Promise of Zion

Book Series: Barrington Family Saga  

Publishing Date: 2008

Author: Anita Stansfield

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Category: LDS Contemporary Romance

Point of View: Third Person Limited- Eleanore and James
Chapter Count: 14

Page Count: 237

Acknowledgements

     The author thanks many friends, colleagues, and of course her family and last but not least Heavenly Father, Savior and the Holy Ghost.

Prologue

Iowa City-  1856

      It is July. James Barrington rides around the Mormon encampment silently checking on everything. These poor travelers with 1300 miles still to go, building handcars and scrambling to get ready for the journey.

      But James has troubles of his own for he seems to have come down with some kind of lung issue. He doubles over, struggling to breathe as he unsaddles his horse in the barn which is how his wife, Eleanore, finds him. She insists they get him to the doctor. James and Eleanore are 56 and 34 respectively. Eleanore reminds her husband 50 is the new 40 but James moans how they can't count on him to live forever, he fears Old Age has finally caught up with him. He'll be dead by morning, just wait!

     Their friend and fellow live-in servant who is even older than James, Frederick, hitches up a buggy and they take James into town.

    The doctor doesn't have a clue what might be wrong. If James suffers shortness of breath while doing heavy lifting, then he should take it easy. That's what servants are for, after all.

    Back at the house, a horse belonging to a young man who has been coming over often to call on Iris is tied to the front porch. The family is hoping he might be the one but, alas, just as Eleanore and James reach the steps, the front door bursts open. A young man storms past, declaring in no uncertain terms their daughter is a shrew and good luck marrying her off! He mounts his horse and hightails it out of there.

Well, the parents sigh, there goes another one...

Chapter 1      The Impediment (hindrance or obstruction in doing something)

      Casey "Case" Harrison is still wet behind the ears from his recent baptism, he's originally from Texas but visiting his only brother back East when he met Mormon missionaries and and joined up. Now he's off to Salt Lake but needs something to do and was referred here, to the Barrington place for work. James meets him outside, basically tells him he's hired and offers the spare room in the attic but warns him about his oldest daughter who will immediately assume daddy is trying play matchmaker-again. Casey smiles, A challenge! He glances toward the front porch, sees two women, one dark and lovely the other blonde and tall and asks James which daughter was he talking about. James points out Eleanore is his wife (That's right, Casey, I'm a sugar daddy) and this young man would do well to remember that. He leads Casey over for introductions. Eleanore greets him warmly, Iris just glares.

     Inside, Case is further introduced to "the gang" there's gray haired Lizzie, wife of Frederick also from England, red haired Stella who was hired in the last book to replace Amanda the family cook who joined the church with her son and left for Salt Lake. While the reader knows Stella, like Iris, is also very single (and old-she was over fifty when the family hired her) narration only explains Fredrick and Lizzie's connection to the family. Case realizes he hit the jackpot. These people are LOADED! Yet they're so modest and humble. The children troop in from playing outside all day and more introductions are made. For Case, all this instant family is just too good to be true.

    Upstairs, Iris is brooding. Sandy blonde hair, blue eyes and a nice smile don't excuse the fact that Casey Harrison is still very single like her and fears they will be forced to get together. Not if SHE can help it! Iris marches downstairs to give her parents a piece of her mind. How DARE they bring this (very attractive and very single) stranger into their home as an impediment to her feminine aspirations? (But Iris, you don't have any aspirations) Unfortunately, they tell her, it's true. They want so much to see Iris marry and settle down and (finally) be happy that they've welcomed Casey into this house with open arms and expect nothing less from Iris who growls and exits.

    And let's not forget Ben, the boy the family adopted in the last book. He's 19 years old now, growing up fast and he brought Casey some extra bedding sent up by Eleanore. The two males talk about being the only non-blood, unmarried relations but still perfectly accepted under this roof and how blessed they feel.

   At supper there's 12 people at the table. Iris is tending her baby sister, Mariah, in her high chair (high chair?) She's the only one scowling as the rest of the family greets Casey warmly. Dinner is pleasant but Case notes Iris doesn't say much, but never mind that because this poor deprived man is so grateful to have found this perfect family he can hardly keep from bursting into tears.

Chapter 2      Precious Iris

      Ben feigns offense when he discovers Case already up and doing the chores in the barn. Together they milk, gather eggs, pitch hay and tidy up the barn. Not that they have a lot of room in here. Casey stops and stares as he sees what they're keeping over in the far corners...

     The Barrington family already has four wagons filled with everything they need so when the time comes to go to Zion, like the children of Israel, they are ready to flee. Ben tells Case his story: adopted nine years ago when he was ten, entire family killed by evil mobs, now the family he's come to love has been waiting all these years for the Lord to finally give the "Yes" to migrate to Zion. Case sheds tears hearing all of this-the sad sad tale of what Ben experienced in Nauvoo and the fairy tale ending. As for himself, Case grew up on a farm in Texas but there wasn't a lot of love in his home. His dad drank and never did any work while he and his older brother did learn the work ethic and as soon as he could that older brother graduated from law school and moved as far away from home as possible. He's married with kids now while Casey rebelled and led a questionable lifestyle...until he joined the church.
   A few days later, a family project to paint the outside of the barn throws Casey and Iris together so they have to converse and get to know each other a little bit more. Casey realizes he just might be attracted to Iris! That she just might become precious to him (which isn't creepy at all). Later that night, the sticky August heat drives Iris outside to walk around the front yard in the cool grass but she discovers Casey, also unable to sleep who saw her outside and came out so they could talk pleasantly some more.
    Casey learns Eleanore is not Iris' biological mother (which is a relief because such a child bride would've been around 12 years old when Iris was born) and the family lost her older brother David many years ago when Iris was 10 which was very hard for her. But both children grew up fully accepting Eleanore as their "real" mother and that's the way it will always be. Casey is very moved, of course.

Chapter 3      The Message (or should we just call it "The Massage?" Whoot Whoot!)

