to you. It’s not fair. I intend to go speak to the president on your behalf. I’m sure we’ll all be willing to do that.”
“I don’t want you to risk your own well-being. As you said, graduation is just a few weeks away. I suggest you focus on that, and I’ll take care of the lectures. Distance yourself so that the school will have no reason to expel you as well.”
“No. You don’t understand, Faith.” He paused a moment and looked away. “I care for you.”
She was touched. It had been evident for some time that Malcolm had feelings for her. “Malcolm, it’s important that you finish your college studies and get your certificate. Your family is counting on you. I cherish you as a dear friend, but I have no other feelings for you. My heart, unfortunately, belongs to another.”
“That riverboat captain?” he asked, lifting his gaze. He looked so unhappy.
Faith smiled and nodded. “Yes, but nothing is going to come of that either. I am devoted to doing what I can to help the Indians, and I doubt being involved with Captain Gratton will allow for that. So you see, I am called of God to remain single so that I can do His work.”
“It hardly seems fair of God to demand you be alone.”
“But I’m not alone.” She did her best to convince her heart of this truth. “I’ll always have God, and I have my friends and family. Nothing else matters.”
CHAPTER 18
Andrew approached the boardinghouse with several ship logs tucked under his arm. Since learning the truth about Pritchard and the other men, he wanted to do whatever he could to keep the worst from happening. If only he’d known what they were up to. Pritchard had told him they were selling weapons to those living well away from any town or city. He insisted that storing them along the river made it easier for his drummers to pick up their supplies and get packed for their routine selling expeditions. Pritchard was smart too. He didn’t just buy guns and ammunition, he purchased traps and tools, whiskey and tins of crackers and meat. For all intents and purposes, he appeared to be doing nothing out of the ordinary—just a merchant supplying his customers with what they needed. Now, however, Andrew knew the truth.
Seth’s sister opened the door, and Andrew smiled. “Miss Carpenter.”
“Good evening, Captain Gratton. Faith said you’d be stopping by. Won’t you come in? I’ll take your coat.”
“It was just starting to rain, so beware. I wouldn’t want to damage the fine furnishings.”
She smiled. “There are rumors that it will turn to snow before midnight. Wouldn’t that be something?” She hung his coat on the coat tree and motioned toward the open archway. “The others are gathered just through here in the front room. You’ll find Faith there as well. We’ve been working on my wedding gown.”
“When’s the big day?”
“May thirtieth. Nancy insisted that I had to wait until after the baby is born.” Clementine stepped into the room. “Look who’s here,” she said to everyone, then crossed the room to take her seat.
“Captain Gratton. What a pleasant surprise,” Nancy said, looking up from the lace she was tacking onto a bodice. “How are you this evening?”
“Doing well, thank you. I apologize for barging in uninvited. I would have waited, but the Morning Star will depart quite early in the morning, and I’ll be gone for a while.”
“It’s no problem. We’re always happy to have friends here. We have been working on Clementine’s wedding dress.”
“Yes, she mentioned that.”
“I found the rest of that lace,” Faith said, coming into the room. She noticed Andrew immediately and beamed a smile. “What a pleasant surprise.”
Nancy laughed. “That’s exactly what I said.”
Faith deposited the lace on the small table between Nancy and Clementine. “If you recall, this is Mrs. Weaver.”
He nodded at the older woman who sat close to the fireplace.
“And the dark-haired woman over there reading is Mrs. Bryant. She is the other lady you and Seth went to rescue the day of the storm.”
“We finally meet, Captain Gratton. I appreciate that you came with Seth to look for me,” Mrs. Bryant said, looking up from her book.
“They had taken you to the hospital, as I recall.”
“Yes. I was rendered unconscious by flying debris but only mildly injured. I’m pleased to report I am doing much better.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Andrew gave her a nod, then looked at Faith, who had taken a seat by Clementine. She