Daylight Comes

by Judith Miller

  Bending forward, Grace cupped her hands over her face. “I don’t think I’m goin’ to go with you, Truth.”

  Jarena rose to her feet and scurried toward the stairs, carrying Jennie. “I’ll put the baby down and then go to the kitchen and make tea.”

  Truth moved to her twin sister’s side. She gently grasped one of Grace’s hands and attempted to lower it away from her face. “You promised, Grace. We don’t break promises, especially to each other.”

  Grace moved her hands from her face and folded them in her lap. Pain shone in her swollen eyes, but Truth remained steadfast. She couldn’t permit her sister’s emotion to sway her. There was too much at stake; her fear was too great; too much could go wrong. She couldn’t have this baby without one of her sisters at hand.

  While Grace tearfully expressed her growing anxiety over losing Silas, Truth fidgeted with the lace edging of her burgundy dress.

  “Besides, I’ve been wondering how all those white folks in Topeka are gonna accept us, anyway. I keep remembering how they treated the Exodusters when they arrived in town. I don’t reckon they’re gonna be too happy to see even more coloreds coming to live there.”

  Finally, Grace had expressed concern over an issue Truth could address with a degree of authority. “There’s no need to worry on that account. I’ve already discussed that very issue with Moses and he says we will be accepted with open arms.”

  Grace narrowed her eyes. “How’s he know for sure? Folks might be willing to welcome him, but that doesn’t mean they won’t treat us like Exodusters.”

  “No, they won’t. Moses said the problem with the Exodusters was that so many arrived at one time without any means of support. The city didn’t have enough resources to help all of them.” Truth tilted her head to one side and met her sister’s intense stare. “This is completely different. You may push aside any cares over being welcome in Topeka. Silas remains the only obstacle.”

  At the mention of Silas’s name, Grace looked away. “I can’t blame him for being upset with me, Truth. You know he’s been talking of marriage for over a year now. He thinks this is just another way to delay setting the date. He’s a good man, and I love him. I don’t plan on losing him to someone else.”

  “Maybe you could set a definite date—sometime in summer. After harvest. He’s not going to look for anyone else. Silas will wait as long as he has to. After all, it’s you he wants to marry.”

  Jarena walked into the room, carrying a tea tray. “That’s easy enough for you to say, Truth,” Jarena commented. “Love or not, men don’t always wait. Jeb Malone didn’t wait for Macia Boyle.”

  Truth wished her older sister had remained in the kitchen. Grace’s decision didn’t involve Jarena, and no one had asked for her opinion— especially Truth. While Jarena poured the hot brew into the three delicate cups, Truth reminded herself she should remain calm.

  “I believe we’ve already had our discussion, Jarena. My life is changing, and I need help. Grace agreed to come with me until after the baby is born, and you agreed to move in and take care of the house. Suddenly matters have changed. I’m attempting to reach a resolution. I don’t need you to interfere.”

  Grace toyed with the handle of her teacup until she nearly spilled the liquid on her dress. “Please don’t argue. It’s just that I think Silas is right. If Aunt Lilly is going to be in Topeka, you truly don’t need me, too.”

  Jarena added her agreement, and soon her sisters were engrossed in a conversation of mutual accord that totally undermined all of Truth’s plans.

  Truth clanked her spoon on the edge of her saucer. “Whether Lilly is in Topeka is of little consequence. She is not the person I want with me during my confinement. I don’t think that fact should be difficult for either of you to understand.”

  Jarena shook her head. “I think you’re being selfish, Truth.”

  Truth’s heart pounded like a military drum roll, sabotaging her earlier thoughts to remain calm. “Do you? Well, if it weren’t for you, this argument wouldn’t be taking place.”

  “Me?” Jarena arched her eyebrows. “How is any of this my doing?”

  Truth scooted forward on the divan and pointed her finger like an angry schoolmarm. “You’re the one who took it upon herself to write Lilly and tell her Moses had been nominated for statewide office. That’s why she came back here—she said so herself. She sees this as an opportunity to advance herself.”

