The Way of Love

by Tracie Peterson

  Faith could hardly comprehend what he was saying. She looked into his dark eyes and tried to figure out if he might be lying—telling her this just to make her feel better—but Andrew didn’t strike her as the kind of man who would do such a thing.

  “I love you, Faith, and I feel quite certain you love me.”

  “I do,” she barely whispered.

  He grinned. “Then marry me. Nothing else matters.”

  “But it does. There’s so much going on—Lakewood and poor Seth.”

  Andrew’s eyes darkened. “You’ll never be Lakewood’s mistress. I guarantee you that. I’ll take care of him myself. I’ll make him understand the repercussions that will come his way if he should dare to pursue this. I won’t let him hurt you, nor will I let him hurt Seth again. I’m not without my friends.”

  A sense of peace washed over her. She touched his cheek. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Say yes to my proposal. We don’t have to wed this moment, but promise you will marry me. We can deal with the rest of these problems after we settle this one thing. I will help you figure it all out. Just say you’ll marry me.”

  Faith nodded. Even if it never came about because of Lakewood, she at least wanted to promise herself to Andrew. “I will.”

  He kissed her again, this time quick and to the point. When he released her, Faith felt a little unsteady on her feet. She reached for the chair and stared after Andrew as he crossed the room and called for his grandfather.

  She sat down, not sure what was going to happen. There was still no answer to her problems. In fact, instead of simplifying things, they had gotten much more complicated.

  But Andrew loves me, and he’s part Indian. We can be together and legally marry.

  The thought chipped away at her sorrow and fears. She was in love with a man who loved her in return, despite her Cayuse blood. She could perhaps even say because of it.

  “Grandfather,” Andrew said as Ben came into the saloon, “I want you to meet the woman I’m going to marry.”

  The old man didn’t ask questions but instead laughed out loud. “That is good. She is a good woman and will make you a good wife.”

  Faith shook her head. Ben didn’t seem the least bit worried or concerned about the details. She had no idea how all of this could possibly work out, but because no one else seemed to care, she was determined she wouldn’t worry about it either.

  At least not for the moment. This moment was hers.

  Andrew seethed at the thought of Lakewood’s threat to Faith. How dare he try to impose himself on the innocent? There were more than enough soiled doves to be had. He didn’t need to degrade a decent woman.

  As he lay in his bunk, sleep eluded him. His anger wouldn’t allow for even the slightest peace. Lakewood was evil, and he deserved to be taken to task for what he’d done. Not only did he desire to force Faith into a lascivious relationship, but he’d nearly killed Seth Carpenter. These were good people, and Andrew wanted to be useful to them.

  “Lord, show me what to do. Help me not to act out of rage.”

  A knock sounded on his cabin door.

  He sat up in the dark. “Enter.”

  When the door opened, light flooded the room. His grandfather smiled. “I knew you were awake,” he said in Nez Perce.

  “’Eehé—Yes. I can’t sleep.”

  “Because you asked Faith to marry you?”

  “No, there’s something else—a problem she’s facing. Wrongs done to other people. Wrongs threatened to be done to her. I just don’t know how best to help.”

  The old man squeezed Andrew’s shoulder. “Sometimes our hands are not big enough.”

  “You’re trying to tell me that only God can manage this, and I suppose I know you’re right, but I also feel compelled to do something myself.”

  Andrew’s grandfather shook his head. “Even Jesus said He did nothing without the Father.”

  Andrew exhaled a heavy breath. “You’re right, of course. It just seems like I should do something.”

  “Let God show you what to do. Don’t be like the foolish man who rushes about from place to place, accomplishing nothing, creating chaos. You love her, and she loves you. God has brought you together for a purpose. He won’t forget to let you know what that purpose is. Trust Him, Andrew.”

  Andrew eased back into his bunk. “I will. Thank you for speaking truth.”

  CHAPTER 23

  Seth is doing much better,” Nancy told Faith. “The doctors relieved the pressure on his brain by operating. Since then he has woken up twice, and both times he recognized me.”

