Accepting Charity: Part 1

Accepting Charity: Part 1 A Puritan virgin begins her journey.

By RomanCEisdead2. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.

Charity Begins

Charles was a lowly cordwainer (a cobbler in modern terms). A religious man whose wife died during the plague outbreak in 1665. He lived in an isolated community in Essex, of England; with his only daughter, Charity.

Age and failing eyesight meant that he could no longer make much of a living. He worried about his daughter who, having reached the age of 18 was still unmarried. His concerns were mainly because he had maintained her sheltered upbringing, deliberately keeping her away from other people, especially young men. The exception being the Pastor and his wife, who they usually saw on Sundays at the small building that served as a church for the local community.

Realizing that he could no longer support both himself and Charity, Charles came up with an idea and at the next church meeting, he approached the Pastor.

"Pastor Smith, as you know, I'm getting old and my hands are tired and weak. I am unable to do as much as I used to, and my income is poor nowadays. I am a frugal man and I can survive on truly little, but I fear for my daughter Charity. She is a good girl, a hard worker and carries out all the household duties that her Mother used to do. I wonder, would it be asking too much if you could see your way to providing a roof over her head? She could work for her food and lodging, so you would not have to pay her. I'm sure that your wife would welcome such able help around the house."

"Well William, I can understand your troubles. How old are you now? Sixty-two?"

"Sixty-seven Summers, this June Pastor. I feel fortunate that my father taught me to count when I was young, so that I could keep track as the years went by. People said he was foolish to do so, as I only need to count two shoes!" he joked.

"It's not surprising then that your body is struggling. Not many men make it to your age. As for your daughter, well, I had been thinking that Elizabeth could do with a little help. I had been thinking about a young woman to come in occasionally, but a permanent addition to our household? I will have to think about that. I will let you know next Sunday."

William had not mentioned his idea to Charity yet, but he knew that he would have to broach the subject soon, because if the Pastor agreed, she might well not be accompanying him home in seven days' time. He prayed that the Pastor would agree, because he knew that Charity would be safe and looked after under their protection. She would be in a Christian environment, far from the temptations of the young farm hands in the area. But he just could not find the right time to explain his plan.

One week later, Charles' prayers were answered when Pastor Smith confirmed his agreement to take Charity as a household servant and to continue her religious education. But now he had to explain to his daughter. She was waiting for him outside.

"Charity, I am old. I am tired and I can no longer earn enough to keep us both."

"Oh! Father!" She was taken by surprise by this sudden admission. She had realized that her father was struggling but had hoped that God would help find a way to improve their situation.

"Ever since your Mother passed, bless her soul, all I have ever wanted to do is to provide for and protect you. I can no longer do this, so I have made a decision."

Charity knew that he was about to tell her something that would change her life and she dreaded what she was going to hear.

"I have spoken to the Pastor and he has agreed to take you into his home as a servant, to help his wife in her daily duties. He has agreed to continue your religious education. I know that you will work hard and earn your keep. I know that you will be a good girl and make me proud."

"Oh, Father! Are you sure? How will you manage without me?"

"I need very little child and I'm sure that I can earn just enough to feed myself."

"But Father,"

"No "buts" my dear. I am afraid it must happen. I took the liberty of bringing your things with us today."

Charity had wondered why her father had brought the sack with him. It was not exceptionally large, she only had three shifts and two changes of clothes and she was already wearing her best set.

"A...