Morning Sky

by Judith Miller

  Jarena nodded toward the black velvet cord that circled Lilly’s throat. “I’ve seen you babble gibberish and rub on that talisman hanging around your neck. But I know God’s power is greater than any of your conjuring, so I’ve been praying for His protection—and that you’ll soon see the error of your ways.”

  Lilly fingered the amulet and emitted a throaty laugh. “I’m thinking that fine-looking gentleman walking toward us is none other than Mr. Nelson. I may be out from under your roof sooner than either of us thought possible.”

  The man removed his narrow-brimmed bowler as he approached the soddy. “Good morning, ladies. I do hope I’ve located the proper homestead. I’m looking for the Harban family and Lilly Verdue.”

  Lilly stepped forward and beamed at the man. “You must be Mr. Nelson. Let me commend you, as your excellent sense of direction has led you to the correct place.” When he didn’t immediately reply, Lilly tilted her head and smiled. “You are Mr. Nelson, aren’t you?”

  “Why, how did you know?”

  Lilly carefully tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear. “Moses said to expect a handsome gentleman.”

  Jarena rolled her eyes.

  “Why don’t we sit outdoors and talk, Mr. Nelson?” Lilly said, indicating the cottonwood. “It’s warm inside—and quite cramped. I’m certain you would be more comfortable under what little shade that tree can offer us.”

  Jarena trailed behind the twosome. She hadn’t been invited to join them, yet her curiosity was sparked by the fancy gentleman’s visit. Besides, she wanted to hear the conversation firsthand. There was no telling what version Aunt Lilly might relate once the man departed. The woman was proving to be an expert at twisting the truth.

  Mr. Nelson sat down on the wooden bench under the tree and balanced his hat on one knee. “Moses tells me you’re interested in working as a housekeeper.” He took a moment to appraise Lilly’s appearance before he continued. “However, you don’t appear to be a woman who would be interested in a housekeeping position. And, truth be told, we need more than just a housekeeper. My wife and I definitely need someone who can help care for our children, assist with meals, and generally help maintain our household—someone willing to live in so that when both my wife and I must be away, the children receive proper attention and care. Do you enjoy children, Mrs. Verdue?”

  “Do call me Lilly,” she replied. “Though I’ve enjoyed periods of prosperity in my life, I’ve fallen upon hard times. Therefore, I am exceedingly interested in the position, Mr. Nelson. I’m certain that

  Moses spoke highly of my abilities. As you likely know, Mr. Wyman is nearly a member of the family and is highly regarded by all who know him.”

  She was avoiding his question—and doing so with such skill that Jarena wondered if Mr. Nelson would notice.

  “There’s no doubt Mr. Wyman is a fine man—intelligent, well educated, and an excellent businessman. However, I’m interested in your qualifications, Mrs. Verdue—Lilly. When I spoke with Moses, he stated only that you are Truth’s aunt and that you are seeking employment in this area. He added that neither he nor Truth could vouch for your suitability—due to the fact that they had only recently made your acquaintance.”

  With a look of warning, Lilly swiveled toward Jarena and requested the girl give Mr. Nelson a recommendation. Undeterred by her aunt’s attempt to control the situation, Jarena declined the appeal and suggested Mr. Nelson speak to her father instead.

  Lilly squinted at Jarena before turning her attention back to Mr.

  Nelson. “Ezekiel—Mr. Harban—was married to my half-sister, who died several years ago. However, he’s currently out in the fields and won’t return to the house until dusk. If you’d like to wait for him, we could find you a cool glass of water and perhaps something to eat—if your wife won’t be overly concerned about your late arrival home.”

  Jarena bit her lower lip, quietly observing while Lilly manipulated Mr. Nelson into making a hasty decision. The woman was both intelligent and canny. But above all else, Aunt Lilly was an expert at influencing and controlling others!

  Mr. Nelson pulled a gold watch from his pocket and checked the time, immediately stating his concern that his wife might believe his carriage had overturned or he’d met with some other unforeseen disaster. Slipping the watch back into his pocket, he hastily offered the position for the sum of ten dollars a month along with room and board.

  Lilly gasped. “Ten dollars?” Her words sounded as if they’d been scraped over river rock.

