“Mrs. Nelson snooped in Aunt Lilly’s papers.”
“She never destroyed the birth paper, did she?” His eyes shone with sudden clarification. “She was afeared Mrs. Nelson would tell so she decided to do the tellin’ herself.”
Jarena pulled a long piece of grass and twisted it around her index finger. “She thought I’d forgive her.”
“Did she say that?”
“Earlier I talked to her about God’s forgiveness. Since I told her about God’s forgiveness, I guess she figured I’d be willing to do the same.”
“Not so easy, is it?”
She shook her head. “No. And the thing is, I don’t even want to try and forgive her—or you. I’m not proud of how I feel, but at least I’m telling you the truth.”
“And I’s not proud of livin’ a lie, Jarena. All I can say is we did the best we knowed how. Your mama and me loved you the best we could, and so far as we was concerned, you was and is our chil’. Ain’t no piece of paper gonna ever change how I feel ’bout you.” His eyes rounded as he looked off to the north. “Fire!”
As soon as he’d said the words, Jarena could smell smoke. Her father grabbed her hand and pulled her along toward the house. He hollered for Moses to begin wetting down burlap sacks as they neared the soddy. After ordering Grace and Jarena to fill the water barrels and protect the house as best they could, he and Moses hurried toward the fire, carrying a pitchfork and the wet sacks.
Jarena and Grace took all the buckets they could find and ran to the river. The men were still within sight when Grace began to anxiously question Jarena. Although Jarena was uncertain how much she should divulge, she tossed caution to the wind and truthfully answered all of Grace’s difficult questions. When she had finished, Grace was teary-eyed, shaken by the startling disclosures.
Grace dipped her bucket into the river and watched as it filled with water. “But you’ll always be my sister, won’t you?”
A pain stabbed Jarena’s heart. A part of her wanted to hurt this sweet doe-eyed girl she had nurtured throughout the years, for she wanted someone else to experience the keen ache, the anger and deceit, the deprivation of family that had transpired with only a few spoken words and a piece of paper. But she couldn’t. “Yes, Grace. I love you, and you’ll always be my little sister.”
“If you want, I’ll go back with Moses and take care of Mrs. Boyle and Aunt Lilly. That way, you wouldn’t have to be around Aunt Lilly, and you and Pappy could mend your feelings.”
“Thank you, but I don’t think that’s a good idea right now. I’d rather be in Hill City. Moses may receive further word from Fort Con-cho, and I want to be nearby.”
Grace frowned as they hurried back to the house. “So you think there’s still a chance Thomas is . . . ?”
“Yes, Thomas could still be alive. I’m not going to give up.”
Ezekiel and Moses were nearly three miles from the house before they arrived at the blaze. At least ten sweating men were already fighting desperately with wet sacks, scoops, shovels, and anything else they could find, shouting orders and warnings, retreating when too hard-pressed by the flames, stopping occasionally to drink the water the women and children carried to them before beginning the battle anew.
An hour later, the men corralled the licking flames into the river’s bend, where the fire eagerly leapt in a roaring blaze, threatening the dry grass that edged the far bank of the river. Before the blaze finally succumbed, a few unyielding sparks flew to the other side of the bank, but the burning embers were promptly smothered by several men waiting there with wet sacks.
Finally certain no danger remained, Ezekiel and Moses started back for home, with soot clogging their nostrils and smoke clinging to their clothes but thankful lives and crops had been spared this time.
The moon shone down as the two men silently trod back toward the soddy through the brown-black carpet of fire-scorched grass, each of them lost in his private thoughts. Ezekiel was sure Moses was thinking about Truth. Meanwhile, Ezekiel was thinking about his older daughter, worried that the anger burning in Jarena’s heart would be far more difficult to extinguish than a blazing prairie fire.
CHAPTER
24
New York City
Twisting her arm free from his wrenching grasp, Truth turned to see Marvin Laird’s despicable sneer riveted upon her. He pinned her against the kitchen wall, his body quickly forming a prison from which she could not escape. Fear clawed at her throat and prevented even the slightest cry for help.