  Faith smiled. “I’m so glad.” She knew it was a very good sign. “How are you feeling?”

  Nancy patted her belly. “I’m just fine. Mother will hardly let me do anything, so I’m at no risk of causing myself or the baby harm.”

  “She doesn’t like the idea, but she has agreed to return home this afternoon for some much needed rest,” Grace Armistead announced.

  Nancy gazed heavenward. “I don’t like leaving him alone.”

  “Well, you might not realize this,” Faith said, “but Seth needs rest too. With us here, he might feel obligated to try to remain conscious, when sleep is what will help his healing.”

  Frowning, Nancy looked to her mother. “Is that true?”

  Grace nodded. “Quiet and rest are sometimes the most important things for the body in order to heal. Seth has been awake, and he knows how much you love him. He knows you’re close by and will come to him if he needs you. But he also knows you are carrying his child and need rest yourself. He may be unable to sleep because he knows you aren’t.”

  “Fine. I’ll return home, but I don’t intend to stay there.”

  “Of course not,” her mother replied.

  “I want Papa to buy me another horse and carriage. A nice big carriage for a family. That way we’ll have what we need to get around, and I can even transport the ladies to church on Sunday. I’ll need a team of horses, not just one.”

  “Has the repair on the carriage house been completed?” her mother asked.

  “Yes. David told me he has only to finish some painting.”

  “There’s a good livery at the corner of Southwest Park and Jefferson Street,” Faith offered. “I know because the medical school rents rooms above it for dissection work. The last I knew, the owner had several good horses for sale, and carriages as well.”

  “Good. We’ll send Papa there first thing tomorrow.”

  The light was starting to fade outside. “Tomorrow is Sunday,” Grace reminded her daughter.

  Nancy’s chin had a stubborn set to it. “All right, then I’ll send Papa there on Monday.”

  “Send me where?” Alex asked, coming into the hospital room.

  “I’ll explain it on the ride home,” Nancy said, getting to her feet.

  Faith could see it took more and more effort for Nancy to move. Not only that, but it appeared the baby had lowered. The delivery couldn’t be too far now, probably no more than a couple of weeks.

  Nancy kissed her husband’s bruised and swollen face. “Seth, I’m going home, but I will be back soon. Please rest and get well. I love you so.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I need you, and our baby needs you.”

  Grace leaned close to Faith. “They gave him something to help him sleep, but the doctor was encouraged by how stable his heart rate and breathing are.”

  “That is good news. Are his arms broken?”

  “The left is. The right is badly bruised and strained, but no breaks that the doctor could discern.”

  Faith thought of all she’d gone through that day. “I need to speak to you and Uncle Alex after Nancy goes to sleep.” She whispered this as Nancy continued fussing over her husband.

  Grace gave her a questioning look, but Faith just shook her head. “Later.”

  “There’s a rented carriage waiting at the front entrance,” Alex said. “If you want to go ahead, I can make sure Nancy gets there safely.”


  Grace looped her arm through Faith’s. “That sounds good. I’m quite tired.”

  They left the room and headed toward the exit. Faith knew Grace would expect to hear the details right away.

  “I know who beat Seth.”

  Grace stopped mid-step. “Then we must speak with the police.”

  “No. This man is very rich and probably owns most of the police department. He arranged it with Gerome Berkshire.”

  “That terrible man who constantly pesters Nancy?”

  “Yes. Samuel Lakewood hired him to beat Seth nearly to death. He is going to kill him and . . . others if I don’t help him with his Indian war and. . . .” Faith couldn’t bring herself to admit the rest. “He threatened Nancy and the baby as well as my brother and all of you. If I refuse to do what he expects of me, he will order his men to kill. Apparently, he’s had people watching us for over a year.”

  “How terrible. What a horrible man.” Grace shook her head. “You must not help him.”

