Daylight Comes (24 page)
Hill City , Kansas
M
acia tightly clasped Camille’s hand while Dr. Boyle pointed Mrs. Faraday to a chair. Camille’s brother, Jonas, hadn’t been at the pharmacy when they’d arrived, and for that Macia was grateful. They had awful news to deliver.
Not wanting to deal with weeping women, Erik Peterson had delivered the telegram to Dr. Boyle with the request that Macia’s father be the one who talked to Mrs. Faraday. Hoping to lend Camille some support, Macia had volunteered to come along, though she now wondered if she’d made a wise decision. There was no way to know how the two women would react to the tragic news.
Strands of Mrs. Faraday’s graying hair had come loose from the pins and now flew about like thin, waving fingers. Dr. Boyle removed the telegram from the pocket of his jacket. Mrs. Faraday immediately frowned as though she knew nothing good would come from their visit.
“Erik Peterson delivered this to me a short time ago. It’s from the sheriff down in Abilene. Seems your husband was involved in a card game at one of the local saloons. One of the men accused him of cheating.”
“He’s been killed.”
She knew?
“I’m sorry to tell you that he died of a gunshot wound, Mrs. Faraday.” Dr. Boyle held out the telegram. “This says a letter will follow with additional details.”
“His body?”
“The telegram doesn’t say. The undertaker may have buried him down in Abilene. Perhaps when you receive the letter . . .”
“Yes, of course.” She drew a cleansing breath and reached for Camille. “We must decide what we’re to do.”
Camille jutted her chin and knelt down beside her mother. “We’ll continue on as we have since he vanished. We’re getting by, Mother.
With Dr. Boyle’s help, we can continue to operate the pharmacy here in Hill City, don’t you think, Dr. Boyle?”
“Yes, of course. You’ve been doing an admirable job, Camille, and there’s no reason to think of leaving. After all, you’ve established the business, and you own a home here.”
Macia nodded to affirm the statement. She hoped they would stay; Camille had become a good friend in recent months.
After a glance at Macia and Dr. Boyle, Mrs. Faraday looked back to her daughter. “We also have a great deal of debt. I worry whether the pharmacy can turn enough profit to keep us afloat.”
“Don’t fret over the future, Mrs. Faraday,” Macia’s father said. “I’ll do everything in my power to help you maintain the business. In addition, young Jonas may want to plan his future around operating the pharmacy.”
“I think he’s more interested in the newspaper business than the pharmacy,” Camille said. “That’s where his free time is occupied nowadays.”
As she and her father prepared to depart, Macia took Camille’s hands in her own. “Do let me know if there’s anything I can do, Camille. If you’d like to stop by the house, please feel free to do so without an invitation.”
Mrs. Faraday suddenly smiled. “That’s an excellent idea. In fact, you could go over and visit this evening. Perhaps a game of whist? It will take your mind off of our family problems. Moreover, you need to be around people your own age. You spend far too much time alone in this pharmacy.”
Camille stared wide-eyed at her mother. “I truly don’t believe this is an appropriate time for me to go about town visiting, Mother.
We’ve received word of Father’s death only minutes ago, and you’re now sending me off for a game of cards?”
Mrs. Faraday rested her hands on her hips, her elbows projecting like two chicken wings. “Your father has been detached from this family for years. In addition, he chose to completely disappear from our lives without so much as a farewell. I don’t plan to spend time mourning over a man who cared nothing for me or the welfare of this family, and I’ll not permit you or Jonas to do so, either.”
Macia bowed her head close to Camille’s ear. “It might be best if you agreed to come visit this evening. Your mother is likely in shock, and further disagreement will only make matters worse.”
Camille nodded and then accompanied Macia and Dr. Boyle outside. After Dr. Boyle departed for his office, Camille tugged Macia away from the front door of the pharmacy. Keeping her voice low, Camille hastened to explain that her mother’s behavior wasn’t due to grief over her father’s death. “She’s not suffering from shock.
My parents ceased caring about each other long ago. My mother is pushing me to visit at your home because she holds out hope that Harvey will propose marriage.”
Macia grinned and squeezed Camille’s hand. “I’d be most pleased to have you as a member of the family. I’ve always wanted a sister.
From the way Harvey was looking at you just the other day, I don’t think he needs your mother’s assistance. He appears more than a little interested in you, but you no doubt already know that.”
