Daylight Comes

by Judith Miller

  As she prepared for the dinner party she’d planned with Fern, Grace thought about Silas and his cool reception since her return. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he was avoiding her. It seemed as if each time she attempted to pull him aside for a moment alone, he found some excuse to sidestep her invitation. Grace decided to take special care with her appearance this evening. Silas would be coming to the party.

  After selecting the yellow gown—one of several Truth had insisted upon giving her—Grace prepared for the evening. She tucked a small spray of yellow and white silk blossoms into her hair and pirouetted in front of the large oval mirror. She hoped her efforts would not be in vain.

  There was little time to worry if Silas would find her appearance captivating, for the sound of her father’s voice boomed up the stairway only moments later. “Grace! Hello! Ain’ nobody ’round this here place?”

  By the time Grace reached the bottom of the stairs, her father was peering into the dining room and Silas was standing in the parlor.

  Though she embraced her father, it was Silas she watched. Instead of beaming approval, he stiffly acknowledged her and then immediately ignored her. Why is he acting so aloof?

  Grace glanced at the mantel clock. None of the other guests had come downstairs yet, and a half hour remained before the appointed supper hour. Forcing herself to act boldly, she stepped forward and slipped her hand through the crook of Silas’s arm. “I’d like to talk to you in the garden.”

  His forehead wrinkled. “Now?”

  “Yes, now. There’s plenty of time before supper. When our guests come down, my father can entertain Mr. and Mrs. Ditmore and Mr.

  Rockley for a short time.” With a gentle tug, she pulled him toward the door, stopping only long enough to pick up her shawl. Once they neared the garden, she turned to face him. “I want to know why you’re acting so cold when I’m the one who should be angry with you.”

  His head jerked back as though she’d slapped him. “You bring that Rockley fella to town and he’s looking at you like the two of you is all but ready to jump the broom, and you say I ain’t got no right to be angry?” He kicked a clod of loose dirt and watched it land in the rose garden. “I’m trying to figure out ’zackly what’s going on with you, Grace.”

  “If you won’t talk to me, I don’t know how you plan to figure it out.” She clutched his arm and they wandered toward a wooden bench near one of the small budding oak trees Moses had planted in the backyard. “I won’t deny John has shown an interest in me. However, I told him about you—about us. I can’t control how he looks at me or even what he says, but surely you know . . . Didn’t you read my letters? You’re the one I care about.” Grace eased onto the bench but he remained standing. “What about you, Silas? I didn’t receive even one letter from you while I was in Topeka. Many’s the night I wondered if you had found someone to replace me in your heart. I had no letters to reassure me all was well at home.” When she looked up at him again, a shaft of light fell across his face and she saw sorrow in his eyes.

  Silas retrieved a folded piece of paper from his front pocket and then sat down beside her. “This here is what I got to show for tryin’ to write you.” He carefully opened the paper and placed it between them on the bench. Using his palm, he pressed out the folds. The edges were tattered and smudges of dirt lined the creases of the letter.

  “I been carrying this here piece of paper with me, trying to put on paper how much I care for you and that I wanted you to come home and marry me. I ain’t no good reading and writing—you know that, Grace. I tried. But every time I’d get a few words on the page, I didn’t like ’em. I’d scratch ’em out and put the page back in my pocket. Same thing would happen the next time. This here paper shows that I tried.

  But it never did come out the way I wanted.” He leaned forward with his forearms on his thighs.

  Grace slid closer to him. “Did you think I would be critical of your handwriting? You knew better than that, Silas.” She touched a corner of the smudged letter. “More than anything, I wanted to know that you were thinking of me and that you missed me. You could have scribbled only a few words on a sheet of paper and I would have been happy.” She picked up the page. It was clear that he’d tried to write her many times. Both sides of the page were covered with his attempted correspondence that was scratched out with either ink or pencil. How she wished he had posted his attempts. For to her, each line was beautiful.

  He lightly touched her cheek. “Will you forgive me?” There was a tremor in his voice.

