Cherished Mercy

by Tracie Peterson

  Now, however, he had more than enough time, and the loss was painful. Ten years Adam’s senior, Isaac had always been there for him. Adam had shadowed his brother as soon as he could walk, and Isaac had patiently endured it. When their father passed away, Adam had only been twelve. Isaac, although newly married, had stepped up to keep the family going. Eletta had been so beloved by Adam’s mother and sisters that it seemed only natural they should move into the family house. That had given Adam a few more precious years with Isaac.

  Isaac was also the reason Adam had gone into ministerial studies. When Isaac and Eletta announced they were going west to Oregon Country, Adam had even told Isaac that he might join them one day. When things had fallen apart in Boston, it seemed like the logical thing to do. But now Isaac was gone, and Adam hadn’t even thought to write their sisters and let them know what had happened. No doubt word had reached Georgia about the Rogue River wars, and they would be worried.

  He also needed to let them know about his marriage to Mercy, even if it was a marriage in name only at this point. He smiled at the thought that he had married a woman who didn’t care one whit that he was a quarter Cherokee. His heart was near to bursting with love and desire for his wife, and he looked forward to the day when they could consummate their marriage and live as true man and wife. But for now, there was Faith to contend with, and given the close quarters at Matthew Beckham’s house, it was necessary to wait for his wedding night. It wasn’t easy, but Adam reminded himself that there were so many more important things on which to focus his attention.

  For one, he knew Mercy was worried about her family not yet responding to her letter. He knew it was a delicate situation and wouldn’t be easily resolved. Yet Mercy felt it important to reunite her sister Hope with the child she’d given away. He couldn’t understand it himself, but he believed Mercy did, and because of that, he was willing to go along with whatever she decided.

  “Browning, I’d like to speak to you when you finish up there.”

  Adam looked up and gave his boss a nod. “Sure thing, Mr. Cochran. I just need to tie down this load for delivery.”

  “I’ll see you in my office then.”

  Mr. Cochran left Adam to finish his work and ponder what his boss wanted. Adam knew he’d done good work, so he had no reason to fear a reprimand. He tied off the load and made his way inside the mill to Cochran’s office. He’d no sooner reached the open door than Mr. Cochran was waving him inside.

  “Have a seat.”

  Adam smiled and did as he bid.

  Cochran pushed aside a stack of papers and leaned his elbows on his desk. “I’ll get right to the point. I was happy to give you a job, but the fact is my cousin has just returned from California, and . . . well . . .”

  “You need to let me go so he can have the position?” Adam asked.

  Cochran looked uncomfortable. “Yes. Although between you and me, I doubt he will work half as hard.”

  “It’s not a problem. As I told you before, I’m a preacher at heart. And I’m not sure how much longer I’ll even be in Portland.”

  Cochran’s no-nonsense expression remained fixed. “You’re a good man, Browning.” He pushed forward a piece of paper. “Here’s your final credits.”

  Adam had agreed to work for store credit, so it came as no surprise that Cochran would settle up in such a manner. What was a surprise was the amount listed on the voucher.

  “This is a lot more than what you owe me.”

  Cochran nodded. “I realize that, but I know you have a family to provide for, and even if you aren’t here much longer, they’ll need food—maybe other things. I want you to have it. I guess I feel it’s the Lord’s doing, so don’t try to give it back.”

  Adam grinned. “Well, I can hardly refuse the Lord’s blessing.” He put the piece of paper in his pocket. “I appreciate it.” He extended his hand.

  Cochran nodded. “Well, that’s that.” He shook Adam’s hand. “I’ll see you in church.”

  “I’m much indebted to you, and I won’t forget your kindness.”

  Cochran grumbled something as he pulled his stack of papers to the center of his desk but didn’t respond. He’d never shown himself to be a talkative man.

  Adam picked up his hat and coat before heading for home. He knew the store credit would allow him to buy several things Mercy wanted, as well as some candy for Faith. It had been a long time since she’d had a treat. But more importantly, Adam felt confident there would be enough money to get Mercy her own wedding ring.

  He walked toward the heart of town, passing the docks where steamers and freight boats were taking on goods and passengers. Hopefully the day would come soon when he and Mercy would board one of the ships with Faith and make their way to Oregon City. After that, Adam hoped, word would come from Joel Palmer, the man in charge of Indian Affairs in Oregon Territory. Adam had sent him a brief letter asking to speak to him in regard to the reservation at Grand Ronde. Given that most white men hoped to avoid the Indians, Adam figured his request to live at or near the reservation would at least intrigue Palmer.

  Ahead of him on the walkway, Adam caught sight of a big bearded man. He looked at a piece of paper in his hand and then looked up to gaze around him. Given the small bag at his feet, it was almost certain he was a lost traveler.

  “May I help you find someone or some place?” Adam asked.

  The big man turned, and a broad smile broke across his face. “I’d surely appreciate it if you would.”

  “Who are you looking for?”

  “A Reverend Matthew Beckham. Do you know him or where I could find him?”

