Daylight Comes (18 page)
He pulled her close, not caring that Fern might come in unexpectedly. Leaning down, he covered her lips with a gentle kiss full of yearning and love. When they finally parted, he gazed into her eyes. “If that pleases you, I have no objection. Now, let’s eat!”
Truth lightly slapped his chest. “You sure know how to spoil a romantic moment, Mr. Wyman.”
Her eyes twinkled with delight, and Moses wondered why his wife suddenly desired privacy while they opened their gifts. She’d mentioned Christmas presents on more than one occasion in the past two weeks. If she’d been snooping for her present, this request was probably a cunning way to discover if he’d actually purchased a gift. He’d be certain she didn’t spend any time alone in the parlor before they departed for church.
F
ern completed preparations for the evening repast shortly before Truth’s family and friends arrived home from the Christmas Eve church services. She’d worked hard to satisfy Mrs. Wyman and hoped her attempts would meet with approval. Although her initial efforts to please had been based upon selfish motives, recollections of the message at First Baptist now pricked her conscience from time to time. In fact, having convinced Arthur to stand up to his parents and attend with her last Sunday, she’d actually now heard two sermons at the church. In some respects, she regretted having convinced Arthur to attend, for she later discovered he’d lied to his parents in order to accompany her. As if to compound matters, the preacher had taken to his pulpit and bellowed a demand that his congregation emulate Jesus. No more stealing, no more cheating, no more lusting, no more gossiping, and no more evil thoughts. Each warning was spoken with increasing intensity until he finally thundered, “And no more lying!”
Later that afternoon, a wide-eyed Arthur had avowed the preacher must possess some kind of abnormal powers. Fern laughed at him, saying that likely everyone in the church believed the preacher’s message had been directed at him or her. Fern’s words seemed to calm him; he went home and immediately confessed his sin to his parents, though she didn’t know if he’d asked God’s forgiveness. Of one thing she was very certain: Mrs. Wilson’s dislike for her had intensified since Arthur’s confession. Although his mother had gained Arthur’s promise to avoid the Baptist church in the future, he’d adamantly refused the request to cease courting Fern. For that act of bravery, Fern was most grateful; it took little to remind her of old Mr. Green and his offer of a future as his wife.
While the guests removed their wraps, Fern ladled corn chowder into a large china tureen and carried it to the buffet in the dining room. The remainder of the feast waited in readiness. Once the entire group had gathered, Mr. Harban led them in prayer.
From a distance, Fern maintained a watch over the table, refilling plates and bowls as needed. When she returned to the kitchen with the soup tureen, she was surprised to see Miss Hattie sitting at the kitchen table. “Is there something you need?”
“I likes sittin’ in the kitchen. Too crowded in there,” she said, pointing her spoon handle toward the dining room. Miss Hattie swallowed a spoonful of soup. “Good soup—must be my recipe.” She grinned and took another bite before wiping her mouth with a linen square. “I hear tell you been over to the Baptist church the past couple Sundays. How come?”
Fern drew closer and explained her curiosity.
The old woman cackled. “So has you figured out why the coloreds and whites go to different churches?”
Fern shook her head.
“Me, neither. And I don’ reckon no one’s gonna figure that one out in my lifetime.” The older woman held out her bowl. “Now, why don’ you fetch me a little mo’ soup.”
Folks in Nicodemus frequently talked about Miss Hattie’s wisdom. Even Miss Hattie acted like she was an authority on everything from boiling water to raising children. If Miss Hattie didn’t know the answer, no one did. Like everyone else, Fern decided she would just accept that separation in church was the way of things.
Truth tried to hide her disappointment that none of her family planned to spend the night as in past years. Her father wanted to sleep in his own bed and pointed to the clear skies and lack of snow as sound reasons for departing. And the remainder of the family had followed his lead. Truth wondered if the matter had been predetermined, for it didn’t appear any of them had come prepared to remain beyond the evening visit. Truth had questioned Grace, but her sister assured her nothing was amiss. However, Truth remained uncertain, especially since her father had previously lauded the comfort of the bed in their spare room.
