The Way of Love

by Tracie Peterson

  Faith had her doubts that the two women were strong enough, but they quickly proved themselves more than able. It was Faith who struggled with the weight of her cousin. It wasn’t that far down the hall to Nancy’s bedroom, but Faith felt her head pound with each step. She should be resting right alongside Nancy, but she knew that wasn’t going to be the case. Someone had to take charge.

  They managed to get Nancy up on the bed. Faith sat beside her for a moment, pretending to feel her pulse when in truth she was waiting for a dizzy spell to pass. “I’ll get her changed and tucked in. Could you put on some tea? Nancy said Seth had checked the stove and flue. We should be fine to light some fires as well.”

  “We’ll take care of it,” Mrs. Weaver said, nodding toward Alma. “We can manage together just fine. You take care of our sweet Nancy.”

  “Thank you. Maybe heat some leftovers. She hasn’t eaten.”

  When they’d gone, Faith went to Nancy’s dresser and searched for her nightgowns. Once she located them, Faith went back to the bed and began to undress her cousin. She talked to her the entire time, hoping Nancy would regain consciousness.

  “You’ve overdone it today, that much is clear.” Faith unhooked the buttons on Nancy’s boots. “Then the stress of this storm was enough to cause your fainting spell, even if you weren’t expecting a baby.” She undid the buttons on Nancy’s skirt just as her cousin began to wake up. “You’re doing just fine, Nancy. I have you in bed. Don’t fret.”

  Nancy’s eyes fluttered open. “What happened?”

  “You fainted. Nothing to worry about. I have Virginia and Alma making tea and warming food. Then they’ll be laying some fires. I’ll get one going here in your room in just a minute. First I wanted to get you undressed and into a nightgown.”

  “I can do that myself,” Nancy murmured.

  “I know you can, but with me assisting, it’ll get done twice as fast.” Faith helped Nancy sit up. “Just let me do the work.” She managed to finagle the gown from Nancy’s frame, leaving her in her undergarments. Faith folded up Nancy’s gown. “When did you last eat?”

  “Not since breakfast. The storm came up just before lunch, and then that was all we could think about. When Seth came home, we were both so concerned about his sister and Mimi’s well-being that we completely forgot about meals.”

  “Well then, I’m sure that’s the reason you fainted. Do you think you can stand long enough for me to remove your petticoats and chemise?”

  “I can. I’m feeling better.” Nancy got to her feet, but Faith refused to let go of her as she straightened. “There. See? I’m fit as a fiddle.”

  Faith laughed. “I don’t know about that, but—” She stopped as blood on the petticoat caught her eye. “You’re bleeding.”

  “Is it the baby?” Nancy asked, her eyes going wide. “Did I hurt the baby when I fainted?”

  “I don’t know. Let’s finish getting you changed, and then I can check you. Or, if you prefer, I can send for a doctor.”

  “You are a doctor, even if you don’t have your certificate yet. I trust you to know what to do. After all, you’ve been helping my mother with babies most of your life.” The fear in Nancy’s voice was evident.

  “Don’t worry. It’s not a lot of blood, and it’s probably just from all this excitement. We’ll put you to bed, and things will no doubt be better.”

  Tears came to Nancy’s eyes. “Don’t let me lose the baby. Please.”

  Faith pulled her close and hugged her. “I’ll do all I can, but God is the one we should seek. He’s the one who created this child and the only one who can protect him or her. Now, try not to cry and further upset yourself.”

  Once Faith got Nancy changed and back in bed, she did a quick assessment of her cousin’s condition. Things didn’t look bad. There was very little blood and no dilation.

  “I think if you remain in bed for a time, everything will be fine.” Faith went to the wash basin. “I want you to stay in bed for a few days and do nothing more taxing than reading or sewing.” She cleaned up, then turned back to smile at Nancy. “The baby seemed just fine, so stop fretting.”

  “It’s just that I want this baby so much. I can’t bear the idea of losing him.”

  “So you’ve decided it’s a boy?”

  Nancy shook her head. “No. I go back and forth, calling the baby a him and then a her. Seth is always laughing at me.” She gave a weak smile. “I know most men want a son first, but I think it would be great fun to have a daughter with red hair like her father.”

