Book Series: Barrington Family Saga
Publishing Date: 2007
Author: Anita Stansfield
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Category: LDS Contemporary Romance
Point of View: Third Person Limited- Eleanore and JamesCategory: LDS Contemporary Romance
Chapter Count: 14
Page Count: 278
For Charles Barney, my father's great-great-grandfather, who was endowed in the Nauvoo temple during the evacuation.
And for Louisa Maria Hall Harris, my mother's grandmother, who as a child went back after being driven from her home by a mob to get her pewter teapot, so the enemy wouldn't melt it down and make bullets. And then she saw the house burn.
Because of them and many others, the spirit of Elijah has led me to Nauvoo. And there I find my greatest legacy.
Chapter 1 Driven
Iowa City - 1846
Eleanore Barrington reads her latest letter from her dear friend Sally Jensen in Nauvoo-aka-"the war zone" for the saints are being driven out. Just the thought of all that violence and how much suffering these good people are going through, her fellow Saints, forced to leave their beautiful city and homes and most especially, the temple. It makes Eleanore want to sit down and bawl like a baby.
With a heavy heart, Eleanore finds her beloved husband, James, out in a clearing on the property, chopping wood. As Eleanore shares the latest news, both get very depressed, realizing their fondest wish and goal as a family (see the end of the last book) to travel to the temple and be sealed as an eternal family might not come to pass.
They return to the house to spend time with the children. "Adopted" son Ralph, son of their widowed servant, Amanda Leichty, is now 18. Iris is twelve. Mary Jane is the six year old daughter of married servants Fredrick and Lizzie Higgins who came with James and Eleanore from England. Like Ralph, Mary Jane plays and grows up with the children in this series. Everyone misses David who passed away at the end of the last volume. And baby Jamie is at least 18 months as he jumps up and toddles over to Eleanore greeting her with babbling nonsense.
That night, James and Eleanore decide they will make plans right away to take an impulsive trip to Nauvoo. They just feel "driven" to go, that's all. If only, they justify, to check on their dear friends and offer assistance.
James and Eleanore leave the very next morning. As they are driving, Eleanore mentions how she conveniently forgot to mention she might be pregnant again. James is very annoyed-making this ridiculous, pointless trip further endangering her life. They are all gonna die.
Two days later, both stare in shocked silence at the state of things in Nauvoo. Every single one of the saints have evacuated, driven out, leaving everything to the nonbelievers who have already moved in and taken over every lovely home-throwing wild drinking parties, turning the town into Las Vagas. None of their friends are here, there's nothing they can do, nobody to help. The temple still stands, but there's nobody to run it. After a good cry in each other's arms on the temple lawn, James and Eleanore turn around and go home.
Chapter 2 The New Arrival
Three days later, still determined to visit her dear friends, Eleanore now wants to go to Winter Quarters. She finds James in the barn this time. Just like in chapter 1, he's wary of making such a trip but Eleanore encourages him to pray about it. Surely if it is God's will for them to make yet another highly ludicrous and dangerous trip, He will say yes. They can even throw in a couple wagonloads of foodstuffs and supplies and hygiene kits for good measure-how could the Lord say anything but yes?
He does! Except, James tells Eleanore gently, he is feeling like the Lord only wants MEN to make this journey for when he petitioned the Lord to let his wife come too (it was her idea after all, Lord!) he got a "stupor of thought" (As a new convert, James is already a serious scholar of all the standard works)
So that's how James and Fredrick drive off with the dawn at their backs leaving Eleanore and Lizzie to have a good cry before getting back to business of running a household.
One day, Ralph mentions to the women he's taken a fancy to one of the single girls in town his age. They've talked at church (you know, the non-denominational one they attend so nobody can suspect they're part of that evil cult in Nauvoo) he'd like to invite her over for Sunday dinner but he fears her aunt and uncle are not the nicest people and would surely forbid her. Eleanore takes the liberty of inviting the girl over for Sunday dinner anyway and it soon becomes clear thatLlewellyn LuEllen Bailey called "Lu" from here on out in the narrative, loves her new family and has no problem with the "private Sunday worship service" they hold as a family. She believes these newly restored gospel teachings. So the family has nothing to worry about.
Before the happy couple can announce their engagement, James and Fredrick return bringing "The New Arrival" a ten-year-old orphan boy named Benjamin, half dead with a recent illness and fever. Lizzie cleans him up and tucks him into bed right away so Eleanore and James can go into the master bedroom where they can hardly contain themselves-ripping each others clothes off. After their brief bout of passion, Eleanore weeps learning the sad, sad story of how this poor little boy came to be under James' care. James sobs like a little lost orphan boy himself as he recounts the tale: Brigham Young practically commanded James, telling him it was the will of the Lord he bring this boy back to Iowa to be raised by their family. Ben lost everyone back in Nauvoo-his entire family-while the Barringtons are in need of a son. Problem solved. James makes it clear Ben will only be legally adopted, he will not be coming with them on that future day to the temple to be sealed since he was already sealed to his parents and siblings in Nauvoo. It is clear Ben is going to fit right in with their ideal family unit. James and Eleanore make love again and declare themselves the happiest couple on earth.
Chapter 3 Haunted
The next day, Ben settles into the household as comfortably as if he's always been a member of the family. He and Eleanore already had a little talk about how he's ready to start calling her "mother" and James gives his blessing too. Later, Ralph informs James of his new beau. Everyone thinks Lu is the luckiest young lady in the world to have caught such a fine young man, if they do say so themselves! If only Lu wasn't trapped in that awful castle with her wicked guardians-her knight in shining armor helpless to save her. Well, it's the uncle that's most wicked, the aunt is only submissively wicked you see...James understands.
