The Way of Love

by Tracie Peterson

  “That’s why I’m not going to let it happen,” Nancy said, surprising them both. She was fully dressed and ready to leave the house.

  Faith knew there was no sense in trying to persuade her otherwise. “It’s a long walk.”

  “We’ll borrow a carriage from the Taylors. They’ll understand,” Nancy replied matter-of-factly. “Just don’t try to talk me out of it.”

  Shaking her head, Faith got to her feet. “I have no intention of doing so.”

  CHAPTER 21

  Faith made certain the way was clear before taking Nancy and Clementine down the hall to Seth’s room. She knew there was no way to ready the ladies for what they would see. She had hardly been able to bear it herself, and she was professionally trained. Nevertheless, Faith wasn’t going to convince either woman to abandon this visit.

  They stood outside the door for a moment as Faith held fast to the handle. “Look, I can’t stress enough that he is in very bad shape. He’s barely holding on to life. Are you sure you want to see him this way?”

  “Get out of my way, Faith.” Nancy closed her hand over her cousin’s. “I have to see him. It doesn’t matter what he looks like. I have to be here.”

  “Me too,” Clementine whispered.

  Faith let go of the handle. “Very well. Just prepare yourselves.”

  She pushed open the door and stepped inside to make sure Seth was still alone and still alive. She motioned for the other two women to join her, then closed the door.

  Nancy went immediately to her husband’s side. She was stoic and gazed down at him without grimacing. She took hold of his bandaged hand. “Seth, it’s Nancy. I’m here.”

  Clementine did her best to control her tears, but they made a steady stream down her face. Faith put her arm around Seth’s sister as she buried her face in her hands.

  “Seth, I know you can hear me. I need you to fight. I need you to live,” Nancy said, still showing no sign of emotion. “Seth, I love you so much. You cannot die. I will not let you.”

  The puffiness in his face was even worse than when Faith had been there earlier. She worried about the brain swelling that must be going on but said nothing. There was nothing to say. If she mentioned the things that worried her, it would only make matters more painful for Nancy and Clementine.

  “Who could do such a thing?” Clementine asked yet again, looking up at Faith. “Why would anyone treat another human being like this?”

  “I don’t know.” Faith gave her shoulder a squeeze. “But God does, and hopefully He will bring Seth justice by leading the police to the man or men responsible.”

  “Do you think this was random?” Clementine asked.

  Faith got no chance to reply.

  “No. This was personal,” Nancy said, her gaze never leaving Seth’s face. “No one would take the time needed to beat a man this badly if it wasn’t personal.”

  “I had the same thought.” Faith let go of Clementine and went to the opposite side of the bed. “If it was a robbery, they would have knocked him unconscious and taken his money. They wouldn’t have stuck around to do this. Even if he had fought back.”

  “Someone tried to kill him.” Nancy looked at Faith and then Clementine. “That much is clear. They wanted him dead.”

  Clementine’s face hardened. “I hope they die.”

  Faith shook her head. “Our rage won’t help. We have to give this to God and focus on doing whatever we can to help Seth. I suggest we spend a few minutes praying—here at his side.”

  The other two women nodded. They prayed silently for several minutes, and then Nancy spoke aloud.

  “Father, Seth is a good man and He loves you. I know it is appointed unto everyone to die, but I’m asking that you delay that time for my husband. He has so much to live for, and we need him, Father.”

  The door behind them opened, and all three women turned to find a startled nurse looking back at them. “What in the world are you doing here at this hour?” she asked.

  Nancy was not chastened by the woman’s question. “This is my husband. The police came a few hours ago to tell me he was here, near death. I wasn’t going to wait until morning.” She let go of Seth’s hand.

  “You’re in no condition for this.” The nurse nodded at Nancy’s abdomen. “Not only that, but it’s against the rules.”

  Faith stepped forward. “You look familiar. Have we met? I’ve been here with the students from the medical college.”

  The nurse seemed to relax. “I thought you looked familiar too. I’m Caroline Harmon.”

