Morning Sky

by Judith Miller

  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

  Truth 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.”

  He nodded. “I’m going to Nicodemus tomorrow. Do you want me to speak with Jarena and Grace?”

  “First let me ask Dr. Boyle. Could you come by the house later this evening?”

  “Of course. Now, you’d best be on your way. You have Mrs. Boyle to care for, and I have a newspaper to print.”

  Truth gave a final wave as she hurried back toward the Boyles’ house. She hadn’t told Moses of her fears. Had she explained she didn’t actually want to make the journey to New York, he would have insisted she stay home. She wanted to help Macia, but the thought of traveling alone by train worried her. However, Macia had successfully made the journey to New York City. Surely Truth could do the same. On the other hand, Macia was more accustomed to the details of traveling. But when Truth had expressed her fears and reservations, Dr. Boyle quickly reassured her she’d meet with no difficulty. Though the doctor’s words were somewhat comforting, Truth longed to talk with someone— another woman—about her concerns.

  She stopped midstep. Aunt Lilly! Her heart quickened at the thought. Aunt Lilly was a woman of the world. If Truth didn’t tarry too long, there would be sufficient time to stop by the Nelson house for a chat. Her aunt would have a plethora of knowledge regarding travel by rail and coach. Truth hastened her step as she neared the Nelson home. If good fortune was with her, Mrs. Boyle would still be napping when she arrived home.

  Truth lifted her skirts with one hand as she hurried up the Nelsons’ front steps and knocked on the door. Moments later, her aunt yanked open the door. Little Alma clutched at Lilly’s dress, and the sound of yelping boys echoed inside the house. Truth watched as her aunt attempted to disentangle Alma’s grasp. In spite of Lilly’s efforts, the child managed to maintain her hold.

  Truth smiled at the twosome. “Good afternoon, Aunt Lilly.”

  Lilly sighed as she finally extricated Alma’s chubby fingers from her skirt and grasped the child’s hand. “It’s good to see you, Truth. Do come in. What brings you visiting?”

  “There’s a matter I’d like to discuss with you. Do you have time for a brief chat?”

  With a derisive laugh, Lilly said she did. The hollering boys kicked up the rug as they ran through the sitting room chasing one another.

  “Their mother has gone off for a meeting of her church ladies.”

  Truth was surprised her aunt would permit such unrestrained behavior from the boys. “Your first time alone with them?”

  “Unfortunately not. I’m afraid they become exceptionally unruly when there’s a distraction. I’ll have them under control by the time their mother returns.”

  The words bore an ominous ring. Truth didn’t question how her aunt would accomplish such a feat, for she didn’t want to know. Instead, she told Aunt Lilly her news. “I’m going to be traveling to New York to bring Macia Boyle home. She’s taken ill while attending school there, and her physician believes she needs someone to accompany her on the journey.”

  Lilly’s eyes widened. “Mrs. Boyle mentioned her daughter had been ill. But why are they sending you? Don’t they have a family member who can help?”

  “They couldn’t think of another plan.” Truth glanced at the mantel clock. “I stopped to ask if you thought I’d have difficulty making the necessary transfers at the railroad stations. I’m frightened I might miss one of my connections.”

  Lilly winked at her. “You’ll do fine. Just remember to ask someone which car you’re supposed to be in. Some states don’t let us sit with the white folks. You don’t want to be sashaying onto one of those cars, because those white folks will be mighty quick
to send you packing. Just open your mouth and ask what you need to know. Hold your head up and walk proud—folks respect that.”

  Truth fidgeted. “So you think I can do it?”

  “Of course you can. What does Moses think about this?”

  “He’s unhappy.”

  Lilly hollered at the boys to settle themselves. “Can’t say as I blame him. Who’s going to be taking care of Mrs. Boyle?”

  “I’m going to see if Dr. Boyle wants either Jarena or Grace to come over. I don’t think Pappy will mind since I won’t be gone too long.”

  Touching a finger to her lips, Lilly appeared to be deep in thought. “I believe Jarena would be the better choice. Grace will be busy working in the fields, don’t you think?”

  Truth shrugged. “I’m not sure. Moses is going to inquire when he goes to Nicodemus tomorrow.”

  “Nicodemus? Tomorrow? I do wish I could go with him. I haven’t yet had an opportunity to make amends with your father.”