Ben starts having nightmares and James insists on being the one to comfort and talk with him. He refuses to confide in Eleanore the horrors the boy and his now dead family suffered at the hands of the mobs. Eleanore suggests a priesthood blessing. James hesitates. He's never given a priesthood blessing before. With Fredrick's help, the entire family witnesses the miracle of both James giving voice to the message Ben needs to hear and how, from that day forward, the nightmares cease completely. For, as he was told in the blessing, Ben has a great work to do in Zion.
The arrival of spring brings new irises and letters from friends who made it through the harsh winter at Winter Quarters alive. Lu continues to come over on Sundays for the secret worship service. It's becoming more urgent that a way be found to get her out of her aunt and uncle's but there's not much anyone can do. Meanwhile, Eleanor tries to talk to her husband about whatever it is that's bothering him. Doesn't he know, in an Anita Stansfield novel there's always some kind of grievance to air. Turns out James is afraid of being "Haunted" by a future mob attack on his own home and family. Like what poor little Ben suffered.
Heaven forbid.
Chapter 4 The Plight of Winter Quarters
Eleanore is great with child. It's the heat of summer when another letter arrives and, once again, Eleanore feels a great rush of foreboding. Now what? James hears Eleanore scream and rushes to her side. Andy is dead.
Who?
Andy Plummer. Miriam's husband. Their old Iowa neighbors they introduced to the gospel who then promptly left to join the saints in Nauvoo. Andy caught a mysterious illness and with all the suffering and starvation in Winter Quarters camp it was only a matter of time.
The entire family puts on their best mourning clothes, weeping and wailing in sackcloth and ashes. James continues to wring his hands over what he got his family into, joining such a dangerous religion that requires so much of its people. Eleanore feels equally responsible. If she hadn't been such a successful member missionary, their dear friend and neighbor would still be alive. For days a dark pall hangs over the household. All write letters of condolence sharing their feelings and testimonies-Ben even shares a special witness he received from the Prophet Joseph himself in Nauvoo about the glorious blessings of eternal families. Iris is also taking it hard.
Eleanor goes into labor, but it's bad. She asks James for a blessing. With an odd 21st century viewpoint, James wonders how those poor pioneer women out there in the wilderness manage to give birth out in the open like savages.
A baby boy is born. They name him Issac but Eleanore is feeling kinda poorly now it's all over. In anguish, James kneels and prays sobbing and pleading with the Lord to spare the life of his beloved darling. Since Miss Eleanore has no milk, the family cares for the baby with goat's milk. It takes a month before Elanor finally feels strong enough to join the family at the dinner table again.
Whew!
Chapter 5 Sanctuary West
Three months later, Eleanore is slowly getting her strength back while James slaves away in the garden and fields. He glaces up one bright afternoon, sees Eleanore and children in a tableau against the backdrop of the farmhouse and has an epiphany-There stands heaven, what more could any man ask for?!
That night, Eleanore wants to get more passionate but James puts on the brakes. He's worried about her health. Eleanore reminds him of the Prophet Joseph's promise to her-that she would bear and raise up many fine children. That satisfies him.
Tragedy strikes that Sunday. Lu is not in church. Her aunt fell sick and, like Cinderella, she is being forced to stay home and cook and clean and care for her. The family realizes one of these days they really need to call social services and do something to help poor Lu...but right now they have other things to worry about. Such as the latest letter from Winter Quarters. Sally and Miriam report that Brigham Young and company found The Great Salt Lake Valley far away in the West...oh dear, the family sighs. How can they ever hope to join them now?
The year turns, it's February and Eleanor is pregnant, again. She ends up miscarrying but is not upset by it, evidence of her growingmaturity faith. Miriam and Sally's next letters are postmarked...Salt Lake City, Utah! They made it! Sanctuary at last.
The aunt passes away but for the Barrington family, Lu continues to be MIA until one day, mean old uncle and the local sheriff come to the house looking for a certain, disobedient niece. Apparently she's run off and no one knows (or is claiming to know) where she is. The two men search the house but Lu is nowhere to be found. Ralph just shrugs and pleads the fifth. He's making plans to go west, seek his fortune and all that. Alone. James and Ralph show them the wagon in the barn, all packed up and ready to go. Satisfied, the uncle and sheriff leave. Because they're idiots.
Chapter 6 Eleanore's Forté
To the surprise and astonishment of all (really?) the family follows Ralph up to the attic where Lu has been hiding out this entire time. Lu weeps, begging them not to send her back to that horrible place. Ralph puts his arm around her for it IS true what he told the men. He is going west but he'll not be going alone. Amanda will be going with them, of course, as chaperone. The rest of the family share tearful goodbyes as they depart and the entire household is, once again, very melancholy at yet another loss, but not just in friendship. Apparently, Amanda was the only person in the entire household who could boil water without burning it. She knew how to cook. Eleanore makes her best effort but...it's just not the same. Everyone is depressed.
How long, O Lord, will such impossible trials be inflicted on this family?
So, after weeks of macaroni and cheese and fast food (such as it was in the 1800s) Eleanore has a brilliant idea. They're rich, are they not? They can certainly afford it. Why not place an ad for another cook and housekeeper. James beams. Chalk up yet another of the many reasons why he is so madly in love with his wife (as he takes another bite of tonight's burnt offering)
Chapter 7 The Skeptic
Three days after the ad is placed, a Miss Stella Carter is hired. She's 57. Never married, a recent arrival in town from New York City's Irish district and looking for work. Hoping they can trust her, the family hires her on a trial basis as their new "Alice" to live with them, since she can't possibly afford an apartment in town (and yes the word "apartment" is used). If Stella works out, maybe she'll end up becoming one of them.
