“I thought you had too—for a time, anyway. How’s Grace? Lance told me about the baby.”
Edward frowned. “She’s sick, Alex. Caught the cholera, but Dr. McLoughlin says she’s going to pull through. The baby too.”
Alex sank against the side of the wagon. “Get me home. Please. Just get me back to her.”
Edward nodded. “That’s my plan. Let me help you up, and we’ll be on our way.”
Together, Lance and Edward got Alex comfortably arranged in the back of the wagon.
“Now you just sit tight,” Edward said. “Won’t take much time at all to get you home.”
Climbing up and taking a place on the driver’s seat, Lance yawned and fought to stay awake. He was glad when the horses finally started down the road.
“How do you plan to get back into town?” Lance asked.
“Quarantine was lifted this morning. Lost some folks, but after that first bunch took sick, nobody else came down with it. Dr. Barclay decided it was an isolated cholera and we could go about our business.”
Lance nodded and lowered his voice. “Did anyone else in your family become ill?”
“No, I’m happy to say. Dr. Barclay has some thoughts on what caused it. Seems the sick folks all attended the church dinner last Sunday. Even then, some in the same family took the illness and others didn’t. After reading up on some eastern doctor’s writings, he figures it might have come from bad food or water.”
“So Hope and Mercy are all right?”
Edward laughed. “They’re just fine, but that reminds me. I understand congratulations are in order.”
“For me?” Lance couldn’t imagine what he was talking about.
“Yes, for you . . . and Hope. I understand you’re engaged to be married.”
The words hit Lance like a blow. He lowered his head so that Edward wouldn’t see his shock, and apparently it worked, for the older man began to talk about how he knew Lance and Hope were perfect for each other from the start. He didn’t seem at all concerned that Lance had nothing to say.
But what could he say? He knew nothing about the engagement—not that he hadn’t planned to talk to Hope about how he felt. The entire matter was puzzling, however. Hope had told him she didn’t want anything but friendship, and while he knew she cared for him, he couldn’t imagine why she’d declared them to be engaged.
But maybe she hadn’t. Maybe someone else had speculated about them being engaged, and the gossips had taken over. He thought about saying something to Edward, but they were only a few blocks from Lance’s cabin.
It was growing dark, and Lance needed time to think. He didn’t want to approach Hope amidst the reunion between Alex and Grace. Especially if things took a bad turn and Grace died.
“Edward, just let me off here. I’m done in. You can tell the others that I’ll be out tomorrow to see how everyone has fared.”
“Are you sure, son? Don’t you want to see that gal of yours?”
Lance had already jumped down from the wagon. “I’ll see her soon enough, don’t you fret.”
Hope straightened from her bedside vigil. Every muscle in her body ached. Outside a steady rain fell, and the skies grew dark with nightfall. Inside, however, Hope felt a sense of joy. Grace had made it through the worst of the sickness and was now resting comfortably. Dr. McLoughlin, despite his own physical troubles, had come to visit that afternoon. He had examined Grace and declared her to be past the point of crisis. He felt the baby move, so they knew the unborn infant was still alive.
Tears had come to Hope’s eyes when Dr. McLoughlin commended her on helping Grace survive. He said he couldn’t have done a better job himself, and that Grace owed her life to Hope. But she knew it had been God’s doing. She looked at the Bible on Grace’s bed. It was still open to Second Timothy, chapter one. She had committed verse seven to memory. God hadn’t given her the spirit of fear. That was the Devil’s doing, and it was to his benefit that she go on being afraid.
Hope smiled. “I won’t give the Devil that kind of power over me.” The Bible verse had finally given her the answers she needed.
Looking at her sister sleeping peacefully, Hope felt a relief that left her completely exhausted. All she longed for was a hot bath and sleep. Hours and hours of sleep.
“Uncle Edward’s coming in the wagon,” Mercy said, entering the room. “He’s got someone with him.”
