The Promise of Morning (40 page)

Ellie took a deep breath. “My name is Eleanor. Ellie’s a pet name. My papa left me behind when he went to Texas, just like this letter says. Graciana, maybe we’re sisters.”

Little hands pressed Ellie’s cheeks. Graciana’s mouth opened in an “O”, then she whispered, “Truly?”

Ellie’s tears ran over the child’s fingers. “Oh, I hope so!”

Footsteps clattered up the porch stairs and the twins dashed into the room.

“When’s dinner—” Johnny stopped, staring at his mother. “What’s wrong?”

Ellie stood Graciana on the floor but kept an arm around her. “Do you remember last month when I told you I wondered whether my father had other children when he lived in Texas?” She fought to keep from crying.

Both boys nodded.

“See this letter?” Ellie handed it to Jimmy with shaking fingers. “It’s from Graciana’s father, and it sounds like he’s talking about me.”

Heads together, the boys read through the message. Their eyes grew wide and they stared at Graciana. Johnny was the first to speak.

“Her last name’s Largo. It’s not the same.”

Ellie rose from the chair. “Maybe he changed his name when he went away. Sometimes people do.” She lifted the paper from her son’s hand and tucked it into the pocket of her skirt. “I know the Lord sent Graciana to us. How else can you explain Papa discovering her on a dock next to the Ohio River? She’s meant to be part of our family.”

“Then God gave you the desires of your heart, didn’t he, Mama? You have a sister,” Jimmy said. He put his hands on Graciana’s shoulders. “I’m glad you’re going to live with us.”

She blushed. “Me too.”

Ellie’s breath caught in her throat. “Oh my word!” She swung around and looked at Johnny. “I have to go to town right now.”

“How? Papa’s gone.” He looked bewildered.

“I’ll walk. You boys stay in the house and mind the children.” Ellie snatched her bonnet from its peg near the door. “Tell Harrison and Maria about Graciana’s letter.”

31

Ellie ran until her sides ached, then she slowed to a walk. Once she caught her breath, she ran again. Sweat trickled down her forehead and stung her eyes. She had to stop Matthew before he reached the Carstairs’ house.
Please, Lord, help me.

Breeze from the northeast rustled through the leaves of Wolcotts’ corn crop as she passed their farm. Ellie loosened her bonnet and let it flop against her back, swiping at her forehead with the back of her arm.

Precious minutes ticked by. If only someone would come along and offer her a ride the rest of the way—provided it wasn’t Mr. Beldon.

The road remained deserted.

Finally, she saw the church ahead. Blinding glare from the afternoon sun bounced off its white clapboard siding. Ellie paused in the shadow of the building until her breathing slowed. Trying to think where Matthew would have gone first, she stepped back into the light and hurried to the corner of Adams Street. She squinted across the town square toward the post office. Samson wasn’t tied out front.

Her shoulders drooped. Ellie slowed her steps and trudged toward Hancock Street, eyes on the ground. What if Matthew had already promised Graciana to Penelope? Molly’s cabin lay up the road on the right. Ellie turned in that direction and noticed Matthew’s horse waiting at the hitching rail. Dreading the news he’d have for her, she crossed the road and tapped on the doorframe, then walked inside.

The house was empty. Ellie stood, fighting dizziness. Her head ached and the bodice of her dress was soaked in sweat. She heard voices coming from the rear of the building. When she walked out back, she found Matthew seated in the shade of the silver maple tree with Molly and her family. Luellen had a book open in her lap. Lily sat close to her side, evidently listening while her sister read aloud. Behind them, James and Franklin played mumbletypeg. A jackknife blade glittered in the sun as it arced through the air and landed point first in the ground.

Matthew noticed her first and jumped to his feet. “Ellie. How on earth did you get here?” His face reflected alarm. “What’s happened?”

Ellie shook her head, unable to speak. She’d been so eager to stop him, and now it was too late. Her joy at learning Graciana might be her half-sister turned to pain. She couldn’t face the thought of going to Penelope and telling her she couldn’t take the child after all. But it must be done, and quickly.

Molly came to her side. “You look like you’re going to collapse. Why did you walk all the way here in this heat?”

“I had to stop Matthew.” She turned to him. “What did the Carstairs say?”

“I still haven’t gone.” Matthew flushed. He slid his arm around her shoulders and turned her toward a seat in the shade.

Ellie slumped against him. She tightened her arms around Matthew’s waist and held on, face buried against his chest. The smooth cotton of his shirt felt cool against her cheek. After a moment she drew back and met his questioning gaze.

“What is it? Tell me.”

Molly’s children and Karl all gathered around. Curiosity filled each face.

Ellie glanced at them, then focused again on Matthew. “After you left, I decided to wash Graciana’s doll. When I pulled out the stuffing, I found a wooden tube inside that contained this message from her father.” She took a deep breath and handed the letter to him. “I believe Graciana could be my half-sister.”

“How—” Matthew scanned the contents. When he looked up, his face was a mixture of hope and puzzlement. “He mentions your name, and a detail about Austin, but that doesn’t tell us much. Graciana gave her last name as Largo—your father’s name was Long.”

Karl put his hand on Matthew’s shoulder, interrupting them. “I studied languages in school. Largo is Spanish for Long.” He took the page from Matthew, read it, then handed it to Ellie, shaking his head. “There must be hundreds of men named Long in this country.”

“How many of them went to Texas?” Ellie folded her arms across her chest and tilted her chin upward.

“Could be any number. We don’t know.”

“Matthew just finished telling us about that little girl when you arrived,” Molly said to Ellie, using a peacemaking tone of voice. “Please, sit here and tell us why you think she’s your sister.”