“We’ve been seeing each other on occasion—secretly, because I didn’t want my mother interfering. She’s pushed me toward Harvey from the day we arrived. I truly like him, but I would never want him to believe I pursued him because I was seeking a husband to provide for my future security.” The wind whipped at Camille’s skirt, and she gripped the folds between her fingers. “You do understand my dilemma, don’t you?”
“Of course. But Harvey isn’t a child who can easily be deceived.
I’m certain he already realizes that your mother would like to see a match. Believe me, my brother won’t propose unless he truly loves you, Camille.” She looped arms with Camille as they walked back to the front door of the pharmacy. “I do hope you’ll come to the house this evening.”
“In that case, I’ll see you tonight.” Camille waved good-bye as she entered the small business establishment.
Macia contemplated stopping by the newspaper office before heading back home but just as quickly decided against the idea. Camille and Harvey didn’t need another person meddling in their lives.
The weather had warmed considerably, though a strong southerly wind yanked at her cloak and then whipped the bonnet from her head. Thankful she’d knotted the ribbons, she attempted to pull the hat back into place.
The sound of Lucy’s voice carried on the breeze. Macia turned to see the girl racing headlong toward her. Lucy’s books hung in a leather strap that bounced at her side, and Macia wondered that they didn’t go scattering onto the street. Macia couldn’t resist grinning at the sight. “School out for the day?”
Lucy came to a screeching halt and pulled Macia into a forceful embrace. “Yep. Where have you been? Down to see Harvey at the newspaper office?”
“No, I was at the pharmacy. How were your lessons today?”
“I’m having a bit of trouble. Could you come over this evening and help me?”
Macia doubted Lucy was having any difficulty with her schoolwork. More likely, she was once again up to her matchmaking. The girl was determined that nothing would stand in the way of Jeb and Macia resuming their relationship. So far as Lucy was concerned, now that Fern and Garrett were no longer contenders for Jeb’s and Macia’s affections, there was nothing impeding their marriage.
“I’m sorry, but I’m expecting company this evening, Lucy. I’m sure Jeb can help you with your lessons.”
Lucy’s smile crumpled like an ill-prepared souffle
. Macia knew her reply wasn’t the answer Jeb’s sister wanted to hear. However, the girl wasn’t easily deterred. “Why don’t you stop in now? You could help me before you go home.”
“I suppose I could help you for a half hour, but then I must return home.”
“We can cut through the livery.”
Macia walked along behind, knowing Lucy thought herself quite clever. There was little doubt what she was up to.
Lucy waved at her brother as they walked across the hay-strewn floor of the barn. “Look who I brought home with me.”
Jeb waved in greeting and walked toward her with a currycomb in one hand. “Erik told me the news about Mr. Faraday. He said you went down to see the family with your father. How are they doing?”
Lucy came closer and took hold of her brother’s arm. “What happened? Did they find Mr. Faraday?”
After explaining the circumstances of Mr. Faraday’s death to his sister, Jeb turned his attention back to Macia. “Is Mrs. Faraday going to pull up stakes and leave town?”
“No. Seems they plan to remain and try to make a go of the pharmacy. At least I hope so.”
“I’m sure your brother hopes for the same. I reckon he and Camille have taken a liking to one another.” Jeb grinned as they walked through the barn.
Macia merely shrugged, though she surmised the clandestine visits between Camille and her brother hadn’t been nearly as private as they thought. “Lucy and I had best get to that schoolwork as I’ll need to return home before long.”
Jeb stepped aside and then headed back toward the horse he’d been grooming. When Lucy didn’t move, Macia tugged at her hand.
“Come on.”
After they’d entered the house, Lucy placed her hands on her hips.
“He wanted to talk some more. How are you two ever gonna get back together if you won’t talk to him?”
Macia couldn’t fault the girl. If nothing else, she had determination! Unfortunately for Lucy, Macia was not prepared to give her heart to Jeb Malone again—at least not yet.
Ezekiel cupped his hands over his face in despair. He’d expected to hear he had another grandchild to welcome into the fold. Instead, Jarena’s voice quivered as she read the letter telling him of the stillborn infant. Somehow he couldn’t wrap his mind around the idea. Not once had he envisioned such a thing. And from the gist of Moses’s letter, it didn’t sound as though Truth was recuperating like the doctor had predicted.