  “Yes, I forgive you, Silas.” She folded the piece of paper and tucked it into her pocket.

  “You ain’t planning on keeping that ol’ piece of paper, are you?”

  She patted the pocket of her dress and nodded. “This is more precious to me than you can imagine. I plan to keep it always. She took his hand and stood up. “We best go inside. The others will be expecting supper soon.”

  As the waning sunlight cast a luminescent pattern across the rose garden, he pulled her close and enveloped her in his arms. “They can wait a little longer.” He covered her mouth in a gentle kiss. When their lips pulled apart, he softly touched her cheek. “When we gonna get married, Grace?”

  “I think July sounds like a fine time for a wedding.”

  “I s’pose I could wait that long if you got your heart set on July.”

  There was little talk of anything except the railroad at the dinner party and during the next several days. Grace spent most of her time showing the Ditmores and Mr. Rockley around Nicodemus and introducing them to the shop owners. She noticed Mrs. Ditmore always looked worried, as if she thought a group of renegade Indians or wild animals would attack at any moment. Grace attempted to reassure the woman, but to no avail.

  An early morning fog shrouded the town as John and Mr. and Mrs. Ditmore prepared for their return to Topeka. They had deposited their luggage on the front porch and were now gathered near the street, all of them straining to see through the foggy vapor that covered the town like a bridal veil. The clopping of the horses’ hooves and groans of the shifting wagon announced Silas’s arrival before any of them could actually see him. He sat tall on the wagon seat and held the reins firmly as he brought the horses about.

  While Silas maneuvered the wagon to a halt in front of the house, Grace removed a letter from her pocket and held it out for John. “I’d be most appreciative if you would deliver this to my sister.” As Grace handed him the envelope, John gently squeezed her fingers. She looked into his eyes and saw sadness. With a soft tug, she pulled her hand from his grasp. “If you wouldn’t find it inconvenient.”

  He shook his head. “No. I’ll be pleased to deliver your letter.”

  She wanted to tell him she was sorry if he’d misunderstood anything she’d said or done, but before she could speak of such matters, Silas drew near. He embraced Grace around the waist and cheerily requested John’s help with the baggage. Grace bid their guests farewell and received Silas’s good-bye kiss on her cheek. She watched until the wagon rolled out of sight.

  The sun peeked over the horizon, and Grace took a moment to enjoy the morning. She was glad to be home where she could once again tend her garden and help her father in the fields.

  Like everyone in Nicodemus, she wanted the town to survive, but the Ditmores’ visit hadn’t produced the hope she’d wished it would.

  Mr. Ditmore had often said he was just a small cog in the wheel of progress. He’d promised he would carry a banner for Nicodemus, recommend to his many acquaintances at the various railroads a route that would pass through their town, and ask for the support of his group of investors. However, he cautioned that he could only do so much and that there were many towns that wanted the railroad. The railroad officials were the ones who would make the final decisions about where the tracks would be laid.

  There was also the issue of money. Mr. Ditmore repeatedly mentioned that Nicodemus had to raise money, for the railroads wanted public subsidies
to help pay for their construction costs. The town had begun raising funds over a year ago—not that any of the citizens thought the idea of subsidies was right or proper; after all, the railroads were already making plenty of money. Still, they had little choice but to pay if they wanted tracks passing near their town.Without a railroad, small communities would likely shrivel up and die. And Nicodemus didn’t want to die.

  “Mr. Rockley is in the foyer, Truth. He says he has word from Grace. Would you like me to bring him in?”

  Truth glanced up from the floor, where she sat playing with young Jake. “Yes, Dovie. Please do.” Truth swooped the baby into her arms and stood to greet her visitor. “John.What a pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect we would see you so soon. Do come in and sit down.” Jacob stretched forward, his chubby arms and legs wiggling as though they would propel him out of Truth’s arms and into the arms of their visitor.

  John reached to tousle the toddler’s hair, but gurgling with delight, Jake grabbed the man’s finger and pulled it toward his mouth.