Also, James decides to pay a visit to the sheriff, just in case he arrests anyone falsely or start searching for the missing girl. Sheriff tells him the mystery is solved for Lu sent him a note letting him know she DID run away and no one should worry about her for she is quite safe. James confirms that, yes, Lu probably did run off with Ralph. The sheriff is satisfied. Case closed.
Stella turns out to be very agreeable, she just LOVES this opportunity to work and prove herself in the kitchen. Her prayers to God have been answered which helps that Sunday as, after Stella serves them a delicious Sunday dinner, (she also attended church with them earlier that day) they invite her to join their little Sunday worship service, taking particular care to explain to Stella how they can take the sacrament and that it might be best if she abstains. You see, they are members of a certain unpopular church. Stella's eyes grow wide with fear. She is skeptical, "The persecution of your people is legendary," she tells them, And while she respects their strange beliefs, including the possibilityof becoming James' second wife of being harassed, persecuted, even killed just for associating with them, she will now be the one putting them on trial. She'll give them one week. Eleanore shows her a Book of Mormon, bearing her testimony of it.
One week later, Stells announces she will stay, indefinitely.
Chapter 8 Time
Time does indeed go by in this chapter. Iris gets her period. She'll be getting married any day now, Eleanore informs her husband who can only stare, incredulous, at such a thought as his daughter growing up! No more bedtime stories or tucking his now fourteen year old daughter in at night. It won't be long before another man will have that privilege. And yes, Eleanore reassures her husband, she already had the "birds and bees" talk with Iris years ago. After all, Iris is only three years younger than Eleanore was when she lost her virginity to James, after he (condescendingly) explained it all to her on their wedding night. Iris has nothing to worry about.
Can you imagine that?
In July, Stella announces she's ready to be baptized. James performs the ordinance. Eleanore cries.
In the fall, Mary Jane turns eight and is baptized by Frederick. Eleanore is pregnant again. She and James mark their 10th wedding anniversary. Joseph is born in June 1849. Winter comes round again along with a letter from James' head housekeeper back in England. Remember that Book of Mormon they left on their last visit (see the last book)? Well she read it, got baptized, and will be sure to wave to them as she passes by with the rest of the English saints pulling their handcarts through Iowa on their way to Zion.
Will wonders never cease?
Summer arrives and Iris is now sweet sixteen. She wastes little time finding herself a nonmember boyfriend at church to talk to. His name is Dillon. Doing their best to stay positive, James and Eleanore invite the young man to Sunday dinner. Dillon accepts but doesn't have much to say at the dinner table, he'd rather be alone with Iris so they can make out. Iris has no objections either. James and Eleanore confront a very grouchy Iris in her room where she snarls that Eleanore is NOT her mother. She apologizes but Iris is firm in her resolve to have a boyfriend that she can kiss whenever she wants.
Alone in the hall, Eleanore and James throw up their hands. Eleanore never had this problem. The only man ever interested in her was the one she ended up marrying. All they can do is pray for her.
Chapter 9 Dangling
After a few more weeks of Iris pouting at her parents before running off to hold hands with Dillon, Eleanore wakes up in the middle of the night to care for baby Joseph only to discover Iris is gone! It doesn't take long for James to find her, riding back home on a horse, weeping. Apparently Dillon dumped her. He spent months dangling her along until tonight when he wanted to go all the way but Iris refused. The prodigal daughter returned to have a good cry in daddy's arms and a long talk. Iris will heal but her repentance process will be hard.
The people who moved into the Plummer's old home on the next property over are not as friendly and certainly not interested in any new religion. Their name is Pitt. One day in the spring, Mr. Pitt drops by to remind James of a meeting in town-men only. James attends the meeting, then decides to join the crowd at the tavern where, despite the spirit warning him to LEAVE NOW James lingers as the conversation turns to bragging how that troublesome Mormon family, the Jensens, were finally driven out and all the deplorable acts committed against them. Furious at such talk, James hurls himself at the nearest drunken man, Ned Weller, and gets stabbed in the thigh for his efforts.
Chapter 10 The Reprimand
As we can expect, James gets a very severe reprimand from Eleanore after stumbling through the door late that night, bleeding all over the place. Taking care not to wake anyone else, Elanore cleans up her husband while he explains what happened. Eleanore is, understandably, furious. He could've been killed! She gives him some laudanum to ease the pain and burns his bloody clothes so no one will ask any questions.
Next day, James fakes illness as his excuse to stay in bed but Fredrick and Lizzie know better. They corner Eleanore who gives only the bare minimum of details-James wouldn't tell her much anyway. Fredrick visits James and offers to give him a priesthood blessing. It's a typical, Anita Stansfield long one-God loves him unconditionally, vengeance will be His and that James needs to do all he can to stay physically healthy as God still has a work for him to do in building up the kingdom. Fredrick and Eleanore leave so James can bawl like a baby, begging God for forgiveness.
Out in the hallway, Fredrick assures Eleanore everything will be all right.
