Daylight Comes (9 page)

Truth grinned. “Wouldn’t it be best if she found employment somewhere else—before she ruins
all
of your gowns?” She hoped her attempt at levity would boost Macia’s spirits.

Though Macia giggled at the remark, her somberness returned as she explained her father’s stalwart position along with her unsuccessful attempts to find someone willing to employ Fern. “But that’s enough about that. What’s going on with you?”

Truth updated Macia on the recent upheaval in her life.

After a sigh, Macia took up the polishing cloth and rubbed one of the teaspoons. “I truly am amazed to hear Lilly is back. I never thought any of us would see her again. For your sake, I hope she’ll decide against the move to Topeka. Surely your father or Moses can dissuade her.”

“I doubt that will happen. Aunt Lilly has a mind of her own.”

The mantel clock chimed the hour, and Truth pushed away from the table. As she stood up, the front door opened and the hallway soon overflowed with people. Harvey, Dr. Boyle, Jarena, Jennie, Lilly, Moses, and a young woman Truth didn’t know came into the parlor and sat down.

When Truth entered the parlor, Harvey hastened to introduce Camille Faraday. “I stopped and asked Camille to join us. Her father is setting up a new pharmacy here in town.” He waved toward Dr. Boyle. “Needless to say, Father is delighted to have someone he can rely on to dispense medicine.” Harvey rambled on until the obviously embarrassed Camille called a halt to his flattering account of her family.

After Harvey ceased his adulation, Lilly monopolized the conversation. She quizzed Camille with a surprising intensity, inquiring into Camille’s family background as though she were digging for some of that gold she’d inherited back in Colorado. For some reason Lilly had developed an unmistakable interest in the young woman.

Truth watched her aunt with curiosity. When they’d finally loaded into the buggy and were headed back to Nicodemus, Truth quizzed Lilly with the same dogged determination she’d seen her use on Camille earlier. Lilly held up a gloved hand and feigned ignorance. However, Truth remained undeterred.

Finally, Lilly acquiesced. “I’ve seen and heard my share of stories, and there’s more than meets the eye with the Faraday family, I can tell. I stopped to make a purchase at the general store, and after being introduced by Mrs. Johnson, I attempted to engage Mrs. Faraday in conversation. The woman is as tight-lipped as a corpse at a wake. Harvey Boyle had best be careful if he plans to marry into that family.”

Moses glanced over his shoulder and grinned. “I’ll be certain to offer Harvey that sage piece of advice.”

CHAPTER
10

U
nwise! The doctor had wagged his head back and forth while uttering the warning. The physician’s one-word pronouncement had further convinced Truth what she must do. Her decision wouldn’t sit well at home. Moses and other members of the family would think her behavior childish and petulant. However, she didn’t want anyone to know her occasional spotting had continued.
I can’t tell anyone. Giving voice to the possibility of a miscarriage will make it seem too real. Maybe if I don’t talk about it, everything will work out fine. No matter what, I’m not boarding a train for Topeka anytime soon
.

The doctor had advised all should go well if she took care for the next six weeks—proper rest, no heavy lifting or running up and down stairs, and
no
travel on bumpy roads or lurching trains.

He had shook his head again when he heard of her journey to Hill City only days earlier. “What were you thinking to do such a thing without checking with me?” he asked.

Truth quickly admitted her ignorance in such matters and promised to seek his approval in the future. Somewhat mollified, the doctor offered reassurance that the remainder of her pregnancy should pass without incident—
if
she followed his rules.

Moses was determined to locate adequate housing in Topeka as soon as possible. And though she understood his reasoning, Truth believed a letter to one of his acquaintances in Topeka could resolve the issue, and had said as much. With the proper paperwork in hand, couldn’t one of those men act as a representative and make living arrangements on their behalf?

After Moses had provided a litany of reasons why he couldn’t or shouldn’t ask such a favor, Truth had ceased to argue. If she told Moses of her present medical condition, he’d willingly travel to Topeka without her. Undoubtedly, the revelation would ease the strain in their marriage. Deep down, she knew her reluctance was foolish.

She also knew she would remain silent.

As if to challenge her resolve, when she entered her house after the doctor’s appointment she found it filled with unexpected visitors.

Mostly family, but she noted Silas was in attendance, also.
Why are they here? Did Moses invite them without telling me?

After removing her bonnet, Truth joined the ominous-appearing group. “To what do I owe this surprise?”

Silas stepped forward. “I’s thinking it’s downright foolishness for Grace to come and live in Topeka when yo’ aunt Lilly’s gonna be right there to help you. Ain’t no need for Grace to be there, too.”

Truth’s stomach flip-flopped wildly. She quickly scanned the room for an unoccupied chair and a possible ally. Unfortunately, only the chair next to Lilly remained available. As for any ally, it appeared there were none. In fact, most of the family seemed to concur with Silas.

Folding her arms around her swelling waistline, Truth focused a steady gaze upon her twin sister. “I understand you’d prefer Grace remain in Nicodemus, Silas. However, she has already agreed to accompany me. Where Lilly lives has no bearing upon my request that Grace act as my companion until after the baby is born.”

“Don’t make no sense,” Silas countered. “You’s being downright selfish, Truth. All you’s thinking about is yerself.”

Silas stormed out of the house and Grace retreated upstairs while the others stared at Truth as if she’d grown a second head. When no one spoke, Truth finally broke the silence. “Is there something else you gathered to decide in my absence?”

Moses nodded. “As a matter of fact, I was telling the family that we’d be traveling to Topeka the first of the week to secure housing.”

Truth gathered her courage before speaking. “As I mentioned previously, I don’t plan on making the journey—I don’t think it’s wise. I won’t object if you decide to go, but I hope you’ll plan to return before Thanksgiving.”

Lilly lifted a hand to her lips and chortled. “Sounds like Truth’s got a tight hold on the reins in this family.”

Truth frowned.
Why don’t you keep your opinions to yourself, Aunt Lilly? This matter doesn’t concern you. Why does everyone think they should give me advice about my own life?

Moses tilted his head and gave a slight shrug. “If you don’t want a say in where you’ll be living, then I suppose the matter is settled, Truth.”

The hint of a smile played upon Lilly’s lips as she waved her handkerchief in the air. “I believe I will accompany you, Moses. I think this might prove an excellent opportunity to explore my possibilities for a business venture. In fact, I’d even be willing to assist you with your house search.”

Truth swallowed the cry of refusal that threatened to erupt. She didn’t want Lilly choosing anything for her—especially a house she’d be living in for the next four years. Between Moses’s election and Lilly’s arrival in Kansas, her life had gone from serene to chaotic in a matter of days.

Even the arrangement with Grace now remained unresolved. She couldn’t believe Silas would consider Aunt Lilly a substitute for Grace.
Outlandish!
And to make matters worse, he’d rushed from the house, leaving Grace in tears.

Perhaps I should tell them the truth
. She opened her mouth, but the words stuck in her throat like a piece of dry bread.
No
. She couldn’t. She wouldn’t. Instead, she remained in her chair while the group disbanded. Moses and Lilly departed for the train station to purchase tickets, while her father and Thomas mumbled something about going to the livery. Jarena remained in one corner of the parlor quietly rocking Jennie.

Once everyone had disappeared and quiet had returned, Truth detected the sound of Grace’s footsteps on the stairs. Head bowed and shoulders slumped, her sister trudged across the room and dropped onto the divan.

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 coat 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.