In fact, the only good news in the entire letter was Grace’s note saying she would accompany representatives of the railroad on a visit to Nicodemus in a few weeks. She didn’t mention whether she would return to Topeka after her visit, and he wondered who would win— Truth or Silas. Ezekiel didn’t doubt that Truth would want her sister’s company during this time of loss. On the other hand, Silas wouldn’t easily let Grace leave him again.
From what Ezekiel had seen, Silas still hadn’t sent any letters to Grace while she was off in Topeka. Ezekiel massaged his forehead with his fingertips. If Silas lost this battle, he’d have only himself to blame.
Topeka , Kansas
•
May 1883
T
ruth stared listlessly at the beige-and-claret bedroom carpet. Sunlight splashed into the room and reflected a crisscross pattern on the rug, but Truth cared little if the sun shone. She wanted only to have this day pass by without interruption—to wrap in a blanket of quietude until she no longer felt the pain and grief of losing her infant son. However, she knew that would not happen, for each day she fought the same battle. Today would be no different.
At the sound of footsteps in the hallway, Truth scooted down and pulled the sheet over her head. She had no plan to get out of bed. Moreover, she was weary of Moses and Grace, as well as Aunt Lilly and the doctor, telling her she’d feel much better if she’d just get up and dressed for the day. Well, she’d tried that yesterday and the day before—it hadn’t worked. In fact, she’d felt worse. Being forced to sit and listen to idle chatter or answer Dovie’s questions about meal preparation was the worst thing she could imagine right now. Why must she force herself to paste on a smile and act as though life had returned to normal when it hadn’t? First she’d been dragged against her will to Topeka and then she’d lost her baby—no, life would never be normal again.
Forcing herself to breathe deeply, she remained still as she heard the familiar click of the turning doorknob and then the soft clinking of china. Good! Someone had brought her a breakfast tray. Perhaps there were no plans to force her out of bed today. Waiting until she heard the sound of retreating footsteps and the recognizable snap of the closing door, she tossed back the sheet. Her eyes opened wide at the sight of her sister standing at the end of the bed.
“Just as I thought. You’re playing possum.” Grace folded her arms across her waist, obviously waiting for an apology.
Truth simply pointed at the breakfast tray. “I believe I’ll take my tray in bed.”
“I think
not
! If you want breakfast, you’ll come downstairs to the dining room. You’ll find the tray I brought to you is filled with nothing more than empty dishes. I refuse to serve any more meals to you in this room, Truth.”
Grace moved to the dresser and brought the tray close enough for Truth to examine. Anger swelled in Truth’s chest. She didn’t want to play these silly games! Could none of them understand her pain or need for gentle sympathy? She had lost her child—the baby she’d carried for nine months—and yet they expected her to carry on as though nothing had happened.
Grace put the silver tray back on the dresser. “Please get out of this bed, Truth. It has been over a month since your loss, and you must move on with your life. The doctor declared you fit as a fiddle weeks ago. You’ll not conquer your feelings of loss and sadness by remaining in this bedroom. In addition, I have matters of importance to discuss with you.”
“
What
matters?” A prickle of fear raced down Truth’s spine.
Grace gathered up the tray of empty dishes. “Get dressed and come downstairs. We’ll talk.”
Truth tossed back the coverlet and padded across the room. Caring little for her appearance, she yanked an old gown from the wardrobe. She might go downstairs, but she certainly didn’t plan to spend any time on her toilette. After wrapping an old scarf about her head, she slipped into a pair of shoes. Without so much as a glance in the mirror, she plodded down the stairs and into the dining room.
Dovie covered her mouth and let out a slight gasp as she walked into the room, but Grace remained unusually quiet while Truth ate breakfast and then poured a second cup of coffee.
“I’ve dressed, come downstairs, and eaten breakfast. Now, what is this important matter you must discuss with me?”
Grace scooted forward on her chair. “I plan to travel back to Nicodemus with the Ditmores and John Rockley. We’ll depart the day after tomorrow.”
Truth sent her teaspoon clanking to the floor as she lurched forward. “
What?
Why haven’t you told me of this before now?”
“You knew of these plans. They were made back when you convinced Mrs. Ditmore the weather would prohibit such a journey in January or February. Surely you recall that discussion?”
