Daylight Comes

by Judith Miller

  Jarena stood up and hoisted Jennie to her hip. “I love you,” she whispered as she placed a kiss on Truth’s cheek. “Pappy said we’d come over after church on Sunday if you wanted some company. I’d be pleased to bring along some pies for dessert.”

  Truth followed her guests to the front door. “That would be nice.

  Maybe you and Grace and I can spend some time alone.”

  Miss Hattie turned after stepping onto the front porch. “While you’s thinkin’ ’bout what I said, you might consider doin’ somethin’ with that hair of yours.” With a wink and a grin, she waved her parasol in the air and headed off with Jarena alongside her.

  CHAPTER

  3

  Though her stubborn nature argued against it, Truth followed Miss Hattie’s final instructions. After all, she did look disheveled. Peering into the dresser mirror, she tamed her hair into a presentable style before hastening back downstairs.

  There would be little time to prepare the noonday meal, but she would do her best before Moses arrived home. Deciding to heat thick slices of ham and fry up a skillet of potatoes and onions, she set to work. While she peeled and sliced, an unbidden remembrance of her aunt Lilly and one of the predictions she had made came to mind— words of warning that Moses and Truth weren’t well suited and a declaration that her sister, Jarena, was the better choice for a man of obvious power, distinction, and money. Most importantly, the money!

  Aunt Lilly could sniff out a wealthy man like a bee drawn to a nectar-filled bloom. And she had been correct in her assessment of Moses.

  Truth’s husband had been reared by a wealthy white family in Massachusetts and educated far beyond the likes of most coloreds— at least any of the coloreds Truth had ever known. Prior to his arrival in Kansas, Moses had succeeded in all of his business ventures. And shortly after an article had appeared in the newspaper regarding Nicodemus, he’d decided to personally investigate the town. In less than five years, he’d set up newspaper offices in both Hill City and Nicodemus, married Truth, and constructed their new home. Now he’d likely be adding state auditor to his list of accomplishments.

  The knife nicked Truth’s finger as she recalled Aunt Lilly’s exact words. “What if Moses has political aspirations, Truth? What if he chooses to move from Nicodemus? Are you willing to leave this town and help him aspire to something greater if that should be his choice?” Truth rinsed a trickle of blood from her finger and wrapped it with a strip of cloth as the question continued to replay in her mind. Thinking such a day would never come, she’d been nonchalant with her response. Flippantly, she’d told her aunt that Moses would never make such a decision without first consulting her. Truth had disregarded her aunt’s warning. Unfortunately, Moses hadn’t first considered her feelings— nor had he consulted her. His recent behavior had served to compound her mounting fears about their future. What other decisions might he make without her?

  “Do I smell ham and fried potatoes?” Her husband’s words preceded him down the hall.

  “You have a good nose.” She turned her cheek to accept his kiss.

  “Dinner will be ready in a few more minutes.”

  Moses’s eyes shone with delight as he surveyed her appearance.

  “You look lovely today. I’m pleased it won’t be necessary to have the doctor come calling.”

  Ignoring the remark, she stirred the potatoes. “Why don’t you set the table for me?”

  He gingerly removed two table settings from the shelf and arranged them on the table. “If we move to Topeka, I’m going to hire someone to help you with the housework and cooking. Maybe your friend Dovie would be interested. You could write to her.”

  Dovie. Truth hadn’t heard from her old friend in well over a year. In her final letter, Dovie had mentioned she’d soon be without a housekeeping position if the congressman who employed her lost his bid for reelection. Shortly thereafter, Truth had written to inquire, but she’d never received a reply. Perhaps Dovie had taken a job elsewhere, married, or even moved to another town.

  For now, Truth didn’t want to talk about Dovie or Topeka. She placed their meal on the table while Moses arranged the silverware.

  Changing the subject, she inquired if his work had gone well throughout the morning.

