by Diane Noble
“I’d planned it all along, but didn’t know if I could pull it off. Enid’s the one we need to thank. I couldn’t have gotten you out—or Sarah either—without her help.” He slowed his horse so she could catch up.
She looked over at him with an expression of pride, then shaded her eyes. “They’re here,” she said, “all of them.”
“You said our family had grown,” Gabe said. “I know about Coal finding us, but who’s that on the swayback next to him.”
“Hosea,” she said, her voice soft.
He drew in a breath of utter astonishment. “You can’t mean it.”
Without bothering to explain, she took off at a gallop toward the wagon. Hosea dismounted and opened his arms. Enid fell into them. He held her as if there would be no tomorrow, and then he looked up, his gaze seeking Gabe’s.
Gabe halted his horse, dismounted, and for a moment didn’t move. Then slowly Hosea smiled and inclined his head. Gabe stared at him, and then, slowly, smiled in return and nodded.
Children spilled from the back of the wagon, shouting and laughing and hanging all over Gabe and Enid. Everyone seemed to be talking at once.
Even as the cacophony continued, Gabe went over to Mary Rose and pulled her aside. “I would never have allowed the twins to marry,” he said.
“I should have trusted you.”
“I hadn’t earned your trust,” he said. “You had a right to believe what you did, to take the actions you did. I had my plan to save us all”—he smiled—“but I didn’t expect you and Bronwyn to come up with your plan.” He searched her eyes. “I have a gift for you if you’ll come with me.”
She followed him to his horse. He opened the saddlebags and pulled something out, and then turned to her.
“One is a bit smudged,” he said, “from the thug who got to it before I did. But I was able to save the others before any harm came to them . . . or anyone read them.” He placed the first one in her hands.
Her eyes filled as her fingers touched the leather cover. She stared at it for a moment, and then clasped it close. For a moment, they looked at each other.
Then he said, ”I don’t know if we can start over, if we can recapture what we once had . . .” He looked toward the sunrise. “Or if you can ever forgive me. If anyone can . . .”
He reached for her hand, and she let him hold it. “I would like to try,” he said.
The sun now shone bright on the wagon company below them. The cattle were starting to move, and wagons lurched forward as the cries of the wagon master carried in the air. Children played alongside the wagons, some women drove their wagons, others walked alongside.
“It’s time to go,” the captain called out, grinning at Gabe. “Let’s get this prairie schooner on its way.”
Gabe gave him a salute, mounted, and rode up beside him.
Author’s Note
Dear Reader:
The Betrayal came from a deep place in my heart, perhaps more so than any of my other two dozen works of fiction. The plot was not one I had to mine. It found me.
This doesn’t mean the subject wasn’t a challenging topic to tackle. It was. The Sister Wife, book one in the series, was difficult enough to write as I plotted the journey of Mary Rose and the heartbreaking circumstances she faced. But as we moved geographically and emotionally deeper into the story—this time telling it through Bronwyn’s viewpoint—I realized that the questions raised held an acute truth not only essential to my story . . . but also essential to our faith journeys today.
These questions have to do with who we are as beloved children of God, with the choices we make, with the wrong turns we take on our life’s journey, with the consequences we pay as a result. They also have to do with God’s forgiveness, mercy, and grace—and that always, no matter how often we fall or mess up our lives or the lives of others, there is never a moment that His love for us falters.
J. I. Packer says in his classic Knowing God:
He knows me. I am graven on the palms of His hand. I am never out of His mind . . . He knows me as a friend, one who loves me; and there is no moment when His eye is off me, or His attention distracted from me, and no moment, therefore, when His care falters.
There is unspeakable comfort . . . knowing that His love to me is utterly realistic, based at every point on prior knowledge of the worst about me, so that no discovery now can disillusion him about me, in the way I am so often disillusioned about myself, and quench His determination to bless me . . .
There is, however, equally great incentive to worship and love God in the thought that, for some unfathomable reason, He wants me as His friend, and desires to be my friend, and has given His Son to die for me in order to realize that purpose.
Packer’s words go right to the heart of Bronwyn’s journey in The Betrayal. And to the heart of my own journey. Perhaps yours as well. All of us have taken wrong turns in our lives; we’ve been headstrong, ignored God’s truths, and hurt others, perhaps betrayed those we love most in the world. Some of us have made what we think are irreparable mistakes—betraying God, betraying our best selves.