“Yes, I recall the discussion, but I don’t remember hearing of these recent plans. You haven’t spoken of making the trip—at least not to me.” Truth frowned and waited for her sister’s response.
“You’ve not made yourself available to discuss anything, Truth. I’ve spoken to Moses, and he knows of the plans. He voiced no objection.”
An unbidden anger swelled in Truth’s chest. “So you’re going to run off and leave me when I need you the most?” She folded her arms and glared across the table. “How long will you be gone?”
Grace fidgeted with the edge of the tablecloth. “I don’t plan to return.”
“
Not return!
How can you even
think
such a thing? I need you, Grace!” Truth leaned across the table and grasped her sister’s hand. “Please don’t do this, Grace. Promise me you’ll come back. Stay several weeks, if you like, but then promise you’ll return. I don’t think I could bear it here alone.”
“You’re not alone, Truth. You have a wonderful husband, you’ve got Dovie, and Aunt Lilly has agreed to look in on you every day.”
Truth yanked the napkin from her lap and tossed it on the table. “And that’s supposed to make me feel better? Aunt Lilly is the last person I want coming around here poking her nose into my business.”
Grace poured herself a cup of coffee and settled back in her chair. “Then I suggest you begin getting out of bed and taking up your normal routine. When Aunt Lilly realizes you’re on the road to recovery, she’ll likely visit less often.”
“I’m starting to think I should go with you.”
Grace’s eyebrows arched in surprise. “To Nicodemus?”
“Yes. Do you think I would have sufficient time to prepare for the journey?”
“I don’t think Moses would agree. Furthermore, you’ve spent little time out of bed in the past month, and I daresay the journey would be overtaxing for you in your . . . weakened condition.”
Truth frowned at her sister. “Only a short time ago, you said the doctor had declared me fit as a fiddle. Now you say I’m in a weakened condition. Which is it, Grace?” Her features tightened into a scowl.
“Or is it that you don’t want me to come along?”
Grace pushed her chair away from the table and jumped to her feet. “I’m not going to continue this discussion. We’ll both end up saying things we’ll regret.”
Before Truth could stop her, Grace vanished from the room like a fleeting mist, leaving her to contemplate her actions over a cold cup of coffee. Since giving birth she had evolved into an angry shrew, yet she felt unable to control her ugly temperament.
A knock at the front door forced Truth to move. A visitor was not what she wanted. Using the back stairway, she trudged upstairs, but she stopped in the hallway at the sound of Aunt Lilly’s voice drifting up from the foyer. Grace had greeted her, and the two of them were engaged in conversation. Truth edged along the wall and positioned herself out of sight near the top of the stairway, listening as the two women talked.
They were discussing her! She marched back downstairs and stopped in the center of the parlor entryway.
Lilly appeared dismayed when Truth entered the room. “Wherever did you find that awful dress? The color reminds me of muddy water, and it hangs on you like a nightgown.” Lilly pointed to Truth’s head.
“And why do you have that rag wrapped around your head?”
Truth gave her a cool stare. “You do have a way of spreading cheer, Aunt Lilly. I’m so pleased to know I’ll have your pleasantries to brighten my days after Grace departs for Nicodemus.” After a long look at her sister, Truth crossed the room and sat down. “I had thought to travel with her, but it seems she doesn’t want my company.”
“Could I have a moment alone with your sister, Grace?” Lilly waited until Grace left the room. “Once again, you are attempting to manipulate your sister, Truth.” Lilly shook her head when Truth attempted to interrupt. “Please don’t insult me by objecting. I’m an authority on this topic. Your place is here in Topeka with your husband. We both know that. As for your sarcastic remark regarding my spreading of cheer, I will brighten your day with kind remarks once you quit wallowing in self-pity. Perhaps you should search your Bible for some words of comfort.”
Truth’s jaw dropped at the suggestion. “Who would have thought
you
would ever suggest reading the Bible.”
Lilly’s shrugged her narrow shoulders. “You see? That proves there is hope for every person and circumstance—even yours, Truth.” She waved her hand. “Now go and tell your sister to come back into the room.”
Truth wanted to argue that this was her house and she was the one who should be giving the orders. However, she knew she’d have little success arguing with her aunt. After doing Lilly’s bidding, Truth retreated to her bedroom. She no longer cared what her aunt and sister might discuss. Let them talk about her. She didn’t plan to listen, and she certainly didn’t plan to read the Bible. All she wanted to do was bury her head under the bedcovers and try to forget everything that had happened in the last six months.