  Moses forked a piece of ham and dropped it onto his plate. “It did. I managed to accomplish more than expected. However, I’m certain you have more news to report than I. Miss Hattie and Jarena stopped by the office and said they were coming to pay you a visit. Did you enjoy their company?”

  How could she truthfully respond to that question without saying she’d found Miss Hattie’s interference overwhelming? She picked up the bowl of potatoes and passed them to her husband. “I must admit I’m not fond of unexpected company. I’d rather be prepared when I receive guests.” At least she’d managed to avoid a lie.

  Moses gave her an appreciative look. “Well, your present appearance is stunning. Besides, Jarena isn’t a guest—she’s family. And Miss Hattie’s considered a part of nearly every family in Nicodemus.”

  That much was true. And whether sought after or not, Miss Hattie’s opinions were freely given. “Speaking of guests, Pappy and the rest of the family are joining us for dinner after church on Sunday.”

  Moses scooped a helping of potatoes onto his plate and nodded.

  “We should spend as much time as possible with family between now and the election. That way, we won’t have any regrets should I be elected.”

  Not have any regrets? She inhaled a deep breath and forced herself to remain calm. Best to shift the conversation to a more neutral topic.

  “I believe I’ll do some shopping this afternoon. Is there anything I might purchase for you?” Instantly, she knew her question sounded foolish, for the newspaper office was only a short distance from the general store, where Moses could easily purchase anything he needed without difficulty. All other topics of conversation eluded her at the moment.

  Moses reached across the table and cupped her hand beneath his own as he thanked her for the kind offer. “Tell me, what did Miss Hattie have to say about our news?”

  Not knowing whether he meant news of his bid for state auditor or news of the baby, Truth decided to assume the latter. “She was most pleased for us.” Truth picked up her plate. If she began to clear away the dishes, she’d not be required to elaborate.

  “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were attempting to rush me out of the house. I haven’t even had a second cup of coffee.”

  “I’m sorry. I’ll get the pot when I take the dishes to the kitchen. I had hoped to complete my shopping as early as possible. I may need to take a brief nap before starting supper this evening.” Though she doubted she’d actually require a nap, Truth wanted Moses to depart before they exchanged words that might lead to an argument.

  “No need for more coffee, then. The sooner I complete my work at the office, the sooner I’ll be back home this evening.” He carried his plate into the kitchen and then kissed her on the cheek. “I look forward to spending a leisurely evening with you. I missed our evening chats while I was in Topeka.”

  Why must he continue to talk about Topeka? Every time he mentioned the place, a new wave of fear washed over her, mingling with an increasing dismay over his actions. How had Moses so easily decided about their future without giving any thought to her wishes?

  Truth walked alongside her husband until they reached the front door. Rising up on tiptoe, she accepted his kiss and waited until he was out of sight before returning to the kitchen. Yes, they would talk tonight, though she doubted either of them would be completely satisfied with the outcome. He would likely think her fears and worries over the baby foolish, and any request to withdraw his name from the ballot would surely be ineffective.

  Moses looked through the stack of paperwork on his desk before glancing at the clock. He shook his head. Although there was much work requiring his attention, he shouldn’t be late for supper this evening. A late appearanc
e might set Truth on edge and make the evening’s discussion all the more difficult.

  There had been little doubt the announcement of his candidacy had displeased and upset Truth. And although the news of an expected child had delighted him, he’d been caught unawares. They had both longed for a child, but he’d given up hope when month after month they’d been disappointed. Why, he’d not even considered her illness might be related to such a condition when he departed for Topeka. However, he needed to assure her of his love and support— and his pleasure that they would soon welcome a son or daughter into their home.

  He placed a glass paperweight atop the sheaf of papers, locked his office, and headed off toward home. As he bounded up the front steps, he uttered a quick prayer that the evening would go well. More than anything, he wanted a return to peace within the confines of his home.

  Do you?

  The questioning inner voice startled him. Of course I want peace.

  How much?

