Daylight Comes (23 page)
“You remain where you are and keep those blankets in place until I say you can get up.” He tucked the corner in under her feet and winked. “I expect full cooperation.”
“You’ll have no problem on that account. I doubt I’ll be letting her out of my sight until the day she marries.” Jeb’s attempt at levity was overshadowed by the somber look in his eyes.
Lucy held out a hand to her brother. “I didn’t mean to fall in. It was an accident.”
Jeb clutched her hand, but his features didn’t soften. “You didn’t even ask for permission before going ice skating, Lucy. Had you asked—”
“You would have said no.”
“Exactly! Because I would have told you the ice is unstable at this time of year. There have been too many warm days in between these cold ones. You can’t trust the ice in this kind of weather, Lucy.” Jeb rubbed his palm across his forehead. “You could have died.”
“I said I’m sorry. It’s over and I can’t change it, Jeb. All I can do is promise to never do it again.”
“You’re right. A lecture isn’t going to do either of us any good.
How soon do you think I can take her home, Dr. Boyle?”
“Let me check her over one more time. If her heart and lungs sound good, she can go with you, provided she stays warm. It would be best to have her remain in bed at least the remainder of the day.”
“I’ll keep her in bed the rest of the week,” Jeb said. “School’s not in session, and she can get all the rest she’ll need.”
After a final examination, Dr. Boyle declared his young patient fit to go home. “And you do as your brother tells you.”
“I promise.” Lucy looked expectantly at Macia. “You’re coming with us, aren’t you?”
“Oh, I don’t think—”
“Please say you will. Please.”
Macia hesitated, unwilling to interfere with Jeb’s wishes.
“Yes, please come along. I doubt she’ll forgive me unless you do.”
“Very well. I’ll help Father clean up here; then I’ll stop by your place before I go home. But only for a brief visit.”
From Lucy’s pout, Macia knew her answer wasn’t what the girl had hoped for. However, she didn’t want Jeb to feel as though she were interfering. She decided it would be best for him to get Lucy settled before she arrived.
She remained in the office while her father assisted Jeb during the brief journey to his little house behind the livery. By the time he returned, she had cleaned and organized everything for the following day.
“Thank you, Macia. I appreciate your help, but I do think you should go and visit with Lucy. She doesn’t believe you’re going to come and see her.”
Macia laughed. “Oh, Father. That’s Lucy’s way of getting me to hurry down there. You’ve played right into her hand.”
Her father laughed as he hugged her around the shoulder. “Well, it worked. Even if your presence isn’t needed to aid in her healing process, it will make her significantly more content.”
Macia shoved her hands deep into her coat pockets and hurried off in the direction of the livery. If she was going to make it home in time for supper, there’d not be time for an extended visit with Lucy.
Long shadows stretched across the snowy street, and she shivered beneath her woolen coat. Although she sought to hasten her pace, the icy streets forced Macia to take slow and deliberate steps. She passed Mr. Hill’s real estate office, and she heard the faint jingle of the bell over the front door of Mr. Johnson’s General Store—the bell used to signal the comings and goings of the mercantile’s customers.
“Macia!”
Startled, she twisted, her feet sliding in haphazard fashion as she attempted to gain a foothold.
Garrett’s strong hands circled her waist, and she clutched his forearms to steady herself.
“I’m truly sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you. I’m relieved you didn’t actually take a fall on the ice.” He abruptly released his hold when she glanced at his hands. “I happened by the front window and saw you heading this way. Guess that’s what folks call happenstance.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Happenstance?”
He held her elbow and directed her toward the door. “Happenstance. Coincidence. Whatever you want to call it. Anyway, I was wanting to talk to you, and now here you are.” He opened the door and ushered her inside.
“To be honest, a stop at the store wasn’t a part of my plans.” She hesitated, uncertain how he would react to the truth.
“It’s mighty cold to be out for a walk, and there’s nothing farther down the street except . . .” Realization shone in his eyes. “You were going to see Jeb down at the livery.”
“No, I’m going to see Lucy at their house.” Even to her own ears, the correction seemed childishly absurd. She was, after all, going to the Malone house, and Jeb would be there. She realized the import of Garrett’s insinuation.
“Why don’t we sit down for a few moments?” He guided her inside and to the small table at the front of the store. She glanced at the clock as he pulled out a chair for her. “I promise not to keep you away from your visit with the Malones for long.”
His tone was congenial, and the tightness eased from her shoulders. Thankful for the warmth of the heating stove, she pulled off her gloves and rubbed her hands together.
