Treasured Grace Read online

  “That night after everything was quiet, Josiah said we needed to go. He knew that if we stayed, the Indians would find us in the morning. So we got away—Josiah carrying John on his back and Alexander in his arms. I had Nancy with me. We only got about two miles before I collapsed. Josiah told me to remain hidden with Alexander and Nancy, and then he took John and came to the fort. The next day—no, I think it might have been two . . .” She shook her head. “I can’t say, but John and a friendly Indian came and found us. We were riding to the fort when a Cayuse saw us and rode up to kill us. Our Indian talked him out of it, although I don’t know what he could have said to change the Cayuse’s mind. I was so weary and frightened that I almost wished he would just kill us and be done with it. The constant threat—even here it’s maddening.” She fell silent, her face still a blank void.

  Grace had heard more than enough. She wanted to stay and offer help, but she couldn’t. “Thank you for telling me. I needed to know.” Without waiting for Margaret’s response, Grace nearly ran from the room.

  She hurried out of the building, having no idea where to seek comfort. Blinded by tears, she wandered aimlessly around the fort grounds. Her sisters were still at the mercy of the Indians, and there was nothing she could do. She collapsed in a heap at the corner of one of the buildings and gave herself over to mourning. Why had this happened? Why hadn’t Whitman known to get them all to safety? But where was safety to be found? Even here at the fort, everyone feared the Indians would attack and continue their war.

  “Grace, are you all right?”

  She looked up to find Alex not six feet away. She collected herself and got to her feet. He didn’t move but watched her with an expression of agony on his face.

  “I just heard that Margaret told you about the attack.”

  “Alex, I want the truth.” She came within inches of him. “My sisters . . . were they . . .” She could hardly speak the words. “Were they taken as wives?”

  He held her gaze. “Hope told Sam that Mercy was thought to be too young.”

  Grace realized he was telling her in as delicate a way as he could that Hope had been compromised. She struck out at him, flailing her fists into his chest.

  “Why? Why would God let this happen? Why? They’re just girls—they did no one any harm.”

  At first Alex let her rage, but after a few moments, he took hold of her wrists. “Grace, they’re alive, and hopefully they’ll remain that way. You need to focus on that.”

  “I failed to keep them safe. I failed my mother and father. They were my responsibility, and I should have made them go with me to the Brownings’.”

  “You did what you could for them. You carried your responsibility for them in a most admirable way.”

  She shook her head. “Maybe they’d be better off dead. Think of what they’ve seen—what they’ve endured. How can you expect them to live with those memories? How can anyone live with that?” She was close to hysteria.

  His arms wrapped around Grace and held her fast. “They are alive. No matter what they’ve endured, they are alive, and they need you to remain strong. They will need you, Grace.”

  She calmed and rested her head against his buckskin-clad chest. “I should never have come west. God is punishing me for marrying a man I didn’t love—for making vows to love when I knew it would be impossible.”

  Alex put his hand beneath her jaw and forced her to look up. “I don’t know why this happened, but I am sure that this was not God’s desire. Why blame Him when the devil is loosed on this world and causes far more harm?”

  “I don’t know what to believe anymore. I thought being saved spiritually meant that God would keep you from evil. Not that bad things wouldn’t happen, like people dying or getting sick, but I figured God would keep away evil things, and this was evil, Alex.”

  “If we were to be kept completely from evil, He would have to take us out of this world, because it’s full of such things.”

  “I don’t know how they’re going to bear this.” She sought his face, desperate to find an answer in his expression. “I don’t know how to help them.”

  “All we can do is take each minute and get through that. And then another and another.”

  Chapter

  16

  Sam sat with his father as Cayuse chiefs and subchiefs met at the Umatilla village to discuss what had happened at the Whitman Mission. The Catholic bishop and several priests were also present and demanded an accounting.

