Miss Hattie gave the couple her unsolicited permission and advised she’d check on progress in the kitchen. “But don’ be up there too long. You’s the one folks is wanting to see, Moses.”
Moses laughed and agreed, but Truth shuddered at the remark. “I do wish she’d quit interfering. You’d think she was a member of the family.”
As they walked down the hallway and entered their bedroom, Moses stroked Truth’s hair as though she were a small child. “She means well.”
Truth frowned as she settled into the rocking chair that overlooked the rear yard. “I know you’re anxious to get back to the guests.
But I need to know . . . is it true that you’ve been declared the winner?”
“It’s still unknown. The folks here in Nicodemus are speculating I’ve won because I’ve been declared a clear frontrunner in this part of the state.”
Truth met his unwavering gaze. “But you believe you’ve won, don’t you?”
“I do, but what I think doesn’t matter. It’s the votes that will elect me.” He traced his finger down her cheek. “You need not begin fretting just yet.”
She enveloped his hand with hers and held it tightly. She wanted to tell him of her fears, but now was not the time. She could hear folks downstairs chanting his name. “We had best return downstairs before Miss Hattie comes up to fetch you.”
When they reached the parlor, Moses embraced Truth’s waist and signaled for the throng to quiet. Much to Truth’s surprise, he explained he was delighted they had all come to join in the festivities, but since there would be no definite word until later in the week, he suggested they call a halt to the celebration at midnight. Though there were a few groans and exclamations of disappointment, their guests were mostly in agreement.
However, Miss Hattie commandeered the group’s attention. “We’s all gonna come back here on Friday night. All you ladies bring some food so’s Truth don’t have to do no cookin’.”
Before the invitation could be withdrawn, shouts of jubilation erupted. Hoping Moses would do something to put Miss Hattie in her place, Truth squeezed his hand. Unfortunately, he was already nodding his agreement.
Truth wandered through the parlor and dining room, straightening furniture and checking tabletops for dust. She wanted to feel assured the house was in order for tonight’s celebration party. Though she longed to take a brief nap, she wouldn’t want their visitors to think her a poor housekeeper. Accordingly, she circled the rooms several times before giving her final approval.
Although Moses had privately voiced his displeasure over Miss Hattie’s invitation to the community, he was clearly thrilled the gathering would reconvene this evening. Tonight the town would truly celebrate his election. The votes had all been counted, and the telegram from Topeka had declared Moses the winner by a landslide.
Erik Peterson had ridden like the wind to bring the message from the telegraph office. The voting citizens of Kansas had spoken, and so had God. Truth would not have her way in this matter.
A knock sounded at the front door and Truth checked the mantel clock. Just before four. She’d specifically sent word that Miss Hattie need not arrive until after supper. Truth trudged toward the front door and exhaled a sigh before she yanked it open.
Her jaw went slack and she simply stared, momentarily rendered speechless.
“Aren’t you going to invite me in?”
Truth moved to the side. The scent of floral perfume filled her nostrils as the woman came into the foyer. Her fashionable gown gently rustled as she brushed past Truth. “I wasn’t expecting . . . I mean, I’m surprised . . . I expected Miss Hattie to be standing on the porch.”
Aunt Lilly’s familiar laughter filled the foyer. “Don’t you love a surprise?”
Truth shook her head. She’d had enough surprises to last her a lifetime, and the last thing she wanted was yet one more—particularly the arrival of Aunt Lilly at her door.
Though Pappy and Lilly had made amends before Lilly departed Nicodemus, Truth wondered if he would be displeased to see her. More importantly, why was Lilly at her place rather than Jarena’s? Jarena and Lilly were more than aunt and niece; they were mother and daughter—by blood, if not by any other bond. She peeked out the front door. Two large trunks and a large leather bag sat nearby.
Lilly followed her gaze. “I’m having the remainder of my things shipped.”
“Remainder?”