Bronwyn struggles with the betrayal of her dearest friend, Mary Rose, in The Sister Wife. She struggles throughout The Betrayal with feelings for Gabe that she doesn’t understand, yet knows are wrong. She is tempted to give in to these feelings, knowing full well that if she does, she will again betray her friend.
If we “listen” carefully to her words and thoughts as she tries to convince herself that she has every right to act on those feelings, we might be surprised at how similar her argument is to those we’ve either used ourselves or heard others use to justify their choices.
Have you ever struggled with past actions you thought unforgivable . . . with choices you knew were not God’s best for you? I encourage you to lay down the burden of past wrongs at the foot of the cross, ask God’s forgiveness, and then, if possible, go to the ones you have hurt and ask their forgiveness, and if possible, prayerfully do your part to restore the relationship. It isn’t easy. Asking forgiveness makes us vulnerable. It opens our hearts in ways that are unfathomable. Sometimes painful.
God is in the business of healing, but he waits for us to take the first step. When we do, we’ll find Him lovingly waiting to go with us on this journey. He will dry our tears and give us the strength to do what needs to be done.
I love the promise He gives us in Psalm 86:5 (NIV):
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.
I want to add a note to sharp-eyed readers. Utah did not become a U.S. territory until 1850. When referring to “the territory” in this work, I am using it as a generic term. Also, though I refer to blood atonement as being discussed in 1848, historically the theology wasn’t openly preached by Brigham Young until closer to the time of the Mountain Meadows Massacre in 1857 (as portrayed in my novel The Veil).
I would love to hear from you. I invite you to drop by my website—www.dianenoble.com—where you will find photos of our research of old emigrant trails, a list of my previous books, recipes, journal entries, and more. Don’t forget to sign my guestbook. You can also look me up on Facebook and Twitter. I read and respond to every e-mail and value each letter or note I receive.
With all joy and peace,
Diane Noble
Discussion Questions
1. What are your thoughts about polygamy? Do you believe that religious groups have the right to practice plural marriage in today’s society? Why or why not?
2. How do you feel the practice relates to freedom of religion? Should there be limits? Why or why not?
3. Why do you think it was practiced by the patriarchs of the Old Testament? What verses of Scripture can you find to support your view? Did the practice please God? Did he condone it?
4. How do you think individual women in a plural marriage feel about themselves, e.g., what do you think happens to their self-esteem when another woman is brought into a marriage? Is there a difference between polyga
my practiced by fundamentalist LDS sects and Muslims in this country or elsewhere?
5. Fundamentalist sects say a polygamous lifestyle is more stable for children than multiple marriages and divorces within their family. What do you think? Statistics show there is a higher percentage of cases of anxiety and depression among women and children in plural marriage relationships. Why do you think this is the case?
6. Bronwyn is in a “legal” polygamous marriage, according to her Church and the society she lives in. Why is she torn between remaining chaste and giving herself physically to Gabe? Would this be a difficult choice for you if you were in her circumstances?
7. Do you think Mary Rose is right in her behavior toward Bronwyn and Gabe as she watches the emotional interplay between them? How would you describe her attitude (in one word)? How about her attitude toward Enid (again, one word only)?
8. What is Gabe’s driving force as he embraces the practice of polygamy? Do you think he loves any of his wives more than the others? Which one, and why? Or does he love himself? Do you see any act of sacrificial love toward them?
9. Bronwyn longs for someone to love her as if she is the only one in the world to love. She thinks that human love can fill this void. Do you see this as a metaphor of human longing, male or female, for the all-encompassing, unconditional, sacrificial love of God? Why, or why not?
10. If Gabe were to come back to Mary Rose and ask her forgiveness, do you think she should or could forgive him? In your own life, if someone you love betrayed your trust, is it possible to extend forgiveness, grace, and mercy to that one—no matter the offense? Does it matter if you are asked for forgiveness? Can you forgive anyway?
11. If you are the one who betrayed another, do you think it’s necessary to go to that loved one you betrayed and ask for forgiveness, even if considerable time has passed? Why, or why not?
12. Consider the words from the Lord’s Prayer, Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Take a few minutes to think of someone you need to forgive . . . or of someone you need to go to for forgiveness. Consider God’s mercy, grace, and deep love toward you and ask him to help you extend that same compassion toward the one he has brought to your mind, or the strength to act if you are the one in need of forgiveness.
Acknowledgments
Throughout the days and months I worked on The Betrayal, I have been blessed by many who encouraged, supported, and cheered me on, especially the following:
Cynthia DiTiberio, my editor at HarperOne, who remains passionate about The Brides of Gabriel. Her editing skills brought The Betrayal to life, and she is such a joy to work with. It’s with a heart of gratitude that I thank her for her patience and grace! Cindy, you are a treasure!