  Camaspelo, who was in charge of the village that lay between the Whitman mission and the Umatilla village, declared that he had come to protest what had happened. “My words have been stolen,” he said to the gathering. “I did not want this killing, and I will not be blamed.”

  “This was revenge for the doctor’s attack on our people,” Telokite countered. “My young men were angry at the death Dr. Whitman had caused.”

  The priests asked questions, and the talk seemed to go on forever. Sam felt certain that very little would be accomplished. Telokite and his men were adamant that what they had done was right in order to keep the doctor from killing even more Cayuse.

  Telokite continued to speak, giving a review of the area tribes’ history as it related to the arrival of the Boston and King George men. He pointed out numerous wrongs done to the Indians, then finished by speaking to the lessons taught them by the Black Robes. Lessons that focused on the displeasure God had for people who made war and committed murders.

  When he finished, his son Edward stood and displayed a Catholic Ladder. The cloth, a pictorial of catechisms used to share the way to heaven, was stained with blood. “Dr. Whitman hated the Black Robes. He said because you had given us this and we allowed priests to be among us, God would cover our country in blood. He told us we would have nothing—but blood.”

  Edward continued, giving exact details as to what had taken place that day at the mission. “Joe Lewis told us that the doctor intended to see us dead. Just as you have heard from our brother here.” He stopped and pointed to a young Cayuse who had actually slept in the Whitman house. “Dr. Whitman planned our murders, giving us poison—taking the life of our people. These things were heard, and we do not lie.”

  “Did you hear these things yourself?” one of the priests asked.

  Edward nodded. “I did. I was there the day before we avenged our people. Mr. Rogers told me that the doctor and his wife, along with Mr. Spaulding, had endeavored for some time to poison us. They had promised to see all of the Cayuse and Nez Perce people dead.”

  The other Cayuse agreed, and after some further discussion, the priests helped them to put together a letter that might be sent to the governor on their behalf. After that, the priests departed to talk among themselves, and the Cayuse and Nez Perce began to disperse.

  Sam knew the whites wouldn’t be swayed from revenge by a mere letter. They might declare themselves willing to make peace until they got the women and children to safety, but after that there would be no stopping the soldiers from pursuing the Indians responsible.

  “I will return to our people,” Jacob Night Walker told Sam. “I will let them know what has taken place here.”

  “Tell Sarah I will be home when I can. I need to get to Alex at the fort and let him know what has happened.”

  Alex had never been happier to see Sam than when he arrived back at the fort just a few days before Christmas. The Cayuse chiefs had been summoned to Fort Nez Perce to parley with Mr. Peter Skeen Ogden, one of the directors from Fort Vancouver. Alex hoped that with the goods he’d brought, the Cayuse might be convinced to give up their hostages in trade.

  “Do you think this will work?” Grace asked. Alex saw the guarded look on her face and was overwhelmed by the need to reassure her that this ordeal would soon end.

  “I think they finally understand that they’ve caused more problems than they can ever hope to solve,” Sam told Alex and Grace. “Ogden is known to many of the chiefs. I think they’ll respect him.”

&
nbsp; “They’ve always feared and respected the men of the Hudson’s Bay Company, especially Dr. McLoughlin,” Alex said.

  “Yes, but McLoughlin is no longer in charge.”

  “Who is Dr. McLoughlin?” Grace asked.

  “He held control as factor of Fort Vancouver for many years,” Alex explained. “Only recently was it decided to have a three-man board in charge rather than a single man.”

  Grace frowned. “And is Mr. Ogden on that board?”

  “Yes, as is McLoughlin, although I think he’s finished with the Hudson’s Bay Company and may have already resigned. From what I hear, Ogden and a man named James Douglas are making the decisions.”

  “But if the Indians respect McLoughlin, then couldn’t he be prevailed upon to help?” Grace’s tone bore a sense of desperation.

  Alex wished he could convince her that everything possible was being done. “I think we need to wait and see what Mr. Ogden accomplishes in these negotiations. Meanwhile, I think it would be wise for you to stay out of sight. Telokite knows you, as do his sons. Some of the others might also recognize you.”