When the hour grew late, she had no choice but to bid her family farewell. Uneasiness plagued her as she climbed the stairs to fetch Moses’s gifts. When she returned a short time later, several packages had been placed in front of the tree. He grinned, obviously pleased that he’d been able to keep the gifts away from her curious eyes. She wondered if she should tell him that he hadn’t fooled her when he’d come in earlier in the evening. No. Best to let him think she hadn’t guessed the packages had been hidden under the table all evening.
Moses patted the cushion of the divan. “Shall we take turns opening?”
She took her seat beside him and agreed as she handed him his first gift—a leather journal she’d had engraved with his initials. He thanked her profusely and then gave her a small package. He watched closely as she opened the box. Nestled inside was the most beautiful pair of diamond eardrops she’d ever seen. “Oh, Moses, these were
much
too expensive. Where I am going to wear anything so fine?”
“To my swearing in. And to the social gatherings we’ll attend in Topeka.”
Was his primary concern that they impress folks in the capital city? Is that what had guided his choice of her gift? She waited in anticipation as he opened her final gift. He lifted the sterling silver watch charm from the box and held it in his hand.
“A fine miniature of a printer’s stick. Thank you, my dear.” He removed his pocket watch from his jacket, attached the charm, and held it up for her to see.
She nodded. “It’s a perfect reminder of what we had once planned for our future in Nicodemus.”
He winced at the remark but tucked the watch into his pocket without comment and then handed her a final gift. Now she wished she’d let him draw his own conclusions, or at least waited until he asked why she’d made that choice.
She avoided his eyes as she pulled away the wrapping paper to reveal a beautiful velvet photograph album. She traced her finger along the intricate pattern on the cover and whispered her thanks.
“Open it.” He clicked the gold clasp.
She lifted the cover and gasped. The first page revealed a perfect picture of their house. Moses’s horse and buggy sat in front as if waiting for him to depart for his office. He reached forward and turned the page. She was totally unprepared for what she saw. Tears welled in the corners of her eyes, and she attempted to focus upon the pictures of her family. Her father in front of his house waving, with Grace standing beside him laughing; Jarena, Thomas, and baby Jennie outside their barn; Grace gathering eggs; and even a family photograph of Miss Hattie, Calvin and Nellie, and their children. As Truth flipped through the pages, tears rolled down her cheeks.
Moses lifted her chin until their eyes met. “Please don’t be filled with regret or sadness. I’m not upset about your gift or the words you spoke. I know you’re wounded by this change in our lives. All I can do is attempt to make our time in Topeka much happier than you anticipate.” He traced his fingertips down her cheek as he gently kissed her lips. “Merry Christmas, my love.”
Truth hugged the album to her chest. “Thank you for these photographs. I will treasure them always.” She tapped the velvet cover.
“All that is missing is one of you.”
He kissed her hand. “I wanted one of us together. I’m sure we can arrange a sitting . . .”
“In Topeka.” She smiled as she completed the sentence. He pulled her close, his embrace radiating the warmth and affection that endeared him to her. Both his words and his actions throughout the evening reflected only his love. Without a doubt, he desired to ease her fears of loneliness. And for that, she was most thankful.
She’d gone to the doctor earlier in the week, and he’d declared all seemed to be fine with her pregnancy. The weather had been clear, and there were no signs of a snowstorm on the way. Everything was falling into place for their move. But Truth still had the disquieting feeling that she was about to leave her very existence in Nicodemus.
Even if they returned one day, nothing would be the same.
Topeka , Kansas
•
January 1883
S
ince Truth, Moses, and Lilly had arrived in Topeka, the days had passed in rapid succession, each one appearing and vanishing as rapidly as snow during a spring thaw. Setting up housekeeping in a new home had proved more demanding than Truth had imagined. Not that she was actually settled. Numerous unpacked crates lined the walls, and she remained perplexed about how to rearrange the house with its narrow rooms and unseemly design. She now understood Moses’s admonition to leave most of their belongings in Nicodemus. The house he had rented was smaller than their own. And though the landlord had boasted that the furnishings were magnificent, Truth strongly disagreed. Upon their arrival, she had declared the house both sparsely and shabbily furnished and the landlord’s claims fallacious, and she hadn’t changed her mind.
