Tender Journeys

by Janelle Jamison

  “Where’ve you been?” Natty growled between clenched teeth. “The stove’s cold, the coffee’s thick as mud, and I haven’t had as much as a biscuit to eat.”

  “Sorry,” Jenny said and offered no other explanation. She quickly got a fire going in the stove and threw out the remains of the morning’s coffee. “What would you like to eat?”

  “I want eggs, toast, and potatoes,” Natty said as she took a chair at the kitchen table. “And throw a steak on. I feel as though I could eat a horse.”

  Jenny went to the larder for the meat and eggs. Satisfied the stove was heating to a proper temperature, Jenny sliced up potatoes and ham and joined the older woman. Startled to discover she was whispering a silent blessing on the meal, Jenny smiled at David’s influence in her life.

  “I suppose that lovesick expression is for the young man I saw you with this morning,” Natty said between stuffing huge forkfuls of food into her mouth.

  Jenny’s heart sank. Natty knew about David. Working to ease Natty’s mind from concern, Jenny didn’t deny her statement. “That ‘young man’ as you call him, is Pastor David Monroe. He’s a new minister here working with Pastor Clements at the Methodist Church. He asked me to accompany him this morning and help his brother and sister-in-law learn their way around the city. His brother is a doctor and his sister-in-law is expecting a baby soon.”

  “I see,” Natty replied, somewhat surprised at the detail Jenny gave. It only made her more curious, knowing Jenny was never one to volunteer information.

  Jenny picked at the food on her plate, wondering how she was going to get Natty off the subject of her friendship with David.

  “How did you meet this Pastor Monroe?” Natty questioned. She watched Jenny intently for any signs of discomfort.

  Jenny, who’d long ago learned how to play Natty’s moods and tirades, shrugged her shoulders. “I think I met him when I was delivering clothes one day.” She tried to sound disinterested, wondering just how much Natty had surmised.

  “Seems to me,” Natty said as she pushed away from the table and tried to wipe egg yolk from her blouse, “you have a great deal more interest in this Pastor Monroe than in just being his guide around Santa Fe.”

  “He’s very kind, and I enjoy listening to him talk about the cities back east,” Jenny said, grateful she didn’t have to lie. “I haven’t had a chance to talk about things like that since the raid.”

  Natty always steered away from any reference to the Apache raid, but today she wasn’t giving an inch. “What age were you when those Injuns attacked? Better yet, how old are you now, Jenny?”

  Jenny nearly dropped her fork in surprise. “How old am I? I’m sixteen, nearly seventeen. You should know that Natty. My birthday’s New Year’s Day.”

  “Seventeen? Hmm,” Natty said with a strange look on her face. “Seems to me most girls your age are married.”

  “Seems to me, most girls don’t have the responsibilities I have,” Jenny said sarcastically. She’d always managed to stand her ground with Natty.

  “You think you’ve got it real bad, don’t you?” Natty questioned as she picked at her teeth with the end of her knife. “Where would you have been if I hadn’t taken you in? I gave you a roof over your head and food in your belly. I could have left you on the plains to be picked up by the next passing band of Apaches.”

  Jenny grimaced and Natty knew her words had hit home. One thing Natty knew full well was Jenny Oberling’s hatred of Indians.

  “A body would think a little more gratitude would be in order,” Natty said in a tone of voice that let Jenny know she’d lost the argument.

  “I am grateful, Natty,” Jenny said as she got up and started clearing the table. “You know I am. We’ve never had to play games before, so why now? Why not just say what’s on your mind.”

  Natty leaned back and smiled. “I’ve a mind to find you a husband. A rich one who’s willing to pay a high price for a young, unspoiled white woman.”

  Jenny shuddered at the thought but said nothing. Perhaps if she appeared unconcerned, Natty would drop the idea. Perhaps Natty would go on gambling and drinking and forget Jenny had somehow threatened her security. Perhaps, but not likely.

