Morning Sky

by Judith Miller

  Moses grinned and extended his hand toward Truth. “It’s not me that’s holding up the plans, Miss Hattie. Truth says she wants to wait until September.”

  The old woman squinted and then frowned at Truth. “Why? You two been courtin’ for nigh onto two years now, Truth. Seems as though you’d know if he’s the one by now.”

  Ezekiel pushed his plate forward. “Could ya dish up that piece of pie, Hattie, or do I gotta do it fer myself?”

  Hattie gave him a look before heeding his wishes. “You got no patience, Ezekiel Harban. Moses, you and Calvin come get ya a piece of this here pie and go on outside with Ezekiel so us womenfolk can get us some serious talkin’ done. Now where was I?”

  Lilly leaned forward and patted Miss Hattie’s hand. “Attempting to rush Truth into marriage.”

  “Rush? Either she loves him or she don’t.”

  “Sometimes people need to find out if they’re truly suited, Miss Hattie. There’s a span of fourteen years between them—and a number of other differences, also,” Lilly asserted. “Personally, I think Truth is exhibiting a great deal of intelligence and good sense by waiting. After all, there’s nothing worse than finding out you’ve married the wrong person after you’ve already committed.”

  Truth appeared both pleased and confused by the comments. “I don’t doubt my love for Moses, Aunt Lilly.”

  Lilly patted Truth’s hand as she launched into a maternal speech.

  She warned about confusing genuine love for a man with mere infatuation, especially in circumstances where one has never before had a beau. After all, an inexperienced girl, especially one who’s never even traveled, couldn’t possibly expect to understand the deep emotions a man and woman should have before they wed.

  Truth frowned and shook her head. “But I’ve traveled, Aunt Lilly.

  We saw lots of places when we moved out here from Georgetown.”

  Lilly sighed wearily. “But you never truly experienced them, did you? Never lived anywhere else or learned about other people or cultures. In addition to the age difference between you two, you’re immature in the ways of the world—unlike Moses, who has traveled and is highly educated. Why, I would speculate you didn’t even enjoy being schooled, did you?”

  Truth agreed her aunt was correct on that account.

  Finding she could take it no longer, Jarena stepped forward to come to her sister’s defense. “Don’t you let anyone put doubt in your mind, Truth. You love Moses, and he loves you. The two of you have much in common. You’ve succeeded in publishing newspapers to two communities, which is a feat not many couples could accomplish. I’d venture that there aren’t many folks who could work so closely together in harmony.”

  Truth clasped her hands into a tight knot. “And we’re both fond of Kansas.”

  “I don’t expect that a man of Moses’s stature will wish to remain in this dreary place for long,” Aunt Lilly put in. “Once he’s proven to himself that he’s accomplished his purpose, he’ll be ready to move on. He’s already indicated an interest in politics. And you, Truth, will you be ready to leave here? Could you face leaving your sisters and father behind to follow your husband to some unknown place? Perhaps even another country?”

  The joy in Truth’s dark eyes clouded with fear as she declared her concerns over leaving friends and family. However, she soon recovered and avowed Moses wouldn’t force her to leave her home, saying she was confident he would remain in Nicodemus if that was her desire.

  Jarena glowered at Lilly as she concurred with her sister and then added, “I feel certain Moses would prefer to rear his children out here in the West.”

  Lilly crossed her arms and glanced back and forth between the two sisters. “Truly? Don’t you think he would favor sending his children to a school where they could receive a quality education and would be afforded the same opportunities he received as a young man?”

  “She’s likely correct,” Truth hesitantly agreed.

  “Oh, pshaw!” Miss Hattie spoke up. “This here’s jest a bunch of nonsense to my way of thinkin’. Only God knows what’s gonna happen in the future, Truth. You gotta follow your heart. Moses is a good God-fearin’ man who’s bound to do right by you. Best you get yourself married to him afore some other gal sets her cap for him.”

  Truth massaged her forehead. “What do you think, Jarena?”

  “I’ve already told you what I think. If you want to get married tomorrow, we’ll see to it!”

  Miss Hattie tapped the end of her parasol on the dirt floor. “Now that’s the kinda talk I like to hear!”

  Lilly walked to the door, pausing to lay a hand on Truth’s shoulder.