Hope yawned and got to her feet. “Maybe he’s brought Dr. Barclay to follow up on Dr. McLoughlin’s visit. Send them in, and I’ll wait here.”
Mercy nodded and left the room as quickly as she’d come. Hope straightened Grace’s cover and then felt her forehead. It was dry and cool.
“Hope?” Grace opened her eyes then closed them again.
“I’m right here.” She touched her hand to Grace’s cheek. “You’re on the mend, so don’t fret about anything.”
“The baby?”
“Dr. McLoughlin was here earlier today. Do you remember?”
Grace nodded. “I think so.”
“He said you’re past the worst of the sickness. He also said the baby was moving quite a bit, and that was a very good sign. Your remedies impressed him.”
“What about Alex?” Her voice was so soft that Hope could barely make out the words.
“I don’t know about Alex.”
“Don’t know what about me?”
Hope whirled toward the door and gasped at the sight of Alex hobbling into the room on a crutch. His return was the very best thing for Grace. “I don’t know why you took so long to come home.” She went to him and kissed him on the cheek, surprising them both.
He smiled. “Me either.” He went immediately to Grace’s side and sank onto the bed. “Grace.” He drew her hand to his lips. “My treasured Grace.”
Her sister’s eyes opened again. She looked into the face of her husband, and for the first time since she’d fallen ill, Grace smiled. Hope thought it the most marvelous sight in the world.
“How’s my girl?” Uncle Edward asked, coming up behind Hope.
Hope turned to face her uncle. “She’s much better.”
He smiled. “I meant you.” He put his arm around her shoulders. “You look exhausted.”
“I am. I’ve never been so tired, but I’ve also never been so relieved. Dr. McLoughlin came by earlier today and said that Grace was past the worst of it and that she and the baby would be just fine.”
“I know. I saw him in town before heading out to pick up this scallywag.”
“Did a lot of people get sick?”
“About twenty,” Uncle Edward replied. “Twelve died, including the Drury children.”
“Oh, I am sorry for that.”
“We can talk about it later. You’re swaying on your feet. You go on upstairs and get some sleep. Mercy and I can manage to take care of these two.”
“But won’t you be needed at home?”
“I already squared things there. We didn’t catch the cholera, thank God. Mina sent some food and her love. I told her I would plan on staying here all night.”
Hope nodded and covered her yawn. “I’ll go clean up and rest then. Just for a little while.”
“No, you go ahead and sleep all night. We’ll be just fine.”
Alex looked up from where he sat. “Hope, thank you for what you’ve done for Grace.”
She smiled. “Just stay away from grizzlies, and we’ll all be a lot happier. Oh, no solid food for her. She told me it would kill her at this point. Something about her stomach being too thinly stretched or something like that. If she’s hungry, there’s chicken broth on the stove.”
She stepped into the hall and made her way to the kitchen for a pail of hot water, and it was only after she was halfway up the stairs with it that she thought of Lance. Where was he? Hadn’t he returned with Alex?
Setting the pail down on a step, she went back downstairs and sought out her uncle. He was still in Grace’s room.
“Uncle Edward?” She motioned him t
o come out into the hall.
“I thought I told you to go to bed.”
She nodded. “I will, but I wanted to know about Lance. Did he make it back safely?”
“He did. He’s at his own cabin. Said he’d be out here tomorrow.”
“Thank you. I just wanted to make sure.”
Edward smiled and turned her toward the stairs. “Of course you did. Now, go on. I don’t want to see you again until morning.”
Chapter
23
Hope woke with a start the following morning. She threw back the covers, desperate to see if Grace was all right. Only after she’d pulled on her robe did she remember that Alex and Uncle Edward were here.
“Grace is going to be fine,” she murmured aloud to reassure herself.
She relaxed and took her time dressing. The room was chilly and so was the day. Keeping that in mind, she pulled on warm wool stockings and a flannel petticoat. Over this she wore a linsey-woolsey dress that a lady from church had given her. The blue plaid suited her and enhanced the blue of her eyes.