     Weeks pass as Casey fits in perfectly. The younger children adore him and he has no qualms letting them tag along on trips into town to run errands for the family or helping to babysit when needed. He marvels constantly at the instant family he found-a family that's happy ALL THE TIME who work hard but also find plenty of time to have potato sack races, square dances, picnics and outings (to Sears).
     One October afternoon, Case is alarmed to find James in the barn, bent over and wheezing. He hasn't told anyone else in the family yet but the doctor diagnosed him with asthma so he can't overexert himself and he'd appreciate it if Casey wouldn't mention this little incident to anyone.
     Weeks later, after another awkward talk with Iris who suggested Case is borderline redneck with his uneducated ways, the family is gathered in the parlor for family scripture study-reading the Book of Mormon. James asks Casey what his favorite BofM story is? Case declares Alma the Younger; he can relate, you see. The family murmurs sympathy in all the right places as Casey repeats his story (again) of his abusive upbringing. During prayer, Casey is amazed and humbled when Iris, in a complete 180, slips her hand into his which he interprets as a message from heaven-Iris is THE ONE!

Chapter 4      Falling   (literally!)

      Casey tries to speak to James about his growing, almost desperate attraction to Iris but he spends at least three pages stumbling over the words. James just laughs and slaps him on the back. He felt the same way about his decision to propose to Eleanore back in England!
     In November, Casey happens upon the lovely Iris hanging out in the library reading a book. He's so turned on he has go outside and lean against the house to catch his breath! His future wife has been right here in front of him all along. Too bad Iris hasn't gotten the same revelation yet.
   A few days later, the rest of the family, including the servants, pile into the buckboard for a trip into town. Iris is not going and, for some strange reason, Casey feels he shouldn't go either. It soon becomes apparent why when he enters the house just in time to see Iris take a tumble from a step ladder in the library where she'd been dusting the high shelves. He catches her just in time. Iris sobs in relief and embarrassment in his arms while Casey murmurs soothing words, telling her its okay. The attraction Iris has been battling since their first meeting come rushing in as he kisses her and she almost responds but stops herself and runs from the room. But Case, despite feeling triumphant in getting at least one step closer to matrimony, finds he isn't feeling very good at all. After breaking Iris' fall, the ladder also fell on him. So when James and Eleanore return and find him sitting on the sofa with his head in his hands and Iris explains what happened, the doctor is immediately sent for.

Chapter 5   Risk

     Iris and Case talk some more. He tells her more about his horrible, abusive childhood. She urges him to lie back down on the parlor sofa to rest. Eleanore returns with more bedding and Iris has to go out into the hall to get control of her emotions.
    Eleanore has children to care for, so it's up to Iris to tend to Case who joins the family at the table for dinner before James escorts him to his makeshift bed in the other room. With everyone waiting on him hand and foot, Casey is a little embarrassed. Everyone else, including Iris, just shrugs it off.
    Later that evening, Iris comes in to talk some more. She's curious to know what it was Casey had come in to talk to her about before her fall in the library? She's coy. Casey almost blushes but, with her face so close to his, he kisses her instead and this time she responds. He'd like to tell her his reason for initiating a conversation but it would involve some...risk on his part. Iris tells him to just go for it-share your feelings. Casey takes a deep breath and...

Chapter 6    Practicality and Convenience

     Turns out Casey's intention of coming to find Iris today in the library was to ask her to marry him.
     Iris laughs but quickly turns sober when she realizes Casey is quite serious. She questions if this is love or infatuation. Perhaps his real intention in wanting to marry her is so he can be an official member of this family-and she does not wish to be loved for her family. Casey admits it's temping to admit that IS a strong motivator-he would never manipulate her. Love can grow with time, he tells her and he's willing to wait. Neither want to make the same mistakes their own biological parents made in marrying for the wrong reasons.
    Iris goes to bed, smiling. It's nice to be wanted.
    A few days later, after scripture study and family prayer in the room where Case is convalescing, the children are all sent to bed but James and Eleanore linger so Iris and Casey can question them about their early courtship and how it led to marriage-Iris can barely remember it she was too young to even understand what was going on. Both are astounded to learn James and Eleanore did not marry for love, not at first, but for practicality and convenience. She needed a way to get to America, he felt the same desire to go and, beside, his children needed a mother. It wasn't until years later they realized they DID love each other and it all worked out.
     James and Eleanore excuse themselves to go to bed. Iris and Case part from each other feeling much better about everything. The following night, James and Casey have a nice long heart to heart talk about Casey's intentions toward Iris. It's no secret she's been a different woman over the last four days-happy, cheerful, smiling! Of course they have James' blessing, if Casey wants to start courting their daughter go right ahead.

Chapter 7     Perfect Winter 

       Even though he hasn't "officially" popped the question yet, Iris starts holding hands with Casey and they spend all their free time, including staying up late at night, just talking by the fire. Christmas comes and goes and it's the best one Casey's ever experienced (of course his Dickensian childhood did NOT include Christmas-just winter). One winter evening in February, Iris and Casey are sitting by the fire talking when Casey mentions he actually has two brothers-one back east, yes-but he had another brother who died. He declines to talk about it and Iris doesn't press it.
    Finally, one cold but clear evening in early spring, as the happy couple sits outside on the porch, Casey finally urges Iris to marry him...soon. She states she isn't ready yet, stands, and exits the scene leaving Casey feeling very frustrated.
     He lets one month go by before asking Iris again to talk to him. She sighs and shares her story. When she was sixteen, she went through a rebellious stage (see the last book) went steady with a guy and did a little too much kissing. That's all. And since she didn't have a bishop to confess to, she told her parents instead. She thought she had put the whole painful break up behind her but...guess not.
     Casey can do her one better. Remember that deplorable life he mentioned he'd been living before he joined the church? Well, it included a lot of drinking and even more relationships with women. LOTS of women. How many? Casey won't say. Iris presses him for more details but he gets offended insisting it's all in the past. Iris blows up and storms off.
    Casey has a good cry and another heart to heart with James who reassures Casey he's not fired and can certainly keep courting his daughter. Just give Iris time, he assures Casey. She'll come around.
    Iris is not surprised when her father knocks on her bedroom door so they can talk but the conversation turns sour when Iris accuses her father of taking Casey's side. James bristles. He is NOT letting his personal bromance with his hired help interfere with this lover's quarrel. Iris leaves the room, goes for a long walk, then hides in her room for the rest of the evening. Eleanore brings her something on a tray from dinner and informs her Case didn't come to dinner either. Iris cries on her mother's shoulder. James enters and offers silent comfort as well.
     So much for a perfect winter.

