by Marian Wells
“It’s a valid worry. But Joseph seems to think giving a good image of the Saints to the world is important.”
“Sarah told me something else. Did you hear anything about a fellow named Wiley who lives at Kinderhook digging up some ancient plates?”
Mark looked up. “News travels fast. Clayton told me a week or so ago.”
“And you didn’t tell me?” Jenny wailed. “Sarah even had a newspaper clipping to show me. It says the plates prove the Book of Mormon is true.”
Hastily Mark said, “Honestly, I didn’t have much confidence in the tale.”
“Sarah says Joseph has started to translate them.”
Mark sat down in the rocking chair and watched John chew his fist. Finally he looked up and said, “Clayton was telling me about them last week. When Joseph walked into the office he verified the finding, saying there were six of them. Wiley cleaned them up and brought them to him for translation.”
“And he’s going to translate them?”
“Of course. Joseph said he’d started, and that so far he’s discovered they contain the history of the person with whom they were found. Seems this fellow was a direct descendant of Ham through Pharaoh. He also said the man received his kingdom from the ruler of heaven and earth.”
Jenny glanced sharply at Mark; as he grinned she said, “You aren’t taking this very seriously, are you?”
“If those potatoes aren’t done, I’ll eat them raw.”
“If Joseph could hear you, he’d run you out of town for an apostate.”
“He’s tried. I can’t imagine why he keeps me here. Probably it’s his pride.”
“What do you mean?”
“He intends to humble me, make me another groveling Clayton.”
“I do know from gossip that he considers you a plum,” Jenny said slowly. “Even Orson knew of your reputation in Springfield. Do you suppose it’s because Joseph is seeing how important it is to be on the good side of the governor?”
“That doesn’t sound like a Saint,” Mark said slowly, studying her. “You’re starting to sound like a woman with her eyes wide open.”
“Not like a good Mormon who believes God’s going to drop everything in our laps, no matter what?” A thoughtful expression crossed Jenny’s face, one which Mark hadn’t seen for a long time. Still holding the baby, he went to kiss her.
****
On the Sabbath, the day sparkled like a jewel. When Mark drove the team out onto the road, he had difficulty holding Tupper back. “Frisky as a colt,” he said, grinning down at Jenny. “And you look prettier than any married woman with a baby has any right to be.”
“Oh, Mark, it’s such a beautiful day and it’s good to be out again. I can’t wait to show little Mark to everyone.”
“John,” he said firmly.
“John Mark?” He studied her clear eyes and looked at the baby’s blonde hair curling out from under his cap.
When they reached Nauvoo, Mark said, “Looks as if the service is going to be in the temple grove today. Shall I place the buggy under the trees, or do you want to sit down front on the benches?”
“Oh, on the benches. I want to see everyone. There’s Tom. Sally and Tamara are over there.”
Mark lifted Jenny and the baby from the buggy and settled them on a front bench. As he walked back to the buggy, the women began clustering around Jenny.
Leaving the rig and mare at the stable, Mark headed back to the grove. Although it was still early, crowds of people streamed toward the grove.
As he walked down the street, he saw Clayton and Joseph Smith on the sidewalk in front of Joseph’s store. A crowd was gathering, and Mark paused to listen. Joseph was saying, “While I was praying, a voice said to me that if I live to be eighty-four, I’d see the Son of Man. Right now, I don’t believe the Second Coming will be sooner.”
“I’ve heard the Father is only spirit,” said the stranger at Mark’s right.
Joseph answered, “That, brethren, is a sectarian doctrine. It is completely false. Both the Father and the Son have bodies like ours. The idea that they dwell in a man’s heart is false.”
“Where does God dwell?”
“On a planet which is like crystal. There’s a sea of glass before His throne.” Joseph grinned and added, “You brethren are going to be smarter than me in another minute. But that’s all right. Knowledge is power. The man who seeks knowledge will have power.”
Then he added, “The earth, when it is purified, will become the same type of crystal. It will be a Urim and Thummim by which all things in regards to an inferior kingdom will be made manifest to those dwelling there. At the same time, this earth will be with Christ. Brethren, I could go on and on, but it behooves us to get to services.”