She tied her long brown hair back with a blue ribbon, completely unconcerned about how she looked. She had no plans to go to town anytime soon. At least not until she could explain everything to Lance.
Poor Lance. By now he might have heard that they were supposedly engaged. She flushed when she imagined how he might have reacted to the news, but she was no longer afraid. She could only hope that he’d get a good laugh out of it.
Hope went to the window and looked out at the fenced meadow where the sheep grazed. Mercy must have let them into the field already. There was something so peaceful about watching them. She knew every ewe and lamb, and they were each special and precious to her for different reasons. That brought a smile to her face when she thought of how Jesus had called Himself the Good Shepherd.
“‘I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine,’” Hope whispered, quoting John chapter ten, verse fourteen.
She thought of all that she and her sisters had come through since moving west. There had been so much to overcome, but she finally knew that God truly cared for her. Ever since Pastor Masterson had talked to her, Hope had been able to see things more clearly.
I know it’s taken me longer than some, Lord, but I want to keep trusting You. I want my first thoughts in the morning and the last at night to be of You. I want to take possession of that Spirit of power and love and sound mind that the Bible says You’ve given us.
She thought again of Lance and prayed aloud. “I’m gonna need help with this, Lord. Forgive me for the lie, but please help me face the truth and be honest with Lance. Please don’t let him hate me for what I’ve done.” But even with that fear in the back of her mind, Hope wasn’t going to let it stop her. God would give her the strength and the power to deal with it. She felt confident of this, and confidence was a new companion that she intended to keep by her side.
Hope headed downstairs and checked in on Grace and Alex. The bedroom door was open, and Uncle Edward slept in a chair by the door, his oversized body awkwardly twisted in slumber. Across the room, Alex and Grace slept peacefully. Alex had wrapped Grace in his arms as if to shield her from any more harm. Hope smiled at the scene. What a difference it made to have them back together. It seemed the entire house had settled into a calm that had long been missing.
Seeing there was nothing she could do, Hope went to the kitchen and found Mercy already hard at work.
“I couldn’t sleep. I was so excited about Alex being home. I just know that everything is going to be wonderful now.” Mercy beamed at Hope. “Finally life is just as it should be, and it made me feel that I couldn’t sleep another minute. I got up before light and milked the cow and collected the eggs. I turned the sheep loose in the field and got feed to the other animals.” She held up a cast-iron skillet. “And now I’m working on our breakfast.”
“My, you’ve been busy.”
“Being happy just gave me so much energy.” Mercy stopped a moment. “Aren’t you happy? Alex is home and Grace is much better.”
“Yes. I’m happy about that, but I’m a little worried about what I’ll say to Lance when I see him.”
Mercy frowned. “What do you mean?” She put the skillet down on the burner then turned to Hope.
“Well, when he comes through town, someone is bound to congratulate him on our engagement. Since Grace got sick, I haven’t had a chance to resolve that little matter.”
She was surprised when Mercy giggled. “I don’t think you have too much to worry about. Lance likes you a lot and maybe even loves you. He may be glad that you told folks you’re engaged.”
Hope shook her head. “I have no way of knowing until I actually come face-to-face with him. I both long for it and dread it at the same time.”
“Well, neither emotion is going to change anything.” Mercy turned back to her work and put bacon in the frying pan. It sizzled and popped as it hit the hot pan, and almost immediately the aroma filled the air.
“No, you’re right on that count. I’m still learning that God doesn’t give us a spirit of fear.” Hope sat down at the table and decided to change the subject. “I’m going to take the sheep to the far north pasture, so I’ll be gone most of the day. I figure you’ll be here, and if Alex or Grace needs something, you can help them.”
“I’ll pack you some biscuits and bacon to take with you, and a jug of water.” She smiled over her shoulder. “And don’t forget to take your vinegar. It’s right there on the table.”
“As if I could forget.” Hope picked up the bottle and poured herself a large spoonful. She downed it and then another. She followed it with a swig of coffee from the mug Mercy handed her.