  “So far as I’m concerned, Truth’s inability to make her own decision speaks for itself.” And with that declaration, she stepped outside into the warm June sunshine.

  Lilly spied the three men gathered under a lonely cottonwood a short distance from the soddy. Ezekiel was sitting on a bench while Calvin and Moses sat on the ground, both leaning against the tree trunk. Ezekiel glanced up as Lilly drew near.

  She sat on the bench beside him, lamenting the fact that the women were discussing topics of little interest to her. Consequently, she had decided a breath of fresh air would be more to her liking.

  Calvin tucked a long piece of buffalo grass into the corner of his mouth. After declaring that Lilly didn’t look like the kind of woman who would be happy living on a farm, he inquired what she planned to do with herself now that she’d arrived in Kansas.

  Lilly batted her lashes and gave him an appreciative nod. “Why, you flatter me, Calvin. It’s nice to see that such a young man can recognize a woman who’s accustomed to the finer things in life. Unfortunately, unless I can locate some type of employment, I’m afraid I’m destined to accept Ezekiel’s hospitality. You see, I fell on hard times prior to departing New Orleans, and I’m afraid that I now find myself financially embarrassed.”

  Calvin scratched his head.

  “She ain’t got no money,” Ezekiel clarified.

  Moses mentioned that a new banker had recently arrived in Hill City and was looking for live-in help. He offered to put in a word with Mr. Nelson if Lilly was interested in the position. Lilly was quite eager to say yes until Moses mentioned the couple had small children—possibly two or three. The mere thought!

  Ezekiel slapped his knee and guffawed loudly. “Now that there would be a sight!”

  Soon the other women joined them under the cottonwood. Jarena cradled little Annie Harris in her arms. With her bright eyes and dimpled chin, the baby girl was a picture of Nellie. On the other hand, young Nathan, with his sturdy build and quick smile, closely resembled his father. The boy trundled through the tall prairie grass and made a squealing headlong dive at his papa.

  Miss Hattie motioned Ezekiel off the bench. “What you laughing ’bout?”

  Ezekiel shoved his hat back on his head and chortled. “Lilly workin’ as a housekeeper and mammy for some banker and their young’uns over in Hill City.”

  Well, that did it. Lilly jutted her chin forward and squared her shoulders. “I believe I’d be interested in the position, Moses. And I’d be most grateful if you would speak to Mr. Nelson when you return to Hill City. Tell him I could begin work immediately—so long as he can make arrangements for my travel to Hill City.”

  The entire group stared at her until Miss Hattie finally spoke.

  “ ’Scuse me? You’s gonna go tend house for white folk? I don’t believe it. You gonna wear them dance hall dresses to cook supper and chase after chil’ens? You ain’t fit to be lookin’ after no young’uns.”

  Lilly shifted on the bench. “Oh, but I do mean to seek the position.

  As for my clothing, I’m certain the banker’s wife will find my apparel quite acceptable—and fashionable, I might add. As for the children, I believe Mr. and Mrs. Nelson will discover that I have much to offer their children, both educationally and socially. Don’t you agree, Truth?

  Surely the Boyles have en
tertained these newcomers in their home— what did you think of them?”

  Truth sat on the grass beside Moses. “Mrs. Nelson has come calling only once, and I’ve never met Mr. Nelson or the children. As for entertaining, Mrs. Boyle has recurring bouts of illness and hasn’t been well these past months. Dr. Boyle insists she refrain from the effort of entertaining guests during those times when she is ailing.”

  A warm breeze rustled through the lone cottonwood as Lilly considered this. “It would seem Mrs. Boyle depends upon you a great deal, Truth,” she said. “I doubt whether a sweet girl like you would want to leave such a kind woman without assistance. How could she possibly get by if you were to marry and leave her employ?”

  Moses lurched to attention. “Your concern is appreciated, Miss Lilly. However, the Boyles’s daughter, Macia, will soon be returning to Hill City—in September—to take up her teaching duties. She’s more than capable of caring for her mother.”

  “But if she’s off teaching school all day . . .” Lilly permitted her words to trail off as she directed an accusatory look at Truth.