  “I’m not afraid of them,” Grace countered.

  Alex nodded, but it was Sam who spoke up. “But they know your sisters also. If these negotiations do not fare well, they might remember you were a part of it and harm Hope and Mercy as revenge.”

  That was all that was needed to convince Grace. She agreed to remain hidden with Mrs. Osborn and her children. Their presence would not be made known to the Cayuse.

  When the meeting was finally called, Alex took his place with Sam and waited to hear what Ogden would say. He had to admire the man. He had come of his own accord, bringing goods that he’d paid for himself—all in the hopes of seeing the women and children safely set free.

  “It is now thirty years we have been among you,” Ogden began. He spoke of how the men of the Hudson’s Bay Company had been faithful in trading with the native peoples and had not shed blood but rather had given them ammunition and guns to make their hunting easier. He reiterated over and over that such weapons were never to be used against man.

  Then Ogden boldly pointed to Telokite and accused the chiefs of having no control over their people.

  Alex held his breath, waiting to see what would happen. The harsh statement was bound to insult the Cayuse.

  There was murmuring among the chiefs, but no one spoke, and Ogden continued, explaining that sickness came to both the whites and the Indians. He stressed that only God determined the time of a man’s death.

  Alex wondered if the Cayuse would accept any value in that statement. Ogden spoke of the white man’s God, and while many of them claimed to revere God, Alex knew that others only played along in order to benefit from whatever the missionaries might give them.

  While Alex considered this, Ogden continued speaking. The tension remained high, and it was easy to see that Telokite and the other Cayuse were guarded and uncomfortable. Ogden had all but accused them of having broken their pledges. He might as well have called them liars. Finally Ogden fell silent.

  The Cayuse chiefs spoke among themselves. Tauitowe looked to Telokite and commented that many of their women were married to the Hudson’s Bay men, and because of this they should accept Ogden’s help out of respect.

  Telokite finally spoke. “We have known you a long time, and you have been a good friend to the Cayuse. We seek to make peace.”

  Alex exchanged a look with Sam. The relief on his friend’s face was mirrored in Alex’s soul. Telokite had said many things that Alex didn’t believe, but he had also pledged to return the hostages. Hopefully he would honor his word better than he had when he’d promised not to attack the mission.

  Alex hurried from the room to find Grace. He prayed the news would give her some peace of mind. When he found her still obediently waiting with Mrs. Osborn, he couldn’t help but smile.

  He motioned her to come to the door. She whispered something to Mrs. Osborn and followed Alex outside. Alex led her behind the building, hoping to keep her hidden.

  “Is it over? Will they let them go?” She looked at him with such an expression of hope that Alex smiled as he nodded.

  “Telokite has agreed to release them.”

  Grace surprised him by wrapping her arms around his neck. The most logical, most desirable thing in the world was that he should kiss her. Alex lowered his lips to hers and found Grace most receptive. She pulled him closer and returned the kiss with enthusiasm.

  For a moment Alex was transported to another place and time—and woman. Caroline. He had proposed marriage and she had accepted, and then everything went wrong.

  Startled by the memory, Alex opened his eyes, almost certain he would find Caroline rather than Grace in his arms. A sense of relief washed over him, but just as quickly, panic set in.

  Realizing what he’d done, Alex pushed Grace away from him. “I’m sorry. I never meant for that to happen. I know what you’re feeling, but I can’t . . . won’t let you think . . .” He shook his head. “I’m not free to love you.”

  He saw the hurt on her face—the pain in her eyes. Alex nearly let it be his undoing. Instead he turned and walked away. It was better this way. In time, Grace would get over her feelings for him.

  But will I get over mine for her?

  Grace was stunned. She had felt Alex’s desire in the kiss they shared and knew he cared for her as much as she did for him. So why had he humiliated her that way?