  Jarena jumped up from her chair and began to pace in front of the fireplace. “You’re blaming me because I wrote to Lilly?”

  “Moses’s election wasn’t any of her business.” Truth narrowed her eyes. “Everything was settled until Lilly arrived.Who else is to blame, Jarena?”

  Anger sparked in Jarena’s eyes as she swirled around to face her sister. “Your husband’s candidacy wasn’t a secret. It was in all the newspapers. You’re merely angry because not everything is going your way. It’s time you grew up and acted like an adult. You need to support your husband in his decision, but that doesn’t mean the entire family must be disrupted to make your life easier.”

  “Truly? Then why don’t you have Lilly step in and disrupt your life—ask her to move in with you and Thomas. Why should she move to Topeka? After all, she’s your mother.”

  Truth longed to snatch back the words, but they’d already hit the mark. The damage had been done. Jarena looked angrier than Truth had ever seen her. She knew she should tell her sisters of the doctor’s orders and her own unbridled fear. She needed to speak. Yet she remained silent.

  “You’re right, Truth,” Jarena stormed. “Lilly gave birth to me, but my loyalties have never changed. However, since you find me and my behavior distasteful, I suggest you find someone else to move in and take care of your house when you move to Topeka.” Jarena gathered the fullness of her skirt in one hand and hurried from the room.

  Grace gasped. “Go after her, Truth.”

  Her twin’s tearful plea rang in her ears, but Truth couldn’t move. Though she wanted to heed Grace’s advice, she remained frozen. When the front door slammed, Truth continued to stare into the fireplace. “If you want to leave, I understand, Grace. And I’ll try my best not to be angry with you.”

  Grace turned to look woefully at her sister. “You must admit you’ve not been yourself of late.”

  Suddenly the floodgates opened and Truth’s tears flowed. She wept, softly at first. But as her tears continued, the crying became more soulful until it swelled to fill the room with a crescendo of snorts and sniffles. As she supplied Truth first with a handkerchief and then with several linen tea napkins, Grace begged her sister to stop weeping. Finally, a severe bout of hiccoughs brought an end to the tears.

  When she’d recovered, Truth wiped her eyes and took a sip of cold tea. “I know I haven’t been myself. I’m frightened and . . .” She dabbed a tear from her cheek. “And one day I’ll explain in more detail. But trust me when I say that I need you to come with me to Topeka.”

  Grace sighed. “Then I will come. But I can’t make the journey until after Christmas, and I want to tell Silas I’ll come home two weeks after the baby is born.”

  Truth hugged her sister. “Oh, Grace, I can’t thank you enough.”

  One problem solved. She would attempt to find someone else to care for the house while they were in Topeka. Though she disliked the idea of placing her home under the supervision of a stranger, she doubted Jarena would look favorably upon any further plea for help. With any luck, she might be able to find someone with good references. She cleared away the tea tray and with a final hug, bid Grace good-bye.

  Lilly and Moses departed for Topeka the following Monday. Though Truth knew her husband was less than pleased by her decision to stay in Nicodemus, he hadn’t asked many questions and he’d promised to return home by Thanksgiving. For those things, she’d been most grateful.

  Much to Truth’s surprise, Macia Boyle appeared at her front door only a few days after Moses’s departure. Her heavy woolen coa
t was pulled tight around her neck, and her teeth chattered. Truth waved her unexpected visitor into the hallway. She hurried Macia into the parlor and excused herself to set a kettle of water to boil.

  When she returned, Truth offered an apologetic smile. “Normally I keep hot water on the back of the stove, but with Moses off to Topeka looking for living accommodations, I wasn’t expecting—”

  “No need for an explanation. You had no way of knowing I’d appear on your doorstep. When Harvey told me he was coming to Nicodemus to pick up some things Moses left for him at the newspaper office, I asked if I could accompany him.” Macia rubbed her hands together. “Your house is lovely. Not quite as large as the Rutledge Academy, but very nice indeed.”