Chapter 8   The Favored Child

    And who brought poor Casey a supper tray? Frederick of course. But Casey doesn't feel like talking and cries himself to sleep. For the next several days, Iris is back to treating Casey the same way as when they first met-silent treatment and giving him the evil eye whenever they're in the same room together.
    Then Fredrick takes a tumble from a ladder outside where he and Casey were doing roof maintenance on the house. Eleanore is expecting again and now that Frederick is bedridden for the next few months, James declares the family will most certainly NOT be relocating to Zion this year.
    More days pass and, to Iris's dismay, Casey's easy relationship with the rest of the family continues. He takes the younger boys fishing, and after Iris finds him laughing and joking with Eleanore in the kitchen she can't take it any longer and calls him out on it. Yes, she IS speaking to him for the first time in weeks, someone has to. He's weaseling his way into her family-James already made a notation in his will and Casey treats Eleanore like a queen, helping her down from buggies and kissing her hand. Well, she won't stand for it! Never mind the rest of the family trusts him. She doesn't! Casey just laughs and tells her she's being ridiculous.
    Which she is.
     James enters the barn to correct Iris on her false accusations and sends her back to the house which Iris is only too happy to do. James and Casey talk, again.
     Just so there's no temptation, the author decided to kill off Stella. Everyone is heartbroken over her death (Alas, poor Stella, we hardly knew thee!) Iris especially since she was the one who found her that fateful morning, dead in her sleep-a good way to go. A funeral is held and life goes on. Then Casey finds James in the barn one day, sitting on a bale of hay, wheezing. He just received news from Salt Lake about the Willy and Marin handcart companies. Those poor people!
     James drops the bomb on Iris-despite it looking like Casey is a favored child, he DID alter his will to officially include him as one of the beneficiaries. Iris is livid. How could her father do this? She leaves to take another walk.

Chapter 9     Following Orders

    Unaware of the recent drama, Casey is working inside the barn as rain falls steadily outside. He had no idea Iris went for a walk and still hasn't returned until he is summoned to the house. Everyone is worried about Iris. Since no one else is offering, Casey returns to the barn, mounts a horse, and rides off in search of her. He finds Iris safe and brings her back but Iris is not very appreciative. James and Eleanore wave from the front porch so Iris and Casey can have another lover's quarrel in the barn where they end up kissing passionately before Iris remembers she's still mad at him for being a player and they argue some more. Trust was broken which is the entire plot complication here. (Because STD's haven't been invented yet?)
    Inside the house, Iris weeps while soaking in a hot bath over her confusing feelings but later she mounts the outside stairs to the attic/apartment where Casey lives and initiates another conversation. She wants to break up, officially. He questions her true motives and she bristles again. And by the way, why hasn't he joined one of the companies camped on their property and immigrated to Salt Lake? (A very good question!) Casey replies James asked him to stay and he's just following orders.
    One week later, narration informs us it is now late May. James turns in after another day, after family prayer and scripture study then kissing his wife's neck as she's brushing out her hair before they say their own prayer together. James falls asleep quickly only to be awakened with a VERY STRONG PROMPTING It is time James, take your family to Zion.
    About time, Lord!
    James also knows how to follow orders. He informs Eleanore of the big prompting and the rest of the chapter is spent with the rest of the family finding out and starting their preparations for the big move. James feels he and Eleanore should request priesthood blessings from Fredrick and Casey. Eleanore agrees.
For once, nobody is crying.

Chapter 10    Looking Ahead

       Iris notices Casey, Fredrick, her father and her mother all go into the parlor and shut the door. From Casey's point of view, priesthood blessings are given: first to Eleanore then James and everyone is crying by the time they are finished.
      Back to Iris's point of view, a family meeting is held to discuss the big move. With four fully loaded wagons it is naturally assumed the four men will do all the driving but Iris insists SHE be the fourth driver as it was already decided before HE (meaning Casey) came and ruined everything. Casey just shrugs and agrees to let Iris drive. He'll ride alongside on his own horse and keep an eye on her.
     Iris is not happy about the move but doesn't complain. She cries herself to sleep the night before they leave and tears stream down her cheeks as she navigates the wagon she so badly wanted to drive. She's already homesick for all the luxuries they are leaving behind, such as hot baths and sumptuous meals. James warns them not to look back (or they'll all turn into pillars of salt?)
    They are traveling with a wagon company of fellow Latter-day Saints of course but the family manages everything by themselves, including evening scripture study and prayer under the big sky. Roughing it out in the wilderness most definitely does NOT agree with Iris. She hates everything about this journey. The cooking outdoors amidst the bugs and dirt, sleeping on hard ground, but again, she keeps her feelings to herself.
    One week into the journey, as promised, Casey rides up alongside her wagon on his horse to check on her. Iris snaps she's fine, never better, she doesn't need anyone, thank you. Casey hurls a rather cruel, arbitrary barb asking if she's also planning on having children and getting herself to the Celestial Kingdom all by herself too. Iris scowls and doesn't answer. Rain is falling today and it is difficult to drive a wagon through mud. Iris can't wait to get to Salt Lake and civilization.
    It is now one month since they left. So far there's been the usual hardships of prairie travel-lost and lame animals, another family in the company losing a wagon while crossing a creek, a child taken by a sudden illness. Nothing major for the Barrington family though everyone is keeping a special eye on a very pregnant Eleanore.
   Finally, one day during a rest stop, Iris can't take it anymore and wanders off by herself to find a private place to have a good cry which is where her mother finds her. Iris explains how much she HATES everything about this journey. Eleanore just smiles and informs Iris SHE hates it too, but since they must always be looking ahead and having faith, that's why she's not wallowing in self pity. Iris feels better.