“You’d think we’d all be used to that flavor by now.” Hope grimaced. “I’m not sure I’ll ever be fond of it, but if it keeps us healthy, I guess I have to allow that it’s good.”
Mercy nodded. “I think if Mama were here she’d say it was, so that’s good enough for me.”
Hope smiled and took another sip of coffee. The hot liquid warmed her and stirred up her hunger. “Maybe I’ll wait to move the sheep. I’m hungry.”
“You stay put. You did so much for Grace, and you’ve hardly eaten since she got sick. Making you breakfast is the least I can do.” Mercy fetched a bowl. She dished up some oatmeal and brought it to the table with a pitcher of cream. “The bacon will be ready in a few minutes. The biscuits too. Uncle Edward had me open a jar of cherries last night. If you want some of those, I can fetch them.”
“No, this is fine. I’ll have the oatmeal now and eat the bacon and biscuits when I’m out with the sheep. You might throw in a bit of cheese as well.”
Mercy smiled and nodded while Hope whispered a quick prayer. She was so grateful for God’s healing of Grace. Grateful too that her own faith was finally starting to take deep roots.
Half an hour later, with the rest of the house starting to stir, Hope bundled up in her wool coat and scarf and pulled on her old boots. She tucked her pistol in her coat pocket. Since first purchasing the piece, she had seldom been without it. There had always been that underlying fear of being helpless, and the pistol helped ease that fear. Now, however, Hope felt it was more a precaution than fear. Wild animals could attack without warning, so it wasn’t foolish to be on her guard. After all, being wise about a situation and being afraid of it were two different things.
Outside, the breeze made the damp air feel all the colder. Hope pulled her scarf around her head as she made her way to the barn. She found her crook, then grabbed a handful of grain and put it in her empty pocket. She headed out to where the sheep were feeding, smiling as they gathered close to her.
“Hello, my dears.” She leaned down and picked up a black-faced lamb. “I know it’s rainy and wet, but I also know you’re going to enjoy feeding in a new area.” The bell sheep came to Hope, nudging her for the grain she knew Hope would have. Giving the animal a little feed, Hope smiled. “Come, little ones, we’
re off to greener pastures.” She opened the gate and led them out.
As the day passed, the skies overhead cleared, and the sun began to warm the air. This made the sheep all the more content. They fed off the grasses and vegetation while Hope kept watch. The ewes had been rebred and would hopefully give them another couple dozen lambs in the spring. Maybe even more. She tried to imagine what it would be like to have a large band of sheep—a thousand or more. They would definitely need a dog or two by that time. She and Grace were already considering getting a dog to help with the herd.
When several of the sheep started bleating in distress, Hope realized her thoughts had drifted and she hadn’t been paying attention to her surroundings. She put her hand on her pistol and felt the fear rise in her, making her breath catch.
“No, I won’t be afraid.” She thought of another verse the pastor had shared just before he’d left her. “‘What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.’” She looked heavenward as she spoke the words of Psalm 56:3.
The sheep moved closer to Hope and knotted together in a tight group. Just as she sought her Shepherd, they sought theirs. Hope scanned the area beyond the open pasture. Tall firs and oak edged the field along with other trees she couldn’t identify. The brush was thick, and she knew it was possible an animal lurked there.
Then she spotted the figure of a man coming up the same path she’d used hours before. She recognized Lance from a distance and felt her heart beat all the faster. Was he angry? Would he understand when she told him what had happened?
“How am I going to explain this?” She waved at him and felt her stomach clench. “I won’t be afraid.”
He waved back and smiled as he drew closer. Hope tried to relax. Maybe he hadn’t heard yet.
“Mercy told me where I could find you,” he said as he crossed the remaining yards between them. “I figured it was important to locate you right away.” He paused and locked his gaze on her. “Especially since I understand we’re to be married.”
Beloved Hope (Heart of the Frontier Book #2) Page 23
