With her sisters and the help of some of the other women, Hope served food and refilled glasses and canteens. She liked keeping busy with the food. What had started off looking like a feast big enough for an army quickly dwindled and sent Hope and Grace back to the kitchen throughout the day to retrieve or create additional fare.
The only real problem of the day came in the form of the men. When they weren’t busy working, many of the gentlemen sought out Hope. Some just wanted to talk about their plans for the future. Others were more forward, asking her to marry them. The rumors of new land bills being put together by Congress included provisions for free land to be doled out in the territory. Married men would be given additional land, and this seemed to stir the men already desperate for a wife into a frenzy.
Hope dealt with each man in a polite but firm manner. She didn’t feel it necessary to explain herself, but some of the men insisted on knowing why she was refusing them. They didn’t think much of her response that she had no interest in marrying a man she didn’t love.
“You look tired,” Lance said as he came to get a quick bite of food.
“You too.” Hope looked at the ever-growing structure that would soon be her home. “I can scarcely believe what you men have accomplished.”
“Your uncle is a taskmaster, to be sure.” He grinned. “But that’s the only way to get it done. He’s still determined the entire house and roof will be up before we leave tonight.”
“I’m surprised he isn’t insisting on finishing the interior as well.” She smiled and held out a clean plate. “See anything you like?”
He paused for a moment and fixed his gaze on her. “I might. Seems like a lot of other fellows have found satisfaction at this table.”
“Interest maybe, but not satisfaction,” Hope countered. “We’re not serving everything they’re looking for.” She marveled at the easy way she could banter with Lance. She hadn’t been this lighthearted in years.
Lance laughed and took the plate. “Well, I just came for some of that roasted meat, a few thick slices of bread, and maybe some of that lemonade to wash it down.”
“Then we can accommodate you just fine.”
“Maybe you could come have a bite with me. I haven’t seen you eat anything all day.”
“You’ve been much too busy to see what I’ve been doing all day.” But he was right, and Hope was getting hungry. She was about to accept his invitation when Mercy ran up.
“Hope, we’re out of butter and Grace wants me to get some more, but I can’t find it. Do you know where it is?”
She looked at Lance and shrugged. “Duty calls.”
He looked momentarily disappointed then offered her a smile and a brief salute. Hope smiled in return, surprised at her own regret in having to go.
The hours passed by quickly, and Uncle Edward was as good as his word. By Saturday evening, after a day of continuous work, the new two-story log house stood about one hundred and fifty yards from the smaller house where they’d been living.
Workers, including Lance, were atop the roof, pounding away. The men were covered in sweat, as the day had been warm and sunny. The women and children were just as exhausted, having fetched water and food throughout the day. The tables that had once been laden with food were now empty except for stacks of dirty dishes. Thankfully a good portion of the used silverware and dishes had been washed by some of the other women throughout the day.
“It’s really something,” Grace murmured, coming to stand beside Hope.
“It is. I can hardly believe it.”
“Uncle Edward said that he and Lance will come by after work each evening to work on the interior. Toby Masterson also volunteered his labor whenever his uncle could spare him from his farm. I told them they could take their supper with us.”
“I’m not surprised Toby offered to help. He’s sweet on Mercy.” Even now, Hope spied them across the field with the sheep. They had taken to walking out together whenever possible. She could only pray that Mercy would take time to grow up before making any big decisions.
“I did speak with her,” Grace said, following Hope’s gaze. “I cautioned her to take things slow and not be in a rush to marry just because the men around her are in a hurry. I reminded her of all the responsibilities we three share in our home and how, if she married, all of those duties would fall on her shoulders alone.”
“And what did she say about that?” Hope turned to Grace. “Does she realize that marriage will mean an end to attending school?”
“She does. In fact, that was one of the things she brought up. She thinks she might like to attend college. Can you imagine it?” Grace smiled and shook her head. “I never figured we’d have a scholar amongst us.”
By the time the light was nearly gone from the sky, Lance and Uncle Edward had finished the roof and returned to the ground. Most of the men and their families had headed home already, and only a handful of men remained. Hope was busy cleaning one of the tables when Lance approached.
“Where’s your group of admirers? Or were they only here to fill their plates?”
Hope laughed. “I’ll have you know I had four proposals of marriage and two requests to court.” She noted the look of concern on Lance’s face. “I thanked them kindly and told them no. I assure you, I know how to handle myself.”
He relaxed a bit. “I’ve no doubt about that. I just think it in poor taste that a man would do such a thing, given the circumstances.”
Hope stiffened. Her past, so often distant lately, seemed to rush back at her. “What do you mean?”
Lance didn’t seem to realize her discomfort and laughed. “Well, given the event was to build a house, it just seems the wrong time to sweet-talk a woman with proposals.”
Hope shook her head. “With you men, I’ve never known there to be a wrong time for such things. When I was a girl, I was once asked to court right after a funeral.”
Lance smiled. “Well, given you were probably the prettiest one there, I can’t say as I am surprised.”
She thought it best to change the subject. Her feelings were starting to confuse her. “I appreciate all the work you did today. You and the others. I know it means a great deal to Grace. She and Alex have been planning and dreaming about this house for some time.”
