Faith hardly heard anything else the men had to say. There was a loud whooshing in her head that left her dizzy and confused. After years of carefully concealing the truth of her conception, these men were now discussing it as if it were nothing more important than the weather. She tried to steady her breathing. Maybe she’d just misunderstood him. Maybe in her guilt, she’d only imagined Lakewood had said those things.
It was her father’s voice that restored her concentration. “I fail to see your point in this matter. We’re talking about a dismissal just weeks away from graduation for my daughter’s having participated in a lecture event. I would remind you that she is at the very top of the graduating class in grades and performance.”
“Yes, but none of that really matters, since we do not allow Indians to attend the university. There is really nothing more to discuss.”
“She’s a qualified student who has paid her tuition and has received honors for her work.”
“Your money will be returned,” Lakewood said. “Although we are under no obligation to do so. She entered this university under false pretenses. But perhaps you’d prefer to sue the college. A public lawsuit would, however, reveal your daughter’s shame.”
“My daughter has nothing to be ashamed of, Mr. Lakewood, and you would do well to carefully consider saying anything against her. I do not suffer fools.”
Faith realized that her father had neither admitted nor denied Lakewood’s accusations, but if he wanted to press this situation, Faith knew the truth would come out and her mother would be the center of attention.
“I’m sorry,” she blurted. “I feel overheated. This room is quite stuffy. Perhaps we could continue this meeting at a later time. I fear I may be sick.”
“Of course, Miss Kenner,” the president said, getting to his feet. “We can resume this at a later date. Just make an appointment with my secretary.”
“There’s no need for that, Josiah,” Lakewood said. “I think Mr. Kenner understands perfectly well the consequences of pressing this matter. I think we’ve already dealt with all the particulars.”
Faith got up and moved to the door. She couldn’t bear to hear anything more. She had wondered for a long time what the price of her deception might be. Now it was coming clear. She would be refused her certification to practice surgery, and if they were lucky, that would be all. But Faith didn’t believe in luck, nor the goodwill of men like Lakewood. Somehow, he had found out the truth about her conception, and he was the type of man who would do whatever he deemed necessary to humiliate them all.
She didn’t remember the walk to the carriage, but once inside, she burst into tears and sought her father’s arms. She felt as if she were a small child again as he held her and reassured her that it wasn’t the end of the world.
“Faith, the truth is what it is. We’ve always known it would come out one day. You mustn’t grieve yourself over this.”
“But Mother. Poor Mother. She will face such ridicule. People will be cruel.” She struggled to get her breath. “I . . . I don’t care . . . what they think of me.”
“Shhh, it’s going to be all right. Your mother and I talked about this in detail. We’ve always known that this might happen one day. Few people know that you are your mother’s natural child. Most people think you’re adopted—that you were Isaac and Eletta’s child. It’s very possible that Lakewood learned of Isaac’s Cherokee blood. Remember, he stressed that you were our adopted daughter.”
Faith sat up and nodded. “Yes. Yes, that must be what this is about. I hadn’t thought of that. Oh, it would be such a relief if that was all that Mr. Lakewood knew. I could bear that. I’ve always known I could bear whatever came my way regarding the past, but I didn’t want Mother hurt. She doesn’t deserve to go through that. It would be as if she were raped all over again.”
Her father nodded. “I know.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been so blunt.”
He shook his head. “You owe me no apology. It is the truth. Like you, I don’t want her to suffer, and if it goes in that direction, we may well move away to save her from further embarrassment. Still, I don’t think Lakewood knows anything beyond believing you are part Cherokee. Isaac’s past would have been easy enough to learn, and Lakewood has plenty of resources.”
It was such a relief just to imagine that her mother might be spared. Faith fell back against the carriage seat. Her father handed her a handkerchief.
“God has a plan even in this, Faith. Even in what happened to your mother. No matter what, we have to trust in the Lord.”