  “Nothing wrong with that,” Faith said, drying her hands. “Now, you rest while I see to your supper. I’m sure Seth will be back soon enough, and then you can relax completely.”

  “Thank you, Faith. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  Faith’s head hurt worse than before, and she was feeling quite nauseous. Nevertheless, she didn’t want to worry Nancy and forced a smile. “I don’t know what I’d do without you either.”

  A loud knock sounded.

  Faith looked at Nancy. “Who do you suppose that is?”

  “I can’t imagine.”

  “I’ll go see to it. Mrs. Weaver is probably terrified someone has come for Alma.”

  Faith made her way to the front door and opened it just as the knock sounded again. On the other side stood two women, one rather severe-looking and the other mousy and frail.

  “What can I do for you ladies?”

  The severe woman spoke. “We used to live here. Our apartment was destroyed today, and we wondered if Mrs. Carpenter might have a room for us again.”

  “Why don’t you step inside, Missus . . . ?”

  “It’s Miss. Miss Clifton and Miss Clifton.”

  Faith had heard of the two women and smiled. “I’m Faith Kenner, Nancy’s cousin. Please come and warm up.” She could see that there were snowflakes on the women’s coats. “Is it truly snowing?”

  “Indeed it is,” the severe woman replied.

  Faith shook her head. “What a day.” She led the way to the front room, where a fire was already blazing and warming things nicely. Faith was grateful and held out her hands to the flames. “Nancy is in bed, but I’ll let her know you’re here and what your needs are. I believe your old room is still empty, so I can’t imagine that you couldn’t reclaim it, but I’ll go ask her to make certain.”

  “Thank you,” the sisters replied in unison.

  Faith smiled. Both women looked weary. “I’ll have some tea in just a bit. Mrs. Weaver is making it now.”

  “I could help,” the severe sister offered.

  Faith shook her head, thinking of Alma. “No, just wait here and relax. I’m sure you’ve had a pressing day if your apartment was destroyed.”

  She left the women and went back to Nancy’s room. Nancy was lying stiffly beneath the covers, her hands at her side. Faith had seen other women in her situation do the same for fear of the slightest movement causing further problems.

  “Nancy, you don’t have to lie rigid. Relax, or you could cause yourself more trouble than good.”

  “I’m just so worried.”

  “And that isn’t helping. Try praying or reading the Bible. I’ll fetch it for you and turn up the lamp.”

  “Who was at the door?”

  Faith retrieved Nancy’s Bible and brought it back to the bed. “The two Misses Clifton who used to live here. Their apartment was destroyed, and they wondered if they might have their old room back.”

  “Of course. But I thought they didn’t want to live under the same roof as a man. You might remind them Seth is still here.”

  “I will. Meanwhile, what about Alma?”

  Nancy frowned. “That is a concern. Let Mrs. Weaver know. Perhaps Alma can hide herself for a few days until we get a feel for what Bedelia and Cornelia might think and how long they intend to stay.”

  “I’ll see if I can speak to Mrs. Weaver.”

  Faith went to the kitchen and found both women working to put together so
mething for supper.

  “The tea is ready,” Mrs. Weaver declared. “If you’d like, I can take Nancy a cup.”

  Faith motioned for both women to draw near. “Look, the women who used to live here—the Misses Clifton—they’re back. Their building was destroyed in the storm, and they’re seeking their old room. Nancy thought perhaps it would be wise to hide Alma until we can figure what their response to her will be.”

  Mrs. Weaver nodded. “Alma, it’s best if you go upstairs to our room. Take the back stairs so no one sees you.”

  The black woman nodded. “I’ll go now.” She left without another word.

  Mrs. Weaver retrieved two more teacups and saucers. “I’ll make a tray for them. You take Nancy her tea, and then we can deal with the Misses Clifton.”

  A few minutes later, Faith and Mrs. Weaver sat down with Bedelia and Cornelia. The sisters were a little less pale.

  “Nancy is expecting a baby, as you might have heard.” Faith held up the cream pitcher. “Would you care for cream?”

  “Yes, please,” Bedelia replied. “We had heard about Mrs. Carpenter and were very happy for her and Mr. Carpenter.”

