Cherished Mercy Read online

  “I would prefer other company.” The look on Isaac’s face said it all. He shook his head. “But the army isn’t heading upriver for a couple more weeks, and I feel we must get back to the mission. Eletta is ever on my mind.”

  Mercy understood and assured him it was the right thing to do. She could endure Billy’s attention a bit longer if it meant putting Isaac’s mind at ease.

  With the constant rain and wind, the river was difficult to navigate and made travel arduous. At least this kept Billy too busy worrying about paddling to bother Mercy. If there were any reason to thank God for a storm, it was this.

  Mercy spent most of her time huddling under a waxed canvas cloth. The cloth helped keep her dry and warm, but only marginally. Still, as she looked out on the banks of the river, she found herself captivated by the changing landscape. Flat fields and marshy grounds gave way to rolling hills and steep banks. Large rocks and occasional rapids gave the boatmen plenty of obstacles. At one point, things became so difficult that Billy and his men decided to make camp along the river and wait out the storm. Mercy wasn’t happy at this, but no one consulted her on the matter.

  To avoid Billy, Mercy remained faithfully at Isaac’s side. Thankfully, Billy seemed focused on other issues. The men were concerned about Indian attacks and each took turns standing guard over the camp in case of trouble. The rest slept with their rifles at their sides.

  The next morning, the weather had calmed, and the militiamen reloaded the boats. This time Billy gave Mercy plenty of attention and told her stories of his exploits on the river. At least he no longer spoke of his love for her.

  “Just up there a ways,” he told her, “was where I found my first gold. This whole place is just a gold mine waiting to be gleaned. I’m telling you, Miss Mercy, a man can make his fortune here.”

  “But at what price, Mr. Caxton?” she asked even though she hadn’t wanted to engage in the conversation.

  “Well, any price is worth what a man can haul in from the river. The gold is there to be had, and if not for the Indians, I’d already be a rich man, and you might agree to court me.”

  “No amount of riches would entreat me to court you, Mr. Caxton. I’m only here to help at the mission, and then I’ll return home.” She turned from him. “I believe I’ll rest now.” She pulled the canvas around her and closed her eyes. Billy didn’t challenge her.

  When they finally reached the place where one of many creeks poured into the Rogue River, Isaac announced that they were home. High up on the bank, Mercy could see native women and children. It was her first glimpse of the native people here save the Indian women who had been married to the white miners back in town. She put her hand to her brow to search for Eletta, but there was no sign of her. Of course, given all that Isaac had told her, Eletta was probably too weak to come and welcome them.

  Isaac helped Mercy from the canoe and handed over her knapsack. “Just leave the trunk and crates here on the bank,” he instructed the militiamen.

  “We’ll help you out,” Billy volunteered. He hoisted Mercy’s trunk onto his shoulder as if it weighed nothing. “Boys, lend us a hand and bring those supplies,” he commanded, looking back at the men in the canoes. He turned to Isaac and Mercy with a smile. “See there? All settled. Now lead the way.”

  Mercy didn’t like Billy having anything to do with her trunk. It made her feel obligated to him, and she definitely didn’t want that responsibility.

  Isaac took hold of Mercy’s elbow. “The climb’s a bit steep, but it’s a comfort to be up there when the river floods.”

  “I’m sure. I’ve lived in river towns most of my life, so I know very well the dangers.” She hoisted up her skirt and began the climb.

  It proved to be rather slippery due to the rain, and Mercy lost her footing more than once. Isaac took it in stride. He was obviously used to it and managed the path with little trouble. Once they reached the top of the bank, Mercy gazed around her in wonder. Tall evergreens, oaks, and red alder surrounded the clearing. There were two log cabins to the right, one bigger than the other. Beyond that were multiple Indian dwellings—houses of long wood planks built half underground. Mercy had never seen anything like it.

  “This is our home,” Isaac said, pointing to the first cabin. “The smaller one is the church, which we also use for the school. It’s mainly just one large room, but we attached a small room on the back for Adam.”