“And lean not unto our own understanding.” Faith wiped her eyes. “God’s been speaking that verse in Proverbs to me over and over. But my own understanding has no patience for this, no belief that good can come from it.”
Father put his arm around her and hugged her close. “I know, but no matter what, we have Him and we have each other. Your mother is a strong woman, and she will get through this, but she’ll be worried about you. I need to be able to tell her that you’re doing just fine—that they haven’t defeated you.”
She nodded and squared her shoulders, pulling slightly away from his hold. “I will be fine. They won’t defeat me.”
“That’s my girl.” He smiled. “Besides, we’re not done with them yet. Lakewood is facing more than he realizes. He’ll be sorry he ever got involved in his scheming to see you ruined and the Indians at war.”
Faith’s eyes widened. “You know about that?”
“I do, but it’s probably best we leave it at that.”
“Yes. I’m sure it is.” She leaned back against her father’s shoulder and sighed. “Thank you for always loving me despite, well, everything.”
“You’re easy to love, Faith. You always have been.”
Samuel Lakewood got up to leave Parrish’s office. He’d accomplished his purpose and defeated the great Lance Kenner. His day was going just as he’d hoped.
“Samuel, is it true?”
Lakewood turned to look at Josiah Parrish. “Is what true?”
He knew what Parrish was referencing. He wanted to know if Faith Kenner was really part savage. Lakewood had paid a lot to have the matter investigated in detail and knew it was true, but he wasn’t sure he wanted Parrish to know that. At least not yet.
“The part about her being Indian. Faith Kenner has blue eyes and looks nothing like an Indian.”
“Did you hear Mr. Kenner admit to her being of Indian blood?”
“No. He never did.”
Samuel smiled. “I simply said that as a ruse. I figured it would give them pause to rethink their threat of a lawsuit. It would be easy enough to get someone to testify against her birth parents. Remember, she is adopted by the Kenners.”
Parrish nodded and then just as quickly shook his head. “You could ruin the girl’s life by claiming such a terrible thing.”
“That was the point of my threat, Josiah. It’ll save the college a considerable amount of time and money if they back away from suing us. If they insist on moving ahead, we can present the idea of Faith’s heritage. By the time it’s dealt with in court, she’ll be ruined. But somehow I don’t think it will come to that. Now, I presume you will keep all of this to yourself.”
“Of course.”
“Then good day.”
Lakewood was finished with his business at the college, but not with his dealings with Faith and her family. He ordered his driver to take him to Gerome Berkshire’s office and was glad to find him alone. Not a single one of his lackeys was anywhere in sight.
“Where are your rowdies?” Lakewood asked as he took the chair opposite Gerome’s desk.
“I’ve got them working on the various things you ordered me to do. Why?”
“I want to make certain we aren’t overheard.”
“No one else is here,” Gerome assured him.
“Good. I want you to kill Seth Carpenter.”
A smile came to Gerome’s lips. “I’d be happy to. Do you want
him to go the same way Pritchard did?”
Lakewood shook his head. “No, I want him to suffer. I want you to beat him nearly to death and then stop. We’ll let him recover a bit—just enough to have hope of living—and then we’ll finish him.”
“Why such hatred toward Carpenter?”
“I hate them all. Every one of those Indian-lovers. Everyone who has interfered in our plans for an Indian-free Oregon.”
“Well, a whole lot more than just Carpenter have interfered in that.”
“Yes, but we’ll start with him and make him an example. Once we let it be known that such interference will not be tolerated, I’m sure our plans will be easily managed.”
“When do you want it done?”
Lakewood considered a moment. “When is his wife due to deliver?”
“April or May. I don’t exactly remember.”
Again, Lakewood mulled it over. “We don’t have to rush. Let’s set the attack closer to when the child is due. The complications it will create might lend themselves to our plans to kill him.” He smiled. “There’s nothing quite so cruel as giving a man false hope, eh?”
