Morning Sky (11 page)

With her parasol raised, Lilly examined the Hill City dwellings as she made her way toward town. The frame houses were outnumbered by limestone and sod, though most were larger than the ones she’d observed in Nicodemus. Of course, the residents of Hill City had likely come prepared for life on the prairie. From the stories she’d heard from Jarena and Grace, tools and supplies had been in short supply when the Nicodemus settlers had first arrived. Therefore, the disparity wasn’t surprising. She continued onward, careful to maintain a lookout for either Moses or the newspaper office.

At the sound of her name, Lilly turned to see Truth waving and running toward her at full tilt. Lilly waved in return and waited for her niece. Both Truth and Grace were vivacious and pretty enough, but

Jarena was the real jewel of the family. Jarena had maturity on her side, but it was much more than that. Hidden beneath frayed collars and worn shoes, Jarena’s sense of style and class shone through—just like her own, Lilly decided.

Truth’s gaze flitted back and forth between Lilly’s parasol and her hat. “When did you get to Hill City? Moses told me Mr. Nelson was going to go to Nicodemus to talk to you.”

“I just arrived last night. I plan to spend the day acquainting myself with you and Moses, as well as this town.”

“I thought you’d be hard at work caring for the Nelson children.”

“I was coming to the newspaper office to visit with you and Moses. I thought you’d be pleased to see me. Instead, you’re staring at me as though you’ve seen a ghost. Mrs. Nelson and I have agreed I’ll begin my housekeeping duties tomorrow.” Lilly took Truth by the hand. “Why don’t you show me where the newspaper office is located?”

Truth was only too happy to comply, eagerly leading her aunt down the street and proudly gesturing when they neared the building. They hadn’t been inside the office long when Lilly decided she would gain little attention from Moses. After a brief welcome, he had become completely absorbed in composing an article for the newspaper and totally ignored her presence. On the other hand, Truth had insisted upon explaining all of the intricacies of printing a newspaper—from setting the type to inking the handheld brayer and feeding the paper. It was when Truth suggested her aunt take up the composing stick and try her hand at setting type that Lilly made her escape. Though Lilly admired Moses’s dedication to his work, it was obvious she’d not gain his attention while he was in his office. Furthermore, with Truth’s youth and innocence, she would be more easily swayed than Moses. Lilly raised her parasol and walked off toward the general store.Where there’s a will, there’s a way: that was her motto.

After making her way in and out of the various businesses in Hill City to explain her affiliation with Moses and Truth as well as her position with the Nelson family, Lilly strolled toward home. She had hoped to meet Dr. Boyle and elicit some information about his wife and family, but a note on his office door indicated the doctor wouldn’t return until later in the day. The message stated he’d been summoned to lend aid to the victim of a farm accident. Though she didn’t relish a return to the Nelson household so early in the afternoon, there was little else to occupy her time. At least that was true until she caught sight of a woman sitting on the porch of the Boyle residence.

Lilly tipped her parasol to the side and stepped closer. “Mrs. Boyle?”

The woman peered over the top of the book she was reading. She squinted her eyes and peered more closely. “Yes? Do I know you?”

“No, we’ve never met,” Lilly replied as she stepped closer. “However, I was hoping to make your acquaintance. I’m Truth Harban’s aunt—Lilly Verdue.”

Mrs. Boyle tucked a crocheted bookmark between the pages of her book and snapped the volume closed. “Ah, yes. Truth mentioned her aunt had come for a visit. She’s quite excited to have you here.” She waved Lilly forward. “Please sit down. I understand you’ve come from New Orleans. Do tell me more about yourself.”

Lilly didn’t need any further invitation. She collapsed her parasol and perched herself on the wicker chair facing Mrs. Boyle. “I’m afraid you would be quickly bored by anything I have to say. Why don’t you tell me about yourself, Mrs. Boyle? No doubt your life has been filled with much more excitement than my own.”

Margaret studied Lilly’s dress. “I’m not so certain. At the very least, it appears you’re more in style with the latest fashion than I.”