  Truth giggled, but the reference to the Rutledge Academy and the harrowing experience the two girls had shared in New York had a disquieting effect upon them. Finally, Truth asked Macia if she’d like to see the rest of the house.

  Macia bobbed her head, and as Truth led her on a tour, Macia praised the well-appointed rooms and the impressive furnishings. These were all of the things Truth had grown to love and enjoy. All the things I’ll soon have to leave behind. She had worked feverishly as they’d built this house, intent upon shaping it into a comfortable home where she and Moses would raise their family, entertain their friends, and grow old. She had pictured all of it in her mind, even rocking her grandchildren on the front porch.

  Now her dream was being pushed aside to be replaced by another—Moses’s dream. This time of happiness in their new home and the anticipation of their first child had been relegated to a place of lesser importance, at least in Moses’s plans.

  A beautiful music box of rich rosewood sat atop Truth’s dressing table, and Macia absentmindedly lifted the lid before returning her attention to Truth. “I’m surprised you didn’t accompany Moses— especially since you say he’s planning to choose a new home. Were you not feeling well enough to make the journey?”

  Truth sidestepped the question. “There were other matters needing my attention here at home. I must find someone to look after the house during our absence. I can’t bear to walk off and leave it unattended.” Truth traced a finger along an ornate picture frame in the hallway before descending the stairs. “We’ll be required to leave many of the household goods behind.”

  Macia hurried behind her like a chick following a mother hen. She hovered while Truth brewed the tea and then insisted they sit down at the kitchen table. Leaning forward, she clasped Truth’s hand. “I think I have a solution to your problem. And one of mine, as well.” When she’d finished laying out her plan, Macia cupped her chin in one hand, expectancy in her pale blue eyes.

  Truth sipped her tea and thought for a moment. “I should like to discuss your idea with Moses, but I don’t know when he’ll return from Topeka.”

  “He won’t object. Why would he? Right now he’d agree to most anything if it would make you happy.” Macia giggled. “You know I’m right.”

  “But I’m not certain Fern is a good choice to move into our house.

  I had hoped for a family member—or at least a husband and wife to look after the place.” Truth stared out the window. “And Fern is white.”

  Macia shrugged. “So are the Greens and the Wilsons.”

  “And the Oxfords and Slapes,” Truth added. “Your solution isn’t without its share of problems, however.”

  “And merits. Fern is an excellent housekeeper. It’s just me she doesn’t like. Promise me you’ll at least think about the possibility.”

  Truth nodded. She would think about the prospect, and if all else failed, she’d likely have no other choice. She didn’t want the house to remain empty. Yet she hadn’t planned to hire a live-in housekeeper.

  With no one to cook and clean for, what would Fern do all day?

  The clank of Macia’s teacup stirred Truth from her private thoughts. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ignore you. How would Fern possibly keep busy if I hired her?”

  “Do you think one of the stores in town might need some help? Surely there’s someplace where she could work part of the time.” Macia tapped her fingertip to her pursed lips. “I know! What about the newspaper? Perhaps Harvey could have her do something for the newspaper here in Nicodemus since he’s going to be operating both papers now.”

  Truth sighed. “I doubt Fern has a talent for newspaper work. I don’t think we should worry overmuch about finding additional work for her until we know if she’s willing to move away from Hill City— and if your father will agree to the idea.”

  Truth’s cautionary words didn’t seem to deter Macia. The moment Harvey arrived to pick her up, Macia drew him into her snare. And although Harvey agreed help might be needed with the newspaper, he wasn’t nearly as convinced Fern was the one to perform such duties. He needed someone who would gather information and write stories for the paper—preferably a person who knew the township and its residents. And that wouldn’t be Fern Kingston.

  Macia forged on with her arguments. In her earlier years back in Kentucky, she had been declared an outstanding debate student by her instructor of oratory skills. Truth now understood why.

  Finally Harvey said, “Should everyone agree to this arrangement— and if Fern is qualified to perform the duties, I’ll consider her.”

  Macia lunged at her brother and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Thank you, Harvey. Even if she merely gathers the information, I’ll write the articles for you.”