“You’ve been misbehaving, young lady.”
She shook her head in wild abandon. “No.” The single word was as much as she could force from her lips.
“You should remember that the bedroom occupied by Janet and Inez shares an adjoining wall with Macia’s room. They tell me an entirely different story from yours. In fact, their tale is quite interesting. And though I didn’t want to believe them, they have now convinced me that you are a devious young lady intent on leading others astray. You’ve broken my trust with your lack of character.”
When Mr. Laird patted his chest as though heartbroken, Truth regained her pluck and dodged away from his hold. “My lack of character? I daresay you don’t even know the meaning of character!”
“Be very careful, Truth. Remember that you are under my control, and I hold all of the advantages. Henceforth you will do exactly as you are told.” His features suddenly relaxed, and he stepped back. “Those of us in charge of the school have decided you should sleep in Macia’s room. In fact, you will be spending almost all of your time with Macia.
I know this will please you immensely.”
“Why are you doing this?”
He placed a finger to his lips and studied her. “I think you already know why. You’ve forced this upon yourself, my dear. When you begin plotting and attempting to undermine those in authority, you must surely realize your privileges will be withdrawn.”
“Privileges? I’m not one of your students, Mr. Laird. I was sent here to accompany Macia Boyle back to Kansas, and that’s what I still intend to do.”
“You see? You’re such a headstrong girl—downright defiant at times. In the future, you will lend minimal assistance to Daisy. You will not speak to Silas, nor will you go to the carriage house at any time.
Have I made myself clear?”
Truth’s palms turned clammy. Not talk to Silas? How would they ever finalize a workable plan of escape? They’d had little enough success even when they’d had their evenings together.
“I’ll need to gather my belongings.”
“Daisy has already seen to that. Your bags are upstairs in Macia’s room, and I’ve had a cot placed near her bed.” Mr. Laird pulled his pocket watch from his jacket and viewed the time. “In fact, you may go upstairs now. Do not leave the room unless you are summoned by Daisy or another member of the staff. And that does not include Silas. Have I made myself perfectly clear?”
Truth remained silent. If she spoke, she would likely say something she would regret.
Mr. Laird flicked his hand at her as though she were a pesky fly. “Go on now. I have other matters that require my attention, but remember what I’ve told you.”
Hastening from the room, Truth could feel Mr. Laird watching her. She marched up the stairs, her anger mounting as she climbed each step. How dare Inez and Janet spy on her and then report their findings to Mr. Laird! They’d likely been holding a water glass to the wall and listening to every word uttered in Macia’s room. She’d like to tell the two of them they were placing Macia’s life in jeopardy, but that would do little good. They would report those words to Mr. Laird, too. Instead, she must be more vigilant—and quiet. However, the latter might prove difficult. As time passed, Macia had grown increasingly loud and belligerent during her waking hours—and much more difficult to calm. Somehow she must find a way—a way to keep Macia quiet and a way out of this house and back home.
Mr. Laird had been correct: Her baggage was in Macia’s room, a
nd a small cot had been set up alongside one wall. Of course, Macia was sleeping soundly. Truth opened her large satchel and lifted out a shirtwaist. Wait . . . perhaps she shouldn’t unpack. If she and Silas were going to leave, she’d want to be prepared—and if anyone questioned her, she could merely claim an inadequate amount of storage space in the room.
Somehow this decision was a comfort, an affirmation that she would leave this place one day. As she refolded and tucked the shirtwaist back into her valise, Truth’s finger scraped across a piece of cardboard. She examined her finger and then dug into the valise for the cardboard sheet. A recent train schedule! Either Silas or Daisy must have placed it in her valise before delivering the baggage to Macia’s room. Her excitement grew as she studied the list. Possibly Daisy would agree to carry messages back and forth to Silas, and they could continue to plan their escape.