Pulling another chair close, Garrett sat down, their knees all but touching. “I don’t want my aunt to overhear our discussion. She’s already somewhat distressed.”
Immediately the tension seized her shoulders again. She remembered the look in Garrett’s eyes when he’d watched her climb into the wagon with Jeb and Lucy, and she hoped he hadn’t discussed his displeasure with Mrs. Johnson. Her apprehension escalated when
Garrett reached into his pocket. What if he planned to present her with an engagement ring and propose marriage? If so, she would be compelled to refuse, and he would expect an explanation. A sigh escaped her lips when he removed an envelope and placed it atop the table.
“This is a letter from a friend of mine. He’s in California.” Garrett tapped the edge of the envelope on the table. “I don’t know if Harvey mentioned that the deal on the land outside of town fell through.” He raised his eyebrows expectantly, and she shook her head. “Well, it did.
Seems as though things aren’t going to work out quite the way I anticipated, either with the cannery . . . or with you.” He held up the envelope. “Which brings me to this letter and my friend out in California.”
“Yes?”
“He’s gone into the cannery business there—fish.” Garrett tucked the letter back into his pocket. “Fishing is big business out along the coast. Anyway, he wants me to go out and look things over. Maybe throw in with him if I like the look of things once I get out there.”
He lowered his eyes for a moment. “I don’t think there’s much future between you and me, Macia. Appears as if Jeb Malone still has the advantage where your heart’s concerned, and like I told you before— I’m not willing to wait around and play second fiddle to another man.”
“Jeb and I aren’t—”
He held a finger to her lips. “I don’t want to hear your denials, Macia. If there were any hope of a future between us, you would have stopped me before now.” He leaned forward and rested his arms on the table. “Course, Aunt Ada isn’t happy with my decision. You might want to prepare yourself for a possible tongue-lashing. She blames you for my plan to depart. I’ve tried to convince her otherwise, but once she’s made up her mind . . .”
“I understand. Having you here is important to her—and to your uncle, too. I’m sure they’ve come to rely upon having you close at hand. And if it’s easier for her to place the blame on my shoulders, so be it.” She cupped her hand on top of his. “In some respects, I suppose it is.”
He pulled his hand from beneath hers and chuckled. “Don’t give yourself too much credit. Even if things had worked out between us, I would have attempted to move you to California and give this a try.
I believe this is going to prove quite profitable. I may even see if Harvey wants to invest.”
“How soon will you depart?”
He pushed his chair away from the table and stood. “I told Uncle Walt I’d wait until the first of April. He has several spring shipments due in, and I know he can use the help. It’s the least I can do.”
The clock chimed the hour. Macia picked up her gloves. “I do hope the business will prove to be everything you want, Garrett.”
He stood and laughed softly. “It won’t be everything, Macia. In fact, a fish cannery won’t even begin to fulfill what I truly want.” He leaned down and softly kissed her cheek. “I wish you well, Macia. I hope your future with Jeb will prove to be everything
you
want.”
She opened her mouth to object, to tell him that she and Jeb weren’t planning a future—at least not together—not yet. But before she could speak, he turned on his heel and strode off toward the rear of the store.
Topeka , Kansas
•
April 1883
A
fter plumping several pillows behind her, Truth scooted into a sitting position. Her bed had become most uncomfortable, and she was certain she had located every lump in the mattress during the past four hours. Her labor pains had begun—at least Truth thought they were contractions—and Grace had immediately insisted her sister take to her bed.
After much cajoling, Truth had convinced Grace they need not send for the doctor just yet. Truth didn’t want to be poked and probed for hours on end, but Grace didn’t want the baby arriving before she had time to fetch the doctor. Grace had insisted Truth maintain a careful record of each contraction. And Truth had readily agreed. The compromise suited both of them.
Truth didn’t plan to tell Grace, but she was beginning to doubt the twinges were actual contractions, and she had grown weary of her sister’s frequent forays into the bedroom. The moment Truth began to fall asleep, the door would burst open and Grace would enter.
While she paced the floor, Grace asked the same tiresome questions over and over until Truth wanted to utter a protest. The moment Truth reported a pain, Grace would check the clock, wait until the pain subsided, and then depart. Clearly her sister was attempting to help, but her ministrations reminded Truth of an agitated prairie dog popping in and out of its burrow to check the lay of the land.