  Jenny went to the well and brought up a bucket of water for washing the dishes. She understood too well Natty had found a new game to play. This time, Jenny’s life would be staked.

  Chapter 5

  With Daniel and Katie in Santa Fe, David had less time to visit Jenny. He’d tried to locate her on her laundry rounds, but to no avail.

  He busied himself with his studies and spent more time with Pastor Ed, learning the basics about life in the Indian villages. But no matter how hard he tried, David couldn’t stop thinking about Jenny and how good it felt to be in her company.

  David stood shaving one morning, staring at his reflection in the small mirror that hung over the washbasin. He remembered the way Jenny had chided him when he’d met Katie. Many men might have found that moment annoying, but David remembered it with fondness because it spoke of the familiarity between him and Jenny. She would never have been comfortable enough to speak her mind had she not felt a closeness to him—of that he was certain.

  He finished shaving, had his devotions, and ate breakfast all before the clock in the town square chimed seven. With the morning stretching before him, David decided to walk by Jenny’s in hopes of catching her at home.

  Donning his coat and hat, David was just about to step out the door, when Daniel appeared on the walkway. “I’m glad I caught you. Can you spare me some time this morning?”

  “I guess so,” David said and tried not to sound disappointed. “What’d you have in mind?”

  “I’m supposed to meet up with the man who placed the ad for a doctor. I got a note from him last night that he’d come in with the cattle drive from up north. I’m supposed to meet him at eight o’clock.”

  “Who is he?” David questioned as he joined Daniel on the walk.

  “Jason Intissar. He owns a ranch north of Santa Fe. In fact, several days north of Santa Fe. He’s up in the mountains, has a huge valley spread as I hear tell.”

  “I’ve heard of the Intissar ranch. Isn’t it called Piñon Canyon?” David asked.

  “That’s right,” Daniel answered and gave David a hearty pat on the back. “You don’t know how good it is to see you again. I thought a lot about you while I was doing my residency in Kansas City. I kept wondering if you were eating right and how school was going. I didn’t even know you’d left the seminary in Iowa until Ma wrote and told me.”

  “Sorry,” David apologized. “I kept meaning to write, but I had so much work to do.”

  “You don’t need to tell me,” Daniel said with a smile. “I’ve been negligent enough for both of us. You didn’t know about Katie, after all.”

  “She’s really nice, Daniel. I’m glad you found someone to love. I always prayed you would.”

  “You must have put just the right words into those prayers, ’cause Katie is everything a man could want. Do you know, she even wants to be my nurse when I get my practice set up?”

  “It doesn’t surprise me. She’s pretty young, though, isn’t she?” David dared the question.

  Daniel frowned a bit, “Well, that’s another story. I thought she was older. She lied to me about her age. Once we were married, I found out she was only sixteen, and well, the baby was already on the way. But I have to admit, her age has nothing to do with her maturity.”

  “I guess I can relate to that,” David agreed.

  “Yeah, I suppose you can. Just how old is that Jenny of yours?”

  “What makes you think she’s mine?” David asked with a laugh, but in truth he wondered if Daniel had picked up on something he’d missed.

  “Just the way she looks at you says it all,” Daniel grinned. “Kati
e was the same way—still is—and it never fails to make this old heart pound a little faster.”

  David laughed out loud.

  “Well, here we are,” Daniel added as they paused outside La Bonita Café. “We made arrangements to meet here.”

  Daniel and David were seated, and although David had eaten breakfast, he agreed to a cup of strong coffee. Daniel had just received his food when an older man and his companion approached the table.

  “Are either of you gentlemen Dr. Daniel Monroe?” the older man questioned.

  “I am,” Daniel said, extending his hand as both he and David got to their feet.

  “I’m Jason Intissar,” the gray-haired man said with a smile, “and this is Garrett Lucas. He’s like a son to me and assists me in most every matter on my ranch.”

