Should she explain right now that no matter their attraction, she knew she needed someone willing to do whatever God asked? That no matter how in love with him she was, if he didn’t want to become a member of the Church and go with her to Zion, she couldn’t be with him?
“Right now, our paths seem to diverge, Ann, but they do not have to.” He glanced at her, his big blue eyes full of so much hope it tugged at her heartstrings.
“I ...” If his testimony was growing and his beliefs were changing, perhaps she had best not press him so directly about his faith yet. “I ... would like to continue to be your friend for the rest of the voyage.”
She tried to convince herself that time was her best ally.
Her words seemed to buoy him like sails with a strong wind. “I will take it, dear Ann. You’ll see, I’ll prove myself yet.”
She hoped that meant in all ways, especially in his beliefs. Her need to know where he stood again pounded inside her chest, and she opened her mouth to brave a more pointed explanation. “Will—there’s one more thing—”
“Mr. Boyd—” A gentleman’s voice rang through the sick bay.
Ann turned to see Mr. Flynn standing in the doorway. How had he known—and did he care—that Will was down here conversing with her? She instinctively pulled back.
“Yes,” Will said as he turned.
“I am sorry to interrupt, but there may be something on the distant horizon I think ye ought to see.” Mr. Flynn didn’t say any more, but his face was drawn and expectant.
“I will come straightway.”
The boatswain nodded and stepped out of the doorway. Will glanced back at Ann and gave her such a sincere and promising smile, she couldn’t help but feel the warmth spread throughout her. He really did affect her, and she’d be lying to say she didn’t love every moment in his company.
He’d renewed his affections and had been clear about the guidelines they’d have to keep. At least while on board, she could enjoy his company, and she could pray his testimony would grow.
When the time came to deal with the future, she’d have to ask him more pointed questions, but it seemed today was not that day.
She turned back to her new charge, hoping her prayers—united with Will’s emerging faith—could help Scotty make a full recovery.
Chapter 37
April 15, 1854
53 days at sea
It was the third sermonsince the Church anniversary celebration, and every healthy passenger seemed in attendance, including Ann and the other women helping in the sick bay. Ann couldn’t remember when there had been such a crush of people on the deck. Yet despite the crowds, Elizabeth found her, smiling as she came to her side.
“I am so glad you get to hear the service today. You really missed a wonderful one last time. Even the captain and the mates listened again.”
Ann wondered what Will’s thoughts on it had been. She saw the captain and a few sailors listening today, but Will was not among them. She knew the captain and the crew listened only out of courtesy and doubted any of them had true interest in the cause of the Saints.
Through the crowd she saw the tall, light-colored head of Brother Wheatley. “Look,” said Ann, pointing discreetly, and whispering to Elizabeth. “Should I invite him to join us? I recall him taking a great interest in you the last time you two were together. I daresay he has feelings—”
“No!” Elizabeth grabbed Ann’s arm with desperation. President Garn was preparing to step into his usual makeshift sermon perch on one of the barrels. Soon they’d be expected to be silent, but Ann’s interest was piqued.
“Why on earth not?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “He proposed to me just yesterday.”
Brother Wheatley was determined to be married; she had to give him that. “And ...”
Elizabeth winced. “I turned him down.”
“You did?” Ann stared at her. “But why? I noticed his interest in you, and I thought you were set on making a match—”
Elizabeth let out a sigh as her mouth fell into a chagrined frown. “I just didn’t feel like I could say yes. I was terribly surprised in myself. But I realized I didn’t have feelings for him, and I couldn’t commit to such a thing.”
“Well, then,” said Ann, equally as shocked, “that takes courage. I applaud you for sticking with your resolve. Is there someone else?”