Chapter 11 Confessions
James trembles next time he talks with Eleanore, how can God ever forgive him? Eleanore reminds him to have faith and turn to God. James falls asleep and wakes up quoting Bible passages namely Matthew 5:44 where Jesus talks about loving ones enemies-"Bless them that curse you...pray for them..." This is especially difficult for James because, as he explains to Eleanore, Ned Weller was boasting of how he RAPED Sally Jensen. Eleanore covers her mouth and gasps in shock and horror. Now it makes sense. No wonder James flew off the handle like that.
It gets worse. Fredrick returns from running errands in town to report there's been a murder. Ned Weller was found dead in the same back alley where James had the scuffle.
This does not bode well.
The children enter and James confesses the truth to them about what really happened, in simple terms. Iris suggests they all pray together as a family, both for their dear father to heal and that nobody will press any murder charges against this good man. James and Eleanore continue to marvel at their perfect children.
Chapter 12 The Purging
Paranoid the sheriff is going to come bursting through the door any minute to arrest him, James insists on getting up and dressed. The other adults took the children off on a picnic so they are alone when the sheriff comes knocking. After some small talk about the weather, James' nasty looking wound and the sheriff's relief how everything worked out after Lu ran off with that Leichty boy, James confesses-openly and honestly-his side of the murder rumors and why they may be tied to him. He meant no real harm and is ready to accept any punishment the law might dole out to him-punching a defenseless man thus making himself a possible accessory to murder. Eleanore can confirm her husband's alibi for James came staggering home well before the time of the murder. The sheriff declares James innocent and leaves. Later he sends the doctor over to tend to James who is grateful.
But that night, James awakens Eleanore shaking with fever and burning up. Days pass as James drifts in and out of consciousness. Eleanore tells him today is Sunday and everyone at church prayed for him. The minister even stopped by while he was asleep. Like Alma the Younger (and yes they do refer to him later) James' mind is greatly troubled, harrowed up by his many sins, his inability to forgive Ned Weller trumping them all. He dreams of a Voice telling him to to just "let it go."
Meanwhile, Eleanore hasn't left James' sickbed for two weeks. Exhausted, she finally collapses only to awaken later to find James all better. He reports the most incredible dream he had. He dreamt Eleanore died and went to heaven, carrying him up with her.
And so it came to pass, after this miraculous purging, that James was finally able to find peace.
Chapter 13 Restitution
Still feeling guilty, James pays a visit to Ned Weller's wife, newly widowed. Eleanore accompanies him. They say a prayer before approaching the very neglected farmhouse. A woman holding a baby with long, graying, unkempt hair answers. She's skeptical at their humble offering of gift baskets and condolences. James is asking forgiveness when Rufus, looking very much like his brother, comes to the door. He is also cynical but when he learns the real reason they're here and that they're Mormons, no less, he is very contemplative and sober. James and Eleanore take their leave, marveling at how EASY that was!
That Sunday, James makes a private suggestion to the minister who announces from the pulpit that all are invited to take part in a specialward service project for the Wellers the following Saturday. An anonymous donor will be providing everything. It is a great success as everyone pitches in with painting, repairing and pulling weeds on the property while the women serve food.
Mrs. Weller catches James on a break so she can tell him about her no-good husband who turned out to be a different man than the one she thought she was marrying. Both she and Rufus are so glad he's dead they're getting married next week. Oh, and thanks for initiating this project-she knew it was him and maybe Mormons aren't so bad after all.
Next Sunday, all the Wellers, including Rufus, are sitting in a pew at church. Except someone must've tattled on them to the minister for he pays the Barringtons a visit later that week. He's not happy to learn the rumors he's been hearing are true. They are Mormons! And everyone knows Mormons are not Christians. Vipers in his bosom! You, sir, may take your worship somewhere else. And with that, they are all promptly disfellowshipped from HIS church.
James and Eleanore discuss the same tired subject yet again-with all this persecution, isn't it time for them to pack up and move West to join the Saints yet? They agree to pray about it...again. Both get the same answer-STAY. James and Elanore groan. WHY? Perhaps Iris' future husband is still here, they speculate...
Chapter 14 The Gathering
As can be expected in this novel, it's not long until the Wellers show up on their doorstep inquiring about Mormonism. James invites them to their next Sunday private service. Two months later the entire family is baptized and next thing you know, they are packing up and leaving for Salt Lake with the Barrington family tearfully waving goodbye.
This entire conversion story occurs in just a few sentences.
It is spring now. Weeks and months continue to pass. The children continue to grow up. Eleanore gives birth to a baby girl they name Mariah. Now twenty years old, Iris starts dating in earnest but none of the young men she brings home hold her interest for very long. While James once feared his little girl growing up and leaving him, James begins to fear his daughter may never marry at all. The horror!
Then, one day, Iris brings home a man everyone seems to like. But more weeks and months pass with no progression toward engagement or courtship. One evening, James and Eleanore go out on a date to a nice restaurant in town only to find Iris' young man there with a date of his own. James wastes no time confronting him, telling him he is no longer welcome in their home. Iris is understandably very disappointed learning this, but not really surprised. She confides to her father maybe she should move out and seek her fortune somewhere back East. James talks her into staying, at least until spring.
It is now 1855.
The year turns and then, one day in March, two men come knocking on the Barringtons' front door. They are Brothers Kimball and Grant, sent from Brigham Young, all the way from Salt Lake City. With the railroad coming to Iowa City, the Lord wants to use this place a way station for all the immigrating saints from Europe and back east. Remembering there was still one faithful family left who were still members (they ARE still faithful, active members right? The entire family nods eagerly) Brother Brigham is extending this very important calling to them in assisting these many thousands of saints. James is more than happy to consecrate all his wealth and means in assisting the weary travelers. Brother Grant then explains if, after one year, if the family feels prompted to pack up they are welcome to make the 1300 mile journey to a new home.