He paused to add, “The principle of intelligence we garner in this life will rise with us in the resurrection. If a person gains knowledge here through diligence and obedience, so much better for him in the next world.” Mark watched Joseph and his followers walk rapidly up the hill to the temple grove.
When Mark finally reached Jenny’s side, the morning sermon was well underway. John Mark was sleeping with one pink fist curled like a rose bud. Examining the little face, Mark could not find a single feature resembling anyone he knew. He touched his finger against the tiny button of a nose, and gratitude welled up in him. That nose did not in the slightest resemble the beak of the Prophet.
Mark turned his attention to the sermon just as the Prophet said, “I want you to understand, the Holy Ghost is a personage, just as the Father and Son are personages. A man can receive all the gifts the Holy Ghost has to offer, and in addition, the Holy Ghost may descend upon a man, but will not tarry with him.”
As the people around Mark and Jenny got to their feet, Jenny said, “Sally’s invited us to go home with them.”
“It may take all afternoon to get there,” Mark said with a grin. “I’ve never seen such a crowd. And I think you’ve shown this baby to them all.”
“For that, you carry him.” She deposited the blue bundle in his lap and stood to her feet. “Oh, what a beautiful day! But in another month it will be hot. Mark, why have they taken so many of the trees out of the grove?”
“They need more room. Look at the mass of people.”
“The Saints will be a multitude soon,” Jenny murmured as she walked beside Mark with her hand tucked through his arm. “Seems the prophecies are being fulfilled. We will become a multitude.”
“Sister, don’t forget the rest,” the wizened man beside her grinned. “It has been given that we shall take over the state, the whole country and finally the whole world. You mark my words, this young’un will be marching triumphantly around the world for the Lord.”
Jenny watched the man limp away and said slowly, “All the war talk hits home with a different meaning when there’s a baby.” She looked at Mark, and her eyes were troubled.
Chapter 27
“Mark, you can’t be serious!” Jenny exclaimed. “Take a three-month-old baby on a boat?”
“My dear, this isn’t just a boat. It’s Joseph’s Maid of Iowa. Joseph, Clayton, and I need to make a trip to Quincy. The fastest way to go is by boat. Joseph suggested we make a party of it. Seems everyone except you is in favor of it.”
“He won’t get sunburned?” She looked anxiously at the baby in the cradle.
“Jenny, there are cabins and a big pavilion on the main deck. Joseph has invited a large group of the Saints. We’re to leave early in the morning. We should arrive at Quincy with plenty of time to take care of business and allow you women to shop.”
Jenny’s excitement was rising. “Oh, Mark, it does sound fun!”
The following morning when the steamboat pulled away from John D. Lee’s wharf, the sun was just topping the forested hills to the east of Nauvoo.
Jenny found that the pavilion was enclosed with glass and lined with benches. The festive air was immediately apparent. Children in Sabbath best romped about the deck. Women dressed in pa
stel calico and printed lawn scattered like blossoms around the room. From the galley came the fragrance of spicy cider and popping corn. The freed slave, Abel, now Joseph Smith’s adoring, self-appointed slave, sat on the bulkhead watching the activities.
One young matron with a bulging middle and youngsters clinging to her skirts groaned, “Popcorn this early? My young’uns will be sick before they can get sunburned.”
Several young girls began organizing games for the smaller children, and the women settled on the benches as their husbands disappeared below deck.
Mrs. Kimball grimaced. “Heber calls it work, but I saw the liquor and apple-jack they were loading. Oh, well, I suppose they’ll work it off by nighttime.”
Jenny allowed herself to be pushed into one of the few comfortable deck chairs. The boat was picking up speed now. Wide-eyed youngsters clung to the rail and Jenny caught her breath as the vessel trembled and groaned. Giving a sharp three-note toot, the craft slipped into the main current of the river, and a cooling breeze filled the pavilion. With a sigh of relief, Jenny snuggled John Mark close and curled his hair around her fingers as he began to nurse.