  “I know.” Faith started walking again, and Grace fell into step with her. “I’m only telling you this so that you and Alex can do whatever is necessary to see to Nancy’s safety and that of the boardinghouse ladies. I wouldn’t put it past Lakewood to hurt them as well.”

  “We should tell the police and at least try to get help.”

  “Like I said, he probably has the police department sewn up in his pocket. I think the army may be a better bet.”

  “Is there anything else?”

  “He knows I’m Indian,” she said. “He thinks I’m Isaac Browning’s natural daughter and knows that he was a quarter Cherokee. He got me kicked out of college by telling the president that, and now he’s hoping to use that and the threats of harm to my loved ones in order to force my hand. I told him I didn’t care if he exposes my Indian heritage. And I don’t. If he tells the world about Isaac’s ancestry, that will at least save Mother from anyone knowing what happened to her.”

  “Your mother can handle whatever comes, but she won’t be very happy if you allow that man to harm you. What does he want you to do, Faith?”

  She let out a heavy breath. “He wants me to help him with his Indian war. He said they want to see the reservations dissolved and the Indians killed. I’m not sure yet what he wants me to do to help with this. I told Andrew about it, and he suggested we speak to Major Wells at the fort in Vancouver. I plan to leave with him this evening on the Morning Star. He’s headed to Astoria, and we’ll stop to see Major Wells first. I’ll be gone for a while. I just wanted to make sure that you knew what was going on so you could keep Nancy safe. I didn’t want to burden her with the details when she already has enough to worry about.”

  Grace nodded and squeezed Faith’s arm. “Thank you. I’ll explain it all to Alex. We’ll get some people we can trust and have them nearby to protect Nancy if need be. Will Andrew keep you safe?”

  “Yes. He and the crew of the Morning Star. I’ll be fine. Try to keep everyone out of sight. I don’t know what Lakewood would do if he knew I was telling you all of this. He feels so confident of having me over a barrel. I just let him think what he would, even though I was vocal about having nothing to do with him. He intends me to give him an answer in a day or so, but I’ll be gone, and that will no doubt infuriate him. We need to make sure Seth and Nancy—and the family—are guarded. We’ll need to get a telegram to my folks.”

  “We’ll figure it out, Faith. Don’t worry about us. I’ll get word to your father about the situation and see that your family are safe and that they watch out for Meg as well. I wish now that we’d brought her, but she had to finish school.”

  “It’s just as well. I’m sure she’s safer there than here. Lakewood’s initial threats are against Seth and Nancy, so I figure we start there.”

  “He’s obviously threatened you too.”

  Faith gave a solemn nod. “Yes, but I believe with Andrew’s help I can handle it.”

  “Let me get this straight,” Major Wells said, signaling the sergeant to bring the notes he’d been writing as Faith told her story. “Lakewood gave the order to attack Seth Carpenter, and now Carpenter lies near death.”

  “Yes. He was responsive today, which was better than last night, but he’s still gravely ill, and the doctors will probably have to operate again to relieve more pressure on the brain. Frankly, he may never be the same, even if he recovers.”

  “I understand.” Wells scanned the notes.

  “We need men who can guard Carpenter and his family. We don’t trust the police,” Andrew added.

  Wells nodded. “And Lakewood is insistent that you help him with the Indian wars but didn’t say exactly how.”

  “Yes. I got the impression he wanted me to go to the reservation on the pretense of my medical work. There’s someone there he’s working with. He said my uncle Adam was part of it, but at the same time said he wouldn’t cooperate. Major, if you knew my uncle, you would never believe that he has anything to do with what’s going on there. He has lived with the Indians and broken bread with them. He has prayed at the beds of their sick and has stood alongside them as their advocate. I don’t think he could change so much that he would now want to harm them.”

  “Still, we’ve had others mention him as well. We can’t overlook what part he may be playing. None of us wants to think badly of our loved ones. What about his children?”