Chapter 11     Reckoning

     Eleanore presses further, asking Iris what's REALLY wrong for it is obvious it isn't the hardships of the journey that's troubling her most, she's been unhappy for a long time now-ever since she broke up with Casey. She gives her daughter a long speech about faith and trust in God and for the next few days, Iris ponders her mother's words, knowing she's right.
    As if to mirror Iris's attitude, a stampede brings death to the camp. Their Captain calls everyone together chastising them for not honoring their covenants to the Lord, to repent and come together as people of Zion. Iris knows this is true and she's just as guilty. She commits herself to doing better and the company moves along in relative peace and safety.
    On the 24th of July, talk in camp is special because it was exactly ten years ago the first wagon companies entered the Valley. A few days after that, they cross the Platte River and are moving along at a steady pace when Casey hurries up and takes the reins from Iris. Her mother is in labor and is asking for her. Iris wastes no time hurrying over to the wagon and climbing in while it is still moving slowly along. It is still too soon for Eleanore to be giving birth but Lizzie is also here to assist and when the company stops to make camp that evening, Eleanore has delivered a healthy baby girl.
    Iris is a bit shaken up by the entire experience. She'd never witnessed a live birth before. As she exits the wagon with the soiled linens, taking them to a nearby creek to wash, Casey joins her. Asking after her distraught demeanor, she tells him about the horrifying yet equally wonderful experience it was. She is grateful for the listening ear of her former boyfriend.
    The baby is named Olivia and Iris stresses over her conflicting feelings of wanting to experience childbearing for herself yet knowing, with her impossibly high standards, no man in the world could ever make her happy. But Iris is also struggling with low self-esteem. Lies told her as a young child by her wicked mother and even the servants often told Iris she was just like her mother. How could any man ever want her? Iris pours her heart out about all of this to her father when he comes to talk to her in private. He also gently suggests she apologize to Casey, she's been very cruel to him and even Iris admits he's right. She agrees, adding perhaps the reason she's never married is because she compares all suitors to her perfect father. He just chuckles and they share another warm hug.

Chapter 12    Breathless (Helpless?!)

     After a few days spent studying her scriptures and making more effort in her prayers, Iris feels the spirit return-helping her work up the courage to follow her father's advice and apologize to Casey who accepts. James can feel his asthma settling in as the air grows drier and the day increasingly hot and dusty. When they stop to make camp, James breathlessly asks for a blessing. Fredrick gives it. The rest of the family is concerned but Iris is hurt. She had no idea James had been suffering from this health condition all this time. Everyone knew except her. She turns and stalks off.
     After the blessing, James and Frederick marvel at the spirit that literally showed them both in vision how to treat James' illness. He will ride in the wagon, with the canvas tied all around, wear a bandanna every time he steps outside and take a cold plunge in whatever water source they can find to wash off any pollen and irritating dust at the end of each day.
     Later that same evening, Casey finds Iris and they have another long heart to heart talk. Iris sheds tears, apologizes again, and just wants to be alone to reflect and pray. Now that she's seen Casey's devotion to her father and her family, she realizes how wrong she was about him. Again, Casey accepts her apology and walks away, respecting her desire to be alone.

Chapter 13      Trust

     In a spirit of fasting, Iris returns to camp. Since supper is over and cleaned up, this works out well. She talks to her father in the wagon where he is resting with her two little sisters sleeping peacefully on each side. They talk of Iris' lack of trust in people, such as Casey, whom James would trust with his life. He confides to Iris, the minute Casey showed up on their doorstep, he started praying to know if Casey needed to be "adopted" into their family. Regardless of whether or not he and Iris got together. He's known for months now that Casey needed to be part of this family. That's why James included Casey in his will. It was divinely inspired. Iris understands better now why her father did this.
    So, when Iris and Casey talk again, it's another Anita Stansfield writing tic with pages of them exchanging long speeches with each other about past hurts and sharing their feelings. Iris weeps as she remembers how much she thought she loved her last boyfriend, Miles, (see chapter 7) who ended up being a player who got another girl in town pregnant and broke Iris' heart. Thank goodness she never slept with him, but still.
    Casey reminds her again, he WAS that man. The one who got drunk every night and slept with women in order to forget. Forget what, you once asked? Well, his dysfunctional family was a big part of it, then he found the gospel and now he's happy all the time. Except now. Talking to Iris about these awkward and uncomfortable subjects makes him growl and turn his back. Iris gently prods him to share his feelings, his burdens with her, so they can be equals. Casey takes a deep breath and tells her about the worst day of his entire life, the day all three boys watched as their evil father beat their mother to death. In shock and rage, that brother, the one he told her died, well, he grabbed the rifle and shot their father in cold blood. Fearing retribution from the law or social workers who would split them up and put them in foster homes or whatever, they all packed and left town as fast as they could. They mostly stuck together until that brother took his own life-out of guilt and remorse for committing an unforgivable sin. It was nobody's fault. Yet, the memory of that dead brother, doomed to rot in hell forever, haunted Casey most of his adult life. Thank goodness he found the gospel so he could find closure and peace over it.
   Iris gives Casey some time over the next few days so they can both come to terms with their feelings and as she watches this good man helping around the camp, taking care of the younger children, pulling his weight, and especially the way he ministered to her sick father and her mother still not fully recovered from childhood...STD's be hanged! It becomes pretty obvious to Iris THIS is the man she needs to marry.
     About time, Iris.

Chapter 14      Zion

     Iris approaches Casey one evening as he's caring for the horses, from the look on her face it's not hard for Casey to take her in his arms and kiss her passionately. Iris finally admits-out loud-her love for him. They don't tell the family when James gathers everyone later that night for a quick, boring speech about this journey they're taking to Zion and shares the famous story he heard about the miracle of the Sweetwater river crossing by the Willie and Martin Handcart companies-they had men, REAL men, to carry everyone across the freezing water, imagine that!
     That night, Iris and Casey officially agree to set a date to get married. They tell the family the next morning. Except they both feel they need to get married TODAY. So that's what they do. In the presence of the entire camp, right on the riverbank of the Sweetwater, they exchange their vows, the company captain pronounces them married and Casey carries Iris across the threshold the river. (It's hardly a river, barely four feet deep or so, I've crossed it myself helping to pull an empty handcart.) There's some good-natured teasing by others in the company as others take over driving one of the Barrington family wagons so Iris and Casey can at least ride together, then sleep in their "honeymoon wagon" later that night. Narration tells us Casey just held Iris and they talked for a while before they shared "it"
      And now, the wagons are descending down immigration canyon into the spreading Salt Lake Valley. They find their dear friends from the last few books in the series: Sally and Miriam split the entire family between their two households so everyone can rest and bathe and settle in-except James' health has taken a turn for the worse. Laying in bed, rasping and wheezing to a concerned Eleanore, he chokes his urgency that they all need to be sealed as a family-tomorrow! James is given another blessing so he'll live long enough to experience this.
    Three more characters from the last book, Ralph, his wife Lu and Ralph's mother Amanda are summoned and the entire "clan" gather for a big dinner that night with the new baby being passed around. Iris sits on Casey's lap. Both look happier than anyone's ever seen them. Eleanore worries over her husband's health, but the priesthood blessing he was given promised he WOULD live long enough for all his dreams for his family to come true. That night, Eleanore bursts into tears as she enters the kitchen to find Casey and Iris chatting pleasantly with none other than James who is not lying in his sickbed but feeling better than he's felt in weeks. James kisses his wife and says-
     Welcome to Zion, Mrs. Barrington.