  Faith glanced at Cornelia, who only nodded. Nancy had told Faith about the sisters and how Bedelia generally spoke for both. She poured the cream and then held up the sugar pot.

  Bedelia shook her head. “No sugar. We should refrain from sweets in this time of urgency. It tends to stress the heart.”

  “Very well.” Faith’s medical training had never suggested such a thing, but she was too tired to argue. She handed each woman her tea. “Now, as I was saying, Nancy is expecting a baby, and she’s had a very rough day. I’ve put her to bed to rest, but she assures me that you are welcome to take your old room. However, she would remind you that Mr. Carpenter is still very much in residence.”

  Bedelia’s expression became even more pinched. “We considered that, but given our circumstances, we felt we had little choice. We have nowhere to turn. So much has been destroyed, and we can hardly go searching for another boardinghouse at this hour.”

  “Of course not.” Faith smiled. “Were you able to get any of your things from the apartment?”

  Cornelia began to weep, and Bedelia fixed her with a hard look. “Cornelia, tears will serve no good purpose.” She looked back at Faith. “We were unable to claim anything. The building collapsed. We only survived because we were at our church helping with the clothing drive for the poor. Sister and I always participate. Now I fear we may well need to seek help there ourselves.”

  Cornelia sniffed all the louder, but this time Bedelia didn’t reprimand her.

  “Well, you are among friends now,” Mrs. Weaver declared. “I’m sure we can work together to see that you have what you need. I have an extra nightgown or two that should see you through tonight. On the morrow we can see what needs to be done for the sake of your wardrobe and other personal needs.”

  Faith could see this idea was acceptable to Bedelia and added, “I have an extra hairbrush—it’s new and never been used—as well as a few other things you might find useful. I’ll bring them to your room after we finish our tea.”

  Mrs. Weaver got to her feet. “I am going to take a supper tray to Nancy.”

  There was noise at the front door, and the foyer soon filled up with Seth, Andrew, and Clementine. Faith could see them from the front room and went to lend a hand.

  “Where’s Mimi?” she asked.

  “She was injured and taken to the hospital,” Clementine said, giving Faith a hug. “I heard you were injured as well.”

  Faith turned so she could see the bandage. “A bit of a head wound, but nothing I can’t manage. Why don’t you all come in and warm up? We have some company.”

  Seth peeked around Faith to see who it was. “Ah, Miss Clifton and Miss Clifton. How nice to see you again.”

  The ladies nodded as everyone collected in the front room. Faith explained the situation. “Their apartment building collapsed in the storm. They’ve lost everything, but because they were helping at the church, they managed to escape harm. They requested to have their old room again, and Nancy agreed.”

  Seth seemed surprised. “Well, you are certainly welcome here.” He looked around the room. “Where is Nancy?”

  “She had a little spell earlier, and I put her to bed. Nothing to work yourself up over, but you might want to see her.”

  Seth nodded. “Then I will. Ladies, if you’ll excuse me.”

  “Of course,” Bedelia said, then took another drink from her cup.

  Clementine moved toward the fire. “I’m frozen through.”

  Faith joined Andrew. “Misses Clifton, this gentleman is Captain Gratton of the Morning Star. He’s a friend and helped me earlier today when I was hit by debris and injured.”

  “Captain Gratton, it’s good to meet you,” Bedelia replied.

  Andrew gave a small nod. “Ladies.” He looked at Faith. “I should get back to the Morning Star. I just wanted to make certain you were all safely settled.”

  Faith nodded. “We are.”

  “Then I will go.” He turned back for the door, and Faith couldn’t help but follow.

  Once they reached the foyer, she surprised them both by rising up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. Embarrassed at what she’d done, Faith backed away and looked at the floor. “Give that to Ben from me.” She cleared her throat and tried to settle her nerves. “Thank you for everything. For coming after me, but especially for helping Seth. I’m sure it meant a lot to him, and it touches me that you would so willingly help my family.” She forced herself to look up and found him watching her in awe.

  “I was glad to help.” He gazed at her for a moment longer, then added, “And I’m glad that you’re doing so well.”

  “My head hurts something fierce, but it can’t be helped. Nancy was in no condition to manage things. I’ll get some rest soon and be just fine.”

  He grinned. “I doubt that.”

  “Doubt that I’ll be fine?”

