The Way of Love

by Tracie Peterson

  “You did?” She leaned forward, clearly excited at the possibility of gaining knowledge that could reveal Lakewood’s wrongdoing.

  “Yes. I delivered a great deal of freight to various locations up and down the Willamette for Pritchard. I remember it well, because while I always have the occasional farmer who wants his supplies offloaded on the riverbank near his farm, they aren’t storing their goods in hidden shacks along the way.”

  “Do you remember all of the places you delivered to?”

  “I do. And if there were any problem with my memory, I have everything recorded in my logs.”

  “You should speak to Seth. He’s helping in this—at least he was. It’s all quite complicated, and as I said, I wasn’t supposed to say anything.”

  “And as I promised, your secrets are safe with me.”

  “Miss Faith!”

  It was Remli, carrying a tray of food, and Andrew was glad for the interruption. The things Faith had told him were worrisome. If Berkshire and his cronies were trying to stir up an Indian war, then Andrew had delivered more than enough weapons and ammunition to see the matter through to completion. It had never dawned on him that these men might be arming the Indians on the reservations.

  “I’ve made you some of my specialties,” Remli declared. “I got beef pasties and gravy, greens and bacon, and for dessert, a berry cobbler good enough to turn your grandma’s head.”

  “I never knew either of my grandmothers, but I’m certain your food would impress anyone who tried it. Andrew thinks I came here to enjoy his conversation and company, but in fact I came for your food.”

  Remli laughed heartily, and Andrew grinned. He couldn’t help it. Since he’d met Faith Kenner, he’d smiled more than he had in his entire lifetime before meeting her.

  “I’ve put the table just over here. We can move it to be by the stove, if you like.”

  Faith nodded. “I would like that. I spend so much time out walking in the cold and damp that I never feel quite warm enough.”

  “Well then, let us do the lady’s bidding.” Andrew got to his feet and stretched out his arm to assist Faith from her seat. “First, we must make way.”

  Once she was standing to the side, he and Remli made short work of moving the table and chairs. Remli had thought of everything, even bringing fine linen napkins for them to use. Once Remli had the table set and the hot food uncovered, Andrew was more than ready to eat.

  “Allow me to help you to your seat,” he said in a formal manner. Taking Faith’s elbow, he led her to her chair and seated her before taking his own seat. The setting was intimate—perhaps too intimate—but Andrew couldn’t bring himself to change the situation. He offered a blessing for the food and then asked Remli to serve them.

  They ate in silence for several minutes, sampling each of the things Remli had brought. Faith seemed more than pleased, and when Remli returned to see how they were doing, she lost little time in praising his efforts.

  “This is wonderful, Remli. I want the recipe for the pasties. I am not much of a cook, but my cousin who runs a boardinghouse is, and I am going to suggest she make these at least once a week.”

  He laughed. “Ain’t nothin’ needin’ a recipe, Miss Faith. Just cut up some cabbage and onion and cook it together with leftover roast beef. I use rosemary to season it, and salt and pepper too. Then I chop it all up real fine. Roll out some pie crust. I make mine with buttermilk, and I think that makes all the difference. Make yourself some small circles of dough. Put in a generous scoop of the meat mixture and fold over the crust and pinch it closed. Then you bake ’em till they’re golden brown. Ain’t nothin’ to it.”

  “Sounds delightful. I might even be able to manage it on my own.” Faith beamed at him.

  Andrew marveled at how open she was with the black man. Most women wouldn’t even speak to his crew, but Faith made a point of it. He could well imagine her calling Remli one of her friends. And yet she sat there very prim and proper, looking every bit the lady of society.

  After lunch, Faith seemed far less agitated, and Andrew decided against asking her anything more about Berkshire and Lakewood’s doings. Instead, he would go see Seth and let him know what had transpired in the past and what Berkshire had just asked of him regarding supplies in Astoria that he wanted delivered to Wheatland. Wheatland would put them in a perfect location to take on to Grand Ronde, and Andrew figured that, as large as the order was, they might very well be ready to push for their hostilities.