The family cheers. James and Eleanore agree-never in their wildest dreams could they have imagined a more incredible plan for their family.
Epilogue
James and Eleanore are exhausted. They just spent the day making the rounds at all the Mormon camps surrounding their property (AND scoping out prospective husbands for Iris-I'm not kidding!) They can hardly believe it was more than fifteen years ago they made the decision to marry and immigrate to America. James confides to his wife, it was HER declaration to go to America-where new ideas, equality and opportunity for all-was what really inspired him to propose his absurd offer of marriage. You see, for years since he was a youth, HE had also wanted to escape the heavy burden of aristocracy, the drudgery of owning and maintaining his own land and tenants when what he REALLY wanted to do was go someplace new and be his own man.
And look how it all worked out!
THE END
With a heavy heart, Eleanore finds her beloved husband, James, out in a clearing on the property, chopping wood. As Eleanore shares the latest news, both get very depressed, realizing their fondest wish and goal as a family (see the end of the last book) to travel to the temple and be sealed as an eternal family might not come to pass.
They return to the house to spend time with the children. "Adopted" son Ralph, son of their widowed servant, Amanda Leichty, is now 18. Iris is twelve. Mary Jane is the six year old daughter of married servants Fredrick and Lizzie Higgins who came with James and Eleanore from England. Like Ralph, Mary Jane plays and grows up with the children in this series. Everyone misses David who passed away at the end of the last volume. And baby Jamie is at least 18 months as he jumps up and toddles over to Eleanore greeting her with babbling nonsense.
That night, James and Eleanore decide they will make plans right away to take an impulsive trip to Nauvoo. They just feel "driven" to go, that's all. If only, they justify, to check on their dear friends and offer assistance.
James and Eleanore leave the very next morning. As they are driving, Eleanore mentions how she conveniently forgot to mention she might be pregnant again. James is very annoyed-making this ridiculous, pointless trip further endangering her life. They are all gonna die.
Two days later, both stare in shocked silence at the state of things in Nauvoo. Every single one of the saints have evacuated, driven out, leaving everything to the nonbelievers who have already moved in and taken over every lovely home-throwing wild drinking parties, turning the town into Las Vagas. None of their friends are here, there's nothing they can do, nobody to help. The temple still stands, but there's nobody to run it. After a good cry in each other's arms on the temple lawn, James and Eleanore turn around and go home.
Chapter 2 The New Arrival
Three days later, still determined to visit her dear friends, Eleanore now wants to go to Winter Quarters. She finds James in the barn this time. Just like in chapter 1, he's wary of making such a trip but Eleanore encourages him to pray about it. Surely if it is God's will for them to make yet another highly ludicrous and dangerous trip, He will say yes. They can even throw in a couple wagonloads of foodstuffs and supplies and hygiene kits for good measure-how could the Lord say anything but yes?
He does! Except, James tells Eleanore gently, he is feeling like the Lord only wants MEN to make this journey for when he petitioned the Lord to let his wife come too (it was her idea after all, Lord!) he got a "stupor of thought" (As a new convert, James is already a serious scholar of all the standard works)
So that's how James and Fredrick drive off with the dawn at their backs leaving Eleanore and Lizzie to have a good cry before getting back to business of running a household.
One day, Ralph mentions to the women he's taken a fancy to one of the single girls in town his age. They've talked at church (you know, the non-denominational one they attend so nobody can suspect they're part of that evil cult in Nauvoo) he'd like to invite her over for Sunday dinner but he fears her aunt and uncle are not the nicest people and would surely forbid her. Eleanore takes the liberty of inviting the girl over for Sunday dinner anyway and it soon becomes clear that
Before the happy couple can announce their engagement, James and Fredrick return bringing "The New Arrival" a ten-year-old orphan boy named Benjamin, half dead with a recent illness and fever. Lizzie cleans him up and tucks him into bed right away so Eleanore and James can go into the master bedroom where they can hardly contain themselves-ripping each others clothes off. After their brief bout of passion, Eleanore weeps learning the sad, sad story of how this poor little boy came to be under James' care. James sobs like a little lost orphan boy himself as he recounts the tale: Brigham Young practically commanded James, telling him it was the will of the Lord he bring this boy back to Iowa to be raised by their family. Ben lost everyone back in Nauvoo-his entire family-while the Barringtons are in need of a son. Problem solved. James makes it clear Ben will only be legally adopted, he will not be coming with them on that future day to the temple to be sealed since he was already sealed to his parents and siblings in Nauvoo. It is clear Ben is going to fit right in with their ideal family unit. James and Eleanore make love again and declare themselves the happiest couple on earth.
Chapter 3 Haunted
The next day, Ben settles into the household as comfortably as if he's always been a member of the family. He and Eleanore already had a little talk about how he's ready to start calling her "mother" and James gives his blessing too. Later, Ralph informs James of his new beau. Everyone thinks Lu is the luckiest young lady in the world to have caught such a fine young man, if they do say so themselves! If only Lu wasn't trapped in that awful castle with her wicked guardians-her knight in shining armor helpless to save her. Well, it's the uncle that's most wicked, the aunt is only submissively wicked you see...James understands.