  Adam laughed. “I should say so. He’s just up this way.” He pointed and kept walking. The tall man kept pace with him. “I’m Adam Browning. I happen to be staying with the reverend. He took my wife and my niece and I in for a time.”

  This caused the older man to stop. “Browning, you say?” The stranger laughed. “Well, if that don’t beat all. I guess the Good Lord always knows how to put folks together. I’m Mercy’s uncle, Edward Marsh.”

  Chapter

  23

  Adam looked at the big man for a moment. “Edward Marsh. Truly? We had despaired of ever hearing from Mercy’s family.”

  Edward nodded. “I can understand that, son.” He extended his hand. “I’m mighty glad to finally meet you. I was sorry to hear about your brother and his wife. They were fine folks.”

  Adam shook the older man’s hand. “Yes. They were. I miss them terribly.”

  “And the Indian wars down that way, I heard they were pretty bad.”

  “They still are, as far as I know. It’s a sad time, to be sure.” Adam shook his head. “It got completely out of hand. The volunteers answered to no one and the regular army still can’t figure out the nature of men who would rather fight and die in the face of superior warriors than give up their home.”

  “Seems that ought to be an easy enough matter for any man to understand,” Edward Marsh replied. “It hasn’t been that long since our fight for independence.”

  “You would think they’d remember, but apparently not. Or at least it’s no longer important to understand the Indian. The goal at this point appears to be elimination and nothing more.”

  “It would seem that way.” Edward glanced around them at the busyness of the town, and they began to walk again. “Portland’s a lot bigger than it was even a few months back. Still have plenty of tree stumps to remove, though.”

  “Yes.” Adam looked around at the muddy streets. “Someday these roads will be paved stone, and the entire place will look like the cities do back east.”

  “I’ve no doubt you’re right on that account. The development of Oregon Territory is going to change life for everyone west of the Mississippi.”

  “Still, I can’t support the government-sanctioned killing of the natives, just because they lived here first.”

  Edward fixed Adam with a sober gaze. “The two races just conflict, and there doesn’t seem to
be any common ground on which to meet. I’ve lived here for a long time—long before the rest of the country had any interest in being here. We got along pretty well with the Indians, mainly because we tended towards their way of life. We didn’t seek to own property, and we shared the resources of the land. Of course, there were bad men on both sides.”

  “There still are.” Adam frowned. “I know the Indians have done their fair share of attacking and killing indiscriminately, but I think the cause for this round of battles has more to do with the white man than the Indian.”

  “Could be, but neither is blameless.”

  “That’s true enough. Especially regarding the attacks of the last few months. The whites pressed in, and the Indians took a difficult situation and pushed it over the top. I can’t say they’re without blame, but I know for a fact that the start of all of this was egged on by the white government and men who didn’t want to share a territory rich in resources.”

  “We must remember what it says in Romans thirteen.” Edward fixed him with a stern expression. “‘Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.’ The government officials may be making a wagonload of mistakes, but they are there by God’s will.”

  Adam considered those words for a moment. He was right, of course. “‘Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.’” Adam looked at Edward and nodded. “It’s pretty clear, eh?”

  “Clear enough,” Edward Marsh said, smiling. “But politics and theology can wait. Right now I want to know more about you.”

  “There’s not a lot to tell.” Adam pushed aside his worries about the future. “I’m a seminary-educated pastor with a heart for the Indians. You already know that I’m Isaac Browning’s brother.”

  Edward nodded. “And on top of all that, you got yourself hitched to my niece. I hope you know what you’ve gotten yourself into.” He grinned. “There are a whole lot of family members who want to make sure Mercy gets treated right, what with her being the baby of the family. You’ve got to answer to me and her two brothers-in-law, but even harder will be meeting with her sisters’ approval.”

  Adam smiled, but inside he felt a bit nervous. “They needn’t worry. I love Mercy, and I am blessed beyond words that she agreed to be my wife.”

  “Well, I know her sisters have been praying she’d settle on a husband.”

  “I hope she didn’t just settle on me.”

  Edward laughed. “There’s difference between settling on someone and settling for them, son. I know my niece well enough to know she wouldn’t settle for anything. She’s had her fair number of disappointed would-be suitors, believe you me.”

  “I have no difficulty believing that. Her beauty alone would cause a man to gravitate toward her.”

  “Mercy will make a loyal and capable wife. She isn’t afraid to get dirty or work hard.”

  “I know. I’ve seen it over and over. She’s unafraid too. That impressed me even more. At the mission, she was clearly uncomfortable on many occasions, but she pushed through her own feelings to be a benefit to others.”

  They were nearly to the small house where the reverend lived, so Adam slowed his pace. “The house is just up the road, but before we get there, I wonder if you would tell me why you’ve come. We’ve been worried about the reception we might receive.”

  Edward sobered. “There’s a lot of concern to be sure. I suppose you know all about Faith and Hope?”

  “I do. I wasn’t sure that you did. Mercy indicated it was a great family secret.”

  “It was until recently. I wasn’t aware of the situation, but Grace filled me in. I can’t imagine the suffering Hope went through, but my pride in her only grew after hearing of her ordeal.”