  “Where do you want this trunk?” Billy asked. He glanced around with an expression of disgust but said nothing.

  “I’ll take it.” Isaac handed Mercy his pack and took the trunk from Billy. “Thanks again for getting us home and for toting this up the bank. We’re obliged.” Isaac motioned to the men who followed with the mission’s supplies. “Have your men just leave the crates here.” With that taken care of, he headed for the house.

  Mercy started to follow, but Billy put himself between her and Isaac and gave an exaggerated bow.

  “I was happy to help. Where there’s a pretty gal involved, I like to make myself useful. Especially when they pack a punch like you.” His expression was approving as he looked her over from top to toe. “I like aggressive women with fire in their bellies.”

  Mercy frowned. “I hope you find one.” She walked around him and headed to the house.

  Thankfully, Isaac waited for her at the door. He wore a look of annoyance that matched Mercy’s feelings. “I’m going to have to talk with him, I can tell.”

  “Don’t bother. He’s all noise and feathers, as my grandmother used to say. Like a rooster strutting and crowing to get the attention of the hens.”

  “Yes, but roosters have spurs and can be mighty dangerous. We have one here that will take after you in a heartbeat if you aren’t careful. It’s wise to carry a big stick.” He grinned. “You might need it for Billy too.”

  Mercy smiled. “I’ll try to find one.”

  Inside the cabin, Mercy marveled at the homey arrangement. The large front room held a kitchen on the left side and a sitting area on the right with a stone fireplace and large rag rug. A bench was positioned on one side of the hearth and two chairs on the other. Here and there were shelves holding a variety of books and personal items. On the back wall were two doors. Both were open.

  “That’s our bedroom,” Isaac said, pointing to the right. “Yours will be with Faith over there.” He led the way to the left door. “I imagine Faith is over at the school. They should be about done for the day.” He put her trunk just inside the room. “I’ll let Eletta know we’re home.”

  “I’d really like to see Eletta, if I may.”

  Isaac nodded. “Why don’t you unpack and familiarize yourself with the house first? I’ll go see how she’s feeling and let her know everything that’s happened.”

  “Of course.”

  Isaac left her, and Mercy turned to survey the room. There were two neatly made rope beds on either side of a small, oval rag rug. Positioned between the head of the beds was a wooden chest with two drawers. Atop the chest were several candle stubs and tin holder, a wooden cross, and a hairbrush. One bed had been made up with a crazy quilt of many colors. A small doll lay upon the pillow. It was the only sign that the room belonged to a child. The other bed had a simple quilt of greens and blues in star patterns.

  Figuring this to be her bed, Mercy pulled her trunk close and sat down. Looking around the log room for a moment more, she wondered what the future held in store. She thought of her sisters so far away and waited for a sense of sadness to wash over her. When the feeling didn’t come, she smiled. It was proof once again that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

  She had just set her knapsack on the bed when Isaac appeared at the door. “Eletta wants very much to see you.”

  Mercy got to her feet. “Of course. I’m glad she’s feeling up to it.”

  She followed Isaac to the couple’s bedroom. Eletta sat propped up in bed with a smile on her pale face. Mercy returned the smile and moved to her side.

 
; “I can hardly believe you’re little Mercy Flanagan,” Eletta said, shaking her head. “I remember you as just a little bitty thing when we were coming west.”

  “Well, that was eight years ago. I’ve done a lot of growing up since then.”

  “Of course you have, and look at how pretty you are. Grace must be so proud of how you’ve turned out. She said you were a tremendous help to her. I hated that you should have to leave her to come here and care for me.”

  “It’s all right. I was in need of an adventure.” Mercy glanced toward Isaac. “I want to make myself as useful as possible to both of you, so just let me know what needs to be done.”

  Eletta sighed. “Most everything. I can no longer teach the children, and although Adam has been filling in for me, he’s anxious to be out ministering.”

  “I’d be happy to take on the teaching. The household chores too.” Mercy smiled. “And Grace has sent me with all her best concoctions, so we’ll soon have you as right as rain.”