  “If Mrs. Nelson is willing to let you go, I’m sure Moses would enjoy your company.”

  Early the next morning, Mrs. Nelson and her three children stood side-by-side on the front porch as Lilly departed with Moses. They rode in silence for several miles before Lilly decided to speak. Long ago, she had learned there was great value in proper timing. She also realized that her presence alongside Moses served as an immediate reminder that Truth would be traveling to New York against his wishes.

  Lilly adjusted her hat. “I must say I was surprised when Truth told me she would even consider the Boyles’ request. And I was even more surprised that you had no objection.”

  Moses grunted. “Is that what she told you? That I had no objection?” Lilly furrowed her brows as though deep in thought. “I believe she said that you had been quite understanding of her position. You’re an indulgent man, Moses.”

  He laughed. “Perhaps indulgent, but not happy. I don’t believe she should go. In fact, I don’t want her traveling across the country by herself. I’m not certain Ezekiel can dissuade her.”

  She lurched to attention. “I didn’t know you were planning to gain his support.”

  Moses shrugged and flicked the reins. “Worth a try. If he has no objection to her going, then I’ll mention the possibility of Jarena or Grace returning to stay with Mrs. Boyle. To be honest, I doubt I’ll gain Ezekiel’s allegiance. He feels a debt of gratitude to Dr. Boyle.”

  Lilly frowned and shook her head. “On those rare occasions when white folks finally do help us, seems like they want to hold it over our heads for the rest of our lives.”

  “That’s true of lots of folks, Lilly. I find that particular fault doesn’t know any color boundary. People are either genuine in their desire to help or they’re not. It’s a personal characteristic, not a matter of color. And I don’t think Dr. Boyle expects repayment for any good he’s done for folks in Nicodemus. I think he’s just a man who needs help.”

  “So you do agree with Truth’s decision.”

  “No. But I won’t stop her, either.” They rode in silence for a moment. “How are you faring with the Nelson family?” Moses asked.

  This was a man who wouldn’t be easily controlled. He was turning the conversation away from himself with a practiced ease and agility. If she were going to satisfactorily manage this situation, she would need to play her cards very carefully. She had best not appear overly interested in his situation with Truth. For the remainder of the journey, she regaled Moses with stories of the Nelson family. Though Mrs. Nelson would likely give a completely different evaluation, Lilly spoke of her capable assistance to the entire household. Of course, she failed to tell Moses of the burned food, the scorched clothing, and the numerous chores she’d willingly left half done.

  “Looks like there’s some sort of celebration going on,” Moses commented as they came into Nicodemus and passed a group of settlers gathered on Washington Avenue. “I’m guessing they must have completed sinking the well.”

  Lilly clapped her hands. “Oh, I didn’t know. Now that’s certainly something to celebrate.” Her words hung in the air, dripping with unbridled sarcasm.

  Moses hunched forward. “Water is something to celebrate. Folks in these parts work hard, Miss Lilly. They’re interested in nothing but owning a piece of land, raising their crops, and rearing their families— water’s an important part of that equation. It makes good sense that they’d celebrate. I know you’ve likely been in bigger cities than most of these folks have. Probably done and seen more, too—so have I. But that doesn’t give anyone free rein to scorn them.”

  Lilly swallowed hard. If she didn’t watch her mouth, she’d ruin this opportunity to win his confidence. Using her finest conciliatory tone, she hastened to mention it had been far too long since she’d given thanks for the simple things in life.

  Moses drove the buggy to the nearby field where Ezekiel was hoeing. The older man began to wave and then stopped. He lifted one hand to shade his eyes as he focused on the buggy.

  Lilly leaned close to Moses. “Ezekiel’s seen me and he’s not happy.”

  “I do believe you’re right on that account, Miss Lilly. Let me help you down; then you can walk on out there and talk with your brother-in-law.”

  The only thing that was worse than visiting with Ezekiel was begging his forgiveness. But Lilly knew she must. If she was going to maintain any leverage in the family, she would need his blessing.

  She stepped between the rows, her feet sinking deep into the soft dirt. Memories of her mama’s vegetable garden returned as Lilly inhaled the freshly tilled soil. Before Ezekiel had time to speak, Lilly offered an apology and asked his forgiveness for running off to Hill City without so much as thanking him for his hospitality.