  Moses hastily went inside the house and banged the door behind him. He hoped to distance himself from the stinging question as easily as he shut out the hot August wind. Right now he wasn’t certain he did want peace more than he wanted to serve as state auditor.

  The waning sunlight splashed through the kitchen window and framed Truth in a luminescent halo as she turned to greet him. The sight of her beguiling smile assaulted him with an even heavier burden of guilt. Perhaps he should withdraw his candidacy. No doubt the other Republican candidate would be pleased to step in and fill the slot. Yet he didn’t want to give up this opportunity—not for himself and not for their people. Surely Truth would understand that Nicodemus needed to be on the route for one of the railroad lines being planned across the northern half of the state. His presence in Topeka might bolster the town’s chances of being chosen as one of the train stops. After he explained these reasons in more detail, Truth might more readily accept his decision and support his nomination.

  He inhaled the aroma of the simmering chicken stew. “Smells good.” He rubbed his hand in a circular motion over his stomach.

  “And I’m hungry enough to eat all you’ve cooked.”

  Truth giggled as she stirred the kettle. “I doubt you could eat even half of this. In addition, I’ve prepared biscuits and then there’s chocolate cake for dessert. You’ll want to save a little room for those.”

  When the dishes had been cleared away, they sat down in the parlor, Moses balancing a coffee cup on his knee and Truth perched on the edge of the same settee, facing him. Anxiety overpowered him as he struggled to find the proper words to begin their conversation. He lifted his cup and took a sip of coffee.

  “I don’t want to leave Nicodemus.”

  He peered over the lip of the angled cup and met his wife’s unwavering gaze. He need not flounder any longer. The discussion had begun. He placed his cup on the saucer on the side table and took Truth’s hands in his own. “I do understand how you feel, Truth.”

  She shook her head, looking sad. “No, you don’t understand. If you did, you wouldn’t ask me to leave Nicodemus and everyone I love.”

  Her words pierced Moses like lightning splitting a cottonwood tree. “Am I not counted among those you love, Truth?”

  “You’re twisting my words, Moses. You know I love you, but you’re asking me to give up everything else and follow you. It’s not as though we’ve ever actually talked about leaving Nicodemus.” She shifted and pulled her hands free. “Before we married, you led me to believe you’d be content in Nicodemus. Would you feel betrayed if I made plans to leave Nicodemus without your consent?”

  Moses accepted her argument as valid, yet he had to make her understand his decision had been much more than a whim. “It would depend upon the circumstances. If your plan was merely for selfish purposes, I would be upset and angry. If the decision was based upon an important cause, on the other hand, I’d make every attempt to support your choice.”

  She dropped her weight against the back of the sofa and stared at the fireplace. “And because you consider this an important cause, you believe I should cheerfully pack my bags and close up the house.”

  Hoping to lighten the mood, he gave her a playful wink. “Well, I’ll not ask that you do so cheerfully. But I would ask that you give thoughtful consideration to the importance of winning this election— both for us and for our people. Will you agree to give this issue your thought and prayer?”

  She gave him a sidelong glance. “I’ve done nothing else since your announcement. I’ll continue, but that doesn’t mean I’ve agreed.”

  He moved closer and embraced her. “I understand. I won’t ask for anything more right now. At any rate, I may not even win the election.” He cupped her face between his palms. “I’m delighted you’re going to be the mother of my child. I love you very much. You know that, don’t you?”

  “And I love you.” She brushed his lips with a feathery kiss. “As you said, you’ve not yet won the election. All my worry may be for naught.”

  He wondered if she’d been listening to him when he’d pled his case. Did she truly not grasp the importance of having one of their people win a statewide elected office? If he was elected, he would be the first Negro ever to hold statewide office in Kansas—and most other states, for that matter!

  He hoped she would do as she’d said and continue to pray and think about the issue. He would ask nothing more of her for now. After all, he didn’t want her to begin praying for a loss at the polls.

