“We have plenty here on board. I’ll see to it.”
Faith gathered her things and put them back in her bag. “There. You can go back to barking out orders, but you might want to get something to eat and drink first. It will help with the blood loss.” She headed for the door, avoiding the chance to look into his eyes again.
“Miss Kenner.”
She turned back and met his gaze despite herself. “Yes?”
“I guess in time we shall know if you’re truly gifted or just full of yourself.”
Nodding, Faith turned away with a grin. “You’re welcome.”
“I wasn’t expecting to see you and Uncle Adam.” Faith embraced her aunt Mercy Browning. “What a wonderful surprise.”
“We just finished meetings with the state Indian officials yesterday in Portland,” Mercy replied, brushing back loose strands of hair that fell across Faith’s face. “We intended to stop by and see if Nancy had room to put us up at the boardinghouse, but Adam found out a boat was leaving immediately for Oregon City, and we hurried to catch it instead. We figured we could see Nancy on our way home.”
“I’m living at her boardinghouse now. The medical college transferred its classes to Portland.”
“That’s wonderful. You’ll be much closer to home.”
“A fact that we are very pleased with,” Faith’s mother, Hope Kenner, declared.
Mercy nodded. “I can well imagine. How we’ve missed you. It seems like just yesterday we were all together with the Tututni.”
“I know. I was just telling the captain of our boat about the Tututni and my time there.”
“Whatever prompted that?” Faith’s mother asked.
“He was injured defending an old Indian man. I was sewing up his arm and wanted to keep his mind occupied, so I started talking about my life on the Rogue River.”
Aunt Grace entered the front sitting room with a huge tray of refreshments. “I thought you all might need to warm up with a little mint tea. I’ve also made muffins.”
Faith noted the orange tint to the muffins. “Ooh, are these the muffins with orange, pineapple, and carrots and coconut?”
“Along with a few other ingredients,” Grace said.
Faith reached for one as soon as the tray was on the table. “I love these. Oh my, they’re still warm.”
Grace smiled. “You said you had to stitch the captain’s arm. Was he surprised to have a female doctor?”
“I think he was. But even more surprised that I don’t hate Indians.” Faith sampled the frosted muffin and smiled. “This is so good, Aunt Grace. I’d forgotten just how good. I love all the nuts you’ve put in. Does Nancy have this recipe?”
“I’m not sure, since I didn’t start making these until about ten years ago.” Grace poured tea into each of the china cups she’d brought. “Since we can so readily get pineapple and coconut from the Hawaiian Islands, I’ve experimented by putting all sorts of things in the batter. It’s a different kind of fruitcake.”
“Well, Nancy needs to make these for the boardinghouse ladies.”
“She might have the recipe, but in case she doesn’t, I’ll write it down for you to take back. Nancy’s so creative with recipes that she may have already come up with one of her own. She’s really a much better cook than I am.”
“I don’t know that I would say that, but she is a very good cook. The boarders love her.” Faith took another bite of the muffin.
“I can understand why. Goodness, getting three delicious meals a day and having a wonderful house like Nancy’s to live in would be such a comfort,” Mercy replied. “I’m sure you enjoy not having to cook for yourself, Faith.”
“I do. Cooking is not my strong suit. Mama tried her best to teach me, but it just didn’t take.” Faith gave her mother a grin. “I’m better at cooking up medicinal concoctions.”
“Everyone has their talents,” Aunt Mercy declared.
“Your uncanny understanding of the body and illness more than makes up for that,” Mother declared. “Don’t worry that you can’t cook. You are a great healer, and people will appreciate you for that. You can always hire a cook.”
They chuckled at this.
“But a husband will expect a good wife to cook,” Meg, Nancy’s younger sister, said as she came into the room to join the ladies.
The laughter and smiles faded. Faith hid her frown by pretending to sip from her teacup. Meg hadn’t yet been told about Faith and Hope’s past.