  Eletta smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “That is my deepest desire.”

  Chapter

  5

  Adam, Papa’s back. Bright Star told me.” Seven-year-old Faith all but danced around the schoolroom as she made her announcement.

  Having dismissed school early that day, Adam was surprised his niece had returned. “I thought you were spending the afternoon with your friends making baskets at Red Deer’s house.”

  “I was, but she sent me to get the rushes from Bright Star. When I went to her house, she told me there were canoes downriver, and Papa was in one of them.”

  “Thanks for letting me know.” He cleaned off a piece of slate he’d used to teach English words. “And what about Miss Mercy? Was she with them also?” He almost wished the child would tell him no.

  “Bright Star said there was a lady with him, so I think it must be Miss Mercy.”

  Adam smiled, refusing to let Faith see his apprehension. “I’ve almost finished here. What say I leave the rest for later, and we’ll go greet them?”

  Faith gave an enthusiastic nod. “I know Mama will be happy. She’s been feeling so bad.”

  Adam knew only too well. He usually slept here at the school, but with Isaac away, he had been compelled to stay in their house. He was more than a little worried about Eletta, who had only grown weaker in Isaac’s absence.

  He walked with Faith to the larger cabin, hoping Isaac was right about bringing Mercy Flanagan in to help. It wouldn’t do any of them any good if she turned out to be flighty and silly. He couldn’t abide women who displayed either of those traits. But to be honest, over the last few years, he hadn’t abided women at all.

  “Papa!” Faith stormed into the cabin like a whirlwind. “Papa, where are you?”

  Inside, Adam was surprised to find their visitor already at work in the kitchen. She’d rolled up her sleeves and had an apron on over a simple brown cotton dress. Her shapely figured moved with grace as she tackled one thing and then another. It was clear she was used to such tasks. At the sound of Faith’s bellowing, however, she stopped to watch.

  Isaac stepped into the main room, which elicited a squeal from Faith. She ran the short distance and threw herself into her father’s arms. He lifted her into the air and whirled her around. Adam smiled. He often did the same when greeting her.

  “I missed you so much,” Faith said, giving Isaac several kisses on the cheek as the twirling stopped.

  “I missed you too. And I brought you a present.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a peppermint stick. “Mrs. Hull said I should give this to you. I’ve had a dickens of a time keeping it dry.”

  “Thank you, Papa! I love peppermint.”

  He smiled. “I know.” He chucked her under the chin and put her down. “I have some other things for you in our supplies, but they’ll have to wait. First I want you both to meet someone very special.”

  Adam turned to their visitor and was startled to find her watching him with great interest. When Isaac and Eletta had first mentioned Mercy Flanagan, he had worried about her character and ability to work hard. But he’d also figured her to be a stodgy old maid, homely and perhaps unkempt. After all, she was twenty years old and unmarried. There were few single women in the territory, so he figured there had to be something wrong with her if she was still single. But seeing her now, Adam realized just how wrong he had been. He felt dumbstruck. She was beautiful.

  “Adam, Faith, this is Miss Mercy Flanagan.”

  Mercy stepped forward and flashed a smile. “I’m pleased to meet you both.”

  “My mama says you were just a little girl like me when she first met you,” Faith said.

  “I was a little older, but she’s right. We met on the trail west. It was a very long walk, to be sure, and your mama and papa became our very good friends.”

  Faith nodded. “And now you can be my good friend.”

  “I’d like that very much.”

  Mercy looked up and met Adam’s gaze. He’d never seen eyes the color of hers before. They were like the turquoise stones he’d seen in Indian jewelry when he’d been in the south on his trip here.

  “Miss Flanagan, it’s nice to meet you.” He tried to keep his voice formal—aloof. He didn’t want to appear overly friendly. Women could be such strange creatures and often read far more into a smile than was ever intended.

  “It’s very nice to finally meet you both. But please just call me Mercy. I can’t see that formalities will be at all useful here.” She smiled and looked back at Faith. “That goes for you too. Just think of me like a big sister.”