The women were settling into cozy groups. Some sat with their heads together, and their giggles punctuated the trip. Others pulled out satchels of handwork. When Jenny lifted the sleeping baby to her shoulder, Emma Smith caught her eye.
The older woman moved close and touched John Mark’s soft curls. The dreamy expression on her face caused Jenny to bite her lip. “Don’t look so,” Emma said. “There will be more. I shall never give up that hope. Is there anything more comforting than the blessed weight of those soft little bodies in your arms?”
“I’ve waited a long time for this one,” Jenny said softly. “Yes, you are right.”
All too soon, it seemed, the boat was cutting speed. After a final bend in the river, the town of Quincy lay before them. While the women and children flocked to the rail, Jenny carried John Mark into the shelter of a cabin to change his diapers.
Mark came to the door. “The men are heading for the courthouse. Will you go with the women?”
“Yes, but tell them I’ll come later. John Mark must be fed again before I join them.”
The last of the children’s shouts had faded away, leaving only the gentle slap of water against the hull. As Jenny went to lay the sleeping baby on the bunk, the sharp scent of alcohol reached her. Turning quickly she found Joseph filling the doorway.
“Jenny, my beautiful one,” he murmured, and she realized it was his breath laden with alcohol. He came into the room and shut the door. “My wife.”
Anger surged through Jenny, but she determined to remain calm as she turned away from him to button her frock. She fought for composure and finally turned to him. “Joseph, I refuse to even discuss this matter with you. Please leave now and say no more—ever.”
He dropped heavily into the chair and said, “Move the baby to the top bunk.” She folded her arms and stared at him. “Jenny, my dear, I earnestly desire con—connubial bliss.” His tongue stumbled over the words.
“At one time, Joseph, had you snapped your fingers I would have come running. That was before you had a wife. Now I consider this tasteless seduction.”
“The grand lady. You are my grand lady. Remember the ceremony witnessed by Brigham Young, Kimball, and Hyde? Remember the book? Jennifer, the book of the law of the Lord is His will written out for you timid females to see. Will you risk the wrath of the Lord by being coy?”
She could see he was fast losing his befuddled air, and she found herself fearing this cold-eyed man. Taking a deep breath, Jenny searched for words to answer him. Suddenly her world righted itself.
“Why, Joseph, I’m not afraid of the Lord near as much as you think. But tell me, what’s there to fear?”
“The loss of your salvation. As your husband I will be god to you. I will take you to the heavenlies with me to reign as queen forever. Without me, you’ll never have salvation.”
Jenny was eyeing the door. The baby stirred and her heart sank. It was impossible to reach both John Mark and the door before Joseph would stop her.
He was speaking. “I must remind you that no marriage is valid until consummated.”
“And I will remind you that this is adultery.”
“The Lord has shown me it’s all right to have fun; it isn’t adultery unless we talk about it to others.”
His words made Jenny pause, and curiosity picked at her. “Where did you get that idea? Of course it’s adultery.”
“The Lord has shown me that something can be wrong in one case, but not in another.”
“If that is so, then how’s a person ever to know what’s right and what’s wrong?”
“Jenny, you can take my word for it or you can try the spirits. Just pray for a sign. The Lord will pour out on you such a blessing as you’ve never had before. I will pray for you, but you must also earnestly ask the Lord for this manifestation.”
Jenny was silent for a long time, then slowly she turned and paced the room, thinking hard. His words had pulled up deeply buried ideas and impressions, and she must study them out. Manifestation. Adela.
She studied him keenly, sensing now what had escaped her attention before. “Joseph, you should know better than to reveal your plan to me. Remember, I was there at the diggings. I know about spirits, too.”
“Jennifer, you’ll go to hell if you continue to act in this manner.”
“Like Mr. Thompson? I’ve only heard gossip, but I wonder. What kind of temptation did Thompson give in to? Why did he have to die, and how? Is it possible to control the spirits to that extent?”
“Aren’t you fearful?” he asked curiously.