Stopping in front of the mirror, Lilly rearranged the lacy jabot that topped her wine-colored wool traveling dress. “Yes. I’m relocating. But we can leave those outside until I’ve decided where I’ll be staying.”
Truth swallowed hard as she followed her aunt into the parlor. Where she’ll be staying? If Lilly planned to remain in Nicodemus for an extended visit, surely she would move in with Jarena—or even Pappy. Truth was afraid to pursue the topic, for there was no telling what answer she might receive. Moreover, there were chores that needed to be completed before her guests arrived. She’d not had time to explain the celebratory party when she heard Miss Hattie’s familiar voice.
The old woman pushed open the front door and charged forward. “Who’s that there baggage on your porch—” She stopped mid-sentence and frowned at Lilly. The old woman squinted and took a step closer. “Is my eyes deceiving me, or is that Lilly Verdue?”
Truth smiled at Miss Hattie’s little game of cat and mouse. “You know it is, Miss Hattie.”
A throaty harrumph erupted before Miss Hattie made her way into the parlor. “I’m guessing you’s back here to stir up some more of that trouble you’s so good at brewing.”
Lilly’s soft laugh rippled through the room. “The only thing I’ve continued to stir up is my own perfume, Miss Hattie.” She leaned down and placed a kiss on the old woman’s wrinkled brow.
The surprising gesture nearly caused Miss Hattie to topple over backward. Touching her index fingertip to her temple, she narrowed her eyes. “What’s come over you? You lost your mind since you ske-daddled out of Nicodemus?”
Lilly tilted her head to one side and gave Miss Hattie an exaggerated wink while Truth wondered what she’d done to deserve the presence of these two women in her parlor only hours before a large group of guests was due to arrive. Even though neighbors were bringing food, there were many tasks to complete before the house would be ready for visitors. As the two women continued their sparring, Truth edged her way toward the hallway. At least she could take charge of the kitchen without Miss Hattie’s interference. She’d nearly made it through the dining room doorway when Miss Hattie brandished her parasol and waved Lilly aside. Before Truth had time to catch her breath, Miss Hattie had regained control of the party preparations.
With each new arrival, Truth endured a similar ritual: a polite inquiry about the baggage, a surprised exclamation, and a barrage of questions for Aunt Lilly. No one, though, appeared more surprised than Jarena. After delivering only a perfunctory kiss to Truth’s cheek, she’d made an immediate beeline to Lilly’s side, and the two of them now engaged in a whispered exchange. While Truth observed the twosome from across the room, she remembered she’d not mentioned Moses’s victory to her aunt. Likely Jarena had already told her.
Truth sauntered across the room and joined the two women. “I suddenly realized I hadn’t mentioned why we’re hosting this evening’s party, Aunt Lilly.”
Lilly arched her perfectly shaped brows and shrugged. “Is a reason required for entertaining friends and family?”
Truth was uncertain whether her aunt intended the remark as a question or insult. “Of course not,” she replied demurely. “But in this case we are celebrating Moses’s recent victory. He’s been elected state auditor.” When Lilly didn’t comment, Truth glanced at her sister and then turned back to Lilly. “You already knew, didn’t you?”
“I received a letter from Jarena shortly after Moses was nominated. Though I hadn’t seen formal notice of his victory, I never doubted he would win.” She moved closer. “You do recall I t
old you this would happen, don’t you?”
Her aunt continued talking, but Truth heard no more of Lilly’s comments. She directed a questioning look at her sister. Not once had Jarena mentioned corresponding with Lilly. The idea that the two of them had been exchanging letters was not as disconcerting as realizing Jarena had kept a secret from the family. Or had she? Perhaps Jarena had told the others. Was Truth the only one who’d been in the dark? Grasping her skirts in one hand, Truth excused herself and hurried to the kitchen.
Passing through the dining room, she took hold of Grace’s arm and tugged her along through the kitchen and then outdoors into the bracing autumn air.