  Adam could see that Faith was happy about this, but in his own mind he couldn’t imagine thinking of Mercy Flanagan as his sister. Not when she had the face of an angel and eyes that he could lose himself in for hours.

  This is much too dangerous and will only lead to trouble if I keep letting myself think this way.

  Adam knew his loneliness and disappointments of the past were working against him where Mercy Flanagan was concerned. He was definitely going to have to guard his heart, or he would find himself in the same predicament he had back in Boston—and no one wanted that. Especially not him.

  “That was one of the best meals I’ve had since Eletta took sick,” Isaac said, patting his stomach. “I’ve always loved venison stew.”

  “Well, Mrs. Hull’s sourdough bread was the real treat,” Mercy said, clearing away some of the dishes. “I’m glad she sent me with a starter so I can make my own.” She looked at Adam with a smile. “Good thing you made the request, or I might never have learned to make it. Or the shortbread.” She held out her hand for his bowl.

  “You helped make the shortbread?”

  He’d been aloof all through the meal, so his question surprised Mercy. “I did. I hope you liked it.”

  He said nothing, instead lifting his coffee mug and taking a long drink. Mercy didn’t know what to make of him. Adam Browning was certainly nothing like she had envisioned. For one thing, he was much younger. For another, she hadn’t expected him to be quite so handsome. She’d never considered Isaac handsome and had presumed his younger brother would be of similar looks. But while there were similarities, there were also differences. Adam was leaner, more muscular. His eyes were a dark hazel color, where Isaac’s were brown.

  “How about that, Adam? If we can get the butter, you can have shortbread whenever you like.” Isaac got up from the table. “I’m going to check on Eletta and see if she’s ready yet to take a little food.”

  “Can you make pies?” Faith asked, helping Mercy clear the table.

  “I can. Do you like pies?” She smiled at the young girl. She enjoyed Faith’s vivacious spirit. It livened things up considerably.

  Faith nodded. “So does Adam. His favorite is blackberry.”

  “I—” Mercy started to say that it was her favorite as well, then stopped. “Do you have blackberries here?” She thought Adam might answer, but he continued to nurse his coffee.

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nbsp; Faith nodded. “Mama planted them when I was just a baby. She said there are some wild berries too, but she wanted her own bushes. They’re all picked now, but I’ll show you where they are, and next year you can help pick them too.”

  Mercy didn’t want to point out that she wouldn’t be here come late summer when the berries would be ripe. Instead, she gathered the remaining dishes and motioned to Faith. “Can you help me wash up?”

  “Yes. I always help.” Faith stood next to Mercy in front of the tub of boiled water and lye soap.

  “I’ll wash and you dry. How about that?”

  Faith giggled. “That’s just like I do it with Mama and Adam.”

  Mercy nodded. “Good. Just give me a minute to set up a bucket to rinse them in.” She was reaching to pick up the bucket of hot water on the floor when Adam appeared next to her.

  “Let me.” He hoisted the bucket up onto the counter. With that done, he took several steps back, away from her. “I’ll take my leave now. I hope you don’t find our accommodations too primitive, Miss Flanagan. I’m sure after living in a proper town, you’ll be disappointed in our meager fare.”

  His comment took her by surprise and set her on the defense. “I’ve lived in places more primitive than this, I assure you.” She hadn’t meant to sound offended, but it clearly came out that way.

  Adam frowned. “Then I’ll be on my way.” He headed for the door.

  “Uncle Adam, you didn’t kiss me good night.”

  He stopped and turned back to hold his arms out to Faith. Mercy focused on the tub of dishes. Adam’s actions and open affection for Faith puzzled her. He seemed so hardened otherwise. In fact, he bordered on rudeness, and it brought out the worst in Mercy. For a moment she considered apologizing, but then decided against it. She was tired from her day’s travel and longed only to clean up and go to bed. Maybe her negative perception of Adam was based solely on her state of exhaustion. Perhaps he was tired too.