When Moses entered their bedroom that evening, Truth was in her nightgown—as she’d been since they’d lost the baby—and in bed.
Though the covers weren’t pulled over her head, her eyes reflected the same listlessness he’d seen since the day she’d given birth. He wondered if he would ever again see the spirited woman he had married.
“I understand you’re in agreement with Grace returning to Nicodemus.”
There was venom in his wife’s words; he forced himself to speak calmly in response. “We have no right to infringe upon Grace’s plans.
She shouldn’t be made to feel guilty simply because she wants to go home.” He shook his head. “She told you she wouldn’t stay in Topeka any more than two weeks after the baby’s birth. She’s remained longer than she originally agreed.”
“But I need her. It would be different if—”
Moses sat down on the edge of the bed. “No, Truth, it wouldn’t be different. Had the baby lived, you still would have attempted to keep Grace here with us. You would have insisted you needed her help with the baby. The fact is you don’t really need Grace. It gives you pleasure to have her close at hand. And there’s nothing wrong with having your sister nearby—if that’s what she wants, too.” He patted his wife’s hand. “Unfortunately, it isn’t.”
He stood up, removed his jacket, and hung it in the oak wardrobe. He longed to share his own grief with Truth, but right now his wife’s condition made a discussion of what had happened impossible. She couldn’t seem to pull herself from the depths of sadness to which she’d succumbed. He’d given much thought to helping her recover from this bout of melancholy. He had to do something before she permanently embraced this way of life, and he prayed daily for guidance. Today he’d received an answer. He knew it would take much convincing to get Truth out of the house, but he planned to use Grace’s departure to advantage.
If he could persuade Truth she should go to the train station and bid her sister farewell, he’d succeed with his plan. He’d already enlisted Grace’s assistance, and they’d reached an agreement: if necessary, they would inflict Truth with a healthy dose of the guilt she so readily imposed upon others. If all went well, though, they’d not be required to resort to dire action.
Truth stared into the mirror for several long minutes. She barely recognized her own reflection. Deep, dark hollows underscored her dull brown eyes and had transformed the face of the lively young woman who used to greet her in the looking glass. Instead of the snug fit she’d been warned to expect after the birth of a child, her dress hung in loose pleats. She had eaten little during the past month, and she still had no appetite.
She dropped to the edge of the bed, drained of all energy. Even simply dressing to accompany her sister to the train station had sapped her strength. She’d remained in her room all morning, knowing that she’d likely burst into tears at the sight of Grace preparing to depart. Moses had given her strict orders to be dressed by one o’clock.
Although she’d objected to going, he’d chided her and told her he would not allow such behavior. It was the least she could do for her twin, who had foregone her own plans to come and live in Topeka for several months. Giving her a proper good-bye was, he had said, the least she could do.
Moments later, the bedroom door burst open and Moses greeted her with a broad smile, obviously pleased she’d heeded his request. He held out his hand and accompanied her down the stairs. “Your sister is waiting in the carriage. The others are meeting her at the train station.”
Truth tightened her hold on his arm. “It would be much easier if I remained behind. Accompanying Grace to the train station is going to make saying good-bye much more difficult.”
“Think of the good it will do for your sister,” he encouraged. “Sometimes we absolutely must put others first, don’t you think?”
Truth didn’t respond, knowing her husband didn’t expect an answer. She managed to force a smile as she settled onto the seat across from her sister. The only benefit that would come from Grace’s departure would be knowing all was well within their home back in Nicodemus. Since sending Fern their approval about her living situation, Fern had written to offer her thanks and they’d had two additional notes saying all was well. However, Grace’s appraisal would ease Truth’s mind.
The Ditmores and John Rockley would be staying in the Wymans’ house while in Nicodemus, and Truth hoped Grace had written to advise Fern of the guests’ arrival. If not, Truth couldn’t be blamed for that predicament.
“You look lovely, Truth. I’m so pleased you’ve agreed to see me off. And it won’t be long until we see each other again,” Grace said.
Truth looked up. “You’ve decided to return to Topeka?”
Grace and Moses exchanged a quick look before Grace replied.
“No, but Moses tells me that the two of you will visit us in Nicodemus the moment you’ve regained your strength and want to make the journey.”