“What’s gotten into you, Truth? It’s cold out here.” Grace folded her arms across her chest and briskly rubbed her upper arms.
Light filtered out through the kitchen window to reveal her sister’s frowning face, but Truth paid no heed to the cold or her sister’s puckered brow. “Did you know Jarena’s been corresponding with Aunt Lilly?”
Grace stared at her in surprise. “You brought me out here in the cold to ask that? What’s gotten into you, Truth?” She yanked her sister by the hand. “Come on! Let’s get inside.”
Truth clasped her fingers tightly around Grace’s hand and refused to budge.
“I believe she mentioned writing a letter to Aunt Lilly.” Grace shrugged. “Don’t know what difference it makes. Now can we go back inside?”
“Did Pappy know?”
Grace yanked loose. “I s’pose. We never talked about it. Do you need to rest for a while? What’s wrong with you?”
Truth shook her head. From the strange look on her sister’s face, Grace thought she’d become mentally unstable. Best she not dig any further or Grace would mention her questions to Jarena.
The remainder of the evening passed in a blur. The guests came and went, the food trays were continuously filled and emptied, well-wishers offered their congratulations, and laughter filled the house. Late in the evening, Truth surveyed the roomful of remaining guests. From outward appearances, all seemed well. She doubted anyone could surmise that a thorn of betrayal had lodged in her heart.
Though Truth had privately protested, Moses insisted the family remain for the night. The hour had been late when the final guests departed, and he’d pointed out there were ample accommodations for everyone—including Lilly. Truth had shivered at the prospect of having her aunt’s belongings moved into the house. Truth was sure Lilly would view that act as an invitation to remain as their houseguest.
The following morning the entire family gathered in the dining room for breakfast, thanks to Jarena’s efforts. Exhausted by the previous day’s activities, Truth had remained abed as long as possible. In fact, had Moses not awakened her, she would have slept through breakfast. She truly wanted sleep more than food—or company.
Once seated at the dining table, Truth settled into her role of hostess and casually inquired into her aunt’s future plans. Lilly helped herself to a spoonful of scrambled eggs and explained she’d made no definite plans other than to get out of Colorado before the winter snows set in.
Ezekiel speared a piece of ham and dropped it onto his plate. “Where you two gonna live when you’s in Topeka, Moses?”
Moses wiped his mouth with the linen napkin. “That’s still to be decided. I thought we’d travel to Topeka sometime in the next week or two and see about finding a place. If I can arrange to have Harvey Boyle take over the newspaper here, I’d like to get settled in Topeka as soon as possible. I’m planning to go to Hill City today and visit with Harvey.”
His response came so quickly Truth wondered if her father and husband had prearranged the question. Likely they wanted to prepare her for the inevitable. Besides, she had come to realize that discussing their departure from Nicodemus was easier for Moses when others were present.
Truth wanted to visit the doctor before setting their timeline for departure. She’d experienced a small amount of bleeding over the past week, but she didn’t want to blurt out such personal information in front of the entire family. How could she fashion a reply without appearing obstinate? “If you want to travel to Topeka and secure a house for us, I won’t object, my dear. However, I wouldn’t wish to depart before Christmas. I don’t know when we’ll be able to return home for a visit; besides, Grace couldn’t depart now, either.”
“Uh-huh, she’s right about that,” Grace affirmed. “I already promised Silas I’d wait until after the holidays to leave.”
Lilly tapped a finger to her lips. “I’d be pleased to go along, Moses. I can assist you in finding a suitable house. And if I like the town, I may decide to settle there in the capital city.”
A deafening silence followed the revelation. Lilly’s surprising announcement could mean only one thing—trouble.
CHAPTER
8
Hill City , Kansas
Macia had been waiting at the newspaper office for at least an hour. Though she’d told her brother she needed to speak with him, she knew he would continue with his printing until the job was completed. Thankfully, it appeared he would soon finish.