  Her brother grinned and shook his head. “I know how anxious you are to be rid of Fern. I understand you no longer have feelings for Jeb—especially now that Garrett has begun calling on you in earnest. However, have you given any thought to Jeb’s reaction when he hears of this plan?”

  “Jeb? What difference will any of this make to him?”

  Harvey chuckled. “The woman he cares for is going to be moving out of town. Have you considered the fact that this scheme may cause Jeb and Fern to actually set a wedding date? They may decide to wed before the end of the year.”

  Macia visibly wilted. Truth patted her hand and consoled, “There’s more than sufficient time to explore your plan. We can’t decide anything this minute. You continue to think about the possibility, but if Jarena should change her mind . . .”

  “I know you’d much prefer to have family living in the house.”

  After Macia and Harvey had departed, Truth considered Macia’s idea while she cleared away the teacups. Macia’s plan was self-serving— no denying that fact—yet it contained a nugget of merit. As she dipped the cups and saucers into the hot dishwater, Truth’s thoughts slowly steeped like the tea she’d brewed only a short time earlier. Having Fern move into the house would alleviate any need to beg Jarena to reconsider, an option that held little appeal. Truth picked up the dish towel and methodically dried the few items. She owed Jarena an apology, but her heart wasn’t prepared to take that step just yet.

  CHAPTER

  11

  Hill City , Kansas

  Macia shivered as she adjusted the basket on her arm. A damp chill saturated the gust of north wind. The billowing blue skies of summer had given way to the shorter days of fall, and a dull gray ceiling of clouds had settled across the horizon to forecast a long, hard winter—at least that’s what the older folks in Hill City were saying. “Gonna be a hard winter. Just look at those skies.”

  The tinny jingle of the bell positioned above the mercantile’s front door announced Macia’s arrival. A number of Saturday shoppers were in the store, the women going over their lists while the men took up their posts at the table near the window to visit and play checkers.

  Just as they had each previous Saturday, the men intermittently helped themselves to the coffee boiling on the stove in the northeast corner of the store while pointing to the heavens to affirm their weather predictions. Their wives mostly ignored them, for they were too busy examining the newly arrived fabric or cooking utensils. Macia could hear the women ooh and ah while inspectin
g the goods. However, she had learned that in the end, the women would purchase only the necessities. They had to be frugal. A farmer couldn’t count on decent yields every year.

  Macia skirted around two men who were sucking on their pipes while they contemplated their next checker move. She’d offered to make the trip to the Johnsons’ store because she wanted to get away from the house, not because she wanted to help Fern with her duties. Upon her return from Nicodemus, Macia had been prepared to discuss the possibility of Fern being employed by the Wymans. Before she’d had an opportunity to pull her father aside for a private chat, though, her mother informed the family she had extended Thanksgiving dinner invitations to a host of Hill City residents. Stunned, Macia had immediately excused herself from the table.

  On the one day she’d gone out of town, her mother had taken it upon herself to actually do something—in this case, plan a dinner party that would force Macia to interact with Fern. The bevy of guests invited for the holiday would require a sumptuous offering of food preceded by days of preparation. And Mrs. Boyle would expect Macia to assist Fern wherever needed. The idea was unsettling.

  Mrs. Johnson beamed as she approached Macia with an armload of newly arrived fabric. She chattered delightedly as she extolled the kindness of Macia’s mother and arranged the bolts of material. “Why, who else but your mother would realize how difficult it is to work in this store every day and then be expected to prepare a large Thanksgiving supper? It’s difficult enough serving up plain fare after being on my feet all day long.”

  “Who else indeed,” Macia agreed halfheartedly. She wanted to explain that her mother had absolutely no concept of life as a storekeeper’s wife. For most of her life, Margaret Boyle had employed someone else to perform her cooking and housekeeping duties.

  Mrs. Johnson surveyed her fabric display. Apparently the arrangement suited her, for she gave a quick nod and then drew closer to Macia. “This will give me an opportunity to get to know the Faraday family a little better. They seem a bit standoffish, don’t you think?”