  Faith went to her and extended her hand. “Dr. Faith Kenner—or soon to be.” She saw no reason to mention her college dismissal. It was clear the distraction was helping their cause. “We were just leaving. My cousin, as you can see, is going to have a baby soon, but she was so worried about her husband, I felt I had to bring her.”

  The nurse bit her lower lip and nodded. “The doctor doesn’t have much hope,” she whispered.

  Faith nodded. “I read his notes. However, we are women of prayer and believe that the God who created this man to begin with can also knit him back together.”

  “I hope so,” the nurse replied. “But now you need to go.”

  Nancy leaned down and placed a kiss on Seth’s swollen face. “I’ll be back in the morning. Make sure you’re here to greet me.”

  The trio made their way home in silence. What could they say to one another? How could they begin to express their thoughts without giving way to their fears? Faith secured the carriage brake and decided to see Nancy inside before returning the rig and horse to the Taylors.

  They had no sooner walked into the front room, however, than they came face to face with Grace Armistead. Her expression made it clear that she wasn’t in any mood for nonsense.

  “How could you have taken her to the hospital in the middle of the night?” she asked Faith.

  “She was going to go there with or without me.”

  “I would have too, Mama. I had to see him,” Nancy countered. “It’s very bad. The nurse said the doctor hasn’t much hope. We need to pray like we’ve never prayed before.”

  Grace’s expression softened. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart, but having this baby early isn’t going to help matters. Your father and I will be happy to take you there when it’s time for proper visiting hours. First, however, you must get some sleep.”

  “I doubt I can sleep. Not until he’s out of danger.”

  “He wouldn’t want you putting yourself and the baby in danger,” her mother scolded.

  Faith suppressed a yawn. “Your mother is right. We all need to rest.”

  Grace got up. “Come on, Nancy. I’ll help you get ready for bed, and I’ll stay with you like I did when you were little. Remember when you were afraid, and I would lie down beside you and tell you stories?”

  Tears came to Nancy’s eyes. “Yes. I remember. Nothing could hurt me so long as you were there.”

  Knowing Nancy was cared for and Clementine was already headed upstairs, Faith returned the carriage, then made her way to bed. She didn’t even bother to undress but fell across the bed and closed her eyes.

  I’ll just rest for a minute and then change my clothes.

  When she opened her eyes, it was light again, and there was an irritating sound coming from her door. She stretched and sat up only to realize the sound was knocking.

  “Come in.”

  “Sorry to wake you,” Mimi said, coming into the room, “but the delivery man said this was urgent.” She brought Faith an envelope.

  “Who is it from?”

  “The man said it was from Mrs. Lakewood.”

  “What could be urgent from her?” Faith opened the envelope and pulled out a notecard.

  Come to tea at two this afternoon. It’s most important I speak to you regarding the college.

  It was signed Deborah Lakewood.

  Faith tossed the invitation onto the bed. “What time is it?”

  “Noon.” Mimi smiled. “Grace
said to let you sleep as long as possible.”

  “Is Nancy still sleeping too?”

  “No. She and Clementine went with Grace and Alex to the hospital. They left earlier this morning.”

  Faith nodded. “I’m glad. I knew Nancy would be difficult to keep here.”

  “Is it really as bad as they were saying?”

  “It is. It will take God’s mercy to bring Seth through. He’s in a very bad way. Clementine is going to need your love and support in the days ahead.”

  Mimi lowered her face. “We’ve been praying all day. Bedelia and her sister even left to meet up with some of their church ladies who are having a sewing circle this afternoon. They plan to get them to pray instead.”

  “Good. Prayer is what will see us through.” Faith glanced down at the invitation. She might as well go and find out what Mrs. Lakewood wanted. Then she’d make her way to the hospital and see if Seth was still holding on to life. “I must look a fright.” She got up and began to pull out hairpins. “I’ll have to take a bath and rearrange my hair.”

  “I’ll start the water for you while you get ready,” Mimi said, heading for the door. “Oh, there’s also some lunch warming on the back of the stove. Bedelia left it for you.”