  Ezekiel leaned on his hoe, his chin resting on his large hands. “Ain’ never knowed of you to ask for no one’s forgiveness, Lilly. What you got up your sleeve?”

  Lilly bit her lip, annoyed that Ezekiel had questioned her motives.

  He might not be educated, but the man could read people better than most. He questioned that she would make a special journey merely to ask his forgiveness.

  Tilting her head, she gave him a winsome smile and explained she’d taken advantage of the fact that Moses was coming to Nicodemus.

  While he pondered her response, Lilly declared a genuine desire to smooth the waters between them. When Ezekiel’s features softened, she hastened to add that she’d been working hard at the Nelsons’.

  “You planning on keeping the promise you made to me and Jennie years ago?” His voice carried a hint of suspicion.

  “You mean . . .”

  He nodded. “You know zackly what I mean.”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Then I don’t s’pose there’s any good to come from holdin’ a grudge. Better ta live in harmony than anger. You’s forgiven—for that much at least.”

  Lilly wouldn’t push for more. She knew there were some things he’d never forgive, but at least they had returned to speaking terms. “Thank you, Ezekiel.”

  “How you doin’ with them young’uns of the Nelsons?” His voice was laced with amusement.

  “Fine. The little girl’s easy enough. But I told the boys if they didn’t behave, I’d think about placing a spell on the both of them. Scared the daylights out of them.”

  A frown fell over Ezekiel’s features. “I heard tell them’s some ornery boys. Jest be sure you don’ go no farther with that kind of talk.”

  She nodded. “Moses needs to have a word with you. You want him to walk out here, or are you ready for a few minutes of rest?”

  “I’ll come over to the wagon. Won’t hurt me to set for a spell. Ain’t nothing wrong, is there?”

  Lilly walked toward the buggy, pretending she hadn’t heard Ezekiel’s question. Better that Moses explain. In fact, she proceeded to the back of the wagon and distanced herself from the men. Close enough to hear, yet far enough away to appear uninterested. Moses’s assessment had been correct:
Ezekiel wanted to help Dr. Boyle—even if it meant sending Truth halfway across the country by herself. Lilly rubbed her hands together. Hopefully, he would agree to send Jarena to Hill City.

  Ezekiel wiped his face with an oversized kerchief and then tucked it into his back pocket. “I don’ know ’bout sending Jarena. Grace ain’ never been much of a cook. A man could plumb starve to death eating what that chil’ prepares.” He smiled.

  Moses laughed and slapped Ezekiel on the shoulder. “I don’t think it matters who returns with me. If you want Jarena to stay here and cook your meals, then send Grace instead.”

  Lilly took a step toward the men but stopped as Ezekiel slapped his hat back atop his head. “Naw. I needs Grace helping out in the fields. We’ll make do ’til Jarena gets back home. Iffen you got time, I’d like to talk with you ’bout the problems with the cattle herders. Some of us was thinkin’ maybe you could write another piece in the paper and even send it off to them politicians in Topeka. They been sayin’ they’s gonna get that herd law passed, but ain’ nothing happened yet—least we ain’ been told ’bout no changes.”

  “And from the looks of some of the fields I saw on the way over here, the cattlemen aren’t going to voluntarily change their ways.”

  “Now that’s a fact. You see Herman Kemble’s crops when you come past his place? His winter wheat’s ruined, and his corn, too.What them cattle didn’t eat, they tromped over and destroyed. Like the rest of us, he was countin’ on the money from that wheat. I’m tellin’ ya, Moses, them cowboys ain’ got no respect for nobody. I done tried my hand at talkin’ to some of ’em, but they won’t listen to reason. There’s gonna be somebody killed afore long if this keeps up. We’s worked hard to get these crops growed.”

  The hot Kansas sun had turned the green sprouts of early spring into an ocean of pale golden shafts that billowed and rolled in the soft summer breeze. Lilly had heard this was the most promising crop of wheat Ezekiel and the other settlers had planted since arriving in Kansas. And now they prayed the sea of grain would stand long enough to harvest. With each of their previous plantings, portions of the corn and wheat had been destroyed by cattlemen running herds through their fields. Each time the farmers planted seed, they vowed the destruction wouldn’t happen again. Yet aside from their prayers, they remained helpless—unless they took matters into their own hands or the legislature passed the promised herd law.