  “It’s nice to meet you both,” Daniel said as he shook hands with the men. Garrett Lucas, he noticed, hardly looked much older than his Katie. “This is my brother, Pastor David Monroe,” Daniel said as he turned to David.

  David took hold of each man’s hand and greeted them warmly. “I’ve heard a great many things about you, Mr. Intissar.”

  “Good things I hope,” he laughed, “and please call me Jason.”

  “Jason it is,” David agreed. “Won’t you sit?”

  The older man nodded, and he and Garrett pulled up chairs. “So you’re a pastor,” Jason said rather thoughtfully, “I know we’re here to deal with your brother’s career, but I have a proposition for you as well, if you’re interested.”

  David was curious. “I never overlook a chance for the hand of God to direct me. I’d be happy to listen to your ideas.”

  “Good man,” Jason said as he waved to the serving girl. “How about some breakfast, Garrett?”

  “Sounds mighty good to me,” Garrett drawled. His wavy brown hair and boyish face made him seem young, but David was impressed by the way he handled himself.

  The young girl took their orders and left the men to their discussion. Jason began the conversation by explaining his precarious health.

  “My main interest in having a doctor nearby has been my own failing health. I have a bad heart, according to the doctor in Denver. I don’t know what, if anything, can be done for me, but I’d feel a heap better having a regular doctor closer to the ranch than Springer or Cimarron.”

  “I see,” Daniel said, then questioned, “where do you have in mind for my wife and me to live?”

  “Well, of course it would be up to you, but I’d be happy to see to it something comfortable was built. Money isn’t a problem. I can secure land for the house anywhere, but of course, I’d prefer it be in close proximity to my own land.”

  “How far from Santa Fe would that be?” Daniel asked, considering Katie’s upcoming delivery.

  “The ranch is a week away from Santa Fe. Is it important that you live near Santa Fe?” Jason questioned.

  “My wife is due to have a baby in a couple of months. I’d feel better if we were somewhere close to another doctor. At least until after the baby is born.” Daniel replied honestly.

  “I don’t see a problem with that,” Jason said with a smile. “It seems like a reasonable request.”

  “You know, Jason,” Garrett suddenly spoke up, “you have that place about three hours from here on the rail line. Couldn’t they stay there until we got another place built for them and Doc’s wife has her baby?”

  Jason’s face lit up. “That’s a wonderful idea, Garrett. We only use that place for shipping out livestock after roundup. What do you think about that, Dr. Monroe?”

  “Three hours, eh?” Daniel was considering the situation.

  “That ought to put you close enough, Daniel,” David said, trying to encourage his brother.

  “I suppose it would at that,” Daniel said with a smile. “I believe we can work something out.”

  “Good, good,” Jason said enthusiastically. “Now, how about the permanent house? Where do you think you’d like it to be?”

  “It really won’t matter after the baby is here safely,” Daniel replied. “I suppose whatever you have in mind would be great.”

  Jason paused long enough in the conversation to accept his breakfast. “I thought a great deal about this,” Jason said as he smiled broadly. “I’d like nothing better than to get a little more civilization near the ranch. Nothing real big, but something more than what we have. I’m even thinking of setting up a town somewhere close to the ranch. Perhaps your house could be my first step toward reaching that goal.”

  Garrett added with a laugh, “This has been Jason’s dream for as long as I’ve known him.”

  “It sounds like a good one,” Daniel replied.

  “Now for you, young man,” Jason said turning to David. “What I have in mind is a mission among the Pueblo Indians. A large Pueblo reservation is located near my property and it has been my desire to get the Word of God to these Indians. They are good folks, Mr. Monroe.”

  “Please call me David.”

  “They are good people, David. They have a love of the land and work hard to make life better for their people. I’ve been very impressed with their industrial spirit, but unfortunately, they have little or no interest in Christianity. That’s where you would come in. I’d like to build a mission where you could live close to the reservation and be available to visit them on a regular basis and invite them to come to you.”

