Faith hid her smile in her teacup. Anything to please a donor.
Later, after supper, Faith sat in the front parlor with the others at the boardinghouse. She had shared her adventures and the honor of being asked to the Lakewoods’ home. Nancy said very little until everyone else had gone to bed.
“I’m sorry Seth was tied up this evening,” Faith said. “Would you like me to keep you company until he returns?”
Nancy shook her head. “No, but there is something I need to say.”
“Then speak. You know we needn’t have secrets between us.”
The look on her cousin’s face suggested otherwise. “Gerome Berkshire is bad news. He’s a dangerous man who hates the Indians and anyone of color. I know I’ve told you this before, but you should avoid him at all costs. Lakewood is no better when it comes to prejudices.”
Faith could hear hesitation in her cousin’s voice. “But this is about something more, isn’t it?”
Nancy lowered her head and appeared to stare at the sewing in her lap. “There is something else. I told you about Seth originally coming to Portland to investigate my husband. And you know that Gerome was occasionally involved with my husband’s affairs. I don’t know all of the details, but he and Albert worked with others to supply guns and liquor to the Indians. Lakewood is also involved.”
“I just had a conversation on this very subject with Aunt Mercy when I was back at the farm. At least regarding guns and liquor. She said she and Uncle Adam are very frustrated by the amount of whiskey being consumed by the tribes on their reservation. They have no idea who is bringing the stuff in. They’re out in the middle of nowhere, and it would take great effort to carry in those goods.”
Nancy raised her head. “I think it was probably my late husband who aided this tragedy. You can’t tell anyone, however. The investigation is continuing, although Seth is no longer involved. Gerome learned of his participation and became suspicious of Seth. When it was clear Seth’s involvement wasn’tas useful, the authorities removed him from the investigation. They have, in turn, encouraged Gerome to spy for them. I’m sure he isn’t loyal to the army or the government, but he gives the pretense of serving their cause, and that in turn allows them to keep an eye on Gerome.”
Someone opened the front door. Nancy stiffened, and Faith saw momentary fear in her expression.
“Hello?” It was Seth, and Nancy relaxed.
“We’re in the front parlor,” she announced.
He came from the foyer, absent his hat. “Good evening, wife.” He kissed the top of Nancy’s head, then smiled at Faith. “And cousin.”
Nancy didn’t smile, and Faith found herself frowning. “Good evening.”
“What’s going on with you two?” he asked. Neither spoke, which only prompted a rewording of his question. “Someone better tell me what you have been discussing.”
“I’m afraid I caused a bit of a problem,” Faith declared. “I was just telling Nancy about being introduced to Gerome Berkshire and Samuel Lakewood today at school. Mr. Berkshire was rather persistent that I share an evening out with him. The conversation led us back to a warning Nancy once gave me about Berkshire.”
“How much do you know?” Seth met Faith’s gaze, then looked at his wife. “What has been shared?”
“She knows that you were once investigating him and why, and that he is now playing agent with the army and government,” Nancy said matter-of-factly. “Faith knows how to keep a secret, and I wanted her to fully comprehend the danger that Gerome and Mr. Lakewood represent.”
Seth sank onto the settee. “I wish you’d said nothing.”
“I’m sorry, Seth. I pushed her.” Faith tried not to sound overlyconcerned. “But you needn’t fear. I won’t say anything about Mr. Berkshire. I made it clear to him that I wasn’t interested in going out with him—that I’m devoted to my duties as a student and a healer. Mr. Lakewood, on the other hand, asked me to speak at his wife’s tea party.”
Seth straightened and shook his head. “Speak about what?”
His concern surprised Faith. “About females being accepted into the medical college and about my passion for medicine.”
“Lakewood is dangerous. He isn’t the man in charge of all of this, but he’s running things in Portland for someone. He certainly makes no secret that he stands against people of color, and Nancy and my sister overheard him talking about the guns and whiskey at a party he held for Berkshire.”
Faith shook her head. “Well, when it comes to me, I am certain all he cares about is me entertaining and educating his wife and her friends. He’s a strong supporter of the medical college.”
“Faith mentioned talking with Aunt Mercy. She and Uncle Adam are very concerned about the whiskey that is flooding the reservation,” Nancy said, changing the subject.
Seth’s brows drew together. “What else did she say?”
Faith shrugged. “Just that there have been a lot of internal fights because of drunkenness. They have no idea who is supplying the alcohol, but it’s a growing problem that Aunt Mercy fears may lead to large-scale problems.”
“You need to say nothing more about this, Faith,” Seth said sternly. “You too, Nancy. This is dangerous for both of you, and you need to leave the matter well alone.”
“What’s the problem with talking to our aunt about something she was openly discussing with the family?” Faith countered.