When she heard a carriage pulling up outside, she pushed herself to the edge of the bed and slid her feet into the slippers sitting nearby. Pressing her palm against her lower spine, she arched her back and lumbered toward the window. Her yellow nightgown protruded in front of her like a huge harvest moon, and she wondered how much time must pass after the baby’s birth before she would once again fit into her old gowns. Glancing in the mirror as she passed by, Truth rested her arm atop the well-defined protrusion. Moses had teased and predicted she would give him twins, though the doctor had nullified that idea. For all the aches and pains of pregnancy, she had enjoyed this time carrying her child. However, she was looking forward to having the baby out and holding him in her arms. As if in response to her thoughts, another slight twinge came and went. Truth rubbed her stomach.
Not much longer, little one
.
She pulled aside the curtain and peeked down at the street below. Aunt Lilly! And John Rockley was with her! What were
they
doing together? And why had they come calling unannounced? Her mind whirred as several scenarios came to mind. She released the curtain, shuffled back across the room, and opened her bedroom door a crack. Walking into the hallway was out of the question, for the floorboards would surely creak and Grace would scold her for getting out of bed. She listened as Lilly and John exchanged greetings with Grace, but the sound of their conversation diminished as they entered the parlor. Though she strained to hear, the most she could distinguish was an occasional word or two.
When she heard rapid footsteps ascending the stairway, Truth hurriedly shuffled back to her bed. She’d not yet pulled the covers over her legs when Lilly pushed open the door and quickly surveyed the room. She pointed at the bedcovers. “Were you out of bed and eavesdropping, my dear?”
Truth yanked the sheet over her legs. She wanted to make a denial, but instead she pasted on a winsome smile. “I merely wanted to know who had come calling since Grace hadn’t mentioned she was expecting visitors.”
“Of course. A sweet girl like you would never consider such unbecoming behavior as eavesdropping.” With an exaggerated wink, Lilly spread a quilt across Truth’s protruding abdomen. “Grace tells me we can expect this baby to make its way into the world today.”
“I’m not as convinced as Grace. My contractions are sporadic, and they’ve lessened over the past hour. I had gotten out of bed thinking a bit of activity might cause them to resume.” There! That response should prevent any further accusations from her aunt.
Lilly pulled a chair near Truth’s bed and sat down. After placing her purse atop the bedside table, she turned her full attention upon Truth. “John and I have been visiting a good deal of late—what with his uncle’s undeniable interest in me, John and I have formed quite a friendship. In fact, he’s taken me into his confidence on several occasions. Now that his Uncle Charles and I are spending more time together, I’ve grown to think of John as . . . well, almost family.”
Truth mashed her lips together. Lilly was up to something, and she undoubtedly held Truth at a disadvantage. In any case, she would play along and see where this discussion might lead. Long ago, Truth had discovered that her aunt didn’t participate in idle chatter. Lilly’s seemingly casual conversations always bore some hidden agenda, and Truth wondered what Lilly might be scheming this day.
“Now, you let me know if your pains begin anew; I’ll have John fetch the doctor.” Lilly leaned forward and glanced about. She lowered her voice as though she and Truth were conspiring to commit a crime. “I’m pleased to know we agree John is an excellent choice for Grace. His attributes outshine Silas by . . . well . . .” She hesitated as though seeking the proper description. “Actually there’s no way to even compare the two of them, is there? They are worlds apart in all respects.”
Hearing Lilly’s enthusiastic approval of John and Grace as a couple was nearly enough for Truth to decide maybe she didn’t want to continue her matchmaking campaign. However, her desire for Grace to take up permanent residence in Topeka outweighed her need to defy any decision made by Aunt Lilly.
“And what brought you and John calling this afternoon?”
Lilly explained that she’d coerced John into assisting her with several business matters before requesting he drive her to the house.
“How could he refuse when I told him I wanted to check on your condition?” Rising from the chair, Lilly sauntered across the room and looked out the window at the perfect April day. “Of course, I couldn’t tell him the
complete
reason.”
Truth raised an eyebrow. “And that would be?”
Lilly returned to her chair. “To discuss what you’ve told John about your sister and Silas.”
Truth clenched her jaw. Exactly what had John related to Lilly? She’d made any number of remarks to him when he’d come seeking advice about courting Grace. Though Moses had cautioned her against interfering, Truth had forged ahead, certain John would be a perfect husband for her sister. She’d provided glowing accounts of her sister, and though she’d managed to skirt several of John’s questions, she’d not been completely truthful with him. Now she wondered precisely what information Lilly hoped to exact from her. Well, she’d not offer up any details. Lilly would have to take the lead.
Of course, Lilly was accustomed to taking the offensive. When Truth maintained a quizzical face, Lilly didn’t hesitate. “John tells me you assured him Grace and Silas are merely friends. I was stunned to hear you’d made such an assertion. We both know that what you’ve told John is a complete and utter falsehood.”