“Meg, why don’t you play us a song on the piano?” Grace suggested.
The girl all but danced to the instrument and sat down. “Do you want me to play hymns or classical? I just learned a Schubert piece.”
“That will do nicely,” her mother replied.
Meg threw herself into playing the song. Faith closed her eyes for a moment and imagined herself sailing on the ocean. When she’d come to Oregon City with Adam and Mercy after being evacuated from the Rogue River area, she had voyaged on a ship up the coast. It had been the most difficult time of her life. She had just lost the man and woman she knew as her parents. She hadn’t even been given time to grieve. Everything she knew and loved had been stripped away. This song’s haunting strains along with her conversation with Captain Gratton made her memories surface.
“When will Gabe be here?” Mercy asked, bringing Faith back around to the moment.
“He told me to tell Aunt Grace he’d be here for supper, along with Clementine,” Faith answered.
“I’m so happy for those two. They are a perfect fit.” Aunt Grace reached for the teapot. “More?” She glanced at each woman, but everyone seemed satisfied. “I remember once when Gabe was helping Clementine out of a tree. They were very young, and she and Nancy had gotten themselves stuck. Alex and I watched helplessly while Gabe climbed up to them. As he was bringing Clementine down, Alex said, ‘Wouldn’t it be something if those two married? We might get redheaded grandchildren.’ Now here we are with them engaged.”
The ladies chuckled and continued talking about their family for quite a while. Faith enjoyed hearing about her cousins and what they were doing, especially when it came to Mercy and Adam’s daughter, Constance. Faith hadn’t seen Constance in some time. She’d left the area to attend Mount Vernon Seminary in Washington, D.C.
“Connie will be coming home to us after her graduation in late May,” Mercy shared. “I will be so happy to see her. We haven’t seen her in all these years, and while she has been faithful to write, I miss her more than I can say.”
“Of course you do. She’s your only daughter,” Hope said, reaching over to give her sister’s hand a squeeze. “Is she coming back to live at the reservation?”
“I hope so. She told me about some program in Washington, D.C., that has to do with cataloging Indian life on the reservations. She’s hoping to get involved because of her close ties. Her desire is to be assigned to the cataloging group coming to Oregon.”
“I’m sure that would be perfect for your family. Speaking of which—how is Isaac?” Faith had last seen her cousin Isaac several years ago when the Brownings came to the farm for a respite from their work. He was nearly eighteen at the time and planned to go to college back east. Otherwise she knew very little about what he was doing.
“Isaac is doing great. College didn’t appeal to him, so he’s back with us. He’s at the reservation right now, helping Mr. Singleton manage in our absence. I think the simpler life agrees with him. He’s actually considering sheep farming. The land there is perfect for it.”
“Well, we can certainly help him with that,” Hope declared. “We’re expecting quite a few lambs come spring, and we have several rams we were planning to sell. I’m sure we could set him up with a small herd of his own.”
Mercy smiled. “That would be wonderful.”
“I’d love to see him again. I hate that we’ve all grown up and never see one another.” Faith stretched as the clock chimed four.
“Goodness, where has the time gone?” Grace go
t to her feet. “Meg, that’s enough music for now. We need to get dinner on. Your father will be home soon.”
“Your father too,” Hope said, glancing at Faith. “And I imagine your brother Brandon is already home from school and through with his chores, which means he’s going through the house looking for food. Let’s go stop him before he gets into the cake I prepared for supper.”
Most of their evening meals were shared, so Faith knew it wouldn’t be difficult to put together a grand feast in no time at all. She smiled as the women launched themselves into action. This was the homelife she missed and loved. There was such a sense of unity and harmony—of family. The only family she would ever have.
CHAPTER 3
Faith gathered with some of her fellow students in the small medical library to discuss their last class. The trip home to Oregon City had refreshed her, but now she felt eager to get back to her studies.