Then again, I doubt any house in Topeka would suit me. I want to go home
.
Aunt Lilly had reminded Truth of her humble beginnings in Kentucky and the sod house the Harban family had lived in during their early years in Nicodemus, reminding her to be thankful for what they had. After all, rentals were at a premium in Topeka. Truth wondered if Lilly’s time in Colorado had lowered her expectations regarding proper living quarters.
Grace had asked to stay in Nicodemus a few more days. Although she’d said her delayed departure was at Silas’s request, Truth wondered if she hoped a blizzard would arrive and prohibit her departure entirely. As long as the weather held, Grace was expected to arrive in Topeka today.
The snowfalls in Topeka this year had consisted of no more than numerous smatterings of light flurries or the unexpected appearance of several inches that melted as quickly as it had arrived. At Truth’s insistence, Moses had visited the railroad depot the previous day to ask if any tracks had been closed due to weather conditions. Truth had breathed more easily when her husband reported the tracks were clear throughout the state. Truth could only pray her sister’s wagon journey from Nicodemus to the train station in Ellis had been without mishap.
The mantel clock chimed three times, and Truth hastened up the stairs. There was insufficient time to make the house more presentable— not that any amount of effort would have elevated the house to the status of acceptable as far as Truth was concerned. However, she intended to look her best when Moses arrived to escort her to the train station.
After changing her dress, Truth arranged her hair, pinned a brooch to the neckline of her dress, and descended the steps as Moses entered the front door. She hoped the train wouldn’t arrive early. If so, Grace would surely wonder if they’d forgotten her.
Moses helped Truth into her coat. Unfortunately, it no longer closed across her ever-increasing girth, and her cloak wasn’t nearly warm enough. Though she was excited for the baby, growing big with child made things awfully inconvenient. Moses had engaged a local dressmaker to stitch a lovely warm cloak to wear to his swearing-in ceremony, but the woman had not yet completed the task.
Moses assisted her into the carriage, and she draped the wool carriage blanket across her lap. He grinned and pulled the blanket higher, tucking it tightly in place before taking up the reins. The horse clopped along at a lumbering pace. Had Truth been driving, she would have given the animal a flick of the reins for encouragement.
When she muttered in complaint, Moses assured her they had more than sufficient time before the train arrived. But when she heard a train whistle, she nudged Moses hard with her elbow. He gently reminded her there were two train depots located in close proximity and the whistle could have been signaling a train arriving from most anywhere.
She hurried into the depot and scanned the crowd for any sign of her sister. Pushing through the throng of arriving and departing passengers, she soon spied Grace entering a far door. Truth’s cheeks burned with joy. Waving her handkerchief overhead, she called out
Grace’s name while she made her way to her sister. A hurrying passenger jostled Truth with his large suitcases, and Moses stepped forward to command the lead.
Grace beamed when she finally spotted Truth and Moses in the crowd. Jumping up and down she waved her handkerchief in response.
The twins embraced with a ferocity that belied the fact that they’d been separated for less than ten days. While Moses edged his way to the platform, Truth and Grace followed along, laughing and chattering as they went. Though Moses had assured them he could locate the proper trunk, Grace looked doubtful.
On the ride home, Truth and Grace reminisced about the first time they’d arrived in Topeka, giggling as they remembered Miss Hattie’s remarks about the growing city, and the first time they had met Thomas Grayson.
“And now Thomas is Jarena’s husband!” Grace exclaimed. “I never imagined he’d end up marrying into the family when we met him.”
Grace snuggled closer to share the blanket with Truth. “You and Aunt Lilly managing to get along?”
Truth chuckled. “We are now. She moved into a boardinghouse yesterday.” Truth pointed to a building on Kansas Avenue. “That’s Aunt Lilly’s shop. She’ll be living in the upstairs rooms after the work is completed.”