Joel Kneedler, literary agent extraordinaire, for his encouragement, insightful direction, and godly grace. He keeps the world at bay while I work (a major feat!) and has a special knack for keeping me focused. As always, you’re the best, Joel!
Lorin Oberweger, editorial consultant, cheerleader, and book-in-progress angel. Lorin, what would I do without your incredible insights, fiction expertise, and unwavering support? Thank you once again for being there for me.
Jan and Jack List, who provided a little bit of heaven on earth and a place of inspiration for my muse while I worked on The Betrayal. Thank you, dear friends! Big hugs, too, to friends who generously helped us furnish our “nest”—especially Dona annd Larry Burns, Betsy and Bob Clopine, and my “lil’ bro,” Jim Thomas.
It was a joy to add the name of a special character, Beatrice Leverton, to my cast of characters. The name was provided by Dorina Sleep, who during a charity fund-raiser drawing won the chance to become (or to provide the name and characteristics of) a character in this work. Big hugs to Jim and Tori Thomas for naming “Chuck Wagon” and providing the description for Hosea’s furry sidekick to honor their beloved pet.
A special thanks to my family and friends, prayer warriors all, who encouraged and supported me during the writing of this book, especially Dennis and Kathi Hill, Kristin Hill, Melinda Head, Amy Martinez, Linda Udell, Marihelen Goodwin, Tom and Susan Johnson, Flo Smith, Sharon Gillenwater, Annie Jones, and Lynn Bulock; my online Facebook family—those related by blood and those related in “spirit,” especially Papa Gene and Linda Newcomb; and to my St. Hugh’s family in Idyllwild.
To Dan Rondeau, my spiritual director, whose godly wisdom, thoughtful guidance, and joy- and peace-filled presence always lifts my heart and gives me new truths to ponder. Dan, when we’ve been together, I never fail to come away feeling that I’ve spent time sitting at the feet of Christ. Thank you for reflecting his peace, joy, and love to me.
Biggest hugs of all to Tom, my resident historian and chef extraordinaire. Your expertise in the area of American history, especially the history of the American West, is so appreciated when I’m working on a series such as this! Thank you for your kind patience and immense unerstanding during the long months of my “hermitage” while I worked on The Betrayal.
About the Author
Award-winning novelist Diane Noble writes stories that tap into the secrets of the heart. Whether her characters live in twelfth-century Wales, nineteenth-century America, or in today’s world, Diane explores their secret longings and loves, their heartaches and triumphs, and, ultimately, their redemption. She brings them to life, drawing on her own experiences and observations and digging deep into human emotions common to us all.
Beloved for her heartwarming novellas adapted to stage (Come, My Little Angel, and Phoebe) and acclaimed for her award-winning novels (The Veil, When the Far Hills Bloom), Diane’s works include romance, mystery, suspense, and historical novels.
Diane and her historian husband enjoy exploring rugged nineteenth-century immigrant trails in their Jeep and “African safari” tent trailer, and they belong to various organizations that support the exploration and preservation of these trails. Diane is also member of Women Writing the West, an organization dedicated to the celebration of the role of women in the American West, yesterday and today.
Visit Diane’s website at www.dianenoble.com and write to her at [email protected]. You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Visit www.AuthorTracker.com for exclusive information on your favorite HarperCollins authors.
Other Novels by Diane Noble
The Sister Wife
The Veil
When the Far Hills Bloom
The Blossom and the Nettle
At Play in the Promised Land
Heart of Glass
The Last Storyteller
Tangled Vines
Distant Bells
Through the Fire
Angels Undercover
The Missing Ingredient
Home to Briar Mountain
A Matter of Trust
The Master’s Hand
Written as Amanda MacLean
Westward
Stonehaven
Everlasting
Promise Me the Dawn
Kingdom Come
Novellas/Stageplays
Come, My Little Angel
Phoebe
Credits
Cover design by Mary McAdam Keane
Cover photograph © by Mark Owen/Arcangel Images
Copyright
Published in association with the literary agency of Alive Communications, Inc., 7680 Goddard Street, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80920. www.alivecommunications.com
THE BETRAYAL. Copyright © 2011 by Diane Noble. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the nonexclusive, nontransferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse-engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express
written permission of HarperCollins e-books.
FIRST EDITION
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data has been applied for.
ISBN 978-0-06-198094-7
EPub Edition © AUGUST 2011 ISBN: 9780062079282
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