lascivious relationship, but he’d nearly killed Seth Carpenter. These were good people, and Andrew wanted to be useful to them.
“Lord, show me what to do. Help me not to act out of rage.”
A knock sounded on his cabin door.
He sat up in the dark. “Enter.”
When the door opened, light flooded the room. His grandfather smiled. “I knew you were awake,” he said in Nez Perce.
“’Eehé—Yes. I can’t sleep.”
“Because you asked Faith to marry you?”
“No, there’s something else—a problem she’s facing. Wrongs done to other people. Wrongs threatened to be done to her. I just don’t know how best to help.”
The old man squeezed Andrew’s shoulder. “Sometimes our hands are not big enough.”
“You’re trying to tell me that only God can manage this, and I suppose I know you’re right, but I also feel compelled to do something myself.”
Andrew’s grandfather shook his head. “Even Jesus said He did nothing without the Father.”
Andrew exhaled a heavy breath. “You’re right, of course. It just seems like I should do something.”
“Let God show you what to do. Don’t be like the foolish man who rushes about from place to place, accomplishing nothing, creating chaos. You love her, and she loves you. God has brought you together for a purpose. He won’t forget to let you know what that purpose is. Trust Him, Andrew.”
Andrew eased back into his bunk. “I will. Thank you for speaking truth.”
CHAPTER 23
Seth is doing much better,” Nancy told Faith. “The doctors relieved the pressure on his brain by operating. Since then he has woken up twice, and both times he recognized me.”
Faith smiled. “I’m so glad.” She knew it was a very good sign. “How are you feeling?”
Nancy patted her belly. “I’m just fine. Mother will hardly let me do anything, so I’m at no risk of causing myself or the baby harm.”
“She doesn’t like the idea, but she has agreed to return home this afternoon for some much needed rest,” Grace Armistead announced.
Nancy gazed heavenward. “I don’t like leaving him alone.”
“Well, you might not realize this,” Faith said, “but Seth needs rest too. With us here, he might feel obligated to try to remain conscious, when sleep is what will help his healing.”
Frowning, Nancy looked to her mother. “Is that true?”
Grace nodded. “Quiet and rest are sometimes the most important things for the body in order to heal. Seth has been awake, and he knows how much you love him. He knows you’re close by and will come to him if he needs you. But he also knows you are carrying his child and need rest yourself. He may be unable to sleep because he knows you aren’t.”
“Fine. I’ll return home, but I don’t intend to stay there.”
“Of course not,” her mother replied.
“I want Papa to buy me another horse and carriage. A nice big carriage for a family. That way we’ll have what we need to get around, and I can even transport the ladies to church on Sunday. I’ll need a team of horses, not just one.”
“Has the repair on the carriage house been completed?” her mother asked.
“Yes. David told me he has only to finish some painting.”
“There’s a good livery at the corner of Southwest Park and Jefferson Street,” Faith offered. “I know because the medical school rents rooms above it for dissection work. The last I knew, the owner had several good horses for sale, and carriages as well.”
“Good. We’ll send Papa there first thing tomorrow.”
The light was starting to fade outside. “Tomorrow is Sunday,” Grace reminded her daughter.
Nancy’s chin had a stubborn set to it. “All right, then I’ll send Papa there on Monday.”
“Send me where?” Alex asked, coming into the hospital room.
“I’ll explain it on the ride home,” Nancy said, getting to her feet.
Faith could see it took more and more effort for Nancy to move. Not only that, but it appeared the baby had lowered. The delivery couldn’t be too far now, probably no more than a couple of weeks.
Nancy kissed her husband’s bruised and swollen face. “Seth, I’m going home, but I will be back soon. Please rest and get well. I love you so.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I need you, and our baby needs you.”
Grace leaned close to Faith. “They gave him something to help him sleep, but the doctor was encouraged by how stable his heart rate and breathing are.”
“That is good news. Are his arms broken?”
“The left is. The right is badly bruised and strained, but no breaks that the doctor could discern.”