“He allowed His own son to die a hideous death on a cross,” Evans interjected. “How is that love?”
“It was love for us. It made a bridge for us to the Divine. Jesus came to deliver us from the evil of this world. By accepting Him as Savior and repenting of our sins, we can come into the presence of the Father. We are forgiven and accepted as children.”
“But to what purpose, Mr. Porter? God doesn’t keep us from experiencing the evils of this world. We still know sickness, death. We aren’t set free from those things.”
“No, but we are set free from eternal damnation, from a hopeless end that will separate us eternally from God.”
“It sounds like your loss has not shaken your faith, as I presumed. I suppose that’s a good thing given your desire to preach. However, I cannot make my peace with a Creator who stands idle while His creation suffers.”
“Nor could I, but I don’t believe God is idle. I believe He grieves over us as a father would his child. If Laura were hurt, you would grieve. If she were threatened by some evil that she willingly allowed in her life, would you not fight for her and intercede in whatever way possible?”
“Of course I would. I would eliminate whatever that evil was, proving my point. If I were God and knew of what evils were to come, I would never stand by and allow it to touch Laura. If I, an earthly father, flawed as I am would do that, how much more should we be able to expect it from God?”
“But we have no idea of the ways He guards us and keeps evil from our door. We live in a very flawed world. A world full of sin and death that came at mankind’s choice. God doesnot impose His will upon us, Mr. Evans. But I am convinced that He loves us, beckons us, and delights in us when we turn away from sin and return to Him.”
Will could feel his anger toward God ease a bit. Maybe he just needed to hear the words aloud—to hear what his own father had told him many times when Will was a boy.
“Evil men will always do evil things, and yes, there will be times when we suffer the effects, even as God’s beloved children. However, I still believe in His love and goodness.”
Granite Evans shrugged. His face was void of expression. “To each his own, Mr. Porter. I’ll bid you goodnight. Please know that you are welcome here as long as you need a place to stay.” He started to go, then turned back. “And that is my grace. Not God’s.”
13
There had been some great celebrations in Cheyenne for Lincoln’s birthday, but the real celebratory plans were slated for the birthday of George Washington. At the Evans house, a grand party of outrageous proportions was being planned. It had already been decided that most of the larger pieces of furniture would be stored in tents behind the house to leave plenty of space for musicians and food tables inside.
Will had heard from Mrs. Duffy about Granite Evans’s plans for some of the town’s wealthier bachelors to meet his daughter. Having been able to join them at the dinner table for the evening meals, Will was surprised to hear Mr. Evans talk openly about the reason behind the party. Evans spoke as if Laura were a commodity to be auctioned and was confident that she would be able to pick a husband by the end of the evening. Will was appalled and even commented that he thought the idea ridiculous. He had suggested that a deep abiding love needed time to develop, but Granite Evans just waved him off.
“I’m not talking about deep abiding love. That will comein time,” he had said. “No, what I’m talking about is the most advantageous union that might bring benefit to both families. Laura can tell immediately if she will get along with someone. She’s a brilliant woman of deep feeling. I’m confident of this.”
Will could still hear Laura’s tactful reply, explaining she had plans to not hurry into marriage. She had been quite surprised at her father’s confidence that she’d know by the end of the night who she’d want to marry. Will had been glad to see her take a stand, but her father was insistent and even verged on being angry at times. He reminded her that a lot of planning had gone into this party—and into his career—and he hoped he could count on her to be helpful rather than harmful.
“You look a million miles away,” Laura said, joining Will in the foyer. “Are you all right?”
“I am.” Will balanced on his crutches. “I’ll be so glad when the doctor removes this cast. He said it should just be another couple of weeks.”
“I know. I’m excited for you to be able to walk around unimpeded, but I’ll be sorry to lose my houseguest. Are you ready for our walk?”
He pulled his felt hat low as she opened the front door. “I am. But as for your sorrow over losing your patient, I’m sure you have better things to do than take care of me.”
“Like pick out a husband?”
Will maneuvered the crutches as he stepped from the house. “No. Not that.”
Laura pulled on her gloves. “Shall we walk around the block? The snow is nearly all gone. I don’t think you’ll have any problems.” She closed the door and turned to face Will.
He thought she looked quite lovely in her plum-coloredfull-length coat, white scarf, and plum-and-white wool bonnet. She was pretty as a picture.
“Are you all right, Will? You look ... well, I can’t really say, but your silence concerns me.”
“I’m fine. I was just thinking that I’ve not seen this coat and bonnet before.”
“No, it’s new. Father insisted I have it. It just arrived with the store inventory. It is quite warm, and giving it to me seemed to please him so much.” She gave a shrug. “I didn’t really need it, but I couldn’t deny him. He insisted on a new gown for the party as well.”
“The coat and bonnet suit you, even with auburn hair.”
“I never really worry about such things. I once had a house mother at one of the boarding schools who refused to allow me to wear any shade of red or pink. She said redheads had no business in such colors. It was most annoying and never sat well with me at all. When I moved to another school, the first thing I did was buy a red hair sash.”
Will couldn’t help smiling. Her cheerful demeanor was like good medicine. “I’m glad you don’t worry about such things.”