She turned to Luellen. “Bring your aunt a cup of water before she faints dead away from this heat.”

“Don’t tell the story until I get back.” Luellen sped for the house.

When she returned with the water, Ellie surveyed her family, her eyes resting briefly on each face. “I’ll start at the beginning. Just listen before you make up your minds.”

She held out the letter. “Graciana’s father tells of his shame at leaving his little daughter, Eleanor, behind when he left for Texas. I was only three when Aunt Ruby took me in.”

“Wait a minute,” Karl said. “He doesn’t say when he left. Could’ve been any time.”

Ellie lifted a hand to cut him off. “Aunt Ruby said my father followed Austin’s first call for settlers. Graciana told us her papa was old. If we have the same father, he’d have been almost sixty when she was born. Graciana’s father, and mine, died last winter. True, he used the name Largo.” She searched Matthew’s face, hoping she wouldn’t see Karl’s doubts mirrored there. “But I think Largo was probably what people called him. After all, Texas was part of a foreign country when he arrived. He must’ve learned the language to fit in.”

A smile trembled on her lips as she studied the faces surrounding her. “Now do you see why I think she’s my sister?”

Matthew seized her in a fierce hug. “I’ve been trying to decide how to tell you I want Graciana to stay with us.” He grinned. “Looks like you don’t need convincing. No wonder you ran all the way to town.”

Keeping an arm around Ellie’s shoulders, Matthew turned to Karl. “We’ll never know if she’s related or not, but I believe God brought Graciana safely from Texas for me to find.”

“Sounds almost like the ending to a play, doesn’t it?” Karl asked, a sly grin on his face.

“We need to tell your aunt right away. Graciana is her niece too.” Matthew’s arm around Ellie’s waist held her steady as they rode Samson toward home. Warmth from his body radiated through her dress. She couldn’t remember the last time they’d been this close
.

Whose fault is that?
a voice inside seemed to say.

Mine. But I don’t know how to undo it.

Matthew shifted in the saddle. “What do you think Ruby will say?”

“No telling. I can’t wait to see her face when she finds out.”

Once they reached the Newberrys’ farmyard, Ellie noticed that the curtains were drawn across the windows. The back door hadn’t been opened to capture the breeze.

She turned sideways and looked at Matthew. “Do you think something’s wrong?”

“We’ll find out soon enough.” He slid to the ground and walked to the house. When he raised his hand to knock, the door opened before his knuckles struck the wood.

Aunt Ruby stood inside the shadowy kitchen, wearing a black dress covered with an apron. “What brings you here?”

“Something unbelievable has happened.”

Aunt Ruby blinked at him, saying nothing.

“Can we come in?”

She stepped to one side. “Please do.”

Matthew helped Ellie down and led her into the house. She hurried to her aunt and seized her hands. “Are you ready for another niece?” Ellie heard the excitement bubble in her voice.

Aunt Ruby’s eyes slid to Ellie’s waist. “How do you know it’s a girl?”

Ellie darted a glance at Matthew, heat rising in her cheeks. “I’m talking about little Graciana. You met her at our house when you arrived on Thursday.”

“Graciana? Are you saying—”

“Let Ellie talk.” Uncle Arthur’s voice sounded from the rear of the room. His crutches thumped as he made his way toward them.

Ellie felt tension vibrate in the air between her aunt and uncle. She stepped back. “Let’s sit. We’ll explain everything.”

Once the story had been told, a strange expression crossed Aunt Ruby’s face. “With that dark skin and hair, she doesn’t look anything like the rest of us. People will talk. What if the child isn’t accepted here?”

Ellie’s heart stirred at the fear in her aunt’s eyes.

Matthew squeezed Aunt Ruby’s hand. “It doesn’t matter what others think. Graciana will be part of our family. We accept her, and that’s enough.” He stood and walked to the door. “We’ll stop by in the morning and take you to church with us.”

“Are you daft?” Aunt Ruby rapped the tabletop with her fist. “I can’t face those people. Me and Arthur will stay right here.”

Uncle Arthur pushed himself to his feet. “We ain’t going. Save yourself a stop.” The expression on his face left no room for argument.

Ellie reached for him. “But, Uncle . . .”

“Ellie.” Matthew spoke in a gentle voice. “Give them time.” His gaze encompassed both Ruby and Arthur. “When you’re ready, we’ll stand with you. You’re part of our family too.”

He slid a hand around Ellie’s waist. “Now we need to get on home and have a proper welcome for our little gift from heaven.”

Once the excited children were settled for the night, Matthew slid onto a kitchen chair and rested his head on the top rail. “This has been quite a day. First Mrs. Beldon, then the news about Graciana.”

“Mrs. Beldon?” Ellie’s heart skipped a beat. In her exhilaration over Graciana, she’d forgotten about Mr. Beldon. She turned her face away so he couldn’t see the guilt she felt sure was written there.

“She came to the church this afternoon and told me some interesting things about her husband.”

Ellie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The lingering taste of boiled beans from their supper filled her throat. She flinched when she felt Matthew’s hand on her arm.

“According to Mrs. Beldon, coming here was her husband’s last chance to make something of himself. It had nothing to do with his father founding the town. It’s
her
father who’s been paying their way, and she’s tired of it. Tired of him.” Matthew squeezed her arm. “She urged me to take back my church.”

Ellie lifted her head. “Now you listen? I’ve said that all along. So has Mr. Wolcott.”

He looked embarrassed. “I know, but . . . Beldon makes me feel small—like I’m no match for him.”