Texas Angel, 2-in-1 by Judith Pella

cannot abide the worshiping of more than one deity as Papists do. I believe one of my main missions in Texas will be to break the pope’s bondage of the people. If it means ending up in chains, then so be it.”
    “The only way to free Texas of Catholicism, I believe,” Ezra put in rather blandly, “would be to break free of Mexico altogether.”
    “I believe you are right, Ezra. Texas independence should be the top priority of all God-fearing men!” Benjamin surprised even himself with his impassioned response.
    “But, Benjamin, you’ll do neither God nor the independence movement any good if you end up in a Mexican prison. I say, tread lightly around the Mexican government. The slim chance that you might convert one is not worth it. You would win a small victory only to lose the entire war.”
    “I will try to proceed in the wisdom of God.”
    Ezra nodded but did not appear to be convinced. Benjamin suspected that the man, well-meaning though he might be, had had his convictions dulled by the godless surroundings of the frontier. It certainly had been known to happen in some cases. Benjamin vowed such would not happen to him.

CHAPTER
    8
    B ENJAMIN TOOK HIS LEAVE FROM Ezra and went to see to his wife’s well-being. She was lying comfortably on the bed, Isabel snuggled up next to her asleep, and the new baby in her arms. Rebekah was awake, and Benjamin leaned down, kissed her lightly on her forehead, then peeked under the infant’s blanket.
    “She is a beautiful child,” he said gently.
    “Yes, she is.” A smile twitched upon Rebekah’s pale lips.
    “You were very brave,” he said, “not only in your time of travail but during the whole trip. I know it wasn’t easy.”
    “God strengthened me.”
    Benjamin pulled a chair up to the bed and sat down. “He strengthens us both as we seek His will.”
    “Indeed . . .”
    He ignored the lack of conviction in her voice. She was tired. She had been through a lot. “We are on a mighty mission, Rebekah. I have just spoken to Reverend Bancroft about Texas. He has some knowledge in this matter, and he has convinced me more than ever that there is enormous need where we are going.”
    She only nodded.
    He went on. “The field is ripe and ready for harvest. Remember my dream, Rebekah? It is surely coming to pass. I am the workman sent to the field.”
    “You need not waste your breath trying to convince me,” she said dully.
    He had ceased expecting fire in her eyes, but if only there were a mere spark.
    She added, “I have come this far. You don’t think I will leave, do you?”
    “I only want—“ He stopped. This was neither the time nor the place to beat a tender subject. How many times had they had this very discussion? She was here at his side. Perhaps it was simply too much to expect more.
    “Where is Micah?” she asked, opening another touchy subject. “I thought he would come see the baby after dinner.”
    “He . . . there was a bit of a problem at dinner.” Sometimes Benjamin felt so alone. Wasn’t it bad enough that the world was against him at times, did his family have to be also?
    “Oh, Benjamin, what happened?”
    “The boy has such a rebellious spirit.”
    She sighed. “This move has been very difficult for him. Must you be so hard on him?”
    “I am trying to bring him up in the wisdom of God.”
    “Sometimes he just needs love.”
    “I do love him!” Benjamin did not want to think how many times they had had this conversation. The baby stirred as his voice rose. Benjamin stood abruptly. “I best go before the child wakes. I’ll see you in a bit.”
    Benjamin left the bedroom. In the front room Mrs. Bancroft was cleaning up after dinner while Reverend Bancroft was seated reading a book—not the Bible, though Benjamin could not make out the title. Still feeling tense from the exchange with his wife, he would have gone outside to be alone, but Micah was still there serving his punishment. He sat in an empty chair. Bancroft