  “My cousin Isaac was named after Uncle Adam’s brother. The man who was my father.” She didn’t feel the need to explain further. “Isaac attended college back east but lost interest. He came back to the reservation and has been helping my folks and the Indian Affairs agent. His sister, Constance, is in Washington, D.C., finishing her education at a female seminary there. I’m not sure what she has planned for the future.”

  Wells made notes on the paper. “Did Lakewood say who he answered to?”

  “No. As I said, he implied that there was a connection with Uncle Adam but also others.”

  Wells leaned forward. “Do you feel Lakewood would do you harm if you were to pretend to help him with his plans?”

  “She’s not going to work with him,” Andrew said.

  “But she might be able to give us the name of the man in charge. She might be able to overhear their plans.”

  Andrew slammed his fist on the table. “He wants her to be his mistress. She’s going to be my wife, so don’t even think of asking her to work with him.”

  Well’s eyes widened for a moment, and then he smiled. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

  Lakewood summoned Gerome to meet him that evening at the house where they often conducted business. It was the same house in which he intended to install Faith. He sat down and wrote a short letter to Faith, instructing her to meet him the following day for lunch. He would expect her answer to his demands at that time. He sealed the letter in an envelope, then instructed the houseboy to see it delivered immediately. Everything was coming together nicely.

  He was dressing for his meeting with Berkshire when the butler interrupted.

  “Young Enoch has returned. He needs to see you.”

  The valet finished tying Lakewood’s tie, then stepped back. Lakewood pointed to one of two coats before speaking.

  “Bring him to me.”

  “Yes, sir.” The butler left the dressing room.

  The boy appeared just as Lakewood’s valet helped him into his coat. Enoch held up the sealed envelope.

  “What’s this? Why didn’t you deliver it as I told you to do?”

  “The ladies at the boardinghouse said Miss Kenner is gone. She won’t be back for at least two weeks.”

  Lakewood took the letter and struggled to hold his temper in check. How dare she try to disappear or escape his hold! He tucked the letter in his coat pocket.

  “Get out of here,” he yelled.

  The wide-eyed boy turned and ran from the house.

  “Leave me, Prescott,” Lakewood told the valet. Prescott made a quick dash from the room, and La
kewood slammed the door behind him.

  Rage coursed through every fiber of his being. Faith Kenner had defied him, and no one did that and got away with it. He would give Berkshire the word to move forward with Carpenter’s killing. That would show her that he meant what he said. Once Carpenter was dead, he would see that something awful happened to Mrs. Carpenter. Faith would no doubt hear about it and return, knowing that Lakewood was carrying out his threat.

  Before going downstairs, he looked in on his children. The younger ones were taking their supper in the nursery. They seemed excited to see him.

  “Come eat with us, Papa,” his daughter Ellen begged.

  “No, I’m afraid I’m dining out tonight. But you be sure and eat all of your vegetables and meat. They will make you beautiful, and you must be beautiful in order to catch a wealthy husband.”

  The ten-year-old screwed up her face. “I don’t want to marry anybody.”

  “That will change soon enough,” he said, laughing. “Now, get back to eating so that you can go to bed early. Your trip starts tomorrow, and you’ll need your rest.”

  He made his way downstairs, where he knew Deborah and their older children would be gathered in the music room, awaiting the dinner announcement. His wife wouldn’t be happy that he was leaving for dinner elsewhere, but she knew better than to question him. She was an obedient, boring little thing, but she served him well.

  “How nice you look,” Deborah said as she swept across the room to join her husband.

  “Thank you, but I won’t be staying to join you for supper. I have a business supper to attend.”

  “Oh, how regretful,” she said, her expression proving her disappointment. “Especially with us leaving in the morning.”

  “Yes, it is, as you are as lovely as a summer day.” And she was. Deborah always looked beautifully gowned because he paid for her to be that way.

  “Papa, can you stay long enough to hear me play my harp?” sixteen-year-old Caroline asked.

  He kissed her forehead. “Why don’t you begin the piece now, and I’ll hear at least part of it as I go.”