Ben starts having nightmares and James insists on being the one to comfort and talk with him. He refuses to confide in Eleanore the horrors the boy and his now dead family suffered at the hands of the mobs. Eleanore suggests a priesthood blessing. James hesitates. He's never given a priesthood blessing before. With Fredrick's help, the entire family witnesses the miracle of both James giving voice to the message Ben needs to hear and how, from that day forward, the nightmares cease completely. For, as he was told in the blessing, Ben has a great work to do in Zion.
The arrival of spring brings new irises and letters from friends who made it through the harsh winter at Winter Quarters alive. Lu continues to come over on Sundays for the secret worship service. It's becoming more urgent that a way be found to get her out of her aunt and uncle's but there's not much anyone can do. Meanwhile, Eleanor tries to talk to her husband about whatever it is that's bothering him. Doesn't he know, in an Anita Stansfield novel there's always some kind of grievance to air. Turns out James is afraid of being "Haunted" by a future mob attack on his own home and family. Like what poor little Ben suffered.
Heaven forbid.
Chapter 4 The Plight of Winter Quarters
Eleanore is great with child. It's the heat of summer when another letter arrives and, once again, Eleanore feels a great rush of foreboding. Now what? James hears Eleanore scream and rushes to her side. Andy is dead.
Who?
Andy Plummer. Miriam's husband. Their old Iowa neighbors they introduced to the gospel who then promptly left to join the saints in Nauvoo. Andy caught a mysterious illness and with all the suffering and starvation in Winter Quarters camp it was only a matter of time.
The entire family puts on their best mourning clothes, weeping and wailing in sackcloth and ashes. James continues to wring his hands over what he got his family into, joining such a dangerous religion that requires so much of its people. Eleanore feels equally responsible. If she hadn't been such a successful member missionary, their dear friend and neighbor would still be alive. For days a dark pall hangs over the household. All write letters of condolence sharing their feelings and testimonies-Ben even shares a special witness he received from the Prophet Joseph himself in Nauvoo about the glorious blessings of eternal families. Iris is also taking it hard.
Eleanor goes into labor, but it's bad. She asks James for a blessing. With an odd 21st century viewpoint, James wonders how those poor pioneer women out there in the wilderness manage to give birth out in the open like savages.
A baby boy is born. They name him Issac but Eleanore is feeling kinda poorly now it's all over. In anguish, James kneels and prays sobbing and pleading with the Lord to spare the life of his beloved darling. Since Miss Eleanore has no milk, the family cares for the baby with goat's milk. It takes a month before Elanor finally feels strong enough to join the family at the dinner table again.
Whew!
Chapter 5 Sanctuary West
Three months later, Eleanore is slowly getting her strength back while James slaves away in the garden and fields. He glaces up one bright afternoon, sees Eleanore and children in a tableau against the backdrop of the farmhouse and has an epiphany-There stands heaven, what more could any man ask for?!
That night, Eleanore wants to get more passionate but James puts on the brakes. He's worried about her health. Eleanore reminds him of the Prophet Joseph's promise to her-that she would bear and raise up many fine children. That satisfies him.
Tragedy strikes that Sunday. Lu is not in church. Her aunt fell sick and, like Cinderella, she is being forced to stay home and cook and clean and care for her. The family realizes one of these days they really need to call social services and do something to help poor Lu...but right now they have other things to worry about. Such as the latest letter from Winter Quarters. Sally and Miriam report that Brigham Young and company found The Great Salt Lake Valley far away in the West...oh dear, the family sighs. How can they ever hope to join them now?
The year turns, it's February and Eleanor is pregnant, again. She ends up miscarrying but is not upset by it, evidence of her growing
The aunt passes away but for the Barrington family, Lu continues to be MIA until one day, mean old uncle and the local sheriff come to the house looking for a certain, disobedient niece. Apparently she's run off and no one knows (or is claiming to know) where she is. The two men search the house but Lu is nowhere to be found. Ralph just shrugs and pleads the fifth. He's making plans to go west, seek his fortune and all that. Alone. James and Ralph show them the wagon in the barn, all packed up and ready to go. Satisfied, the uncle and sheriff leave. Because they're idiots.
Chapter 6 Eleanore's Forté
To the surprise and astonishment of all (really?) the family follows Ralph up to the attic where Lu has been hiding out this entire time. Lu weeps, begging them not to send her back to that horrible place. Ralph puts his arm around her for it IS true what he told the men. He is going west but he'll not be going alone. Amanda will be going with them, of course, as chaperone. The rest of the family share tearful goodbyes as they depart and the entire household is, once again, very melancholy at yet another loss, but not just in friendship. Apparently, Amanda was the only person in the entire household who could boil water without burning it. She knew how to cook. Eleanore makes her best effort but...it's just not the same. Everyone is depressed.
How long, O Lord, will such impossible trials be inflicted on this family?
So, after weeks of macaroni and cheese and fast food (such as it was in the 1800s) Eleanore has a brilliant idea. They're rich, are they not? They can certainly afford it. Why not place an ad for another cook and housekeeper. James beams. Chalk up yet another of the many reasons why he is so madly in love with his wife (as he takes another bite of tonight's burnt offering)
Chapter 7 The Skeptic
Three days after the ad is placed, a Miss Stella Carter is hired. She's 57. Never married, a recent arrival in town from New York City's Irish district and looking for work. Hoping they can trust her, the family hires her on a trial basis as their new "Alice" to live with them, since she can't possibly afford an apartment in town (and yes the word "apartment" is used). If Stella works out, maybe she'll end up becoming one of them.
Also, James decides to pay a visit to the sheriff, just in case he arrests anyone falsely or start searching for the missing girl. Sheriff tells him the mystery is solved for Lu sent him a note letting him know she DID run away and no one should worry about her for she is quite safe. James confirms that, yes, Lu probably did run off with Ralph. The sheriff is satisfied. Case closed.