She shook her head, saying, “I intend to talk. The first one I’ll tell will be Emma.” She saw him cringe. “Joseph, I am beginning to think I’m not the only woman in Nauvoo who has had to listen to this from you. If I ever find out anything to support that hunch, I’ll make trouble. Remember, I saw you with Eliza Snow.”
For a long time Joseph sat slumped in the chair. When he finally sighed and sat up, he said, “Jennifer, I honestly do love you and want you desperately; but more than that, I’m thinking of our future, the eternities, worlds without end. More than losing you here, I don’t want to spend eternity without you. That’s something, isn’t it? I can have any woman I want just by snapping my fingers. Doesn’t it matter to you that I choose you?”
“No.”
She heard the sound of footsteps and Clayton’s muffled, timid voice. “Joseph, you’ll have to come before the probate judge.” His voice was apologetic. “I’ve had to make out new papers, and you’ll need to sign them.”
Jenny couldn’t understand the word he muttered, but Joseph pulled himself to his feet and left the room. As soon as the door closed, Jenny dropped into the chair. When her trembling ceased, she sat up and smoothed her hair.
By the time John Mark stirred, Jenny was smiling. “Joseph, I’ll never be afraid of you again.” She paused to wonder at the change in her response toward the Prophet. Finally she whispered, “Either getting rid of the talisman or reading the books has put a peck of religion into me. But somehow I know I need so much more.” She shivered, remembering that mirrored image.
****
Tom found the late June day only pleasantly warm. He nudged his mount, urging the mare to keep up with the carriage moving smartly along the road to Dixon. As he flicked the reins, he glanced at the occupants. Joseph and Emma were visiting her sister in Dixon, Illinois, and from the Prophet’s expression, Tom guessed he’d had enough of woman-talk. Emma’s sister bobbed her head to emphasize each word.
Joseph caught Tom’s eye and he mouthed, “Horse.” Tom nodded. As the carriage turned up the lane, he noticed the mounted rider waiting and touched the gun on his hip.
“Hold it, Joseph,” he warned, spurring his horse. Tom didn’t recognize the man, but when he saw him eye the carriage and slip from his horse, Tom relaxed.
The
man’s voice was soft, “Judge Adams sent me. Governor Ford let it slip secret-like that he’d signed a writ from Missouri. They’re coming after Joseph Smith.”
Joseph was standing beside them as the fellow finished and touched his hat. “I’m to offer no advice, and to leave promptly.” He touched his hat and turned.
Tom saw the pinched look on Emma’s face as she asked, “What will you do? You can’t continue to run from them.”
Joseph studied her face and said slowly, “That’s just what I was thinking. Emma, if you can stand it, I think now’s the time to test the Nauvoo Charter.” She paled and he turned to Tom. “I’m not inclined to leave just now. Go into town and nose around, see what you can find out and then get back here.”
Two hours later Tom arrived back at the house to find two men with the Prophet. There was a sardonic smile on Joseph’s face as he said, “These fellas are sheriffs from Missouri—Wilson and Reynolds. They suggest I come into Dixon with them.”
“That’s a good idea.” Tom kept his voice level and relief brightened Joseph’s eyes.
By the time Tom located Cyrus Walker and returned to the tavern, Joseph had an audience.
The top story of the tavern served as the jail. Now Tom saw that the upstairs window was open; Joseph was leaning out, thundering at the crowd gathered in the street below.
As the cheers and laughter swept through the crowd, Tom tightened the reins and paused to listen.
In his best Sabbath-morning voice, Joseph was delivering a discourse on marriage. As the fellow beside him roared, Tom said, “What’s goin’ on?”
“Aw, they shut him up and he’s been leaning out the window scorching our ears with Missouri talk. Old Jake found out who he was and asked for a sermon. Funny, he is.”
Joseph caught sight of Tom and the man behind him. Hastily he concluded his sermon and withdrew his head.
Walker was in good humor as he followed Tom up the back stairs. After introductions he said, “Timmons says you’re looking for counsel.”
“I want the best there is. Are you that man?”