“Will you all live together in it?”
“I don’t know. I suppose Mercy will. I’ve actually thought about staying in the smaller house and giving Alex and Grace some privacy. They haven’t had much since marrying. The house we live in now is hardly bigger than your cabin. Speaking of which, do you plan to stay there? I thought you were bound for New Orleans.”
“I’ve been contemplating my future,” he replied, sounding almost distracted.
“And what conclusion have you reached?”
He shrugged. “New Orleans isn’t going anywhere, so I don’t need to rush back. Your uncle says I can stay as long as I like. It’s a comfortable place.”
“Until the river floods.” She turned her attention back to gathering dishes. “I thought at first we might have too much food, but now I can see I was wrong. There’s hardly even crumbs left.”
“Hard work builds healthy appetites.”
“Lance, you ready to head back to town?” Uncle Edward asked as he approached the table. “I sent Mina and the boys back with some of the others, but I thought I might borrow Grace’s horse and ride back in with you.”
“That’d be fine.”
“Good. I’ll go speak to my niece and get saddled up.”
“Uncle Edward, thank you for all you did today.” Hope walked around the table and stretched up on tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek.
When she pulled away, she caught her boot in the hem of her skirt and began to fall backwards. Lance quickly caught and righted her while Uncle Edward looked on in concern.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
“I’m fine. Just caught my boot.”
“Well, if you’re sure. I’ll go speak with Grace. Good
night, Hope.”
“Good night.” She watched him walk away, and only after he had disappeared from view did she realize Lance was still cradling her against his chest. She stiffened and stepped away in a hurry.
“Careful. You’ll just end up on your backside,” Lance said, grinning.
Hope felt her face flush and was glad that the evening shadows were too heavy to reveal her embarrassment. She thought about how nice it had been to be in his arms, and that only embarrassed her all the more.
“Thank you for catching me.” She forced herself to look him in the eye.
He chuckled and gave her a little salute. “What are friends for?”
With that, he strode off toward the barn, leaving Hope to ponder his comment. She knew what most friends were for, but the thoughts she was having toward Lance were anything but ones of friendship, and suddenly she wasn’t at all sure what Lance Kenner’s purpose in her life might be.
Chapter
16
Word didn’t reach Oregon City until September that President Taylor had died on July ninth from typhoid. Millard Fillmore was now the president, and it was said he would sign the bill making California a state, bypassing territorial status altogether. Lance knew this would only encourage the push to make Oregon a state as well. It was a good idea. A full-fledged state would have more say—more power.
“Hard to believe it takes so long to hear that our president has died,” Edward said as he helped Lance finish an inventory of cut lumber.
“I remember when I rode to war with Mexico. We knew we were hundreds of miles from home, but a few days of hard riding would fix that. Then I came here, and it’s like living on another continent—like being half a world away from all you know.” Lance finished his count and tucked his pencil behind his ear. “Here are my figures.” He handed a piece of paper to Edward.
The older man looked at the paper and nodded. “Looks right. Thanks. The Schwartz brothers are bringing down a large number of logs tomorrow. I think we’ll be able to make that California order without any problem.”
“I’m glad. The men you’ve hired seem good. I’ve been impressed with their abilities, and they’ve taught me a lot.”
“Two of them worked for me before. They know what they’re doing, as they did the same kind of work back east. Fact is, they taught me a lot, too.” Edward grinned and put the paper in his pocket. “I’m mighty pleased with you as well. You’ve picked up your duties as if you were born to them. I know you fancy yourself a lawyer, but you’ve proven yourself a decent mill man as well.”
Lance chuckled. “It’s harder work, to be sure. Law mainly taxes the brain. Mill work taxes the body and the brain. And if you’re not aware of both, you could end up injured or dead. It’s definitely a different challenge.”
“Have you given any thought to staying on?”
Lance could hardly admit to Hope’s uncle that he was having a lot of thoughts about staying in Oregon City, and all of them centered on his niece. “I’m thinking on it. It’s a nice town, and as you said, the river traffic is picking up to such a degree that Oregon City is bound to become a bustling city before long.”
“That’s true enough.” Edward pulled out his watch. “It’s about time to call it a day. Want to follow me home for supper?”
Lance rarely turned down an opportunity to share one of Mina Marsh’s meals, but he already had plans. “I’m actually having supper with your nieces. Grace invited me at church on Sunday. I figured I might even get some interior work done on the new house.”
“I plan to go out there tomorrow. Toby Masterson said he could come too.”
“I’ll be able to help then as well.” Lance rolled down his shirt sleeves. “I thought I’d swing by the post office and see if they had any mail for Mrs. Armistead. I know she’s worried about her husband returning.”
“Poor Grace. If she doesn’t hear from him soon, I’ll have to do something about it. Maybe I’ll send you to Fort Vancouver and then upriver to Fort Nez Perce. At least they might have seen something of him on his journey from one Indian village to another.”
Lance forced himself not to react. He was still struggling to let go of the past and all that Alex represented. For days, even weeks, he’d go along without even thinking about it, then someone would mention Alex, and Lance could feel his body tense.
