“Good morning, Faith.” Clementine beamed at her. “Nancy asked me to give you this letter. It came yesterday, and she forgot all about it until this morning.”
Faith took the missive and glanced at the writing. “It’s from my mother.”
“Always good to have news from home. I’ll leave you to read it.”
Once Clementine was gone, Faith opened the envelope and scanned the page. She had to smile at her mother’s concern about her staying warm enough and keeping dry. She supposed no matter what her age might be, Faith would always be a little girl to her mother. She continued to read.
Your father and I heartily approve of your work with the other college students to hold lectures to promote unifying people of all colors. We want to help with that in any way we can.
Faith had written to express her concerns some weeks before her trip home for Christmas. There had been little time to discuss it over the holidays, but now that she was refocusing on her final semester of school, Faith felt an urgency to do whatever she could to help further the cause. Last night had driven home a point to which she had given little thought. People were suffering because of prejudices and bad laws, and it was her duty to help get those laws changed and see that all people were treated equally. She might not be able to vote, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t work to influence others.
Your father plans to come to Portland and set up a bank account for you. The money can be used for your personal needs but also for helping fund your lecture plans.
Faith couldn’t contain her smile. Her parents were always generous, and her father would know exactly the kind of funding they would need to rent out speaking halls and have flyers printed.
We are proud of you, Faith. You have always been so tenderhearted toward people of all colors. Your kindness and determination to see people treated as God would treat them serves to make you all the more admirable.
To know that her parents were proud of her brought tears to Faith’s eyes. She had always worked for their favorable opinion and approval, and now it was clear she had both. She could hardly ask for more than that.
Faith went to her writing desk and took a seat. She would send a thank-you note back to her folks, but first she would write to Helen Hunt Jackson. With the funding provided by her folks, it seemed clear that God was calling her to take up the cause, and Helen would be able to advise her as to how to start.
Perhaps she could even favor us with a visit!Faith picked up her pen.
CHAPTER9
With her classes resuming next Monday, as well as her speaking event for Mr. Lakewood the same evening, Faith began to feel overwhelmed. It was already Friday, which gave her only two days to see to schoolwork and her speech, because she wanted to keep her Sabbath as a day of rest. When Seth mentioned that theMorning Starhad docked sometime in the night, Faith knew she could find solace in visiting Captain Gratton. It seemed unreasonable to waste precious time, given that nothing could ever come of their friendship, but she told herself that perhaps nothing needed to come of it. Having a good friend in the captain was reason enough to continue the relationship. She didn’t need to think of him as a potential mate. Wasn’t there a certain liberty in that?
Of course, there was still the issue of her studies looming over her. Perhaps since church didn’t start until ten o’clock, she could sleep late that morning. That way she could stay up late on Saturday to finish her assignments and finalize her speech. She wanted to make a good impression on Mr. Lakewood and his friends.
When Faith drew near to where the ship was moored, shespied Andrew on the lower deck, speaking to a couple of crew members. He saw her and waved her aboard without hesitation.
“What brings you down here today?” he asked, helping her with her final steps up the gangplank. “We aren’t taking passengers until this afternoon.”
“I heard you were in town and wanted to see if you had fully recovered from your injury.” She knew it was a lame excuse, but at the moment she couldn’t think of anything else to say.
He smiled. “I’m fit as a fiddle. Had a great doctor and knitter.” He tugged on the red cap she had made him.
“Crochet,” she corrected. “The hat and scarf were crocheted, not knitted.” She smiled. “But I’m glad to see that you’re using them.”
He chuckled. “I’d be a fool not to. They’re very warm and suit me well. Now, come meet the boys.” He moved toward the two crew members who were awaiting him. “Gentlemen, this is Miss Faith Kenner, a good friend of mine and a fine physician.” He looked back at Faith. “This is Joe and Festus.”
Faith smiled. “I’m pleased to meet you both.”
The men smiled, but Joe was the one to speak. “I’ve heard of women learnin’ to be doctors and figured that was an oddity. Guess I wouldn’t mind if she was as pretty as you.”
Andrew was having none of his flirting. “Joe, go find Remli and tell him I need coffee for two in the saloon. Maybe some of those cheese biscuits he made earlier. Then I want you two to get back to loading. Finish that and then see to these repairs.”
“Sure thing, Captain.”
Andrew looked at Faith. “Come on, let’s get inside. The wind is making the morning impossibly cold.”
“I agree.” She followed him to the passenger saloon andwas grateful to get inside out of the breeze. “Thankfully it has stopped raining.”
“It’s bound to start up again. At least that’s what my—what Ben said at breakfast.” He looked momentarily uneasy. “He, uh, always seems to know about the weather.”
Faith took a seat at one of the tables, and Andrew joined her.
“How are your classes coming along?” he asked.
