Mark of Distinction (Price of Privilege) (60 page)

“To my room in the church.”

“Ed! You can’t take her there!”

“Oh yes, I can! We’ll see you all in the morning,” Edward called over his shoulder as he pulled me into the night.

Edward fumbled with the key in dark shadows before the church door opened. Moonlight graced his smile as he tugged me inside. The simple wood pews and hymnals could be seen in the weak light.

“My room is in the back.” Edward started us down the aisle.

It felt strange to think that we were going to sleep in a church. More than sleep! I felt my blush start to rise. Feeling timid, I allowed him to lead me to a door behind the pulpit. At first I couldn’t see the room, but Edward lit a match and set it to the wick of a lumpy candle.

“It’s not much,” Edward said.

I pulled at the ribbon of my bonnet, smiling. It was awful and wonderful together. There was a bed meant for one. The space felt as barren as a monk’s cell. He crouched over the hearth and added some tinder from a basket. “It’s cold. I’m sorry.”

I couldn’t help but grin when I viewed the chamber. Of all the men in my life, Edward offered me the humblest circumstances, but I adored them.

In the dim light cast by the fledgling fire, he helped me from
my cape. His kisses were different from Macy’s. They weren’t sophisticated, but inexperienced. Yet no shyness tinged his actions as his hands fumbled over the hooks and buttons on my dress.

I already knew we were better suited than any other couple I’d ever encountered, but that night, as he lowered me to his bed, his eyes held depths of emotion that would have unmade any soul. By the time my head was laid into his pillow, the fire blazed.

Later, in Edward’s arms, I watched the dying embers. I wanted to lie awake with joy the entire night. I belonged. I had family again. I had married the man I’d dreamed about since my childhood. The boy I’d loved since the day we’d met. And he loved me too. Even in sleep, he secured me against him. Every time I stirred, he’d half wake and draw me closer, nestling kisses in my hair. His chest rasped, but he was on the mend. I knew.

Closing my eyes, I thanked God, my heart too full to bear more happiness. That night, I was too secure to fear Macy. The next day, Elizabeth, my friend, would become my sister. Henry was hours from becoming my brother. My life had been handed back to me. I squirmed, knowing it would stir Edward. He nuzzled my neck and mumbled something that could have been, “Can’t sleep?”

No, Edward,
I thought,
I’m too happy.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am so grateful for the lovely souls who participated in the making of this book.

A special thanks to Elizabeth Ludwig, Michelle Griep, Ane Mulligan, and Gina Holmes. I couldn’t ask for a more special and faithful group of ladies to walk this journey with.

Thank you to the Tyndale team—Stephanie Broene, for her managing skills; Caleb Sjogren, for his thought-provoking edits and labor to capture the vision; and Julie Dumler and her incredible marketing and PR team. I am honored to have worked alongside you.

I am so blessed to call Wanda Wright, Kelli Reed, Star Marcum, Joy Shind, Laine Barley, and Annie Masters friends. Your encouragement, feedback, and help during deadlines were such an incredible blessing.

Thank you especially, Anna and Howard Vosburgh. Your help and friendship are invaluable, especially the way you helped me avoid slang in the editing process as we bibbled and xertzed coffee.

Lastly, to my beautiful, shining daughter—thank you for sharing those precious pieces of your childhood with me during this creative process. You bless me more than you’ll ever know.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Throughout the story, Julia longs to win her father’s love and approval, to no avail. Can you think of an example of someone (perhaps yourself) pursuing love and affection from those who don’t reciprocate? In Julia’s situation, how would you advise her to proceed?
   
2. We often attribute suffering to sin and blessings to God’s favor, but 1 Peter speaks of Christians being called to suffer. To what degree is Julia’s suffering a result of her own choices versus the sovereign will of God? What does she learn about God’s will through her suffering? How ought we to respond to suffering in our own lives? Can you think of an example from your life where good has come from a difficult situation?
   
3. Like most young adults, Julia has different goals for her life than her father does. In today’s era, how would you advise teens who are strongly opposed to their parents’ will? In chapter 22, Julia reads some Scripture passages about children obeying their parents, and these verses give her pause. How would you explain passages like these? (For instance, see Ephesians 6:1.) How would you advise wives when they are opposed to their husbands’ leadership? Compare and contrast the differences between these scenarios.
   
4. How do we decide when to step in and cover someone else’s mistakes? How might this book have been different had Julia, from the start, refused to go along with her father’s lie about her family history? Do you think Julia is right or wrong in her choice? Are Lord Pierson and Isaac right or wrong to intervene in Julia’s life?
   
5. Lord Pierson consistently treats Julia according to her faults, while Isaac seeks to treat people as if they have become what they are meant to be. How do these contrasting perspectives impact the individuals involved? Does the way we treat and view people affect how they behave and what they become? Can you think of an example from your own experience?
   
6. Discuss the differences between Lord Pierson’s relationship with Isaac and his relationship with Julia. How much can be attributed to Victorian-era views of men and women, and how much is a reflection of Pierson’s own personality and choices?
   
7. A theme that runs through the Price of Privilege trilogy is Julia’s self-determination—discovering what choices and actions are truly available to her. At one point near the end of this book, after surrendering her life to God, Julia wrestles with whether partnering with Forrester indicates a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty. How does surrendering to God’s will differ from passively relinquishing all responsibility? When should we act, and when should we wait on God? How can we tell which is appropriate in a situation? What are some of the hardest things about surrendering to God?
   
8. What do you think the future holds for Julia, Edward, Lord Pierson, Isaac, and Macy in the final book of the trilogy? What do you hope will happen? What do you fear will happen?
   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR