The Wishing Star

by Marian Wells

  Jenny gasped. “Healer! That’s the way they see my herbs and such?” She thought about it for a time. Slowly but with growing excitement, she said, “They really believe I can heal them. That’s important. They don’t think it’s just chance. Maybe the power really is starting up!” She sighed a gusty sigh of relief and leaned back in the chair.

  Joseph was pacing the room in slow, thoughtful steps. When he stopped he spoke again, “Jenny, you are a beautiful woman, but don’t believe your beauty will win you favors.”

  “What do you mean?” she asked, searching his face and eyes for the kind of gentle charm she had seen at church. “I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

  “You really don’t?” He pulled one of the wooden chairs close and sat down facing her. His bright blue eyes seemed curiously light, and in an effort to steady herself, she forced her gaze down to the splintered wooden floor. “Jenny,” he commanded her attention again. “You haven’t been listening to the right gossip. Haven’t they told you about the power struggle? Haven’t they talked about Hiram Page using the seer stone, about the others faking the gifts of the Lord? Haven’t they told you how the Lord dealt with them severely ’til they admitted they were trying to steal power and gifts that weren’t rightly theirs?”

  Jenny stared at him. She had heard the stories, but never once did she dream Joseph would see her in this light. She chewed at the corner of her mouth, ashamed and contrite. He was saying she was no better than the others. Now she straightened in her chair, realizing the implication of his words. Joseph was angry and jealous because she had power! He was saying she was a threat.

  She looked up into that cold, troubled face and an idea surfaced in her thoughts. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “Tell me what I should do.”

  A smile swept his face with relief, and she closed her eyes against the sight, not knowing why she must, but feeling for a moment as if everything were out of control. He had taken her hands and was tugging her closer. “Jenny, my dear, does that mean that you are ready to let the Lord instruct you? Does that mean you are determined to become one of His chosen?”

  She fought a dizzy sensation, like a whirlpool sweeping over her.

  Now she remembered why she was here. Pulling her hands free, she opened her eyes, saying, “Joseph, if you’ve had your say, then I’ll have mine. I think you need all the help you can get with these people, and I intend to continue using the power I have to help them.”

  He was still studying her warily. “Jenny, I’ve renounced the old ways.”

  “You mean you’ve given up using the seer stone and hunting for treasure? Joseph, why?”

  “The Lord is helping me see there is a better way. The taint of the seer stone and all the rest will harm the church. I intend to stamp out the credulous and teach these people to rely on the Lord.”

  She looked at him curiously. “You’re acting like you think the stone is bad.”

  “It’s fakery.”

  The words burst from her before she could measure them. “All those other things, do you really believe them? That the Lord will fight your battles, give you Zion and the wealth of the land? Do you really believe that those who reject your new word from the Lord and the church you have started will be damned to hell?”

  Again he captured her hands. “Does that last statement make any difference to you?” Unexpectedly she shivered. Leaning forward he forced her eyes to meet his, saying, “Jenny, I do believe it. All this is truth, and I will prevail as the Lord’s chosen until His return to this earth.”

  With a gasp, Jenny pulled her hands free and jumped to her feet. “Joseph, I—I just can’t think anymore today.” She turned toward the door, and his hand was on her shoulder.

  “Already I sense you are an unusual one. Little Jenny, who would have guessed you would grow into a beautiful—and powerful—woman.” His fingers slipped under her chin and forced her to meet his eyes again. “I have a strong feeling that you can help me in the Lord’s work.” She closed her eyes against the intensity of that expression, but his hands drew her still closer.

  For a moment the dizziness touched her again. “Joseph!” she gasped, stepping backward.

  “Don’t, sister,” he warned, holding her firmly. “Jenny, my dear sister in the Lord. You have no idea of the great things that are in store for this church. The Lord himself is just now beginning to tell me His will concerning us.”

  “Us?” she echoed. “You mean me?” As he nodded and turned back to the table, her thoughts tumbled ahead. Was there a message behind his words? Power, a position close to Joseph, eventually Emma’s place. The waxen figure loomed in her mind again—but he didn’t know that part. She hesitated before turning back to the table.

  Joseph was sitting quietly, barricaded by his books and papers. She rested her palms lightly in the litter and leaned forward. “You asked if I was ready to become one of the chosen—you call them the children of Israel, don’t you? And the Indians—are they the lost tribes of Israel? Joseph, there is much I don’t know about your church. You’ve already credited me with intelligence; I demand the satisfaction of knowing what I’m getting into before I join anything.”

  His lips twisted with amusement. “That’s an unusual conversion. Aren’t you afraid to risk hellfire and damnation while you are doing your questioning? Methinks you’ve decided on a better way than faith.”

  “I’ve never heard of being asked to believe something I know nothing about.”

  “Then ask your questions. I prefer that to having you charge out of here saying Joseph Smith demands blind obedience.”

  She stared at him for a moment, then leaned closer. “Joseph, you are a powerful man; I feel it. But you aren’t so powerful that you can elicit cow-like devotion from me.”

  “And you are so proud that you can’t imagine being humbled! Jenny, my dear, that is a challenge.”

  Now she sat down and smiled, confident that he didn’t know how she trembled inside. Folding her hands in her lap, she met his gaze. “Joseph, I attended your church conference meetings. It was nothing more than a bunch of addlepated men who stood up, saying they believe the Doctrine and Covenants book is true and from God. I would like to read it for myself and decide whether or not I agree.”

  “How do you, a credulous child, expect to decide this? I suggest you take their testimony and start believing.”

  “And I don’t get to read it? I haven’t read the Book of Mormon either. Is that the way you treat all of your converts?”

  “On your way out, stop in the print shop and Cowdery will sell you a copy.”

  She studied his hard jaw and couldn’t resist spilling the gossip. “They say you are soft over women, and that Emma only needs to shake her finger to keep you in line. I may cry in order to get my book for nothing.”

  He bowed. “Go ahead, if you desire to be seen walking down the street with red eyes and the Book of Mormon. You may win more converts for me.”

  Laughing, she jumped to her feet. “Oh, Joseph, I think I shall enjoy taking religious instruction from you! Please sign me up for your classes.”

  His face froze. “You don’t understand. There are no women in any classes I teach. If you need to learn, go to any of the godly women in the church, and they’ll teach you.”

  “Their teaching falls in the category of sewing a quilt or diapering an infant.”

  His face admitted the truth. “You are right, Jenny. I’ll give you books and you bring me your questions.”

  She got to her feet and leaned across the table. “Thank you, sir; I value your proposal. Now, I’ll take the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and—” She spied the tattered book just under his elbow. “What is that? It looks interesting.”

  “You can’t have that. It’s called Sacred Geography.”

  “They say you’re still struggling with the Book of Abraham.” Instantly she saw the change in him and pressed, “Have you finished it?”

  “No, but I’ve discovered many important th
ings. How good the Lord was to use this method of bringing the books to us! He’s given me understanding of the mathematics of heaven. I’ve learned more now about the star Kolob and how God measures time. He’s revealed that the stars are inhabited by eternal spirits.

  “—But back to more earthly things. The papyrus of Abraham reveals how the Negro came into being. When Noah cursed his son Canaan, his posterity was marked by black skin, signifying the continuing curse. Old Pharaoh of Egypt was the son of Ham’s daughter. Through her line all the Egyptians inherit dark skin.”

  Jenny interrupted, “And the Negro slaves are part of the cursed ones? What is that supposed to mean to us? At the meetings I heard they weren’t to be given the gospel if their owners object.”

  “That’s right. Furthermore, because of their curse, no Negro will ever reach the exalted state. It is impossible to offer the priesthood to a man who wears the curse of Canaan.” He sighed heavily but as he stood up, his smile washed over Jenny, lifting the dismal mood of his words.

  Touching her shoulder, he said, “But don’t let that trouble your pretty head. Just go home and read your books and pass it all around Kirtland that you bested the Prophet and seer by obtaining books for nothing. But be advised, I may have you scrub my floors yet.”

  Jenny went on her way laughing, but before the books were opened there was yet another call for nursing. It was old granny Lewis filling Jenny’s time with the last of her tyrannical demands.

  ****

  When autumn’s browns rimmed with frost, the church took a new step forward. Since Tom’s boss, Newel Knight, was involved, Jenny heard about it nearly as soon as the word was released.

  For some time Jenny had known that Sarah, young Knight’s wife, had died. In fact, until the arrival of Lydia Baily, Tom had tried to push Newel and Jenny together.

  One November day Jenny went into the livery stable and found Tom looking as if he had adopted a permanent grin. “Give,” she demanded and waited until he put down the harness he held.

  “Well, it’s this way, my sister, you’ve forfeited your chance, and Newel has won out doubly.”

  “Aw, Lydia’s husband has consented to divorce.”

  For a moment his smile wavered. “No.” He frowned, hesitated and said, “I’m supposing the world will fuss, but right now I’m too glad. I’ll give it no thought.”

  “Well, what has happened?”

  “You know already that Joseph doesn’t have a legal state right to perform a marriage ceremony, because he isn’t a regular ordained minister like Rigdon. Even a ninny knows that’s ridiculous. Seein’ he’s subject to a higher power and with all the authority of the heavens behind him, well, he took it upon himself to do the marriage anyway.”

  Slowly Jenny said, “You mean she didn’t get divorced, and Joseph married them without having the authority to do so?”

  Tom scratched his head as if her words shed new light on the situation. “Jen, I can’t understand it all, but I do have faith in Joseph’s judgment. You know he has been given the keys of the kingdom. What he binds on earth will be bound in heaven; what he loosens on earth will be loosened in heaven. Matter of fact, Newel said Joseph implied that the church has been given other revelations to the ancient order of marriage that are yet to be dispersed.”

  Jennie frowned at Tom, watching his face. His smile was uneasy now, and she guessed it was the time to ask the question. “Tom, I heard whispers that Joseph had instructed some of the men going to Missouri to take Indian wives. I also heard Joseph promised that a man would be blessed of the Lord if he were to do so.”

  Tom moved uneasily. “Yeah, I heard likewise. It hasn’t been put to me personally, so I conclude it’s rumor.” He turned to pick up another harness and Jenny went on her way, puzzling over it all. In the end she shrugged off the questions, laughing at the strange twist of events. She also reminded herself that it was time to forget about all the church structure and rules she had known in the past. This new dispensation had rules of its own, and they must be her rules if she hoped to gain her heart’s desire.

  Chapter 24

  “Jen, you’re lookin’ mighty puny these days,” Tom said as he stopped on the snowy streets of Kirtland and waited for Jenny to catch up with him. He took the valise she carried and asked, “Where you headed?”

  “Back to the Morgans. Mrs. Lewis finally died,” she said with a sigh. “Poor soul, I can’t wish her dead, but she was a trial to us all. Angela and Cassy helped me, but she kept us all hoppin’. No doubt she was in pain, but the pain her tongue gave out balanced it all.”

  “And your herbs and amulets did no good?”

  “Nor the charms,” she said shortly. “This is likely to ruin my nursing.”

  “Oh, I don’t doubt that you’ll have the business.”

  “’Tisn’t the business!” she snapped. “I’m worried about believing when everything works against the power.”

  “You think there’s a greater power to be had?”

  “Could be. It is a lack in me, most certain.” Abruptly Jenny lifted her head to look at Tom. “Why the questions? Have you been hearing things?”

  “There’s talk. People admire the things they can’t understand. Where there’s indications of the mysterious at work, they’re right there lookin’.” Tom continued to study the thin little figure at his side. Her shoulders drooped wearily and her head was bowed against the icy pricking of snow filling the air. “Why don’t you come to the stable for some hot tea?”

  She nodded and silently followed him across the street, through the building, and up the stairs to his room.

  The heat of the forge provided warmth for the shabby room Tom called home. Gratefully Jenny sat down on his one straight chair and watched as he stirred up the embers in his stove and pulled the kettle of water over the heat.

  After he put the mugs on the table, Tom placed a stool close to the stove and said, “You’re pulled a mite too thin. Do you good to get off that horse you’re ridin’ and walk a spell.”

  “Meaning?” Jenny pulled the mittens from her hands and unwound her muffler. When Tom didn’t answer, she continued, “I’ve a notion to look for something to do besides nursing. It gets me down at times. Especially when you’re expecting results and there’s nothing.” Abruptly she shivered.

  “What’s wrong, Jen?”

  She looked up. “Oh, I’m remembering the way Mrs. Lewis died. It was like all the spirits on earth congregated. Tom, I don’t understand, but she died screaming and pointing. She had been muttering something for days that none of us could understand, talking about turning back. A foul old woman, no doubt, but she frightened us all to the bottom of our shoes.” Jenny shivered again and was silent.

  At last she roused herself. “I’m pricked with a desire to know the workings of the printing office. Tom, is there a chance Oliver Cowdery would have a little work for me in there? I know women don’t normally do such things unless they are married to the fellow running the place, and that’s out of the question, since Cowdery’s married.—I wouldn’t have him anyway. But I would like to look into the business.”

  “There’s little chance. I ’spect the Missus would have your neck if you even went into the place. There’s been some talk around about him not minding his manners around the females.” Tom got up from his stool to pour the boiling water into his teapot. He was mulling over the problems that had been filling him with unrest for the past month. He glanced at Jenny, studied her innocent, girlish face, and felt again the stab of remorse. What if she were to become another Fannie Alger?

  He watched her sip tea and then lift her face to smile at him. “Ah, Tom, you were right. I am pressing life too close, and I’ve a mind to take it easy for a few weeks. Could be I’ll feel different about the healing then.” The tender, nearly childish smile made him decide.

  Taking a deep breath, Tom hunched his stool closer to Jenny and quickly, before he could change his mind, he said, “Jen, there’s a few things I need to say to you. Firs
t off, Joseph sent a message. I don’t know why you’ve come up with this thing about the healing with the charms and herbs, but for some reason Joe’s bothered by it all. Could be it’s related to the trouble we had in the beginning.

  “See, Rigdon’s followers, those that were in Kirtland when we arrived, were into some funny things. Come meeting times, they would work themselves into a real frenzy a-talkin’ in a queer language and a-rollin’ around on the ground and pretendin’ to be convertin’ the Indians, such stuff. Anyways, Joe cracked down on it and said it was all from Satan and that people had better be a-drawin’ up tight and listenin’ to him, since he was the prophet, seer, and revelator.

  “Now, your healin’s making him a bit uneasy. So I don’t blame him. He called me in with a message. He didn’t say ‘thus saith the Lord,’ like he does sometimes, but from the way he said it, I felt it anyway. Jen, he said if you’re goin’ to be actin’ so saintly and do the healin’ and all, that you’d better be bringin’ forth the fruits of repentance.”

  Jenny frowned, “Now what on earth does he mean by that?”

  “Simple. Joinin’ the church and gettin’ to services regular. You know Joseph won’t abide people a-claimin’ a religion they don’t follow right.”

  “I’ve heard that,” Jenny said dryly. “The Morgans let me know right off that I was expected to shun evil, such as dancing and fancy frocks and too much fun instead of work.” She waved her mug, “But this latest about not drinking tea and such, I don’t understand, especially in the cold of winter. What difference does it make whether we eat meat all year round or just in the winter?”

  Tom didn’t answer; he was busy thinking about the other things and wondering how he could warn Jenny. He took a deep breath. “First off, I want to remind you that I believe Joseph is called of God. I believe his book is from God, and that’s because I asked God and He gave me the burnin’ in the bosom to verify the truth of it all. This keeps me faithful and trustin’, even when I don’t understand. Jen, I know I’m not too smart and book learnin’ just didn’t take with me. You’ll never know how much I appreciate havin’ a prophet and knowin’ that I can trust him.”