“I believe this class on infectious diseases is going to be one of my favorites,” Malcom Digby announced. “I’m intrigued by the causes and cures, aren’t you?” He fixed a smile on Faith. “Is it not absolutely fascinating that starting with a simple sore throat, the infection can become scarlet fever and then rheumatic fever if not treated early?”
“It is.” Faith returned his smile. “If we can figure out what causes such things, then perhaps we can develop a cure or preventative measure, as they have done with smallpox.”
Violet Caprice planted a large bag on top of the study table. She rubbed her upper arms. “I’ve developed new strength from carrying all this stuff around, if nothing else.”
Faith smiled at the very plain young lady. “I’ve often thought the same thing. Juggling books and a bag, as well as anything else that comes my way, has strengthened my arms in ways that remind me of when I helped my folks with the sheep.”
Two additional young men joined them. “I hope someone will explain the reading we had for chemistry. It’s my worst subject,” George Zufelt said in such a dejected manner that Faith couldn’t help feeling sorry for him.
“We can have a study session on it at three today, if you like,” she said.
He perked up. “I’d like that very much.”
“I would too,” Violet declared. “I just want to make sure I’m understanding it correctly.”
“I wouldn’t mind being there,” Lewis Kent said, taking a seat at the table.
“Let’s meet after dissection class. We’ll be frozen after spending time over the livery stables,” Faith suggested. “We could see about getting the back room at Mrs. Madison’s café. It has that big stove that she always keeps full of coal.”
They all nodded in agreement.
“Oh, and I wanted to let you know that our discussion about hosting fundraisers to provide medication for the Indian reservation was met with wholehearted approval by my aunt and uncle.”
“I’m excited to be a part of it,” Malcolm declared. “If the government can’t or won’t provide the needed medicines, then the public must step up with charitable contributions.”
“I agree,” Lewis Kent added. “I like the idea of hosting informative events where people can learn about helping. With donations of money and goods, life on the reservation is certain to improve.”
Dr. Harvey, the man who taught classes on the diseases of women and children—the very one whose lecture they had just come from—entered the library. “Students, I’d like you to meet some of your supporters,” he announced with a smile.
Faith had claimed a seat at the table but rose to greet their guests. Two men accompanied her professor. One was dark-haired and quite handsome, while the other was older and looked more distinguished.
“Gentlemen, this is a portion of our 1880 graduating class. Students, this gentleman is Samuel Lakewood.” Dr. Harvey motioned to the older man. “And this is Gerome Berkshire.” The men gave a slight nod. “I was just giving them a tour.”
Faith had heard of Berkshire from Nancy. She’d been told more than once that he was not to be trusted. Not only that, but he made no secret of his hatred for people of color.
“I’m pleased to meet you all,” Mr. Lakewood declared. “I have long been an avid supporter of our medical college.” He smiled at Violet and Faith. “And its inclusion of women.”
“These are the best of this year’s class,” Dr. Harvey continued. “Faith Kenner in particular has shown the greatest promise.”
“That is merely due to my experience,” Faith demurred. “My aunt and to some degree my mother were practicing healers, and I learned a great deal by their side.”
“There is nothing quite so fine as seeing families pass knowledge down to their young. Still, I’m sure you have been challenged by your academic work here with the university,” Mr. Lakewood said.
Faith nodded. “Indeed, I have. I am most grateful for this education and have learned so much. The professors here are quite learned and equally gifted in teaching.”
“Well, that is good to hear,” Lakewood replied, smiling. “After all, my donations to this society would seem ill-used otherwise.”
“Then, fear not,” Malcolm declared, getting into the conversation. “This school is the best in the land. I believe it would rival any back east.” He extended his hand. “Malcolm Digby.”
“Have you personal knowledge of the schools back east?” Mr. Lakewood asked, shaking the younger man’s hand.
Malcolm’s chest puffed out a bit. “I do. I began my studies there and moved west with my family.”
“So you’re married?”