“Did you tell John I had lied? Because what you’ve related is not exactly what I told him.” Truth shifted forward in the bed, her heart now fluttering at a rapid pace.
Lilly folded her arms across her waist and leaned back in the chair.
“What
exactly
did you tell him, Truth?”
She contemplated her answer, attempting to recall the precise words she’d spoken. “I mentioned Silas had come calling on several occasions, and I said that I didn’t think their relationship was of a serious nature.”
“When two people have spoken about marriage, you don’t think it’s serious?” Lilly drummed her fingers atop the bedside table.
Truth flinched as a twinge of pain struck her lower back and then eased as quickly as it had arrived. She sighed. “I think their entire relationship is based upon convenience rather than love. Back when Silas accompanied Macia and me from New York, he thought he was in love with me. I believe he substituted Grace after Moses and I wed.” Truth shifted onto her side and tucked the pillow beneath her head. “Theirs is more of a friendship than the love between a man and woman who intend to marry.”
Lilly’s rippling laughter filled the room. “Why, Truth. I do believe you’ve learned a lesson or two from your aunt Lilly.”
Truth flashed an angry look at her aunt. “And just what are you implying?”
“Seems you’ve become quite accomplished at twisting words in order to manipulate people and circumstances to suit your own desires.” Lilly edged closer. “Be careful with your meddling, Truth. My past has taught me that scheming plans can lead to much heartache. You are dabbling in a risky business, young lady.”
Truth eyed her aunt suspiciously. “But you said you didn’t approve of Silas and that Grace was an excellent choice for John. I thought we were of the same mind in this matter.”
With a sly grin, Lilly wagged her index finger back and forth. “Don’t you see, Truth? By making you think I was your ally, you’ve divulged what I wanted to know. You’re attempting to match wits with me, and you failed.”
Truth was utterly puzzled. She had been certain Lilly thought John and Grace a good match. “So you think Grace should return to Silas?”
“I think we should both permit Grace to decide for herself. I’ve given up my matchmaking attempts. You married the man of your choice; permit your sister the same pleasure.”
Before Truth could offer a retort, a searing pain coursed down her back and circled her hips. She scooted deeper into the bed, gasping for breath. Lilly sympathetically recommended she remain calm, but to no avail. How could she relax with this unspeakable pain taking control of her body?
When she could finally catch her breath, Truth clutched Lilly’s arm. “Tell Grace to fetch the doctor.” She turned Lilly loose as another surge of pain assaulted her body.
“Now!”
She didn’t want to scream, but the contractions had taken control and were not easing in the slightest. She no longer was able to restrain herself.
Grace ran pell-mell into the room and knelt beside the bed. She wiped Truth’s perspiring forehead with her handkerchief. “John has gone for the doctor. When he knows the doctor is on his way here, he’ll go and fetch Moses. Everything is going to be fine, Truth.” Grace continued to wipe her sister’s brow. “By this time tomorrow, all this pain will be nothing but a distant memory. Just think—you’ll be holding a little son or daughter in your arms.”
Truth tried to be brave, but as the hours wore on and the pain continued to ravage her body, she weakened and wondered if she could sustain the assaults. She wanted the pain to end. In fact, right now she believed she would prefer death to childbirth. Something was wrong: the birth was taking much too long. Though the doctor continued to encourage her, she could see the look of concern on her husband’s face the few times he came into the room. The sound of hushed whispers drifted to her from the hallway. Although Grace and Lilly spoke cheerfully as they took turns near her bedside, she could see the fear and worry in their eyes.
Without warning, another bolt of burning pain ripped through her. She howled like an injured animal and then felt herself falling into a dark abyss.
Moses was hovering over her when her eyes fluttered open again. He kissed her hand. “Truth? Can you hear me?”
She tried to speak, but her lips wouldn’t move. Instead, she blinked her eyes. Moses gently lifted her head and held a cup of water to her lips. She managed a small sip before he placed her head back on the pillow.
“You gave me quite a scare.” He motioned the doctor forward. “Dr. Rafferty says you’re going to be fine. Right, Doctor?”
The doctor nodded as he stepped forward. “You’ll need to get some rest, but you’re young and healthy—and there’s plenty of time.”
Truth grasped Moses’s hand. “Time for what? Where’s the baby?”
She turned her head on the pillow, looking toward the cradle they’d had specially made for their child.
Moses stroked her cheek. “The baby didn’t live, Truth.”
Once again, the shadowy abyss rose up to snatch her, and Truth welcomed the comfort of dark oblivion.