Epilogue
     It's very short. In a spirit of "Where are they now..." the author tells us the company, (perhaps led by a real person) along with the (fictional) Barringtons who traveled with them, arrived in the valley on 9/12/1857. The very next day President Brigham Young sealed James and Eleanore Barrington for time and all eternity in the endowment house. The family later immigrated south to a small community on the other side of the county line called Alpine (where Anita Stansfield just recently moved, most likely using the royalties from her best selling books!) James Barrington oversaw construction of all the family homes so everyone could live near each other. He did not die but grew old while his posterity multiplied and they all lived happily ever after.

THE END



   

At Heaven's Door

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 James

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 that Llewellyn 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 growing maturity 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 possibility of 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 special ward 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

A Quiet Promise

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 James

Chapter Count: 14

Page Count: 278

For Benjamin K. Ball and Isaac Morley, neighbors in Nauvoo in 1840, and great-great-grandfathers to dear friends and partners in struggle in the twenty-first century.

Prologue

    James is making his way to the river that borders their property. The gang's all here: Lizzie and Fredrick, young Ralph, all the children, and Mrs. Leichty whose first name, we learn, is Amanda. She will be referred to as such for the rest of the book. Brother Yeats is the missionary James and Eleanore met while on vacation. James reflects how, after praying for two years to find the religion that shared her beliefs in the book she found, what could James do but invite this man back to their Iowa City home where Eleanore eagerly listened to all of the discussions. Now she is being baptized. James has never seen his sweet wife looking so happy. Everyone else is happy for her too.

    That night in bed, Eleanor thanks James for allowing her to be baptized. Other non-member husbands might object, even outright deny such a step to take in one's life, but James has been nothing but supportive and accepting. He's just relieved Eleanore doesn't want to move...yet.

    Brother Yeats leaves to return to his wife and children in Illinois. James cannot deny the new radiance about his wife and tries to convince himself that surely nothing but good could come from her joining this new religion.

Chapter 1   What They do in Missouri

Iowa City - 1840

     What James learns while in town to pick up some spring supplies from the general store and stopping by the local tavern for a quick drink, is that folks around here, but especially in Missouri, don't take too kindly to Mormons and their dangerous ideas and lifestyle. James rubs his cleanshaven face (he grew a beard over the winter for the first time in his marriage to Eleanore) as he listens to the conversation. Apparently, it is not only legal to persecute Mormons down south in that particular state but KILLING them is also legal. And THAT, folks, is what they do in Missouri. Good riddance, they agree.

     James is running out the door before anyone has a chance to talk to him. His wife is a Mormon! Her life may be in danger. He hurries home as fast as the horse can pull the wagon. Immediately upon finding Eleanore he demands she will, from this day forth, keep her new membership in this unpopular church a secret. No one can know. They can't tell anyone. There will be no compromise on this matter. Eleanore gasps, unable to beleive such discrimination in the land of the free and home of the brave could be possible. She admits Brother Yeats did mention the saints having some trouble in other communities but...

     James and Eleanore kiss and decide it would be best to get the day's work done and not worry about it any more. James has a garden to plant and the children have been waiting anxiously all morning to get started.

    David knocks and enters the bedroom where his parents had been having this private discussion. He took care of his father's horse. James thanks him, teasing him about being older than his eight years, more like eighteen. David solemnly reminds his parents Eleanore is the one who is eighteen. Iris enters the room too, ready to "pwant the garden." James takes them outside. He also talks to Amanda, then takes Fredrick and Lizzie aside to warn them about saying the "M-word," out loud, to ANYBODY. They solemnly agree to keep their mistress' new religion a secret.

    With the garden finally planted, James and Eleanore take an evening stroll so they can talk more about Mormons, especially the Jensens  who lived in this house before them. 

     Wonder why they left?

Chapter 2       The Letter

     James suggests Eleanore write to Sally Jensen. Might be nice to let the family know how much they are enjoying the new house and thank them for all the nice things they left behind now being put to good use

    Back at the house, they discover the forwarding address in the office for these former owners is none other than Nauvoo, Illinois. Eleanore gasps. Brother Yeats told her that's where all the saints are now gathering. She sits at the desk and proceeds to write a lengthy letter about how they are improving the property and how they came to settle in this area saying nothing about her own recent baptism or knowledge of Mormons. It is late when she finishes as James urges her to come to bed where she cries in his arms, for no real reason except it's been one year since he proposed marriage to her and look where they are now!

    Weeks pass. The old Lord of the Manner loves being a gentleman farmer taking great delight in horticulture and animal husbandry. He loves doing chores in the barn, sowing the fields and working in the yard. The family also attends different Christian churches each Sunday before settling on the one their neighbors, the Plummers, attend.

    If there is a public school, none of the children go. Instead they are home taught by Eleanore. Ralph, David and Iris are doing their reading when James returns from a trip to town with the mail-a letter from the Jensens!  Eleanore weeps a bit as she reads Sally's blatant admission about their conversion to the Mormon church and how they'd been driven from their lovely home because of it. Yet, it all worked out. They love their new home in Nauvoo where they can be among people who share their new beliefs.

    Eleanore writes back, expressing her firm belief that God led them, not only to this home in Iowa City but this new friendship with her sister in the gospel-that's right, she's a Mormon too!

    Sally writes back sharing news of Nauvoo, answering all of Eleanore's questions about life in Zion, the history of the city and how the saints came to gather here. Eleanore gasps reading the name Brother Joseph surely Sally isn't talking about the PROPHET. How she would love to meet this man!

Chapter 3     Eleanore's Wish

      Narration says Sally continues to describe life in Nauvoo sharing the miraculous story that happened last summer. The "Day of God's Power" when everyone was healed from the deadly malaria plague. How Eleanore wishes she could've been there (um, no she doesn't) and promptly bursts into tears. James enters and Eleanore explains how everyone in Nauvoo was miraculously healed by the power of God through Joseph Smith.