  “Thank you for the lunch,” Faith said as she prepared to leave.

  He wanted to encourage her to stay but knew he had plenty of work to do. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you could make it, but I’m sorry for the circumstances of your open schedule.”

  She sighed and looked so sad that Andrew wished he could take her in his arms. “I know God has a plan even in this, but I’m afraid I can’t see it. I’m trying hard not to lean on my own understanding, but honestly . . . my heart is broken. I’ve planned for my surgeon’s certificate for a long time. I wanted to have it so people would take me seriously as a physician.”

  He smiled. “I think when they see your work, they’ll take you plenty seriously.”

  “Yes,” she murmured, “but they have to be willing to let me perform first in order to see what I can do. Without the certificate, I doubt that will happen.”

  Andrew again fought the urge to embrace her and assure her that everything would be all right—that he would see to it. He cared for her more than he could ever admit, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t try to right some of the wrongs done to her.

  Faith noted the time as she caught the trolley. It wouldn’t be long before her friends gathered for their afternoon study period. Hopefully they would go to one of their regular places, and she could meet with them and explain what happened. She would start with Brickerson’s, and if they weren’t there, she’d go to one of their other favorites.

  Thankfully, Brickerson’s was the restaurant of choice. Faith was once again frozen to the bone and wanted no part of a citywide search. Malcolm was already seated and sipping hot coffee when Faith made her way to his table. He put the cup aside and jumped to his feet to help her with a chair. “At last. Where have you been? You never came to class.”

  “I was expelled.” She said it so matter-of-factly that it sounded as though it was nothing of importance. She sat and began to remove her gloves.

  “Expelled? For how long and why?” Malcolm’s tone was disbelieving, and his gaze searched her as if waiting for her to tell him it was all a joke.

  “Permanently. They were livid at my having spoken on behalf of Indians. Well, let me restate that. Lakewood was livid. He made them dismiss me.”

  “But graduation is just weeks away, and you hold the highest marks.”

  “I know.” Malcolm sank to his chair, and Faith continued. “I wanted to come and let you know what happened. I’m not sure what I’m going to do regarding school. I’ll speak to my father. As a lawyer, he may know recourses that elude me. As for our lectures, I plan for them to go on. In fact, I’m more devoted to them than ever before and plan to let everyone know what has happened to me. I’m going to get in touch with Mrs. Jackson and implore her to come. I’m sure once she hears what happened, she’ll be more than willing.”

  Malcolm had grown quiet, and for a minute Faith thought he was going to suggest they cancel the lectures.

  “I can’t bear that they’ve done this to you. It’s not fair. I intend to go speak to the president on your behalf. I’m sure we’ll all be willing to do that.”

  “I don’t want you to risk your own well-being. As you said, graduation is just a few weeks away. I suggest you focus on that, and I’ll take care of the lectures. Distance yourself so that the school will have no reason to expel you as well.”

  “No. You don’t understand, Faith.” He paused a moment and looked away. “I care for you.”

  She was touched. It had been evident for some time that Malcolm
had feelings for her. “Malcolm, it’s important that you finish your college studies and get your certificate. Your family is counting on you. I cherish you as a dear friend, but I have no other feelings for you. My heart, unfortunately, belongs to another.”

  “That riverboat captain?” he asked, lifting his gaze. He looked so unhappy.

  Faith smiled and nodded. “Yes, but nothing is going to come of that either. I am devoted to doing what I can to help the Indians, and I doubt being involved with Captain Gratton will allow for that. So you see, I am called of God to remain single so that I can do His work.”

  “It hardly seems fair of God to demand you be alone.”

  “But I’m not alone.” She did her best to convince her heart of this truth. “I’ll always have God, and I have my friends and family. Nothing else matters.”