  “That’s exactly what I feel God has called me to do,” David said with such wonder in his heart he could hardly believe Jason’s words.

  Jason smiled and nudged Garrett. “God is good, Garrett. Just look at how He’s blessed us today.”

  Garrett smiled, “That He has, Jason.”

  “So you will consider setting up a mission on my land?” Jason asked David seriously.

  “I’d be happy to. I’ll give it some prayer and reflection and get back to you.”

  “I’d have it no other way. Now, if you two don’t mind, I’m going to give this plate of food my undivided attention,” Jason said as he dug into the food.

  u

  David spent many hours alone in prayer that night. Excitement about Jason’s proposal surged through him, and sleep was impossible. Turning through the Scriptures, David found a peace of mind he’d not realized was missing. He knew where he was being led, and rather than moving in a general direction, he had a specific mission to fulfill. God had given him his life’s work.

  As David settled down and turned out the lamp, he praised God for introducing him to Jason Intissar. Just before he fell asleep, his mind drifted to thoughts of Jenny Oberling. He could see her dark brown eyes so sweet and trusting. He could almost hear her gentle voice, and he longed to be with her.

  Was Jenny also a part of God’s plan for his future? She hated the Indians. She’d not yet learned to let go of the past, and she would never want a future that included living among the Pueblos.

  To accept Jason Intissar’s proposal and God’s purposeful direction, David would have to give up Jenny Oberling. Yet, to choose Jenny over the mission work would be to turn his back on God. David sighed and pulled the covers over his head. What was the answer?

  Chapter 6

  What’s the hold up?” David called to the top side of the wagon. Daniel peered over the canvas covering and grimaced. “If you think it’s so easy to tie this load down, then you come up here and do it.”

  David laughed and walked away. “No thanks,” he called over his shoulder, “I’ll just go see if Katie needs anything.”

  “She’d better not have moved from that chair I put her in,” Daniel shouted to David’s retreating form.

  David made his way to the hotel room and knocked loudly. At Katie’s soft welcome, he opened the door and peered inside. True to her promise, Katie was sitting where Daniel had left her.
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  “Are you ready to go yet?” she questioned as she looked up from her needlework.

  “Just as soon as that husband of yours ties one of his fancy surgical knots and gets the wagon tarp secured,” David said with a grin. “How about you? Are you sure you’re up to the ride? It’s over six hours, you know.”

  “I’ll be fine,” Katie said as she put her sewing aside and struggled to get out of the chair. David went immediately to her side and offered his arm. “Thank you,” Katie said as she steadied her ill-proportioned body. “I don’t seem to be anything but awkward these days.”

  “No thanks necessary,” David replied, “I’m just mighty excited about this new little one. How much longer do you figure before he’ll be here?” Fearing he’d been too personal, he quickly added, “If you don’t mind my asking.”

  Katie laughed. “Just because you don’t discuss a woman’s condition, doesn’t make it go away. The baby is due next month.”

  “And, of course, my brother wants a boy,” David said with certainty.

  “Actually, he says he doesn’t care either way as long as the baby is healthy. I guess I feel the same way,” Katie said as she patted her rounded form. “Although, I am partial to the idea of a boy, myself.”

  “Me, too,” David admitted.

  Katie went to the window and looked out on the street below. “I never expected Santa Fe to be this large,” she said as she watched the people hurrying on their way.

  “Nor this beautiful?” David asked.

  Katie turned and smiled. “Nor this beautiful. It really is a charming town. I’d never seen adobe before coming to New Mexico. I love the different colors.”

  “It’s that way because of the various clays. They mix it with straw to make the adobe bricks. It’s orange around here, but up at the Taos Pueblo village, Pastor Ed tells me it’s more sandy brown. Other places it’s almost pink,” David offered by way of making conversation.

  In truth he still wasn’t as comfortable around Katie as he’d like to be. What he really wanted to talk to her about was whether she and Daniel had any interest in God.