“No.” He flushed a bit. “I moved here with my mother and father and three brothers. My siblings are much younger, and my parents had need of me.”
“Admirable indeed, sir.” Lakewood nodded.
Dr. Harvey interrupted. “If you’ll excuse us, we were about to have tea in my office.”
“Oh, do invite the students to join us,” Lakewood more commanded than requested. “I’d like to hear more about their studies.”
Harvey seemed surprised by the request but wasn’t going to refuse the request of a donor. “Do join us, students. If you have the time.”
“I can come,” Malcolm said, grinning from ear to ear.
Faith considered her schedule. “I suppose I can join you for a short time as well.”
The others declined, having projects that required their attention. They seemed as disinterested as Faith felt. Only Malcolm remained enthusiastic.
“You may leave your things here,” Dr. Harvey instructed. “We shall be just across the hall in my office.”
Dr. Harvey led the way, stopping only long enough to ask his secretary to bring refreshments for two more.
“I must say, this is quite fortuitous, getting to meet you,” Gerome Berkshire said, coming alongside Faith and stopping her just inside the office door. “I believe you are related to my friend Nancy Pritchard. Oh dear. I should correct myself. Nancy Carpenter. I believe she remarried very shortly after her husband’s death.”
Faith heard the disapproval in his tone. “Yes, Nancy is my cousin. We’re quite close.” She hoped her tone made it clear that she wouldn’t brook any insult to Nancy.
“Of course,” he said, smiling. “It seems that your family are all very close. I have enjoyed my own special relationship with your cousin.”
“From what I’ve been told, your relationship was with her first husband. You were business partners—at least from time to time.”
Berkshire sobered. “Yes, Albert Pritchard was a dear friend. He was like a brother, really.”
“I’m sure his loss was difficult for you, Mr. Berkshire.”
“Call me Gerome, as Nancy does.” He smiled. “I should like for us to be very close friends. Perhaps even more. Perhaps you would allow me to accompany you to the opera on Friday.”
Faith was surprised at how quickly he’d maneuvered the conversation into an unwelcome personal invitation. She glanced across the room to where Malcolm was doing his best to juggle a
cup and saucer and entertain Dr. Harvey and Mr. Lakewood. For once she envied her friend.
“I’m afraid, Mr. Berkshire, that I am rather devoted to my work.”
“But surely a beautiful woman such as yourself longs for other things as well.”
“What I long for is far too personal a matter to be discussed with a stranger.”
“But that is my point, Miss Kenner. I’d like for us to be friends and no longer strangers.”
Faith knew from Nancy that Berkshire possessed a persistence that edged well into inappropriateness. Still, she didn’t wish to make a scene.
“I believe my God-given calling is to be a doctor,” she said after a moment of silence. “I’ve felt that way since I was young. To be called by God to such an important matter means a great deal to me and must remain my heart and driving focus. I am sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Berkshire.”
“I would love for you to join us, Miss Kenner,” Mr. Lakewood called, casting a knowing look at Berkshire. “You too, Gerome.”
She smiled and sighed in relief. Berkshire was every bit as obnoxious and pushy as Nancy had described.
“Miss Kenner,” Mr. Lakewood said as she joined them and accepted a cup of tea, “I was just telling these gentlemen that my wife is hosting a tea next Wednesday. I believe she and her friends would love to hear about your endeavors to become a surgeon. Would you consider coming to speak to them? It would be at three in the afternoon.”
Faith smiled. Lakewood struck her as quite the gentleman. “I would be honored, sir.”
She looked at Dr. Harvey, who nodded with a wide smile. “I told you she would be delighted,” he said, sounding quite excited.
Faith hid her smile in her teacup. Anything to please a donor.
Later, after supper, Faith sat in the front parlor with the others at the boardinghouse. She had shared her adventures and the honor of being asked to the Lakewoods’ home. Nancy said very little until everyone else had gone to bed.
The Way of Love Page 3