    "Who?" asks James.

    Eleanore gives him the first discussion urging him to read the Bible so he too can better understand the Book of Mormon. James declares he needs a nap. Eleanor opens her favorite book (not that one) and starts reading. James teases her about her love for Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice before drifting off. When he awakens, Eleanore is back to reading the Book of Mormon and he invites her to share her feelings.

    Later that evening, Eleanore writes back to Sally. The following day, the children find a dog who quickly makes himself part of the family. David continues to occasionally wander off which concerns James and Eleanore who decide not to worry too much about it. Autumn arrives. Lizzy has her baby. Sally and Eleanore continue to exchange letters. Eleanore longs to be living in Nauvoo where Joseph Smith is. Christmas comes and goes. Eleanore couldn't be happier, except for the fact Lizzie has a new baby and she doesn't...

   One very cold night in January, James makes love to Eleanore and they discuss her feelings of infertility. She sobs in his chest, fearful they may never have any children together. James firmly declares they will just be happy with what they have. Leave the matter in God's hands, he counsels.

     

Chapter 4   The Secret

     Next day, on their way into town to run errands, Eleanore is suddenly sick. They see the doctor who declares Eleanore undeniably pregnant. True to her character, Eleanore cries in James arms. Again.

    Four months later, Eleanore has an onset of painful cramps and ends up losing the baby. To comfort her, David comes into their bedroom in the middle of the night to announce he just had a dream in which he was holding his baby brother. James and Eleanore feel hope.

    Another letter from Sally contains some sad news. Her six-year-old daughter came down with an unexpected illness and died. Eleanore sobs with empathy but Sally's words are comforting. She KNOWS her daughter is in a better place and she still has the gospel. Of course she's sad but she will not let it consume her. Encouraged, Eleanore writes back.

    Days pass. Eleanore has an idea which she proposes to James. She would like his blessing to share the gospel with their neighbor, Miriam Plummer. James is not pleased but understands if he were to forbid her from sharing their BIG SECRET, it would not help their marriage.

Chapter 5     Discussing Religion

    Eleanore talks to her tall, well rounded, blonde haired neighbor. With tears in her eyes, Miriam admits she often finds the minister's sermons confusing. She's been praying to know the truth which is all Eleanore needs. She sits her friend down and tells her the Good News. She leaves Miriam with her own Book of Mormon which Miriam promises to read and return. She won't tell a soul, she promises.

    Eleanore cries all the way home.

    She misses her Book of Mormon already.

    Luckily for Eleanore, Sally sent her a care package containing a beautiful baby quilt, candy for the children, and church materials including...another copy of The Book of Mormon. James is happy for her.

    The very next day, Miriam comes to see her neighbor. She and her husband stayed up all night reading Eleanore's copy of the Book of Mormon. She and her husband believe but never mind that now. Eleanore grabs her copy, shoving Sally's replacement into Miriam's eager hands.

   Thus begins the Great Conversion of all these characters: Miriam and her husband begin alternating Sunday dinners with the Barringtons. Having their own little "LDS Sunday Service" after attending the other church in town, you know, so no one will suspect. Lizzie and her husband Fredrick also start asking questions, as well as Amanda and her son Ralph. David and Iris want in on this new religious fervor too. Eleanore writes to Sally who sends more Books of Mormon. Forget reading for pleasure, all David and Iris want to do now is read their copies of the Book of Mormon and start preparing for their missions. Everyone, it would seem, is ready to be baptized. 

    Except James.

    James answers the door one evening to find two older men on the threshold. Thanks to Sally and Eleanore's letters, Brother Joseph learned of their little informal congregation and sent them to formally organize the Iowa City Branch of the church. They ordain the two men to the priesthood. David wants to be baptized. Iris can't wait to turn eight next spring. Eleanore talks to James about how left out he must be feeling. James insists he doesn't feel that way at all. While he holds a deep respect for her religion, he has no desire to risk his life by joining. And by the way, he loves his wife more than ever and kisses her passionately to prove it.

Chapter 6   Excluded

   James visits both his children's bedrooms the next morning as they are getting up and preparing for the day. He tells David if he feels getting baptized into the same church his mother belongs to is the right thing to do, then that's what he should do. 
And, no, James is not going to be baptized. 
    In Iris's room James takes the hairbrush and brushes his daughter's long, blonde, "princess" hair for her while they discuss her feelings for the Mormon church. He tells her the same thing he told David-to follow her heart.

    The two Elders leave the next day and James can't deny the new peace he feels in his home now. Everyone is so dang happy. It just doesn't make sense to him...

    Eleanore sends poor Sally some of the luxurious commodities only the super rich in America like the Barringtons can afford, like scented soap and shampoo. (Do they not have any Walmarts in Nauvoo? Do a Google map search and find out!) Then, one day in spring not long after Iris' baptism, Miriam Plummer and her husband drop the bomb-they are moving to Nauvoo. (Hope they're taking their teenage children with them.)
    James is convinced they are going to their deaths. He looks at Fredrick, Lizzie and Amanda and asks, "Will ye also go away?" they reply, "Nay, James, where would we go? You Barringtons are the only family we have." (Not to mention our 401ks!) 
    Eleanore tells James she is pregnant but wants to keep it a secret, so as not to disappoint the children. Three months later, she loses it anyway. Amanda warns James when he comes into the house so he can sob outside in the hall first before entering the master bedroom so they can mourn and cry and talk about their feelings...together. That night, David comes into the room to announce to his parents he just had that same dream, again.
    Weeks later, James is troubled as Eleanore continues to be melancholy and depressed. The light has gone out of her eyes. He tries to snuggle in bed one night but she turns away, not in the mood. She never wants to get pregnant again. Deeply offended, James accuses her of forsaking her Christian beliefs-if Jesus is always with us, no matter how bad our trials, and she believes in Him and in his Atonement, then she wouldn't be denying him sex. 
And with that, James leaves the room to sleep on the sofa downstairs.