As Macia began to stir, Truth quickly tucked the schedule back into her suitcase. She would locate a better hiding spot later. She stood beside the bed.
“Is there anything you need, Macia? A glass of water? Would you like to sit up for a while?”
“Yes, Truth. Please help me into the chair.”
After she was situated, Macia grasped Truth’s hand. “Earlier in the week, I was having nightmares. Terrible dreams. A man who looked like Mr. Laird was dressed in white and told me my parents had died.
He handed me a paper to sign. I argued, saying I didn’t understand, but he said he’d take care of everything if I signed the papers. It all seemed so real. My parents—are they dead?”
“They are very much alive. Would you like to go home and see them soon?”
Macia was more lucid than Truth had seen her in weeks. “Yes, I would. Why don’t you make arrangements with the school for my departure? Do you think you could manage the task on my behalf?”
Truth stared at Macia, completely dumfounded by her change in disposition. Except for her disheveled hair, Macia looked and sounded normal. Her eyes were bright and her speech articulate, yet Truth remained apprehensive. She would approach Macia cautiously and see where their discussion might lead. “You seem to be feeling quite well today. Do you know what’s brought about this sudden improvement in your health?”
Macia cast a furtive look toward the door and motioned Truth closer. “I ceased taking the medication Mr. Laird brings to me each night. I pretend to take the pill but remove it from my mouth once he leaves the room. And I don’t drink any of the water or tea he gives me. He hasn’t yet discovered my trickery.”
“But what of the nightmares you mentioned? When did they occur?”
“The night I took my final medication. I’ve not taken it since. I suppose it was three nights ago. I was awake when Daisy brought your baggage and set up the cot, but I pretended to be asleep. I even watched you begin to unpack your clothing.”
Now assured that Macia was mindful of their situation, Truth explained the need for their escape. She outlined her tentative plan but also detailed the fact that her move from the carriage house had further complicated her ability to make any definite plans with Silas. “Unlike Janet and Inez, Silas and Daisy can both be trusted. I’ve promised Silas he can come with us to Kansas. You won’t mind if he comes along, will you?”
“Of course not. I trust your—” Before Macia could complete her sentence, the door burst open.
Mr. Laird’s jaw was twitching. “I thought I heard voices as I was passing.” His face contorted into an angry scowl as he looked at Truth. “I told you Macia needs her sleep if she’s going to return to good health, and already you’ve kept her awake with your nonsensical chatter. I don’t know what I’m going to do with you, Truth.” His voice carried an ominous tone, and she instinctively backed away.
“Do come and see me, Marvin. Please don’t be angry with Truth. I’m feeling weak, and I was asking her to go and locate you. She was fearful and seemingly thought she wasn’t permitted to leave the room. But I told her she must have misunderstood your directions. Surely she’s here to fetch help if needed, isn’t she?” She batted her lashes and held onto his hand.
Marvin patted her trembling hand. “Well, yes, of course.” He turned toward Truth. “If Macia has any medical need, you are to come and fetch me. Do not hesitate to leave the room for whatever she might need. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Mr. Laird. So long as we both understand and remember what I’m permitted to do.”
Mr. Laird studied Macia’s face. “I’ll be back with your medicine shortly.” As he walked to the door, he stopped alongside Truth. “I’m possessed of a sharp mind, Miss Harban. I’ll not forget anything I’ve told you.”
Truth remained fixed until the door closed. She looked at Macia and held a finger to her pursed lips. “Let me help you back into bed, Miss Macia.” She crossed the room and leaned down near Macia’s ear. “He’s outside the door—likely watching through the keyhole.” She straightened the bedcovers and then helped Macia from her chair. “Now then, let’s get you into bed. Mr. Laird will soon be returning with your medicine.” They grinned at each other as they finally heard Mr. Laird’s footsteps retreating down the stairs.
Once Mr. Laird had given Macia her medicine and then departed again, Macia removed the pill from under her tongue. “I’m accumulating quite a collection.” She grinned and placed it in her silver hairpin box with the others. “Now, let’s pen that message to Silas.”