  “Yes, I felt the same, and I don’t even know her. Still, we’re worried about how the family feels about having Faith around. I won’t see her hurt. She’s lost her parents—at least the ones she knew—and it has taken a big toll on her.”

  “I’ve no doubt about that, son, but never think that we would cause that child to suffer. She’s innocent of anything her father did.”

  “I agree, but I’m sure others wouldn’t. I know what it is to be cursed for your blood.”

  “When I first came out west, many a trapper had an Indian wife. Most stayed with them until the end of life—either their own or the woman’s. I would never look down on someone for their heritage.”

  “But a lot of people would, and Faith, although she looks white, is a half-breed.”

  “And you’re worried about the family looking down on her for that?”

  Adam could hear a bit of offense in Edward’s tone. “I don’t mean to insult anyone. I just know from experience that it can cause deep pain to be rejected for something you can do nothing about.”

  Edward put a hand on Adam’s shoulder. “You don’t need to worry. We aren’t like that in our family. Hope was taken by surprise at the news, but after a few days of prayer and discussion with her husband and the others, she decided it wouldn’t be right to refuse. After all, Faith doesn’t know anything about the past. So you can come and stay as long as you like, and Faith too.”

  Letting go of nearly two weeks of tension, Adam smiled. “Thank you. I know that will be a great relief to Mercy.”

  Mercy went back to the stove to check on the stew. She’d mixed the roast given to the reverend with potatoes and carrots. The aroma was pleasing, and the bubbly brown broth made it visually pleasing as well. She pulled the pot from the hot part of the stove and set it aside to cool before going to slice some bread.

  The reverend had sent word that he was taking supper with one of his parishioners after all, so Mercy knew it would just be the three of them. And given what Faith had learned that afternoon, she was glad. Hopefully Adam could reinforce the things she’d said and help Faith know that she had nothing to fear from God nor her loved ones regarding her blood.

  It angered Mercy to imagine that people would blame Faith for her heritage and make her suffer for something she had no control over. She thought of Adam and how the woman he’d planned to marry had rejected him because of his Indian blood. It was all so cruel.

  She finished slicing the bread, then set the table. Adam would be home any minute, and she knew he’d be famished. She always sent him with a lunch to eat at the mill, but he worked so hard that by evening he was half starved.

  Mercy went back to the stove to check the coffee, which was ready. Now she just needed to carry the food to the table. She had just reached for a potholder when there was a knock on the front door.

  “Perhaps that’s Mr. Palmer returning.” She hurried to the door, not bothering to remove her apron. She opened it with a smile only to find Adam waiting there. “What are you doing knocking on the door? Goodness.” She stretched up on tiptoe and pressed a kiss to his lips.

  “I have a surprise for you,” Adam replied and turned just enough to reveal the man standing behind him.

  “Uncle Edward!” She squeezed past Adam and threw herself into the older man’s arms. “I’m so happy to see you! How are you? How are my sisters and the rest of the family? Are you hungry?” She couldn’t contain the flow of questions despite his laughter.

  “I’m happy to see you too. Everyone’s fine, and yes, I’m hungry enough to eat a full-grown bear by myself.”

  Mercy hugged him tight, then stepped back. “I don’t have a bear to feed you, but supper is ready.” She looked at Adam. “Where did you find him?”

  “He was looking for us. Just came off the boat from Oregon City.”

  Edward nodded. “It’s true. I was mighty glad for the Lord providing direction through this young man of yours.”

  “Well, come in. I want to hear all the news.” Mercy smiled up at Adam. “I’m so glad you were there to show him the way.” She gave him another kiss. “Glad too that you’re home. I have some things to tell you.”

  “I do as well
.” He followed her into the house with Uncle Edward bringing up the rear.

  “So who is this reverend you’re staying with?” Uncle Edward asked.

  “He was a friend of my brother,” Adam replied.

  “He’s been so good to us. He lost his wife a short time ago and is happy for our company.”

  “I look forward to meeting him.” Edward dropped his bag by the door.

  “He won’t be with us for supper, since one of his church families invited him to share the evening meal with them,” Mercy explained. “But you’ll no doubt see him later tonight.”

  She felt like dancing at the sight of her uncle, but then it dawned on her that she had no idea why he’d come. Perhaps her family had decided against Mercy coming home with Faith in tow. Maybe they’d sent Uncle Edward to deliver the news.

  She bit her lip and grew quiet as she went to the stove. If they didn’t want her back, what would she do? She couldn’t imagine a life that didn’t include her family, but she could hardly abandon Faith.

  The pot of stew felt almost too heavy to carry as Mercy brought it to the table. Suddenly everything seemed to weigh down on her. She couldn’t just continue pretending nothing was wrong. She placed the stew on the table as Adam showed her uncle where to sit.

  “I’ll grab another bowl,” he said, heading to the kitchen.

  Mercy took that moment to pose her question. “Uncle Edward, why have you come?”

  He met her gaze with a look of confusion. His eyes narrowed. “Why? I thought that was pretty evident. I came to bring you home. We figured you probably didn’t have much in the way of funds, so I bought us all tickets to return to Oregon City on the steamer. We leave tomorrow morning.”