  Faith smiled. “Thanks.”

  She hurried at her tasks, knowing that to be late would be socially unforgivable. But Mrs. Lakewood would just have to understand. After all, her last-minute invitation could be considered just as rude. Faith chose her green walking-out dress. Made of a lightweight tussore, the outfit was perfect for tea. She hurried through her bath and then dressed her hair in a simple knot at the back of her neck. She found a ribbon-trimmed snood and carefully attached it before checking her image in the mirror. It was good enough for afternoon tea.

  Mimi had the lunch plate ready for her, but Faith found she had no appetite. She took a piece of buttered toast and sampled it. It sat like a rock in her stomach. “I’m not hungry.”

  “I’ll take care of it. Don’t worry.” Mimi put a cloth back over the plate.

  “I should go,” Faith said when the clock began to chime.

  The Lakewood estate was not close enough for a comfortable walk, and without a carriage at their disposal, Faith knew she would have to walk to the trolley and perhaps go all the way downtown, where she could hire a cab. It seemed a terrible waste of time and money, but at the moment she had no other idea how to get there.

  In the foyer, she took up her umbrella. It looked like rain. “I’ll head to the hospital after I see Mrs. Lakewood,” she told Mimi.

  “I’ll let them know if they return. I think the Armisteads will be hard-pressed to get Nancy away from her husband.”

  “I’m sure you’re right.”

  Faith had no sooner stepped onto the sidewalk than a carriage drove up alongside her.

  “Are you Miss Kenner?” the driver asked.

  “I am.” She looked at the man and then at the carriage. There was a large L on the door.

  “Mrs. Lakewood sent me to bring you to tea,” he said, halting the team of matched bays.

  “How fortunate for me.” Faith waited as the driver climbed down and opened the door to assist her.

  The carriage ride was much appreciated and gave Faith time to consider what this meeting might be about. She hoped that Mrs. Lakewood had found out about the college situation and had forced her husband to have pity on Faith. It was doubtful, however. Maybe Mrs. Lakewood wanted to discuss Faith’s opinions on the Indians. The summons made little sense, and by the time Faith reached the Lakewood estate, she was quite perplexed.

  The butler showed her to the library and told her to wait there. Faith looked around the large room at the walls of books and thought it strange that a woman would entertain her here. This was more of a man’s domain, with its polished oak paneling and shelves. Even the draperies and furniture were more masculine than feminine.

  A young uniformed woman appeared with a tea cart. Still there was no sign of Mrs. Lakewood.

  “I’m to offer you refreshment,” the girl said, pouring a cup of tea. “Would you care for cream or lemon?”

  “Cream, please.”

  The serving girl added the cream, then handed Faith the beautiful china cup and saucer. The tea smelled of flowers and spices.

  “May I prepare you a plate?” the maid asked, motioning to a three-tiered arrangement of food.

  Faith looked at the delicacies and shook her head. “Maybe I’ll try something later.”

  The girl took that as her cue to leave. Faith sipped the tea but felt too restless to sit. She took her cup and walked along the shelves, reading various titles and wondering if anyone in the Lakewood house had read each and every book.

  “I’m glad you could come, Miss Kenner.”

  Faith turned so quickly that she nearly spilled her tea. “Mr. Lakewood. I wasn’t expecting to see you.” She steadied the cup.

  “I know, and I apologize for giving you a fright. In fact, I apologize for my duplicity in its entirety.”

  “What are you talking about?” Faith stood frozen in place as Lakewood crossed the room to join her.

  “The invitation you received today wasn’t from my wife. She just left about fifteen minutes ago with our children to attend a birthday party across town. I wanted to see you myself but knew you would never agree to come.”

  “It’s hardly appropriate for a single woman to meet a married man in private.” Faith sipped the tea, desperate to appear unconcerned. Her brain warned her to put the cup down and leave, but her stubbornness wouldn’t allow it.

  “It’s true, but once you hear me out, you’ll understand why that hardly concerns me.” Lakewood smiled and motioned to the chairs. “Please sit.”

