Note of Hope is a continuation of the story told in Out of Appalachia. Marrying outside of the denomination she was a member of was not an option. She felt that if she married someone the folks thought suitable, 'the lines would fall into pleasant places.' However that was not to be. For over twelve years, Bob and Elsie lived an outwardly happily married life. But, in the first week after marriage, Bob tells her, "I don't love you and have never loved you."
She was devastated. She had grown up in her aunt and uncle's home, the only real parents she knew. She visited her birth parents, but they were more like aunt and uncle than parents to her.
Her uncle was a stern man and she knew she could not return home. She was nineteen at the time of her wedding and Bob was twenty-four. Those first few weeks were torture. As far as she could see, her life was over.
They were both active in the music of the church and continued to take their proper places. To do otherwise would have been unthinkable. They were in a difficult place and neither knew how to make it better.
The Lord sent two little boys into their family, boys that were loved by both parents. There was never any doubt that the boys were loved. The concern was Bob's love for Elsie. She loved him but was always confused about her feelings, wondering how it could be that he didn't love her. He had never shown any indication of such for the almost four years they had dated.
Finally everything comes to a head. Elsie does something out of character, and certainly against the rules of the church. The outcome is a wake-up call for Bob. However, many years would pass before the two would become one.
They continued their work in the church, they worked at their marriage, and God blessed this couple for taking His way.
They eventually become good friends and lovers. To take the way of righteousness is always the best way to go. God is so faithful.