Grace’s jaw went slack as she leaned back and looked into Truth’s eyes. “Why did she move to the boardinghouse?”
“I told her I was going to hire a housekeeper, so Lilly would have to share her room with you.”
Grace’s eyes widened at the remark, and Truth put her arm around her twin’s shoulders. “Don’t worry. It’s the best thing that could have happened. Aunt Lilly and I weren’t getting along anyway, and now we have
two
spare bedrooms.”
Moses glanced over his shoulder. “Only until you hire a housekeeper.”
“This is a big city, Moses. I should be able to hire a housekeeper who lives in Topeka and doesn’t require sleeping quarters.” Truth winked at her sister. “Our first task is to try and locate Dovie Tuttle.
Moses told me he would, but with all of his meetings prior to taking office, he hasn’t had time.”
Moses informed them he did not want them wandering about town unescorted. Though Truth was confident she and Grace would have no difficulty finding their way to the Tuttles’ home—after all, at one time she had navigated the streets of New York on her own—she agreed to Moses’s request. For now.
The following afternoon Grace and Truth were sitting side-by-side unwrapping china from one of several crates when Moses unexpectedly arrived home in the middle of the afternoon. They looked up in unison when they heard a young woman’s voice. In a flash, Grace was on her feet, shouting Dovie’s name and pulling her into an embrace. Soon Truth joined them, and the three formed a laughing, chattering huddle, each attempting to be heard above the other—just like when they’d been best friends back in Kentucky. Truth turned as Moses tapped her shoulder and waved good-bye. She quickly kissed her husband’s cheek and thanked him.
Not wanting to miss out on any portion of the conversation, Truth motioned for the pair to follow her to the kitchen while she prepared tea. After setting the water to boil, she cut three large slices of lemon pound cake.
Dovie cupped her chin in one hand as she sat at the table. “When yo’ husband come knockin’ at our door, I couldn’ believe my eyes. He looks
white
, Truth.” She hunched forward and continued to speak in a hushed voice. “And when I ask ’im where he worked, he said he was the auditor fer the state. I don’ know what the auditor does, but my mama figured from the way he was dressed, it must be somethin’ special. I sure hope so, ’cause she’s telling ever’one in the neighborhood that we know someone important.”
Truth placed the tea and cake on a tray. “Let’s have our tea in the parlor. No sense sitting out here in this dismal kitchen.”
“Dismal?” Dovie scanned the room. “This is almost as nice as Senator Johnson’s house—you know, the folks I worked for ’til last year.” Dovie cast another look around the house as they walked into the parlor. “He lost the election. Did I tell you ’bout that?”
“No.” Truth placed the tray on a small table. “I didn’t receive any letters after you wrote saying he was running for reelection. I wondered what had happened.”
“Ain’t been an easy time since then. I packed up and went back home after the new senator took office. Times been hard, and there weren’t no extra money for postage. We been needin’ every cent to keep a roof over our heads and food in our mouths.”
Grace edged forward. “Didn’t the new senator need a housekeeper?”
“Huh-uh. They brung their housekeeper with ’em.” She ran her finger around the edge of the teacup. “Since all the Exodusters come here, there’s plenty of folks looking for work and lots who ain’t finding it.”
“
Aren’t
. Lots who
aren’t
finding it.” Truth automatically corrected her friend and then noted Dovie’s surprised stare. “I’m sorry. I sound just like Jarena—busy correcting everyone’s grammar.”
“Ain’t no need to . . .” Dovie slapped her palm across her lips. “I mean, you don’t need to apologize. What kind of life you got back there in Nicodemus that you’s thinkin’ the kitchen in this house ain’t truly fine?”
Truth bit her lip. No matter how hard Dovie might try, she soon slipped back into her old speech patterns. Of course, she hadn’t had years of Jarena’s correction and discipline. And though Truth hadn’t told her older sister, she now appreciated the effort she’d made to educate them. Otherwise, Truth would now be even more frightened to mingle with the politicians and their wives.