Chapter 7     City Beautiful

      At 1:40 am, James returns to the master bedroom to find his wife fell asleep on her knees at the side of the bed. They reconcile.
     Eleanore writes to Sally who writes back, humbly asking if she might take them up on their offer to send her beloved family china, forced to leave behind when they left and which Eleanore reported they aren't using since she has her own, after all. James has a better idea. Lizzie and Frederick can watch the kids and they will make the trip to Nauvoo in person to deliver the china. High time Eleanore met her pen pal anyway.
    In no time, it seems, James and Eleanore are introducing themselves to an average height, well-rounded woman with white blond hair standing on the porch of her modest red brick home in Nauvoo. Sally and Eleanore squeal and embrace. When they announce their intention to stay at the Marriott Nauvoo, Sally insists surprise guests are always welcome at their house so they can forget that idea right now. Hearing the news, the Plummer family and their children come right over for another tearful reunion. Everyone is, of course, staying for supper where everyone can't shut up exclaiming how YOUNG Eleanore is and looks and what a sugar daddy she married.
   This bothers gray-haired James so much he brings it up that night as they are both preparing for bed. Why did Eleanore marry him anyway, he asks her. She replies the answer is now irrelevant. Besides, he made it very clear in his very practical, unromantic proposal that no other wealthy gentleman like him would ever offer a penniless nobody like her such a life-changing opportunity. Lucky for both of them, she ended up falling in love with him anyway. And he with her.

Chapter 8     The Prophecy

     Next day, the Jensens take their friends on a tour of the city in their buggy. They shop, James treats them all to lunch before driving up to the temple mount to admire the construction work. Sally sees Brother Joseph and calls him over to meet the Barringtons.
     This next scene is the only reason to read this book.
     Sally explains how Eleanore found a Book of Mormon on the road back in England, read it and came as quickly as she could to be with the saints. Intrigue fills the prophet's eyes as he shakes her hand. Eleanore notes he's just as tall as her husband as he greets James calling him "Brother Barrington," who is quick to correct Joseph, he is not a member of their church. "And why is that, Brother Barrington?" James explains further, while he does believe God led them to Iowa City until He makes known His will, that's where they'll be staying. Brother Joseph respects that. He turns to Eleanore, takes her hand again and, filled with the spirit of prophecy, promises Eleanore she will bear and raise many fine children who will help build up Zion. Eleanore is still trying to catch her breath as Joseph takes his leave, as causally as if giving prophecies like this to complete strangers were a common occurrence.
    Later that evening, at the Plummers (who will be hosting dinner later) the women ask Eleanore how she managed to catch such a handsome, astute, even formidable so-much-older-than-her husband. Eleanore is quick to defend their relationship, yes, her English Lord did marry WAY down but that was the whole reason they moved to America-to be free of such ridiculous social class distinctions (because in America-young, penniless, female servants marry their wealthy male employers all the time) and beside, he needed a mother for his children. The two women sigh over such a romantic story. 
   The next day is Sunday. Eleanore nearly swoons, sitting in her first Mormon worship service. If only they could move here to Zion. Surely her husband would feel the spirit and join the church too.
   Ever the philanthropist, James takes Mark Jensen aside, handing him a check for a significant amount of money for the temple fund. He insists Mark take it. Don't worry, he can afford it.
   The next day on the riverboat home, James angrily informs Eleanore they will NEVER move to Nauvoo where everyone lives in fear of their lives. Eleanore urges him to pray about such a decision. James reluctantly agrees. As the days pass, even Eleanore can't deny the spirit gently denying her request. Moving to Nauvoo is not the Lord's will for them at this time. Eleanore cries before working up the courage to discuss it with her husband. The tension has dissipated since their talk on the riverboat. Both agree they are more in love with each other than ever.

Chapter 9     Social Distinction

    One day, Eleanore returns from one of her Ladies' Social Circle Club meetings with an exciting invitation for her and James. They are to attend a ball, being hosted by the President who also just happens to be one of the richest women in town. They must have tailored clothes and find a babysitter. While they certainly don't believe in associating with those in "the great and spacious building" it is nice of the higher social circles in town to be so accepting of them.
   Making a point to avoid the champagne, the two sip their punch and admit to having a good time at the party while driving home later that night. Like Rhett Butler after he married Scarlett, James smiles at his wife's naivete. He found the entire evening boring. Such snobbery can be found in both England and America, he explains. But if it makes his young wife happy attending such social events, he'll continue to indulge her.
   Trouble arises, though, at the very next dinner party they attend where the subject of both slavery AND the Mormon religion comes up. Like The King of Siam, James declares slavery to be a very bad thing while both clam up and try to act like everyone else as Mormons are raked up one side and down the other for their outrageous beliefs. They were driven out and good riddance to them. Eleanore is afraid she's going to be sick, while James bites his tongue to keep from telling these hypocrites how wrong they are about his wife's religion.
   On the drive home, James simply puts an arm around his wife and never says "I told you so." Using slavery as her excuse, Eleanore wastes no time sending a polite note to Mrs. King. Eleanore is removing her from her Facebook page.

Chapter 10    Going Back

    James receives news from England. Apparently, the new Lord of the Manor who bought his estate is an overly demanding despot, refusing to comply with the contract of sale regarding how the staff salaries and surplus garnished from estate farms would be handled. Eleanore agrees, James must return to England at once to straighten this out with his solicitor and find another buyer. One they can trust.
    Upon arrival in Merry old England, they check themselves into an inn, driving out to the Manor house next day for a surprise visit. The kitchen staff are delighted to see Eleanore while James meets with the new, wicked, owner upstairs. After accepting their exclamations over how much she's grown into a real married lady, Eleanore excuses herself to take a long walk. She finds the church she was married in and spends a couple of pages reminiscing over her wedding day.
   James finds her here and they talk. Somehow, James was able to legally fire the new owner and take back his estate. It's all settled. His trusted solicitors will be running the place leaving them free to return to Iowa tomorrow. He figures they have at least ten or twenty years to find a new buyer before the money runs out. Plenty of time. Both agree getting married and immigrating to America was the right thing to do.
Oh, and Eleanore made sure to leave a few copies of the Book of Mormon for her old fellow servant-friends.