  Mr. Nelson patted her hand. “I know I’m making a generous proposal, but Moses did mention your tutoring abilities. Your qualifications surpass those of anyone we had expected to find.”

  Hoping she could stifle a giggle, Jarena bit her bottom lip. The thought of her aunt managing three children while preparing meals and doing cleaning for the Nelson family could prove most entertaining. She wondered if Aunt Lilly’s wages would be decreased the first time she overslept or scorched the griddle cakes. Not likely, she lamented. Instead, Aunt Lilly would likely convince Mr. Nelson to increase her pay by using the same method she had just now used to wrangle him into hiring her without a proper reference.

  “How soon would you be prepared to leave for Hill City, Mrs. Ver-due— Lilly?”

  Jarena followed close behind the twosome as they walked toward the house.

  “If you could give me twenty minutes,” her aunt replied, “I would be pleased to return with you today.”

  “Truly? Why, that would be wonderful. My wife will be delighted when she sees I’ve met with such great success.”

  Jarena wondered if Mrs. Nelson would be delighted once she discovered the fact that Aunt Lilly’s penchant for housework and children didn’t run nearly as deep as the banker surmised.

  “If you’ll excuse us for a short time . . . I’ve not even had time to completely unpack my trunk since arriving, so I won’t be long. Jarena will be happy to assist me.” Lilly took Jarena by the wrist and pulled her along.

  “Don’t you ladies attempt to lift that trunk. I’ll come in and fetch it,” Mr. Nelson called after them.

  Lilly stopped in her tracks and flashed the banker a syrupy smile. “Why, you are such a gentleman, Mr. Nelson. If you’re not careful, I’ll be thinking that I’m once again down south, where men take pride in civility toward their womenfolk.” The honey-dipped words had barely escaped Lilly’s lips before she jerked Jarena through the doorway.

  Jarena wrested her arm free from Lilly’s tight hold. “Have you gone completely mad? You sounded ridiculous speaking to Mr. Nelson in such a manner—as though you think you’re the mistress of some southern plantation instead of a colored woman down on her luck and looking for work.”

  Lilly wagged a finger in Jarena’s face. “You receive the amount of respect you demand from others. I have lived a life of prosperity as a courtesan to white men much wealthier than Mr. Nelson.”

  Jarena shook her head. “Respect is earned, not demanded or coerced. No decent woman would boast of living as a courtesan.”

  With a derisive laugh, Lilly unlatched the hasp of her trunk and lifted the lid. “You don’t understand the way of things, young lady. With a few flattering words, I made that man happy. And now he’s going to please me by lifting this heavy baggage.We’re both happy, and all it took was a few sweet words.”

  “Manipulation,” Jarena muttered.

  “Um-hum, that’s what’s been happening ever since the Garden of Eden. It’s the way of things in this world. The sooner you learn, the easier your life is going to be, Jarena. Just try it.” Lilly patted Jarena’s cheek.

  Jarena pulled away. “No—what you do is wrong. You should go out there and tell Mr. Nelson the truth. Tell him you worked as a house slave back in your youth but haven’t performed such duties in years; tell him you don’t know much about cooking or tending children but you’re willing to learn; tell him you’ve never tutored, but your education surpasses that of most schoolteachers in the West. You may
be surprised by his reaction. In spite of everything, he may still hire you.”

  Lilly piled the last of her belongings into the trunk. “He’s already hired me. What are you afraid of, Jarena? That I’ll go to Hill City and cause problems? Maybe force Moses to face the fact that he’s made an error by choosing Truth? Or that I’ll convince Truth she’s not the right woman for Moses? Best you keep praying.” A gleam of satisfaction shone in her eyes as she lifted the amulet between her fingers and slowly shifted it back and forth across the velvet cord. “Now grab that valise and follow me.”

  Dust rolled from beneath the carriage wheels as George Nelson slapped the reins and urged his team of horses onward. Lilly was settled beside him, excited to be looking forward to a comfortable bed and fine house. After fighting off the constant encroachment of fleas and lice in the soddy, she was thankful to be leaving before the arrival of the heavy rains. Grace’s vivid stories of storms that could dump enough rain to turn the soddy floor into a mixture of mud and muck within only minutes were enough to convince Lilly she would not remain in one of the crude houses for long—at least not by choice.