Lilly touched a finger to the neckline of her dress, pleased Mrs. Boyle had noticed her refined attire. “Merely the kindness of a friend before my departure from New Orleans. Truth tells me you have a daughter who teaches school.”

Mrs. Boyle nodded. “Yes—Macia. She’ll be returning at summer’s end, unless good fortune should smile upon her.”

“You don’t want her to return home?”

“Don’t misunderstand. I love Macia and truly don’t look forward to separation from her. However, I’d like to see her meet a suitable man who could provide her with a life of ease and comfort. The thought of Macia living the remainder of her life here in Kansas is not what I would wish for her.”

Lilly listened attentively as Mrs. Boyle discussed Macia’s plan to return and possibly marry Jeb Malone. Although the older woman had convinced Macia to journey east and attend a summer session of classes in New York before making a final decision regarding marriage and her future, she held out little hope her daughter would ultimately be deterred from her plans.

Mrs. Boyle took a sip of her lemonade. “Unfortunately, from the letters I’ve received, Macia has been suffering from ongoing bouts of illness since she arrived in New York. Distressing news, since she’s always enjoyed excellent health.”

“She’s likely suffering from a touch of homesickness coupled with a change in diet and daily routine. Likely nothing to worry over.”

Mrs. Boyle picked up her fan and snapped it open. “I truly hold out little hope Macia will be deterred from her plans. Jeb’s a fine young man, but Macia deserves a better life than he can provide.”

Lilly nodded sympathetically. “I do understand. I hope the worry over your daughter hasn’t caused you undue anxiety. Truth tells me you suffer from occasional ill health. I trust having her help has proved beneficial to you and your family.”

“Oh, indeed,” Mrs. Boyle said, fanning herself with enthusiasm. “I don’t know how I would have gotten by without Truth’s help. Once she marries Moses, we’ll have to find someone else, for I can’t seem to manage on my own. Perhaps Grace might be interested—I must remind Samuel to speak with Mr. Harban.”

“I wouldn’t hurry to do that. After all, Truth’s wedding is months off, and who knows what might happen between now and then.”

Mrs. Boyle’s eyes widened. “Are they having difficulties? Truth hasn’t uttered a word.”

Lilly leaned close. “Trust me, Truth wouldn’t easily confide such a thing. But if she realized how much you need her, it might aid her in making a final decision about her future. Please don’t mention I’ve said anything. She would feel I’ve placed you in a compromising position.”

“Oh, of course not. Poor girl. And to think I’ve been trying to reassure her I can get along without her these past months. I do feel terrible— my comments have likely been weighing heavily upon her. I’ll begin hinting about the problems I’m going to face once she marries Moses.”

“The minute I laid eyes upon you, I knew you were a woman I could count upon.”

Mrs. Boyle leaned back in her chair and feverishly fanned herself. “How can I ever thank you for taking me into your confidence? I am truly grateful you’ve arrived in Hill City. Surely between the two of us, we can steer Truth toward the proper decision for her future.”

“Indeed we will, Mrs. Boyle. Indeed we will.”

The Nelson house was quiet when Lilly walked into the foyer. Perhaps Mrs. Nelson and the children had departed for an outing. She smiled at the prospect. Having time alone to reflect upon her thoughts and plans was one thing Lilly relished. And finding time alone would likely prove difficult in the future. She walked up the front stairs and down the hallway toward her room, the sound of her footsteps muffled by the wool carpet. As she neared her bedroom, Lilly traced the tip of her parasol along the spindled railing that ran the length of the upper hall.

Mrs. Nelson peered around the bedroom doorway, her unkempt hair sticking out in all directions. “Lilly! I wasn’t expecting you. I was bringing . . . checking . . . to see that you had enough linens in your dresser.” Plunging her fingers into her disheveled hair, Mrs. Nelson sent a hair comb flying down the hallway.

“You brought me fresh linens when I arrived last night.Why would you think I’d need more so soon?” Lilly brushed past Mrs. Nelson and into the bedroom. “I don’t see any fresh linens, Mrs. Nelson.”