  Faith frowned. What was he up to? She remained standing.

  “I know we last parted under less than comfortable circumstances, but I wanted you to come here today so that I might explain,” he said.

  “Explain why you had me expelled from college just weeks before my graduation?”

  “Yes, well, once it was learned that you were part Indian, that certification would have been rescinded anyway. Now, please sit.”

  Faith didn’t want to argue about chairs and tea when she had her heritage and college degree to focus on. She took her seat on a silk upholstered throne chair and fixed him with a stern gaze.

  He smiled. “You look like Queen Victoria holding court.”

  “But Queen Victoria isn’t part Indian.” Faith saw no reason to avoid the truth.

  He chuckled and sat on the settee. “I thought you might deny it.”

  “Why should I? I am curious how you know anything about me.”

  “Well, it wasn’t that difficult.” He crossed his legs and folded his arms. “Your father’s family made no secret of your grandmother being half Cherokee.”

  Faith sighed. He thought she was Indian because of Isaac Browning, just as her father had suggested. She could manage that well enough.

  “Now, I understand that makes you only one-eighth Indian, but blood is blood. It’s a wonder, however, that you have those beautiful blue eyes.”

  “A gift from my mother’s side,” she said, then drank the last of her tea.

  “Now that the truth is out, I asked you here to tell you what I want to do about it. I know you’re dismayed over losing your chance to play doctor, but I have a much better future in mind. I want you to help me with the Indians. And to become my mistress.”

  Faith nearly dropped her cup. She steadied her hand and looked at Lakewood. “You cannot be serious.”

  “But I am. You see, I find you to be the most exotic and intelligent of creatures. I suppose that’s why I looked into your background and family. I longed to know more about you.”

  “You mean you hoped to find something you could use against me. Something that would silence me. Well, I won’t be silenced, and I won’t be your mistress.”

  Lakewood shook his head. “You aren’t thinking this through. I
f you did, you would see how your cooperation will ultimately help the Indians.” He leaned over and poured himself a cup of tea. Holding the pot aloft, he asked, “More?”

  “No.” She put down her cup and started to rise. “This conversation is over.”

  “Sit down, Miss Kenner. You really have no choice in this.”

  She sank back onto the chair. “I have plenty of choices. You can tell the world about my Indian heritage. I don’t care. As for helping the Indians, I don’t believe you would lift a finger to aid them, given your feelings on people of color.”

  “Do you care about your cousin’s husband?” He stirred sugar into his tea.

  Faith felt as if he’d kicked the wind out of her. She could say nothing for several moments. What was he getting at?

  “I see I have your full attention. You are surprised by my knowing about Mr. Carpenter. The simple fact is that I arranged his beating and fully planned to see him killed, but then I got another idea. Perhaps if I allowed him to live, you might be grateful and do my bidding.” He put the teaspoon aside and sampled his tea. “Perfect.”

  Faith felt sick as the truth began to wash over her. This man was cruel and heinous. He didn’t care at all who he hurt.

  “Simply put, my dear Faith, if you do as you’re told, your cousin’s husband will be allowed to live.”

  “He’s in a bad way,” Faith said, shaking her head. “The doctors aren’t holding out much hope for him. I saw him myself last night, and it will take a miracle—an act of God—for him to pull through.”

  “Yes, well, Berkshire’s lackeys were a little too enthusiastic. If he doesn’t make it, then there are always others with whom to contend. Your cousin, for instance. She’s expecting a baby. It would be such a pity if something were to happen to her . . . or to the baby.”

  “Stop it! You have no right to threaten the lives of innocent people.”

  “Ah, but they aren’t so innocent. You may or may not realize what Mr. Carpenter has been up to, but he has caused me a lot of grief. And before that, his wife interfered with my plans.”

  Faith didn’t want to give away what she knew. Seth and Nancy had told her over and over that the investigation was secret, so she played dumb. “What are you talking about? How has Seth caused you grief?” She hoped her look of confusion convinced him.