  “Doubt that you’ll rest soon.” He shook his head. “I’ve got my doubts that you’ll rest at all.”

  Faith couldn’t help but chuckle. “You think you know me pretty well, don’t you? Well, I’ll have you know that there are more than one or two secrets I have that you’ll most likely never know.”

  His dark eyes captured her gaze. Faith sobered and swallowed the lump in her throat. She’d always been glad to keep her secrets, but at this very moment she felt almost compelled to tell Andrew everything.

  “We’ve all got our secrets, Faith,” he finally said before turning to go.

  CHAPTER 13

  As the end of January concluded and the days moved into February, tales of the storm were told far and wide. People greeted each other with the question, “Where were you when the big storm hit?” It made for interesting conversation, even among total strangers, as everyone worked to clean up the town.

  At the boardinghouse, Mimi and Faith both healed, and Nancy was soon back on her feet with limited duties. Upon learning of Nancy’s delicate condition, the Clifton sisters had stepped up to take on various tasks in return for several months of reduced rent. This, in turn, allowed them to replenish their lost wardrobe and personal items. Seth was the one to approve the idea, making it clear to Nancy that she was to take it easy until after the baby was born. Faith agreed with him, leaving Nancy little choice in the matter.

  “It seems a woman ought to have a say in her own home,” Nancy declared.

  Faith brought her a plumped pillow and smiled. “Why not enjoy the pampering? Read a book, make something special for the baby.”

  “I suppose I could.” Nancy glanced around the front room. “I don’t intend to just sit about.”

  “No one is demanding you do. Just that you take it easy and let some of us take over your heavier tasks.” Faith put the pillow behind Nancy as she sat in front of the fireplace. “It’s rare enough for women to get any kind of special treatment when they’re wit
h child. Most must go on running their households and caring for other children. I’m just suggesting you enjoy the time. You’ve only a few months, and then you’ll be holding that baby in your arms, and your schedule will never be the same.”

  “I suppose you’re right. I should be thankful that God sent Bedelia and Cornelia back to us.”

  “You should.” Faith leaned down to whisper, glancing all the while over Nancy’s shoulder. “They are just as you described. I think Bedelia would have made a great physician. She’s got a keen eye for detail and lets nothing escape her notice. I hope that won’t extend to Alma—at least not until we can figure out how to bring them together.”

  “I know. We should probably just do it and let them decide if they can live with it or not. I hate to see Alma having to hide in her bedding box.”

  Faith straightened. “Me too. Now, is there anything else I can get you before I head back to my studies?”

  “She’ll be just fine,” Bedelia declared, coming into the room. She held a glass bell in her hand. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve taken the liberty of bringing you this bell. Just ring it should you need anything. Cornelia and I will be cleaning the rooms downstairs this morning, so we shouldn’t have any trouble hearing you.”

  Nancy took the bell and smiled. “Thank you so much. I’m very glad you’ve returned to us.”

  Bedelia looked as if she might allow a smile to touch her lips, but then she turned away. If she did smile, Faith and Nancy would never know.

  “I’m impressed with the new bathing room you installed downstairs,” Bedelia said. “It’s spacious and very nice not to have to run upstairs when in need.”

  “I agree, especially since my room is downstairs.” Faith smiled at Nancy and motioned as if she were ringing a bell. “Don’t forget, we’re here for you.”

  By the middle of February, Portland had been cleaned up enough that most businesses could operate. There was still plenty to do, but life had to move forward. Word trickled in and then came like a flood that all up and down the coast, the effects of the storm had been severe. As far north as Seattle they had received several feet of snow on top of a record twenty-four inches that had been dumped on them the week before. It was unusual for Seattle to have that amount of snow, and it brought transportation to a halt and shut down the city, leaving many people without proper heat or food. To the south, the storm had brought Salem and Eugene several inches of snow and strong winds, while in Coos Bay the winds had driven a schooner ashore. But it was the damage to trees that seemed most readily noted throughout Oregon. It was rumored that for every ten feet of distance, one tree had fallen. Thousands of trees had been destroyed in the storm along the coast and as far inland as The Dalles. Beaverton alone claimed six hundred trees had fallen across the train tracks, rendering the railroad inoperable.