  With a chuckle, John pulled his hand away. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, young man.” He raised his brows. “And who is this little fellow?”

  “This is Jacob.” Truth pressed her lips close to the child’s ear.

  “Jacob, this is Mr. Rockley.” Jacob bounced up and down then twisted around in her arms and began to pull the pins from her hair. Truth gave John an apologetic smile. “Let me see if Dovie will entertain him. Otherwise, I doubt we’ll be able to visit.”

  Once Jake had been given over to Dovie’s care, Truth returned to the parlor. “May I offer you refreshments, John?”

  “No, but thank you.” He leaned back and crossed one leg over the other. “The child? Does he belong to a friend?”

  Truth shook her head. “He’s a ward of St. Vincent’s Orphanage.”

  As she explained the side trip she and Moses had recently taken to the orphanage, Truth was struck by the changes that had occurred in her life during the past several days. Good changes. Changes made by reaching out and caring about the needs of someone other than herself. “There are so many children in need at the orphanage. I go each day and help, and usually I bring at least one of the children home with me for several hours.”

  “You must write and tell Grace. She will be much relieved to hear of your astonishing recovery.” He tugged at his collar. “During the journey to Nicodemus, she spoke of little other than you.” He laughed nervously. “And the railroad. She wanted to talk about the railroad, too.”

  “I’ll write a letter to Grace this evening and tell her about the orphanage and the work I’m doing there.” Truth settled back in her chair. “And Nicodemus? What did you think of our town?”

  “With the exception of being primarily populated by our people, I found it quite similar to the other small communities that dot the prairie. All of them are dependent upon good weather and a decent yield on their crops. And all of them fear they’ll shrivel up and die if the railroad bypasses them.” He shrugged. “And they’re probably correct.”

  “But that’s not going to happen in Nicodemus, is it?”

  “I have no idea. These matters take time and money. We told the residents of Nicodemus what things would be beneficial, but the decision remains in the hands of the railroad.”

  His answer wasn’t what Truth had expected, nor was it what she had hoped to hear. John was supposed to be an advocate, argue on behalf of their town, help them. Instead, he seemed indifferent—as if he cared not at all whether the railroad passed through Nicodemus or some other prairie town. Something had changed since he’d departed Topeka.

  Truth clasped her hands together and watched him closely. “I was expecting you or Mr. Ditmore would bring a much more encouraging report.”

  “I’m not one to build false hope. I find it too painful when things don’t work out.”

  His cold words hit their mark. Truth tightened her clasped hands until her knuckles ached. There was no doubt John was referring to the false hope she’d given him about building a relationship with Grace. Her meddling ways were coming back to haunt her. Too bad Aunt Lilly wasn’t here. She’d take great pleasure in seeing Truth receive her comeuppance.

  Truth took a deep breath. “I owe you an apology, John. I behaved badly, thinking only of myself, and I hope you’ll forgive me. I was consumed with the thought of keeping Grace in Topeka, and I didn’t consider whom I might hurt in the process. Not Grace, not you, not Silas, not anyone.” She sighed and forced her fingers apart. “But please say my selfish actions won’t affect the possibility of the railroad passing through Nicodemus. I couldn’t bear to think I might cause such a tragic event.”

  “Your apology is accepted, Truth. Believe me, I don’t have enough influence to defeat any plans made by the railroad officials. I merely assist with negotiations and prepare the legal paperwork.” A sad smile curved his lips as he met Truth’s gaze. “Lilly warned me Grace and Silas had spoken of marriage. However, I did think I might have a chance with her. I held out hope even through Grace discouraged my attention.”

  At the sound of Jake’s wail, Truth said, “I had best see to him.

  Will you excuse me for a moment?”

  John jumped to his feet. “I have another appointment. Don’t bother seeing me to the door. I can find my way out.” He reached into his jacket pocket and removed the letter Grace had given him. “I promised your sister I would deliver this to you.”