  CHAPTER

  4

  After a final prayer, Pastor Mason dismissed the congregation and then waved his arms overhead. “Wait! We need to offer Moses our congratulations,” he shouted over the murmurs of the crowd. “And don’t forget the elections will be held in less than three months. All you men need to get out and cast your votes.”

  The preacher’s final remark was followed by a loud chorus of amens from most of the congregants, but Truth said nothing. In fact, she decided her husband should be thankful women didn’t have the right to cast a ballot in this election because she would vote for the opposition!

  Before Truth and Moses, along with Grace, could exit their pew, three people had clasped Moses’s right hand and promised him their votes. One by one, the men greeted him with the same refrain: “You got my vote, Moses.” She wanted to tell them to vote for the Democrat instead, but she dared not say such a thing aloud.

  “I’s glad to see you up and about, Truth. You’s lookin’ much better than the last time I saw you,” Miss Hattie commented as she walked by, never missing a step as she continued on her way.

  Truth sighed. The woman did have a way about her! She felt Moses’s hand on her elbow as he guided her forward a few more paces. At this rate they wouldn’t make it out of the church for several hours. Before another well-wisher could stop him, she said, “I believe I’ll go on ahead with Grace and Jarena. We can get the meal set out, and you men can follow along later.”

  Pleased when Moses nodded his agreement, Truth took Grace’s hand. “Let’s find Jarena and go on home. The men are going to follow after a bit.”

  A short time later, the three women were walking toward Truth’s home, all of them anxious to visit without the fear of others overhearing their conversation. Little Jennie giggled as a breeze caught her baby bonnet and blew it off her head. Much to Jennie’s amusement, Grace vaulted upward and grasped the hat with one hand and then plopped it on the baby’s head, saying she was going to double knot it this time. The baby bounced and giggled in reply while Grace secured the hat in place.

  As they walked up the front steps of the house, Grace took hold of Truth’s hand. “I hear Miss Hattie gave you one of her famous speeches earlier in the week.”

  “She surely did.” Truth frowned at her sister. “It’s no fun being the object of Miss Hattie’s attention!”

  Grace nudged Truth playfully. “But she leaves the rest of us alone when she’s quibbling with you. She’s been busy embarrassing the daylights out of
me for the past six months. Every time she sees me with Silas, she hollers to ask when we’re gonna jump the broom.”

  Oh yes, Miss Hattie had done the very same thing to her after she and Moses announced they would wed. The old woman acted as though her very life depended upon marrying off every single young woman in Nicodemus Township.

  While the three sisters busied themselves in the kitchen, Jarena stopped long enough to tap Truth on the shoulder. “I know this election is going to bring wide acclaim to Nicodemus for years to come. We’re all very proud, Truth.”

  Truth marveled at her sister’s remark. Why did they all think she was pleased by Moses’s decision—especially now, when she was expecting a child? The entire town, including the members of her family, viewed Moses’s bid for election as a matter of community pride. As far as Truth was concerned, the depth of her family’s pride would be measured by their willingness to help should Moses be elected. Since they freely expressed that his position as state auditor would prove a wondrous thing for the entire community, she had decided to test the depth of their good wishes.

  Once everyone had been seated around the table, with plates filled and thanks given for their meal, the conversation turned to the upcoming election. Thomas offered to help if there was anything he could do to assist Moses with his campaign.

  Before her husband could reply, Truth scooted to the edge of her chair and leaned forward. She wanted to make eye contact with her brother-in-law when she told him exactly how he could help. By the time Truth had articulated her plan, both Thomas and Jarena were visibly bewildered. They looked, in fact, utterly astonished that Truth had asked them to leave their own home and move to town—into her house.

  She could not understand their reluctance. The home she and Moses had built was nearly new, and it simply should not sit empty and deteriorate while they were gone. To have some unknown family move in was out of the question. Thomas would still be able to maintain his farm; his acreage wasn’t far from town.