Her face flushed the shade of strawberries. “Once I entered your bedroom, I realized I’d forgotten them.”

Lilly pursed her lips as she surveyed the room. One of her dresser drawers was ajar and the hasp on her trunk had been opened. There was little doubt Mrs. Nelson had been snooping in her things. Lilly attempted to remain nonchalant as she stepped toward her trunk and then glanced over her shoulder at Mrs. Nelson. The woman looked like a child awaiting a reprimand. Though Lilly longed to voice an objection to Mrs. Nelson’s behavior, she surmised her status in the household prohibited such conduct.

At present, all Lilly wanted was a few moments alone to examine the contents of her trunk to see if Mrs. Nelson had discovered the packet of personal papers and letters hidden in one of the small interior drawers. “If you would excuse me, Mrs. Nelson, I’d like to change my dress.”

Mrs. Nelson turned away from Lilly and hastened toward the door.

“Yes, of course. I’ll fetch the linens.” She reached to pull the door closed behind her.

“No need. I have plenty to last me the week, Mrs. Nelson.”

The woman’s feet clattered down the back stairway as Lilly lifted the trunk lid. She reached into the small drawer and wrapped her fingers around the bundle there. A sigh escaped Lilly’s lips as she lifted and inspected the packet of envelopes and leather folder. The bundle was intact, but there was little doubt she must now find a safer place for her personal papers. Lilly paced the room like a caged animal. She must find the perfect hiding space. As she neared the center of the room, her toe caught on a loose floorboard. Her arms flailed like windmill blades as she attempted to remain upright. She sputtered an invective when she finally regained her balance. However, her anger was immediately mollified when she bent down to locate the spot. With a tug, she lifted the board. She pushed the leather folder into the space beneath the floorboard and placed the packet of letters on top. With a stomp of her heel, she forced the board back into place. The documents should now be safe from prying eyes.

Lilly considered herself an excellent judge of character, but this time her instincts had failed her. She had underestimated Mrs. Nelson. In the future, she would be more careful.

CHAPTER
10

T
ruth folded her hands in her lap and waited for Moses to say something—anything. She’d arrived at the newspaper office to advise him of her decision. His anger was obvious. Likely because she hadn’t consulted him prior to making her choice. Truth stared out the window while Moses busied himself locking type into the chase. When he finally completed the task, he wiped his hands and sat down opposite her.

He rested his arms on his desk and leaned forward. “Did you even consider speaking with me before you entered into this arrangement?”

There it was! He thought she should ask for his permission. “We’re not married yet, Moses. The Boyles have been good to me. It’s the least I can do. I don’t understand why you’re upset in the least. The journey won’t take long.”

Moses leaned back and folded his arms across his chest. “Seems you were telling me only the other day you couldn’t complete your news article because Mrs. Boyle was ailing and you were needed at the house. Tell me, Truth, who’s going to take care of Mrs. Boyle if you make this journey?”

Truth hesitated. She hadn’t thought about that. “Perhaps Jarena or Grace could come and stay while I’m gone.”

“Perhaps Grace or Jarena could go and fetch Macia home—or Dr.

Boyle could?”

“I don’t think either of my sisters would agree to go. Besides, they don’t know Macia as well as I do. And Dr. Boyle won’t leave town when his wife is ailing. I couldn’t ask him to leave Mrs. Boyle.”

“Why doesn’t Dr. Boyle just pay a nurse to accompany his daughter home? That makes more sense to me.”

“It has been impossible to find a person of good reputation to make the journey. If there were some other way, I wouldn’t go, Moses. I’m sure you can understand that they need my assistance.”

Moses stood up and walked around the desk. “Your loyalty is one of the things I most admire, Truth. I think they are asking too much from you, but if you truly believe you must go, then I won’t object.”

He took her hand and they walked to the office door. “When will you depart?”

“I’m not certain, but once the plans are complete, I’ll talk with you.”