“And what of Mr. Smith?”
Lakewood frowned. “What of him? You know better than to think you can bring him up and be privy to his plans.”
“I don’t even know his real name,” Gerome said, shrugging. “How can my asking about his plans possibly cause you trouble?”
“You’re informing the government about our plans. At least the plans we want them to know about. You don’t need to know anything about Mr. Smith, lest you accidentally say something you shouldn’t.”
“Well, it’s not like I’ve never met him. He and I have talked many times,” Gerome boasted.
“Shut up.” Lakewood fixed him with a hard look. “As far as you are concerned, he doesn’t exist. If I thought for one minute you were sharing information about him with the army, I’d kill you myself.”
“I’d never do anything of the sort.” Gerome looked wounded. “I’ve been nothing but faithful, and yet you treat me like a traitor.”
Lakewood rolled his gaze heavenward. “Honestly, you are as difficult as one of my children. No one believes you to be a traitor.” If they did, he’d already be dead. “Now, I’ve given you your instructions, and I intend for you to carry them out.” Lakewood got to his feet. “Oh, and if the situation arises to put the fear of God into Faith Kenner, feel free to use your imagination and do that as well.”
“Faith? What has she done to rile you?”
“Again, it’s none of your concern, but don’t hurt her. I have plans for her.”
“I just don’t understand why. It makes no sense.”
“Are you going to follow my orders, or should I seek out someone else? You know what happened to Pritchard when I lost confidence in him. I’d hate for the same thing to happen to you.”
He saw fear wash over Gerome. It gave him a sense of strength he’d not felt in some time.
“I’m glad we understand each other.”
“I still can’t believe they kicked you out of school with graduation just weeks away,” Nancy said at breakfast the next day. Everyone at the table shook their heads in agreement. “And all because of your charity work. That hardly seems right.”
Faith tried to smile. “I must admit, I’m still in shock. I was so close to getting my certificate and seeing all of my hard work pay off.”
“Well, I’m glad your father is helping you.” Nancy passed a bowl of oatmeal to Faith. “If anyone can get this straightened out, he can.”
Faith hadn’t told Nancy the details of the dismissal. Had she done so, she was pretty sure Nancy would change her tune.
Mrs. Weaver shook her head. “This world is just falling to pieces. So much hatred. But don’t despair, Faith, dear. You will overcome. I just feel certain of this.”
“We must pray that God will let wiser thinking prevail,” Bedelia declared. “After all, you were working for His glory and in His name. He won’t leave you orphaned now.”
Faith appreciated all the encouragement but knew they were unaware of the real reason she’d been dismissed. “How is Alma?” she asked, trying to change the subject.
“All but healed,” Mrs. Weaver said. “She was impressed by how quickly the illness faded after your healing touch. See there? You don’t even need a certificate. God has given you a natural ability.”
Again, the topic had been brought back to Faith’s situation. She supposed there was no hope of getting the women onto another topic. This was understandably a concern to each of them. They cared about her and wanted good things for her. She had spent many a night in study only to have one of the ladies slip into her room with a cup of hot tea and cookies. They always asked how her classes were progressing—especially Clementine and Mimi. They were all so good to her, and she couldn’t blame them for wanting to figure out a way to help. However, she just didn’t feel up to the conversation.
“You have all been so kind, but I need to be alone.” Faith pushed back from the table and stood. “I appreciate you all more than I can say.”
With that, she left for the solitude of her room. She couldn’t bear to discuss her lost dreams. She wasn’t even sure she could pray.
Andrew gave his men the order to secure the load before making his way from the ship with Major Wells.
“My men removed all of the firing pins, as you clearly saw,” Major Wells said, “with exception to those rifles on top. That way if someone insists on checking the quality and firing ability of the weapons, they won’t be disappointed.”
“I feel better knowing the pins are missing. I’d hate to think of a real war breaking out.” His grandfather had told him many times of the terrible wars of days gone by. Andrew knew war took its toll on both sides, but inevitably it would be the Indians who lost the most.