Outside, the wind tumbled loose brush and debris down the street while gray clouds hung heavy in the sky. Macia wondered if Hill City would soon be covered in a blanket of snow. Even though a warm fire blazed nearby, she shivered at the thought of the approaching winter. November was much too early for snow—at least as far as she was concerned. However, snow arrived in western Kansas any time from October to May. Once the farmers planted their winter wheat, they were pleased to have the snow providing moisture and acting as a winter blanket for their crops. At the moment, Macia wasn’t interested in crops or weather.
When the din of the press finally ceased, Macia stepped to her brother’s side and began to question him. She had hoped to hear that he’d been successful in locating a housekeeping position for Fern. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Harvey hadn’t found a thing.
“I wish Father would heed my request and withhold Fern’s pay for ruining my dress. If he’d comply, I believe Fern would immediately begin to seek employment elsewhere.”
Harvey brushed a lock of chestnut brown hair from his forehead and started to replace the type in the proper compartments of the type case. He waved her forward and pointed at the chase that held columns of type. “I doubt you’ll gain Father’s agreement, so you’d best practice your patience. You know how he dislikes confrontation.”
As she removed type from the chase’s iron frame, Macia peered out the front window. “Have you seen those folks before?”
Harvey followed her gaze and then shook his head. A buggy with four occupants slowly rolled down the street. Macia watched as the conveyance stopped in front of the newspaper office. A couple that appeared to be about the age of Macia’s parents stepped out of the buggy, soon followed by a boy of approximately twelve years and a pretty daughter that seemed to capture Harvey’s interest.
Macia poked him in the side. “I thought you were interested in Mattie Lawson.”
Harvey laughed. “I hardly know her, although Garrett tells everyone I’ve all but placed an engagement ring on her finger.”
Before they could discuss Harvey’s romantic relationships, the front door opened and the foursome entered. The man stepped forward and offered his hand to Harvey. “Vernon Faraday. My wife, Lula, and my children, Camille and Jonas.”
Harvey shook the man’s hand, but the sparkle in her brother’s eyes was clearly intended for Camille. “Harvey and Macia Boyle. Pleased to make your acquaintance—all of you.”
Camille’s smile faded, but she nodded at Macia. “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Boyle.”
Macia giggled at the greeting. “I do apologize for my laughter, but I’m Harvey’s sister, not his wife.”
Camille’s enchanting smile promptly returned at the pronouncement.
“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you. What brings you to Hill City?”
Though Mr. Faraday stepped forward, his wif
e offered the response—one that seemed stilted and rehearsed—albeit interesting. Macia questioned the validity of the woman’s reply. Why would a successful pharmacist leave his business, his home, friends, and extended family to move west? She bit her lip at the thought. Likely for many of the same reasons her own father had decided to leave Kentucky several years ago.
From all appearances, the Faraday family had much in common with her own. Though they weren’t Southerners, they were educated and had an air of refinement. Macia’s mother would be delighted: finally someone she could relate to might be settling in the community. The very thought made Macia anxious to have the Faradays call Hill City their new home. It had become painfully clear that her mother needed someone or something to keep her mind occupied. Otherwise, the long hours closeted in her bedroom would only continue. Possibly Mrs. Faraday would provide her mother with an added incentive to enjoy life.
As for the other members of the family, Camille was friendly enough and close to her own age—she might even be someone with whom Macia could form a friendship. And it certainly appeared Harvey would soon be vying for Camille’s attentions. Her brother looked quite smitten with the new arrival. Young Jonas might prove an excellent intermediary for Harvey’s cause, since the boy seemed fascinated by the printing press.
However, Mr. and Mrs. Faraday expressed no definite commitment to Hill City. Rather, they were searching for a town in need of a pharmacy. When they’d noticed the doctor’s office was closed, Mrs. Faraday had decided the next best place to procure an answer to their question would be the newspaper office.
Harvey’s chest swelled with pride. “You’re absolutely correct. A good newspaper is the pulse of a community.”
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