Chapter 11     The Storm

    Back from their trip, months pass and everything settles into the old familiar pattern again. The family continues to hold their own private Sunday services following their "keeping up appearances" attendance at the local Christian church so no one suspects their hypocrisy. One day a beautiful new piano is delivered to the house. An early Christmas present for the entire family from James. The hymnal Sally sent back in Chapter 5 can now be put to proper use.
    All the children are growing up. Ralph is almost seventeen. David turns twelve. Both boys are the best of friends. Iris is will soon turn ten. Spring arrives and the year is 1844. Sally writes of a new revelation Brother Joseph is now teaching openly the doctrine of celestial marriage and eternal families. When the temple is completed, all who desire will be allowed to participate in this new ordinance. Eleanore weeps when she thinks how much she desires for such blessings, if only her husband shared her beliefs. Which is why when James finds her crying, she refuses to talk about it, snaps at him and leaves the room.
   Summer arrives along with another letter from Sally. Even before she opens it, Eleanore can feel a dark sense of foreboding. James witnesses her shock and horror learning the prophet is DEAD.
   More letters from Sally and Miriam help Eleanore in her grieving process as the saints continue to carry on without their beloved leader. Turns out James is quite proficient in music. He can sing and play the piano a little thus enriching their little Sabbath services. Eleanore listens with misty eyes as he and the children together pick out the song, "The Spirit of God." Later, when Eleanore discovers she is pregnant and becomes very ill, confined to her bed, she has an inspired idea.
   It's a little awkward asking James to sit in while Fredrick gives her a very long priesthood blessing in which she is promised many miraculous things: her child would be delivered safely and her body would be strong enough to bear it, as well as many more, that because of her faith the household would be blessed when a coming storm of grief and heartache descends, yet if they continued to have faith in Jesus Christ, her joy would abound. Unable to bear his own emotions, James exits as soon as he hears the "amen," to ride a horse at breakneck speed while praying fervently for his wife and unborn child.
    When he returns, James is astonished to find his wife working in the kitchen as if she had never been ill. Meanwhile, the boys are outside playing fetch with the dog. David wants to take the dog for a walk. His parents reluctantly give him permission to go alone and it's de ja vu all over again from the last book when a big, cold storm blows in and James comes stumbling in carrying a half dead David in his arms. Eleanore wraps him in blankets and holds him close, not worried at all.
   
Chapter 12     Measuring

    The doctor finally arrives, declares the boy just needs some time to rest (take two aspirin and call me in the morning) and leaves.
    While keeping vigil at David's sickbed, James and Eleanore spend many pages in a long heart-to-heart talk. James shares his depressing childhood, growing up with parents who basically ignored him because his older brother and younger sister, who could do no wrong according to his grieving mother, both died at young ages. James grew up being constantly compared to the brother who died at only age two. He decided, when he grew up and got married, he would NEVER act like that. Except he married a woman who deceived him. Now God is going to take his only son because he failed as a man and especially as a husband and father. Eleanore insists he's wrong. Yet, as six days pass and David's health continues to decline, Eleanore is terrified by the despair she sees in her husband's eyes. James sobs and screams holding his dying son. Eleanore knows they have to let him go. His measured life is over. James can't understand. Fredrick gave the boy a priesthood blessing and while there was no mention of any miraculous recovery, God should have healed their son. Eleanore and James hold each other while they cry.

Chapter 13     The Human Heart

     James and Eleanore do nothing but cry 24/7 now. A nice funeral service is held but James is troubled by the minister's words over his son's grave (they buried David on a small hill near the woods on their property) and his despair that God has forsaken him and his family. So overcome by grief is James, Eleanore has to gently remind him; Iris needs her father too. But James is too depressed. One night, the spirit awakens Eleanore with the prompt to find her husband. Now. She stops James outside in the yard, just in time, as he was about to pull the trigger. 
On the dog.
Fredrick comes out and calmly takes over, guiding James away, instructing Eleanore to return to the house and try and get some sleep. James apologizes next morning. Eleanore freely forgives him. Then proceeds to preach a sermon about how James can never expect to find any peace until he does what she learned to do: give your heart to God. James stumbles to a chair. Later he goes by himself to pray and sob and pour his heart out to God. He returns, declaring to Eleanore he feels better already. 
   Eleanore shows James his son's journals (before marrying their father, Eleanore the Governess was adamant these children would know the joy of journaling) James reads them and is comforted. One month later, Eleanore finally makes herself write to their dear friends in Nauvoo, telling them about the most horrible night of their lives. Apparently, James has been reading the Book of Mormon for, not a few nights later, he shows her a most profound section of scripture (one of my favorites) about the state of the soul between death and when we are all resurrected as found in Alma 40:11. He had NO IDEA Mormons had this kind of knowledge. Just imagine if it were true. David is surely in a better place. Eleanore just smiles.
    And with James' grief under control, we can now turn to Iris who starts spending several days in bed, insisting she doesn't feel well because, as it turns out, she was hiding a gangreous foot after walking barefoot in the woods, breaking a strict rule, stepped on a sharp twig and thought she could hide it from her parents. Eleanore turns back the blankets and examines her daughter's foot. To her horror, it is already too late, infection has set in. The doctor is sent for.

Chapter 14    David's Dream

    The prognosis doesn't look good. Iris thrashes around the bed, delirious with pain and fever. Fredrick might as well be a bishop with all the priesthood blessings he's been called upon to give already for this family as James finds him in the barn and has to BEG him to come give his daughter a blessing. Now. Fredrick raises an eyebrow. James wasn't too pleased at the last blessing he gave, but he'll do it all the same. In the middle of the blessing, Fredrick suddenly pauses, before the heavens open and the most amazing blessings and promises come pouring out of his mouth for little Iris: not only will she be healed and fully recover from this injury, but grow up to raise children in Zion, in a place where there would be no persecution or suffering. 
Hours after the blessing has been given, James, Eleanore and Fredrick can hardly believe their eyes as the doctor, equally amazed, enters the room to check on his patient. After ascertaining her fever has indeed gone way down, he throws back the bedcovers to discover her foot has been miraculously healed. She's going to be just fine. Iris wakes up and asks for pancakes. Everyone chuckles, then cries. Iris cries too when she learns what just happened.
   That very night, James tells Eleanore in bed he's ready to be baptized. Might as well, after all the incredible miracles they've experienced. Both fall asleep but very early the next morning, Eleanore's water breaks and she gives birth to a boy. Remembering David's (on two separate occasions) dream, seeing how much he looks like his father, they decide to name him James, but agree they will call him Jamie.
   Poor boy.

   In the Spring of 1845, James is baptized. As soon as he steps out of the water, he declares he wants to go to the Nauvoo temple to be sealed and maybe they should move to Nauvoo...but only if it is God's will for them. If not, well, Eleanore couldn't ask for anything more.

THE END