitcase in the trunk.” He had such an innocent look on his face that Mirah began to laugh. She looked at Susanne.
“You knew!” Susanne just smiled innocently and shrugged her shoulders.
“You two are unbelievable!” Mirah exclaimed with an exasperated expression. “I do declare! Just a good day for an adventure, huh?”
“That's it! That it is!” Mr. Benson was eager. “I don't believe it, but come on, we better hurry.” She was laughing and shaking her head in amazement as they rushed inside. She was actually having fun. Mr. Benson has always been so good for me, she thought. He had certainly lifted her spirits and changed her mood. And Susanne had been wonderful too. She never realized what a fine person she was before now. Because of these two Mirah no longer felt alone. How many times she had heard Mr. Benson speak of God she wasn't sure, but maybe it was time for her to give God a little more thought. She wouldn't mind being able to be as positive and hopeful as he and Susanne were.
The plane was just beginning to lift into the air when Mirah noticed Mr. Benson's face turning color. He grabbed his stomach and moaned. She knew she should be sympathetic, but instead she began to laugh.
“Just a little excitement and adventure. What fun, huh, Mr. Benson?”
He smiled sheepishly and nodded, concentrating on keeping his breakfast where it belonged. There had been so much pent up emotion and tension that the release of laughter felt like good medicine. Mirah laughed at Mr. Benson mercilessly. She tried to stifle her outburst when he waved for the hostess and asked for water, but her face was red and her eyes watering.
When he saw her, looking as though she was about to burst, he began laughing himself and that very heartily, too. Together they had a refreshing laugh, for which they both felt better afterward
“I'm glad you're with me, Mr. Benson,” she told him. “Maybe things will be okay.” “They will, sweetheart,” he said, wiping his eyes. “I know it.” She laid her head on his shoulder and after a few minutes dozed off.
“Just a little excitement and adventure. What fun, huh, Mr. Benson?”
He smiled sheepishly and nodded, concentrating on keeping his breakfast where it belonged. There had been so much pent up emotion and tension that the release of laughter felt like good medicine. Mirah laughed at Mr. Benson mercilessly. She tried to stifle her outburst when he waved for the hostess and asked for water, but her face was red and her eyes watering.
When he saw her, looking as though she was about to burst, he began laughing himself and that very heartily, too. Together they had a refreshing laugh, for which they both felt better afterward
“I'm glad you're with me, Mr. Benson,” she told him. “Maybe things will be okay.” “They will, sweetheart,” he said, wiping his eyes. “I know it.” She laid her head on his shoulder and after a few minutes dozed off.
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