  A frown creased Moses’s forehead. “The Boyles know that we plan to wed in September. If Macia isn’t able to successfully manage both tasks, Dr. and Mrs. Boyle will make proper arrangements. I truly don’t think this is a problem that warrants your concern, Miss Lilly.”

  “Of course, you’re correct, Moses. I was merely thinking aloud. I do hope you’ll forgive me if I’ve caused you any discomfort by discussing Mrs. Boyle’s welfare, Truth. After all, you’re a sensitive young lady, and I should have realized that you would have already considered Mrs. Boyle and her physical afflictions. And, of course, I didn’t realize there was an unmarried daughter in the Boyle household—a schoolteacher, you say. A plain girl, I take it?”

  Miss Hattie pointed a finger at Lilly. “You sure is quick to pass judgment on folks. Miss Macia’s a right pretty gal—smart, too.”

  Lilly swatted at a fly that circled nearby. “Yet not overly concerned with her mother’s medical condition, I take it?”

  “Macia cares deeply for her mother. It was her mother who insisted she attend some special school in New York,” Truth explained.

  Lilly sighed. “Seems marriage is a difficult matter in this part of the country. On the one hand, we have Macia Boyle, who can’t seem to find anyone willing to marry her. On the other hand, we have Jarena, with a beau who’s run off to Indian Territory; then, of course, there’s Truth, who isn’t certain she should marry at all. My, my, things are—”

  “Hold on a minute!” Moses exclaimed, looking directly at Truth. “Did I hear her right? Did she say that you don’t want to get married?”

  “No . . . I mean yes—she did say that. But I said . . . well, I mentioned . . . oh, I don’t know what I said, but I do know that I want to marry you, Moses,” Truth sputtered.

  “No need to be upset, Truth. You’re an unworldly girl and unaccustomed to making important decisions. Surely Moses loves you enough to wait until you’ve made up your mind about your future.” Lilly leaned forward and rested an arm around Truth. “Trust me, you’re not ready for marriage—especially to Moses,” she whispered in the girl’s ear before releasing her.

  Ezekiel jumped to his feet. “That there’s a bunch of nonsense, and we done had enough of that kinda talk. Them two is jumpin’ the broom come September, and you needs to keep your fingers outta the pot, Lilly. You hear me now?”

  Lilly nodded demurely. “Of course, Ezekiel—whatever you believe is best.”

  CHAPTER

  6

  Once Ezekiel had started a fire under the wash water, he and Grace departed for the fields. Jarena returned indoors to retrieve a bucket. She’d have sufficient time to gather berries while the water heated. Lilly, who had remained abed while Grace and Jarena had hauled water for the laundry, was now up and dressed, enjoying a cup of coffee. After hearing Jarena’s plan, Lilly declared she’d like to join her. When Jarena gave her what she was sure was an astonished look, Lilly declared that berry picking, after all, was not an overly strenuous activity.

  They’d gone only a short distance when Lilly tugged on Jarena’s arm and pointed at a growth of wild sunshine roses. Jarena followed after Lilly, surprised to discover her aunt’s interest in the prairie’s floral offerings.

  Lilly stooped down and plucked a purple bloom. “Look! There are violets, too. With these flowers and some items I have in my trunk, we can mix up a batch of perfume. I have everything else we’ll need, and I’ll teach you my special recipe.”

  Jarena knelt beside Lilly, suddenly wanting to impress the woman—once again feeling mysteriously drawn to her. Lilly’s willingness to instruct her was even more exhilarating than inhaling the signature fragrance the woman wore each day. As she continued to pick the flowers, Lilly explained the simple perfume-making process and suggested that if they truly liked the mixture, the two of them might consider joining forces in a small business venture.

  Jarena hadn’t had time to digest the idea, much less formulate a decision, when Lilly laid out the rest of her plan. They would secure the services of an itinerant peddler who could furnish them with bottles and oil once they’d depleted the small inventory from Lilly’s trunk. In addition, the peddler could market their product for a small commission. Though Lilly avowed neither of them would get rich from such a venture, they could at least earn a little pin money. And, Lilly noted, most of the women she’d met could benefit from the use of perfume. In fact, the two of them would be conducting an act of charity by producing such a product!