“Come on. I’ll walk with you to the post office.”
Edward led the way, and Lance was forced to catch up. Edward Marsh was a big man—broad-shouldered and ham-fisted. Lance stood nearly six foot, but Marsh towered over him. He couldn’t imagine getting into a fight with him. Size alone would give Edward the advantage, but he wasn’t a brawler. His gentle nature made him a favorite of the area children and adults alike. Lance truly admired him.
“So have you given God any more thought?” Edward asked, surprising Lance.
“I have. I’m just not sure I have all the right answers.”
Edward laughed. “Show me one man who does. Just don’t make it harder than it has to be. People assume that because it’s the Holy God of the universe, it has to be complicated.” He shook his head. “But it’s not. It’s just a matter of heart, and when you put your trust in the Lord, everything else falls into place.”
The words pierced Lance’s heart. He wanted to believe them. Wanted to believe that being right with God was just that simple.
Edward said nothing more until they reached the post office.
“We’ve come to get the mail,” Edward announced, “if you have any for us. For Grace Armistead as well. Lance here is riding out to their place and figured he could take anything that might have come for her.”
“I do have a letter for Mrs. Armistead. Just came in the mail pouch from Fort Vancouver.” The postmaster quickly retrieved it. “Nothing for the two of you, however.” He handed Lance the letter.
“I don’t know anyone who’d send me a letter anyway,” Edward replied with a grin. “Sure glad to see something’s come for Grace. No doubt it’s a letter from that rascal husband of hers.”
Lance pocketed the envelope, and together they headed toward the livery. “I’m glad he’s finally written. Hope said Grace has been pretty much beside herself.”
“That she has. I’ve never seen two people more in love, unless it’s myself and the missus. Never thought I’d find me a gal like Mina. She’s a treasure, to be sure.”
Lance didn’t reply. He was still guarded about his feelings for Hope, and even within his own heart, he was finding it hard to put them into perspective.
They came to a stop in front of the livery, and Edward gave a nod. “You’d best be on your way. Let Grace know I’ll be out tomorrow to work on the house. Since you plan to go as well, what say you get Grace to let you bring her wagon back to town tonight so we can load it up with lumber before we come out? I’m sure she won’t mind.”
“I’ll do it,” Lance promised.
His ride out to the Armistead farm was easy enough. The roads were dry, but the air was considerably cooler in the shade of the tall firs that lined the road. When he reached the open area of pasture that signaled the start of the Armistead property, still well away from the house, he spotted Hope walking among the sheep. As he neared, the sheep began bleating and gathered around their mistress. Hope looked up and gave him a wave.
Lance climbed down from his horse and walked to where she stood. The light on her face gave her an angelic appearance. He chuckled to himself. Hope would have laughed at that thought and told him she was no angel.
“I see you made it,” she said as he joined her.
“I did. I would have been here sooner, but I stopped at the post office to see if there might be any mail for you or your sisters.”
“And was there?”
He pulled out the letter. “One for Grace.”
Hope took the envelope and frowned. “It looks like a man’s script, but it’s not Alex’s. He has a good hand and writes well.” She looked up at Lance. “We should
get back to the house right away. I have a bad feeling about this.”
He frowned. He hadn’t considered that the letter would be from anyone but Alex. “How can I help?”
“Just ride behind the flock in case one of them decides to go off on her own.”
She handed him the letter then quickly rallied the bell ewe, offering a handful of grain as an incentive as she led the way to the house. Lance rode behind the sheep as Hope had requested, but none of the animals seemed inclined to leave the flock. Twenty minutes later, they reached the fenced pasture, and he rode ahead to open the gate. Once the sheep were safely inside the pen, Lance climbed down from his horse as Hope secured the gate. They walked toward the house in silence. Hope’s concern about the letter had put a damper on any further conversation, and once Lance tied off his horse, they exchanged a brief glance.
“It’ll be all right,” he assured. At least he hoped it would be. He couldn’t imagine what would happen if the letter bore word of Alex’s death.
“Grace!” Hope called as they entered the house. “Grace, where are you?”
“You needn’t yell. I’m in the kitchen.”
Hope made her way through the house with Lance just steps behind her. He tried to keep a positive spirit. Alex might have been his one-time enemy but in the last few minutes, knowing he might be dead, Lance knew he didn’t want Alex to come to harm.
Grace beamed at him. “I’m so glad you could make it. Supper is ready.”
“Lance brought a letter for you from town.” Hope looked to Lance. He handed her the letter, and she in turn extended it to Grace.
For a moment Grace did nothing but stare at the handwriting. Finally, after a long silence, she snatched the envelope from Hope’s hand. Her hand was trembling.
She scanned the contents, turning pale and reaching out for the table for support. “Alex has been hurt. A bear attack. It happened after he and Sam parted company and Sam returned to his people.”
Lance stepped forward. “Here, have a seat.” He led her to a chair and helped her sit. “Does it say how bad off he is?”
Beloved Hope (Heart of the Frontier Book #2) Page 16