Stella turns out to be very agreeable, she just LOVES this opportunity to work and prove herself in the kitchen. Her prayers to God have been answered which helps that Sunday as, after Stella serves them a delicious Sunday dinner, (she also attended church with them earlier that day) they invite her to join their little Sunday worship service, taking particular care to explain to Stella how they can take the sacrament and that it might be best if she abstains. You see, they are members of a certain unpopular church. Stella's eyes grow wide with fear. She is skeptical, "The persecution of your people is legendary," she tells them, And while she respects their strange beliefs, including the possibility
One week later, Stells announces she will stay, indefinitely.
Chapter 8 Time
Time does indeed go by in this chapter. Iris gets her period. She'll be getting married any day now, Eleanore informs her husband who can only stare, incredulous, at such a thought as his daughter growing up! No more bedtime stories or tucking his now fourteen year old daughter in at night. It won't be long before another man will have that privilege. And yes, Eleanore reassures her husband, she already had the "birds and bees" talk with Iris years ago. After all, Iris is only three years younger than Eleanore was when she lost her virginity to James, after he (condescendingly) explained it all to her on their wedding night. Iris has nothing to worry about.
Can you imagine that?
In July, Stella announces she's ready to be baptized. James performs the ordinance. Eleanore cries.
In the fall, Mary Jane turns eight and is baptized by Frederick. Eleanore is pregnant again. She and James mark their 10th wedding anniversary. Joseph is born in June 1849. Winter comes round again along with a letter from James' head housekeeper back in England. Remember that Book of Mormon they left on their last visit (see the last book)? Well she read it, got baptized, and will be sure to wave to them as she passes by with the rest of the English saints pulling their handcarts through Iowa on their way to Zion.
Will wonders never cease?
Summer arrives and Iris is now sweet sixteen. She wastes little time finding herself a nonmember boyfriend at church to talk to. His name is Dillon. Doing their best to stay positive, James and Eleanore invite the young man to Sunday dinner. Dillon accepts but doesn't have much to say at the dinner table, he'd rather be alone with Iris so they can make out. Iris has no objections either. James and Eleanore confront a very grouchy Iris in her room where she snarls that Eleanore is NOT her mother. She apologizes but Iris is firm in her resolve to have a boyfriend that she can kiss whenever she wants.
Alone in the hall, Eleanore and James throw up their hands. Eleanore never had this problem. The only man ever interested in her was the one she ended up marrying. All they can do is pray for her.
Chapter 9 Dangling
After a few more weeks of Iris pouting at her parents before running off to hold hands with Dillon, Eleanore wakes up in the middle of the night to care for baby Joseph only to discover Iris is gone! It doesn't take long for James to find her, riding back home on a horse, weeping. Apparently Dillon dumped her. He spent months dangling her along until tonight when he wanted to go all the way but Iris refused. The prodigal daughter returned to have a good cry in daddy's arms and a long talk. Iris will heal but her repentance process will be hard.
The people who moved into the Plummer's old home on the next property over are not as friendly and certainly not interested in any new religion. Their name is Pitt. One day in the spring, Mr. Pitt drops by to remind James of a meeting in town-men only. James attends the meeting, then decides to join the crowd at the tavern where, despite the spirit warning him to LEAVE NOW James lingers as the conversation turns to bragging how that troublesome Mormon family, the Jensens, were finally driven out and all the deplorable acts committed against them. Furious at such talk, James hurls himself at the nearest drunken man, Ned Weller, and gets stabbed in the thigh for his efforts.
Chapter 10 The Reprimand
As we can expect, James gets a very severe reprimand from Eleanore after stumbling through the door late that night, bleeding all over the place. Taking care not to wake anyone else, Elanore cleans up her husband while he explains what happened. Eleanore is, understandably, furious. He could've been killed! She gives him some laudanum to ease the pain and burns his bloody clothes so no one will ask any questions.
Next day, James fakes illness as his excuse to stay in bed but Fredrick and Lizzie know better. They corner Eleanore who gives only the bare minimum of details-James wouldn't tell her much anyway. Fredrick visits James and offers to give him a priesthood blessing. It's a typical, Anita Stansfield long one-God loves him unconditionally, vengeance will be His and that James needs to do all he can to stay physically healthy as God still has a work for him to do in building up the kingdom. Fredrick and Eleanore leave so James can bawl like a baby, begging God for forgiveness.
Out in the hallway, Fredrick assures Eleanore everything will be all right.
Chapter 11 Confessions
James trembles next time he talks with Eleanore, how can God ever forgive him? Eleanore reminds him to have faith and turn to God. James falls asleep and wakes up quoting Bible passages namely Matthew 5:44 where Jesus talks about loving ones enemies-"Bless them that curse you...pray for them..." This is especially difficult for James because, as he explains to Eleanore, Ned Weller was boasting of how he RAPED Sally Jensen. Eleanore covers her mouth and gasps in shock and horror. Now it makes sense. No wonder James flew off the handle like that.
It gets worse. Fredrick returns from running errands in town to report there's been a murder. Ned Weller was found dead in the same back alley where James had the scuffle.
This does not bode well.
The children enter and James confesses the truth to them about what really happened, in simple terms. Iris suggests they all pray together as a family, both for their dear father to heal and that nobody will press any murder charges against this good man. James and Eleanore continue to marvel at their perfect children.