  Jarena didn’t think perfume production qualified as a charitable act, though she did like the idea of earning her own money. The funds could be put to good use when Thomas finally returned. Yes, she decided, there was a definite appeal to the venture.

  As Lilly continued to extol the entrepreneurial scheme, the sun grew warm on Jarena’s neck. With a start, she remembered the dirty laundry and boiling wash pot and bounded to her feet. The flowers she’d gathered in her skirt spilled to the ground as she hastily explained they must hurry home. Undeterred, Lilly agreed to follow once she retrieved the flowers Jarena had carelessly dropped. Anxious to be on her way, Jarena had taken but a few steps out of the thicket when Lilly called her back with an instruction to remove two buckets of boiling water from the vat before adding the soap. They would need the untainted water for their perfume, she advised.

  If nothing else, Aunt Lilly remained focused upon her objective. The woman seemed to care little if the household tasks were completed or if supper was prepared. However, once away from Lilly’s charming talk, Jarena’s thoughts returned to her chores. An explanation would be due if the clothes weren’t clean and supper wasn’t on the table—and she was the one who would be required to answer. She doubted Pappy would think flower picking and perfume making an adequate excuse.

  The water was at a full boil by the time she arrived home—probably had been for at least half an hour, Jarena surmised. Still, the idea of making Lilly’s signature fragrance enticed her enough that she removed two buckets of water before she began chipping soap into the vat.

  Jarena was hanging the last of the laundry when Lilly finally ambled back to the house carrying a big bundle of flowers and softly singing a tune. There was little doubt in Jarena’s mind that her aunt had intentionally stayed away from the house until the work was completed. Likely she had been relaxing while staying out of view until the last of the laundry had been scrubbed and hung to dry.

  Lilly picked up the two buckets sitting nearby. “I’ll go inside and reheat part of this water. We can begin as soon as you finish hanging the clothes.”

  Wiping her hands on her apron, Jarena walked indoors. Numerous empty bottles lined the table along with a small container of oil and a tall bottle of liquor. Jarena considered mentioning that alcohol wasn’t permitted in Nicodemus. In fact, her father had signed a pledge when he purchased his land. Best to stop now, the tiny voice of her conscience urged. But her a
unt was already pulling blooms apart.

  “Sit down and help me with the flowers. Be careful with the roses. I’ve already pricked my finger twice.”

  Unheedingly, Jarena grabbed one of the stems but quickly dropped it from her hand. A tiny puddle of blood appeared where a small thorn had embedded in her finger. Once again the voice pricked her conscience— once again she hearkened to Lilly’s voice instead.

  Lilly was explaining the use of unscented oils to enhance the fragrance of flowers when Jarena perked to attention at a sound outside: a wagon—and the familiar sound of Miss Hattie’s voice. Nearly knocking her chair to the floor, Jarena jumped up and rushed to the doorway. The old matriarch was lumbering toward her carrying a freshly baked pie while Calvin Harris moved to the rear of the wagon and hoisted her father’s plow to the ground. He headed off to return the borrowed plow to the barn.

  Jarena quickly stationed herself between Miss Hattie and the front door.With any luck, Calvin and his grandmother-in-law would quickly be on their way. Jarena held out her hands to receive the pastry, but the old woman ignored her and marched on toward the house, the whole time explaining that Calvin had promised to return the plow today. Jarena bounded ahead of the woman, but Miss Hattie was like a wagon on a roll. You either moved out of the way or she ran over you. Jumping aside, Jarena managed to enter the house and take up a position in front of the table. She spread the folds of her skirt across the table, thinking she must look like a bird prepared to take flight.

  Miss Hattie greeted Lilly and then explained Calvin had hoped to come by the house earlier. However, she’d made him wait until her pies were baked. After all, the least they could do was bring Ezekiel a pie to thank him for the loan of his plow. There was no doubt the woman was scanning every item on the table as she set her gooseberry pie on the sideboard.

  After a long look at the table, Miss Hattie turned to Jarena. “We’s needin’ to have us a talk—in private.” Miss Hattie pulled her along until they cleared the door and moved away from the house.When she finally released Jarena’s arm, Miss Hattie’s breathing was labored and there was anger in her eyes. “What kind of craziness you and that woman got goin’ on in there?”