“We’ve got all the information we need from you. We’ll wire ahead to have the boat under observation via various ports and checkpoints. Don’t fear, you’ll be under constant monitoring.”
“I understand.”
Wells paused when they reached the end of the dock and extended his hand. “Good sailing, Captain. Our prayers and best thoughts go with you.”
Andrew nodded. “Thank you. I’m hopeful we can put an end to the threat of an uprising.”
Wells looked grave. “As am I. Many of the soldiers under my command are just boys. They aren’t old enough to have seen the Rogue River Wars. Some were even too young for the Nez Perce Wars.” He shook his head. “They’re all fired up and anxious to confront what might come, but they don’t understand what they’re facing. I’d rather they never know.”
Andrew couldn’t agree more. Grandfather always said there was nothing like war to alter the heart of a young man.
He left the major and signaled for his men to cast off. Next stop, Portland. It seemed like forever since he’d seen Faith. The last time he was with her, he’d done the unthinkable.
How could he have kissed her? He knew there could never be anything between them. Not legally, and he wouldn’t have a more intimate relationship with Faith unless it was legal. He loved her too much. He would never shame her by lying to her.
He frowned and made his way to the wheelhouse. No matter how much he wanted her for his own, Andrew knew he would have to forget her. It would be best never to see her again, but now that he was entangled in this mess, it was inevitable that they would encounter each other at some point. When they did meet again, Andrew couldn’t imagine what he’d say to her.
“You all right, Captain?” Denny asked, looking up from his paperwork.
“I’m fine,” Andrew growled. “Just head us toward Portland.”
Denny’s eyes narrowed, but he did as Andrew ordered while Andrew released his clenched fists. He wouldn’t go see Faith. He would deliver what was ordered for Portland and leave. Leave before she could learn that the Morning Star was even in port. Leave before he could make a fool of himself . . . again.
CHAPTER 20
By mid-April the rains had tapered off and the temperature had warmed. Faith tried not to think of Andrew’s long absence or the kiss he’d given her on that night so long ago. It was useless to pretend it never happened, even if she knew nothing could ever come of it. Instead, she tried to keep her thoughts on the medical college’s graduation, which was taking place on the twenty-seventh, despite her inability to participate. She had met with her friends on several occasions, usually in secret. No longer did they feel they had the luxury of public gatherings, and because of Lakewood’s threats, they had decided to postpone their lecture series until after graduation. Still, each one assured Faith that they were committed to helping the Indians. She was glad for that and for the fact that their lecture had made it possible to send a large supply of medicines to the reservation. Added to this, Mrs. Jackson and Mr. Singleton had both responded to her letters with assurances that they would do what they could to help. With the aid of a celebrity such as Mrs. Jackson and a government official, Faith felt confident they could put Mr. Lakewood in his place. She would just have to be patient.
Faith was the one who had driven home to her friends that nothing was going to change overnight and it was important that they do nothing to interfere with their own graduation. She could see the relief in their eyes at the understanding that they could move toward graduation without fear. She didn’t blame them at all. She only wished it had been true for herself.
As her cousin grew larger and her pregnancy progressed, Faith felt a certain degree of responsibility to watch over her and be available should she go into labor. Nancy’s mother was slated to come in May and stay with them until the baby was born, and Faith knew once Grace Armistead arrived, she would have far less responsibility. But until then, Faith was in charge, and the women of the boardinghouse were very protective of both her and Nancy. They didn’t want Faith leaving the house for any reason.
It amused Faith that the ladies were all growing more and more anxious. None of them had children, and they were nervous about Nancy’s condition and whether she might give birth at any moment. Faith tried to reassure them that first babies generally took their time being born and that they needn’t worry. But worry they did. Even Clementine was more focused on the birth of the baby than her upcoming wedding.
The Way of Love Page 20