  CHAPTER 18

  Andrew approached the boardinghouse with several ship logs tucked under his arm. Since learning the truth about Pritchard and the other men, he wanted to do whatever he could to keep the worst from happening. If only he’d known what they were up to. Pritchard had told him they were selling weapons to those living well away from any town or city. He insisted that storing them along the river made it easier for his drummers to pick up their supplies and get packed for their routine selling expeditions. Pritchard was smart too. He didn’t just buy guns and ammunition, he purchased traps and tools, whiskey and tins of crackers and meat. For all intents and purposes, he appeared to be doing nothing out of the ordinary—just a merchant supplying his customers with what they needed. Now, however, Andrew knew the truth.

  Seth’s sister opened the door, and Andrew smiled. “Miss Carpenter.”

  “Good evening, Captain Gratton. Faith said you’d be stopping by. Won’t you come in? I’ll take your coat.”

  “It was just starting to rain, so beware. I wouldn’t want to damage the fine furnishings.”

  She smiled. “There are rumors that it will turn to snow before midnight. Wouldn’t that be something?” She hung his coat on the coat tree and motioned toward the open archway. “The others are gathered just through here in the front room. You’ll find Faith there as well. We’ve been working on my wedding gown.”

  “When’s the big day?”

  “May thirtieth. Nancy insisted that I had to wait until after the baby is born.” Clementine stepped into the room. “Look who’s here,” she said to everyone, then crossed the room to take her seat.

  “Captain Gratton. What a pleasant surprise,” Nancy said, looking up from the lace she was tacking onto a bodice. “How are you this evening?”

  “Doing well, thank you. I apologize for barging in uninvited. I would have waited, but the Morning Star will depart quite early in the morning, and I’ll be gone for a while.”

  “It’s no problem. We’re always happy to have friends here. We have been working on Clementine’s wedding dress.”

  “Yes, she mentioned that.”

  “I found the rest of that lace,” Faith said, coming into the room. She noticed Andrew immediately and beamed a smile. “What a pleasant surprise.”

  Nancy laughed. “That’s exactly what I said.”

  Faith deposited the lace on the small table between Nancy and Clementine. “If you recall, this is Mrs. Weaver.”

  He nodded at the older woman who sat close to the fireplace.

  “And the dark-haired woman over there reading is Mrs. Bryant. She is the other lady you and Seth went to rescue the day of the storm.”

  “We finally meet, Captain Gratton. I appreciate that you came with Seth to look for me,” Mrs. Bryant said, looking up from her book.

  “They had taken you to the hospital, as I recall.”

  “Yes. I was rendered unconscious by flying debris but only mildly injured. I’m pleased to report I am doing much better.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.” Andrew gave her a nod, then looked at Faith, who had taken a seat by Clementine. She was already deep in conversation, pointing to the piece of material in Clementine’s lap.

  “As I remember, you met the Clifton sisters. They are still upstairs but will soon join us. Now, might I get you a cup of coffee or tea?” Nancy asked, getting to her feet.

  “You needn’t bother.”

  “It’s no bother, I assure you.”

  Andrew could see that one way or another, she was determined to serve him. “Coffee would be just fine. Black, please.”

  She nodded and moved away without another word. Andrew tried to imagine her married to Albert Pritchard, but the image wouldn’t come together. She seemed nothing at all like the kind of woman who would have married the hard-living storekeeper. Maybe she had been attracted to men who emitted danger, because that was how Pritchard had struck him. The man he had known was always up for a thrill or adventure and had told Andrew many a tale of his wild expeditions. Did Nancy know about them too?

  “I’ll show you down the hall to the office. That’s where you’ll find Seth,” Faith said, getting back to her feet.

  “I don’t want to interrupt the sewing. It looks important.” He smiled.

  “It is,” Faith agreed, “but I am only advising at this point. Oh, and running for supplies. I’m very good at sewing sutures but less talented with fabrics and lace.”

  Nancy reappeared with his coffee. “I thought you’d prefer a mug rather than fine china.”

  “Yes, thank you.” He took the mug and let it warm his hands.

  “We eat at six. Would you care to stay for supper?”