  At the sight of Grace’s familiar script, Truth clutched the letter close to her chest. “Thank you, John—for everything.”

  He nodded. “Please give Grace my regards when you write.”

  Before she could respond, Dovie hurried from the kitchen, the crying child now flailing as he reached for Truth. John hastily bid them both good-bye. Truth lifted Jake from Dovie’s arms, cooing to him as she paced the length of the room, still clutching the letter in one hand. She would read it the moment the youngster ceased his crying.

  Young Jake’s body grew heavy in Truth’s arms, and his soft baby snores signaled he had been in dire need of a nap. Truth gently laid him on the divan and pulled her chair close by. Though he’d likely sleep for at least half an hour, she dare not leave him where he might fall onto the floor. She had considered taking him upstairs and placing him in the bed they’d had specially made for their own child. But she couldn’t do it—not yet. Perhaps one day soon.

  For a moment, she stared down at the sleeping child. His tiny lips curved into a small bow, and his long lashes formed miniature fans across his cheeks. Such a beautiful child. Though she’d never know, she wondered what their own little Daniel might have looked like when he reached this age. She wiped away a tear that had formed in her eye and forced away her musings. No good would come from dwelling on such things. She was thankful to have young Jake in her life as well as a letter from Grace. This was a good day.

  Her anticipation continued to build as she removed the multi-paged letter from the envelope, delighted Grace had written more than only a brief note. She pressed open the pages.

  Dearest Sister,

  It is my fervent prayer that by the time you receive this letter you will have come to terms with my departure and have forgiven me. Know that I am praying daily that you will soon recover from your grief over the loss of little Daniel. Though one child can never replace another, perhaps God will bless you with a baby before too very long.

  Since you are reading this letter, I know that John has visited with you concerning the fact that I dashed his hopes for any future with me. I truly attempted to discourage his affections while still in Topeka, but I believe he preferred to think that once I compared him alongside Silas I would have a change of heart. Of course, John did not realize I am not a fickle woman!

  Jacob shifted on the divan, raising his arm until his thumb met its mark. His eyelids fluttered and then tightly closed as he noisily sucked his thumb. Truth brushed a feathery kiss on his plump cheek. Settling back in her chair again
with Grace’s letter, she began the next page.

  Now for my most important news. I wish you were here so you could share in my joy. Unfortunately, this letter must suffice. Silas and I plan to wed in July!We have set July 10 as our wedding date. It is my greatest desire that you and Moses will come home for the wedding. I am anxious to know if you will agree to stand with me at my wedding. Please send me your response at an early date. Silas is a good man and we are well suited. I believe he will make me a fine husband.

  As for information regarding your housekeeper, Fern: I could write volumes, but time does not permit. Suffice it to say you are fortunate to have her in charge of your home. She took great care to treat all with the utmost care and kindness. She is, without doubt, a changed woman. She inquired into your health and sends her regards.

  Truth read the remaining pages, each sheet filled with news of family and friends. She giggled when she read Miss Hattie had already begun to plan Grace’s wedding. One thing in life remained constant: Miss Hattie would never change.

  Please answer promptly and tell me if you will plan to be in Nicodemus for my wedding.

  With loving affection,

  Your sister Grace

  Truth folded the letter and tucked it back into the envelope. She would talk to Moses this evening at supper and then write to Grace.

  CHAPTER

  32

  Hill City , Kansas

  Macia lined the large woven basket with a checkered linen towel. Where could Lucy be? She’d said she would arrive no later than ten o’clock to help prepare for the picnic. Perhaps Macia should go ahead with the preparations. Otherwise they’d have little time for their outing. When Lucy had suggested the picnic, Macia had explained she must return home by two o’clock. She couldn’t disappoint Gerta; the housekeeper had made plans to go home for an extended visit and would depart today. Macia had agreed to take over meal preparations during Gerta’s absence, and if Macia wasn’t back before the appointed time for Gerta’s departure, the housekeeper would feel obligated to wait and ensure all was in order.