  “Now that we have nothing but time, perhaps you’d enjoy telling me about your life down south—I believe Moses mentioned Louisiana, is that correct?” Mr. Nelson flashed her an encouraging smile.

  “Indeed—Louisiana. Though I lived in Virginia as a girl, until after the war.”

  “Terrible thing, slavery,” he muttered.

  “Even worse for those of us who suffered in bondage,” she replied.

  “I hope you didn’t . . . ah . . . suffer too much.”

  “My life was not so harsh as some endured. However, I find conversation about the war and slavery most depressing and dreary. Do tell me about your children. What are their names and ages? Are they bright? Do they enjoy their lessons?”

  Although Lilly found the topic of Mr. Nelson’s family boring, she tried to listen carefully as he launched into a detailed discussion of his wife and children. The revelation that she would be caring for two boys, Georgie and Joey, ages eight and six, and their five-year-old sister, Alma, was startling. She’d been around enough young boys to know they could prove to be a constant vexation. But she had ways of dealing with troublesome people—the Nelson children would be no different.

  A bit of convincing might be necessary, but they would soon learn she had far more power than any of them.

  “This is Hill City?” Lilly inquired as they neared the outskirts of town. Dusk had now given way to nightfall, and with any luck, the Nelson offspring would be in bed. Lilly possessed neither the desire nor the energy to cope with children this night. Instead, a light supper and comfortable bed would suit her nicely—especially if Mrs. Nelson prepared the food and turned down her bed.

  “Yes, and this is our house.” His announcement was filled with pride, though the house was far less opulent than Lilly had hoped for. “I’m sorry it’s so dark, but tomorrow you’ll see that we have a large area for the children to play in just beyond my wife’s flower garden. And there’s a vegetable garden, also. She’ll be glad for your help with both,” he added.

  She hoped he couldn’t see the severe frown that crossed her face. “I’m not an avid gardener; I’ve grown only a few herbs.”

  “Kate—Mrs. Nelson—will teach you. She takes great pride in her flowers.”

  Lilly didn’t comment on that. “Shall I see to my baggage?”

  “No, of course not. If you can manage that smaller valise, I’ll take the other bag and then return for your trunk after you’ve met my wife. Come along. She’s going to be very pleased.”

  Katherine Nelson wasn’t what Lilly had expected. Instead of an elegant, proper lady, she was greeted by a maladroit, unfashionable woman. Her dress bore more stains than did the garb of most toddlers at supper, and her hair hung loose and unkempt.

  Mrs. Nelson’s startled expression was soon replaced by a look of gratitude and relief. “I’m so pleased to have you.” As if to emphasize her pleasure, she repeatedly bobbed her head.

  “Where shall I put my baggage?” Lilly hoped the question would stop the woman’s continued nodding, for she found the behavior quite off-putting.

  “Just follow me upstairs—I’ll show you to your room.” She skittered toward the stairs like a chicken attempting to escape a farmer’s hatchet. “In here,” she said, leading the way into a small yet nicely appointed bedroom. “This room is closest to the children’s bedrooms and the stairway that leads to the kitchen. I do wish the children were awake to meet you, but you may greet them first thing in the morning. I trust you’ll find your accommodations adequate.”

  Lilly looked about. “Rather small . . . but I suppose it will do—for now.”

  Mrs. Nelson opened her mouth to reply, but Lilly turned and walked out the doorway. “Our journey was tiring, and I am truly famished. I’m certain your husband is also anxious for some of your delicious fare. He tells me you’re an excellent cook.”

  A blush colored Mrs. Nelson’s pale skin. “Truly? It’s nice to know he pays me compliments outside of my hearing. Our life here in Kansas has been more difficult than I had anticipated. I find little time for myself. But now that you’ve arrived to help with the house and children, life is going to be much easier.”

  “Perhaps,” Lilly replied. “Now then, why don’t we go downstairs so I can taste some of that fine food your husband has been praising since we departed Nicodemus?”

  “Indeed. And I can point out where things are kept in the kitchen so you’ll have no difficulty preparing breakfast in the morning. The children are fond of eggs and griddle cakes with warm molasses.”