  “Of course he would,” Faith replied for him.

  Andrew laughed. “I guess that’s settled, then.”

  “We’re having chicken and dumplings as the main course. There will be vegetables and bread, as well as dessert. We make certain no one goes hungry here,” Nancy said.

  “That sounds delicious. I shall look forward to it.”

  “I was just about to show him to the office. I know he and Seth will have a lot to discuss.” Faith reached for his arm. “This way.”

  Andrew worried about spilling the coffee as they made their way down the hall. The hardwood floors were covered with lovely carpet runners, and he had no desire to mar them with splashes of coffee.

  “Slow down, or I’ll make a mess of things.”

  Faith chuckled and slowed her step. “You are perfectly capable onboard the Morning Star, but less so on land, is that it?”

  “Something like that.” He fought to keep the journals snug under his arm.

  Faith knocked on the first door to the right, and Seth bid them enter.

  Andrew shrugged as he approached the desk. “I’ve got my hands full, or I’d offer to shake yours in greeting.”

  “No need. You’re a friend now, and we have no use for formalities,” Seth said, moving some papers from his desk. “Feel free to put your coffee here.”

  “As I told you, Andrew has proof of his business dealings with Albert Pritchard,” Faith explained. “He’s hoping it will help in the investigation.”

  “As Faith must have also told you, this is of the utmost secrecy,” Seth stressed. “We cannot let it get out. I chided her for confiding in you, but I know you have proven yourself to be a man of honor.”

  “I am that, and I know the value of keeping my mouth shut.”

  Seth looked at Faith. “Why don’t you give us some time alone? We can go through the logs faster on our own.”

  Faith’s expression betrayed her disappointment, but she nodded. “I’ll go help with supper. Andrew has agreed to join us.”

  “Good. Then you’ll have time to visit with him later. In the meantime, we have much to discuss.” Seth got up and led her to the door.

  After closing the door, Seth locked it, to Andrew’s surprise. He wasn’t about to question the other man, but his look must have betrayed his curiosity.

  “I figure we’ll have fewer interruptions this way. The women here have a way of bringing you things they think you might need in order to figure out what’s going on.
I’ve had sweaters and blankets brought to me, as well as various drinks and food.” He smiled as he crossed the room to put more wood on the fire. “They know now that I lock the door when speaking with others, so hopefully they won’t attempt it this time.” Seth rubbed his hands together and held them out to the fire. “I’ll be glad when this cold weather concludes. It seems nothing has been right since the big storm.”

  “Indeed. The river is still full of obstacles despite the logging companies claiming all they can.” Andrew put the ship journals on the desk. “First of all, I want to assure you that I will guard this information and the secrecy of the investigation. I don’t think Faith would have ever said anything had she not been so upset.”

  “I don’t really blame her,” Seth replied. He took a seat at the desk. “She has great trust in you. But a lot of lives depend on this, and you know what Benjamin Franklin said about secrets. ‘Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.’”

  Andrew picked up his coffee. “I think you’ll find I’m quite capable of keeping secrets. I have no intention of doing anything that helps Berkshire and Lakewood after the way they’ve treated Faith.”

  “It is troubling. I plan to speak to John Lincoln, my law partner, and see if there is something we can do to help her.”

  “I feel so bad for her. She loves medicine, and she’s good at it. I hate to think she would be refused her certificate just because someone like Lakewood forced the school to expel her.”

  Seth crossed his arms. “This entire business of riling the Indians to war has caused men to forget themselves.”

  “Is that the complete plan? Get the Indians and white people fighting one another? Then what?”

  “I believe most of the men involved think it will be a short-lived war. Despite the fact that they are giving the Indians weapons and ammunition, I think they’re convinced that the government soldiers will be better warriors and therefore able to put an end to the Indians. On the other hand, they don’t realize the desperation of the tribes. There are people there who have never known anything but captivity on a reservation. They hear their grandparents and parents tell stories of the days when the tribes roamed free, and they want that for themselves. And frankly, I would want it too.”