Grace poured tea into each of the three china cups. “Moses built Truth a lovely new home in Nicodemus—much nicer than this. Of course, I plan to live on a farm when Silas and I jump the broom.”
“You seeing someone special, Dovie?” Truth asked as she handed the girl a cup of tea.
“Ain’t found no one I want to marry. Most all the single men living in Tennessee Town is poor, and I’m looking to find me a rich man—like you, Truth.” She took a sip of her tea. “Most of the men living nearby is part of the Exodusters that come from Tennessee.
Ain’t
really
a town—jest called that ’cause all the folks from Tennessee moved into the same area.” She held her cup at eye level and examined the thin, finely painted porcelain.
Truth watched as Dovie once again traced her finger around the rim of the cup. The envy she saw in her friend’s eyes was disconcerting. Dovie fingered the engraved initials on the silver spoon as if they were the most beautiful thing she’d seen in her life.
Truth placed her cup and saucer on a nearby table. “Like the house, most of the furniture belongs to Mr. Epps. But I’ll be certain to tell him you approve of his choices.”
“I wish I could live in a house like this again.” Dovie reached out for Truth’s hand. “Your husband said you’s looking for a cook and housekeeper. Would you consider hiring me, Truth?”
“Well, I . . .”
Before Truth could complete her reply, Dovie clenched her hand more tightly. “I promise I’ll do a good job, and I won’t let our friendship get in the way. You can correct me when I do things wrong or if you ain’t happy with my work. Mr. Johnson never did have much complaint ’bout me.”
Truth had hoped to speak with Moses before she officially hired someone, but she doubted he would voice an objection considering Dovie was one of Truth’s best friends. With Dovie waiting in wide-eyed anticipation, Truth nodded. Dovie immediately jumped up from the settee with a promise to be moved in before nightfall.
Moved in?
“There’s no need for you to leave your home, Dovie.
Moses will make arrangements for transportation back and forth.”
But her words fell on deaf ears, for unlike Truth, Dovie proclaimed that she was anxious to leave home, especially if it meant the opportunity to once again live in a fine house.
Though Truth didn’t understand Dovie’s decision, she didn’t voice an objection. “You be sure and tell your mama that I was willing for you to live at home. I don’t want her thinking I forced you to leave home again.”
Dovie giggled and waved. “You don’t need to be worrying none ’bout Mama. She’s gonna be even happier than me. Only thing that would please her more is iffen I brought home some well-to-do fella like what you got.” Removing her cloak from the ornate hall tree, Dovie wrapped it around her shoulders and fastened the frayed collar before she departed.
Truth sighed and leaned against the door. At least Lilly couldn’t accuse her of deceit, for it now appeared all of the bedrooms
would
be occupied.
Dovie returned much earlier than expected. In fact, when Truth saw her at the door only two hours later, she thought Dovie had decided the idea of working for her friend was preposterous or that her mother had disapproved of the situation. However, when she noticed the satchel Dovie held in one hand and Dovie’s father lumbering toward her carrying a large trunk, she knew she was mistaken.
She held open the door and waved Mr. Tuttle up the stairs to what was now Dovie’s room. He looked older than she remembered, but she supposed that was to be expected. She hadn’t seen him for more than five years. Mr. Tuttle situated the trunk along one wall and quickly exited the room. Making a rapid descent down the stairs, he placed a fleeting kiss on his daughter’s cheek.
Truth said she had hoped he would remain long enough to meet Moses, but Mr. Tuttle declined, citing work that awaited him at the livery. With a wave, Dovie bid her father farewell, seemingly undaunted by his departure. Truth mentioned that Dovie was free to go home on Saturday evenings and spend Sundays with her family, but Dovie quickly refused the offer. Perhaps she’d grown accustomed to separation from her family when she worked for the Johnsons, but something about the whole matter nagged at Truth. Before Truth could inquire further, Dovie hastened to the kitchen to help Grace prepare the evening meal.
Truth had little time to dwell upon the matter of Dovie’s apathy toward her family and home when Moses returned for the evening.