  “That’s good to know. However, I didn’t plan to begin my duties just yet. I believe I’ll need at least a day or two to acclimate myself. I’ve discovered that children don’t adjust well when someone new arrives and immediately steps in. It upsets both their appetites and their behavior. It will be best if I slowly enter into their routine. Don’t you agree?”

  “I don’t know . . . I suppose . . . well, if you think . . .”

  Lilly patted the woman’s shoulder. “Absolutely! You know, I believe we’re going to get on quite well, Mrs. Nelson. And if you’d ever like me to assist you with your wardrobe, I do consider myself an expert where fashion is concerned.”

  Embarrassment filled Katherine’s eyes as she brushed her fingers across one of the many stains that soiled her dress. Lilly knew she’d struck a chord with the woman. This new position in the Nelson household might require a number of distasteful tasks, but Lilly now realized that Mrs. Nelson would be easily manipulated. And that fact pleased Lilly very much!

  “Supper ready?” Ezekiel asked as he walked through the door of the soddy that evening, stopping only long enough to rinse his hands in the washbowl.

  Grace bounded forward like a puppy ready to play. She bounced back and forth from foot to foot as she told her father that Lilly had gone off to Hill City to live with the banker and his family.

  Ezekiel dropped his bulky body onto one of the wooden chairs. He’d longed for Lilly’s departure. Hadn’t he daily hoped to send her packing? But to Hill City? Off to spread her wily ways among good, honest folks not far from his home. That wasn’t what he had prayed for, nor was it what he wanted. He wanted Lilly back in New Orleans, or at least some other faraway place. No telling what kind of trouble she’d be conjuring up over in Hill City. “That woman ain’ never been nothin’ but trouble!” The tin dinner plates danced across the tabletop as he slammed down his fist.

  Startled, Grace stood before him, all evidence of her earlier excitement wiped away by his angry outburst. “I thought you’d be pleased. You said you wanted her to leave.”

  Ezekiel rubbed his beefy hand back and forth across his brow before lifting his head to meet Grace’s doe-eyed gaze. “That I did. But Hill City weren’t what I had in mind. I was hopin’ she’d skedaddle a lot farther away than that.”

  CHAPTER

  9
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br />   Hill City , Kansas

  Eager for the sensation of freshly laundered linens beneath her body and the shelter of a shingled roof over her head, Lilly undressed and donned an expensive silk nightgown—one of Bentley Cummings’s many gifts. She’d slept little during her stay at Ezekiel’s farm. The thought of snakes or other undesirable creatures descending through the roof or crawling between the sod bricks to take up residence in the uncomfortable bed had been enough to keep her wide-awake most nights. If luck was with her, the Nelson children would sleep late and she would be able to enjoy a hearty breakfast before making a swift escape. She could easily fill a portion of her day visiting with Truth and Moses. Then, too, a few introductions about town might prove interesting.

  Though the crisp sheets beckoned, Lilly sat down at the narrow writing table. She must write a note to Claire before she slept this night. With single-minded determination, Lilly hastily scribbled a message advising her friend of her welfare and whereabouts. Tomorrow she would mail the missive to New Orleans. Pushing away from the table, Lilly extinguished the bedside lamp and slipped into bed.

  The muffled sounds of the sleeping children seeped through the bedroom wall and served as an immediate reminder of the duties she must eventually fulfill. The notion was disconcerting. She wasn’t good with children. No, that wasn’t exactly correct, for she had no true way to gauge her abilities with youngsters. After all, her life had revolved solely around adults—mostly men. But surely if she could manipulate the influential men of New Orleans, she could handle three small children. Nestling between the sweet-scented linens, Lilly wondered what Ezekiel had said when he returned home and discovered she had departed for Hill City. Likely he had danced for joy—or at the very least, burst into song. She had expected a cool reception from her brother-in-law. And though his accusations had stung, more often than not they’d been accurate. There was no denying she had refused his request years ago. He’d asked for her help caring for Jennie and the children, and she’d turned him down. Oh, she should have helped. No doubt about that. Unfortunately, Ezekiel had been right. By law, she was a free woman, but in truth, she had remained a slave to the wishes of Bentley Cummings, the man who provided her living quarters and attired her in the dresses and jewels that had persuaded her to remain his courtesan for years.