Chapter 12 The Purging
Paranoid the sheriff is going to come bursting through the door any minute to arrest him, James insists on getting up and dressed. The other adults took the children off on a picnic so they are alone when the sheriff comes knocking. After some small talk about the weather, James' nasty looking wound and the sheriff's relief how everything worked out after Lu ran off with that Leichty boy, James confesses-openly and honestly-his side of the murder rumors and why they may be tied to him. He meant no real harm and is ready to accept any punishment the law might dole out to him-punching a defenseless man thus making himself a possible accessory to murder. Eleanore can confirm her husband's alibi for James came staggering home well before the time of the murder. The sheriff declares James innocent and leaves. Later he sends the doctor over to tend to James who is grateful.
But that night, James awakens Eleanore shaking with fever and burning up. Days pass as James drifts in and out of consciousness. Eleanore tells him today is Sunday and everyone at church prayed for him. The minister even stopped by while he was asleep. Like Alma the Younger (and yes they do refer to him later) James' mind is greatly troubled, harrowed up by his many sins, his inability to forgive Ned Weller trumping them all. He dreams of a Voice telling him to to just "let it go."
Meanwhile, Eleanore hasn't left James' sickbed for two weeks. Exhausted, she finally collapses only to awaken later to find James all better. He reports the most incredible dream he had. He dreamt Eleanore died and went to heaven, carrying him up with her.
And so it came to pass, after this miraculous purging, that James was finally able to find peace.
Chapter 13 Restitution
Still feeling guilty, James pays a visit to Ned Weller's wife, newly widowed. Eleanore accompanies him. They say a prayer before approaching the very neglected farmhouse. A woman holding a baby with long, graying, unkempt hair answers. She's skeptical at their humble offering of gift baskets and condolences. James is asking forgiveness when Rufus, looking very much like his brother, comes to the door. He is also cynical but when he learns the real reason they're here and that they're Mormons, no less, he is very contemplative and sober. James and Eleanore take their leave, marveling at how EASY that was!
That Sunday, James makes a private suggestion to the minister who announces from the pulpit that all are invited to take part in a special
Mrs. Weller catches James on a break so she can tell him about her no-good husband who turned out to be a different man than the one she thought she was marrying. Both she and Rufus are so glad he's dead they're getting married next week. Oh, and thanks for initiating this project-she knew it was him and maybe Mormons aren't so bad after all.
Next Sunday, all the Wellers, including Rufus, are sitting in a pew at church. Except someone must've tattled on them to the minister for he pays the Barringtons a visit later that week. He's not happy to learn the rumors he's been hearing are true. They are Mormons! And everyone knows Mormons are not Christians. Vipers in his bosom! You, sir, may take your worship somewhere else. And with that, they are all promptly disfellowshipped from HIS church.
James and Eleanore discuss the same tired subject yet again-with all this persecution, isn't it time for them to pack up and move West to join the Saints yet? They agree to pray about it...again. Both get the same answer-STAY. James and Elanore groan. WHY? Perhaps Iris' future husband is still here, they speculate...
Chapter 14 The Gathering
As can be expected in this novel, it's not long until the Wellers show up on their doorstep inquiring about Mormonism. James invites them to their next Sunday private service. Two months later the entire family is baptized and next thing you know, they are packing up and leaving for Salt Lake with the Barrington family tearfully waving goodbye.
This entire conversion story occurs in just a few sentences.
It is spring now. Weeks and months continue to pass. The children continue to grow up. Eleanore gives birth to a baby girl they name Mariah. Now twenty years old, Iris starts dating in earnest but none of the young men she brings home hold her interest for very long. While James once feared his little girl growing up and leaving him, James begins to fear his daughter may never marry at all. The horror!
Then, one day, Iris brings home a man everyone seems to like. But more weeks and months pass with no progression toward engagement or courtship. One evening, James and Eleanore go out on a date to a nice restaurant in town only to find Iris' young man there with a date of his own. James wastes no time confronting him, telling him he is no longer welcome in their home. Iris is understandably very disappointed learning this, but not really surprised. She confides to her father maybe she should move out and seek her fortune somewhere back East. James talks her into staying, at least until spring.
It is now 1855.
The year turns and then, one day in March, two men come knocking on the Barringtons' front door. They are Brothers Kimball and Grant, sent from Brigham Young, all the way from Salt Lake City. With the railroad coming to Iowa City, the Lord wants to use this place a way station for all the immigrating saints from Europe and back east. Remembering there was still one faithful family left who were still members (they ARE still faithful, active members right? The entire family nods eagerly) Brother Brigham is extending this very important calling to them in assisting these many thousands of saints. James is more than happy to consecrate all his wealth and means in assisting the weary travelers. Brother Grant then explains if, after one year, if the family feels prompted to pack up they are welcome to make the 1300 mile journey to a new home.
The family cheers. James and Eleanore agree-never in their wildest dreams could they have imagined a more incredible plan for their family.
Epilogue
James and Eleanore are exhausted. They just spent the day making the rounds at all the Mormon camps surrounding their property (AND scoping out prospective husbands for Iris-I'm not kidding!) They can hardly believe it was more than fifteen years ago they made the decision to marry and immigrate to America. James confides to his wife, it was HER declaration to go to America-where new ideas, equality and opportunity for all-was what really inspired him to propose his absurd offer of marriage. You see, for years since he was a youth, HE had also wanted to escape the heavy burden of aristocracy, the drudgery of owning and maintaining his own land and tenants when what he REALLY wanted to do was go someplace new and be his own man.
And look how it all worked out!
THE END