  Returning to the front of the building, she saw some Cayuse across the fort commons and hurried to duck inside before they noticed her. Margaret gave her a questioning look when she entered. Grace knew she was wondering what had happened.

  “The Cayuse have agreed to release the women and children.”

  “Praise God,” Margaret murmured, hugging her youngest close.

  Nodding, Grace moved to the far side of the room. She had no desire to talk to anyone as she contemplated what had happened with Alex.

  It was just a matter of the moment. My feelings got the best of me. It meant nothing.

  She was still telling herself that later in the afternoon when Sam came to speak to her. The Osborns were all asleep, so she risked being seen and stepped outside, fearing that should the Osborns awaken to find Sam there, they might be frightened. She motioned Sam to follow her behind the house.

  “Sam, Alex told me the chiefs agreed to release the women and children. Have they set a time?”

  “It’s uncertain. They have agreed to return and load the hostages up immediately. They are even now arranging to borrow wagons from the fort.”

  She could see a hint of doubt darken his expression. “Do you trust them?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t see that we have any other choice. They know the trouble they have brought down on our heads.”

  “Why do you include yourself in their number? You and your people had nothing to do with it.”

  “Perhaps not, but we will be blamed all the same. We are all the same to the whites. Your people do not see the differences. They only know us to be the enemy.”

  “No. That isn’t true. There are a great many whites who believe otherwise. Mr. Spaulding has spoken highly of the Nez Perce since his arrival here. He wouldn’t even have made it here safely had it not been for your people. There are others who will tell the truth of the matter as well.”

  “And individually people may listen, but collectively they will desire only to rid themselves of what scares them the most.”

  Grace couldn’t argue his point. There was too much truth in what he said. The mob mentality of people could be a very ugly thing to witness.

  “I’m sorry, Sam. I’ve been guilty of judging all Indians by the act of a few. I know it’s small consolation, but I have corrected my thinking. Maybe others will too.”

  “It will be a long time coming. The blood of Whitman and the others will be too bright a stain to ignore.” He shook his head sadly. “I fear for my people. The worst is yet to come.”
r />   By the next evening, the Cayuse had all departed the fort, and Grace took the opportunity to enjoy a short walk to clear her head. In just two days it would be Christmas. She had thought she and her sisters would celebrate it together at the Whitmans’. Perhaps they might have even heard from their uncle by then. There wouldn’t have been gifts to exchange, but they would have shared food and memories of other Christmases before their mother and father had died.

  Across the way she spied Alex and Sam near the building where she was staying. They were the last people she wanted to see—especially Alex. His rejection had left her feeling more alone than she’d ever felt. It was important to avoid him for a time. Once she had her emotions under control, she could more easily deal with him and put her memories of their kiss aside.

  But that kiss had been unlike anything she’d ever experienced. She couldn’t help but remember the feel of Alex’s lips upon hers, the warmth of his arms around her. He’d done so much for her when they’d traveled together—eased her load, made her comfortable. He’d been encouraging when she worried about her sisters and what was to be done. He’d held her and consoled her when she’d learned the truth about Hope. She loved him. He was all that she’d ever wanted in a husband.

  He cares for me. I know he does.

  So why had he pushed her aside and walked away? Why? He said he wasn’t free to love her. Did he have an Indian wife like Gabe? Was that the reason he seemed so secretive?

  “Grace.”

  She stiffened at the sound of Alex calling her name. The thought of running away came but left just as quickly. The fort was small, and there was no place to hide. Turning, she saw Alex approaching and squared her shoulders.

  “Yes?”

  “I think we need to talk.”

  “No. I don’t think that’s necessary.”

  “I owe you an explanation. I think I misled you with that kiss.”

  “It wasn’t important. It meant nothing. I was merely excited about my sisters coming back to me. I would have kissed Sam if he’d brought me the news.” She knew it was all a lie, but her pride was wounded, and she couldn’t bring herself to show weakness in front of him.