Worried Janet or Inez might return to their room or be listening outside the door, they kept their voices low as they worded the letter to Silas. They studied the train schedule and completed the missive only moments before Daisy arrived with Macia’s supper tray.
Truth relieved Daisy of the tray and then motioned her farther into the room. “Would you give this letter to Silas?” she whispered.
Daisy took the envelope and turned it over in her hand. She nodded and tucked it into her pocket. “Mr. Laird says afta Miss Macia’s finished wid her supper, you should bring the tray downstairs an’ eat in the kitchen. He says you’s to help me clean the kitchen.”
“Of course. I’ll be down to help you shortly.”
Daisy smiled and patted her apron pocket before leaving the room.
Truth waited patiently while Macia ate her supper. She would be glad for a change of scenery, even if it meant washing pots and pans or scrubbing the kitchen floor. She had already grown weary of sitting in Macia’s bedroom. When Macia finally wiped her mouth and placed the napkin on her plate, Truth jumped to her feet.
“I’ll be back when I’ve finished up in the kitchen. It may be late before I return.” She balanced the tray on her hip and reached for the doorknob.
“I’ll wait up for you,” she said quietly. “I have a book to read, and I’ll be anxious to know if Daisy has been able to accomplish her task.”
Truth nodded and hurried off to the kitchen. When she returned several hours later, Macia was asleep. Her book had fallen to the floor, and she was sprawled across the bed. Truth attempted to gently rouse Macia, but when that failed, she gingerly shook her shoulders—all to no avail. Truth’s heart thumped wildly, and her mouth felt as though she’d eaten a wad of cotton. She feared Macia was once again languishing in a medicated slumber.
CHAPTER
25
Hill City , Kansas
Jarena sensed that Moses wanted to talk on their return journey to Hill City Sunday after church, but the last thing she wanted was a lengthy discussion. She hoped he would soon tire of her abrupt one-word answers and quit asking questions. Surely it was obvious she didn’t want to talk.
“Looks like a good spot to water the animal,” Moses said as they drew near to a small tributary of the river. “Close enough to noonday that we might as well have our lunch.”
Jarena begrudgingly agreed, although she didn’t want to stop. Moses would likely find the silence uncomfortable and ply her with questions. However, this was his horse and buggy, so she took his hand and stepped down after they came to a halt near the water�
��s edge. Moses handed her the basket, and she spread a tablecloth and laid out the food while he tended to the horse.
He soon strode up from the water’s edge and joined her under the clump of trees. “Truly is a fine day, don’t you think?”
She offered him a piece of chicken. “It’ll do.”
“It’ll do?” He dropped to a sitting position. “Why, this is a glorious day, Jarena. The birds are singing and there’s a fine breeze—even the sun isn’t too hot, and that’s quite an accomplishment in the month of August.”
She could feel her face tighten with irritation. Couldn’t he understand she didn’t want to talk, that she wanted to spend this time contemplating her future?
Moses bit into a chicken leg and waited.When she didn’t comment further, he wiped his mouth. “I know you’re angry, Jarena.”
“Pappy told you about Lilly?”
“Yes. And whether you want to believe it or not, your father is hurting, too.”
“I’m not concerned about him. Isn’t it enough that I must deal with Lilly being my mother? Now I must also face the fact that Thomas may be dead—it’s more than I should have to bear.”
Moses finished the piece of chicken and licked his fingers. “Why?”
She glared at him. “What do you mean, why?”
“Just that—why do you believe you’re entitled to go through life without pain or suffering?”
“That’s not what I believe. But I’ve already had my share of suffering and bad experiences. Many more than either Truth or Grace has had.”
“Ah. So you’re comparing yourself to others, and that’s how you’ve come to such a conclusion.”
“I truly don’t care to discuss this with you. There’s absolutely no way you can imagine the pain I’ve experienced over the past few days.”
Morning Sky Page 21
