An air of anticipation filled the room, yet it was quiet enough to hear the gentle rustling of leaves outside. Dr. Boyle nodded at his daughter, and Macia began the story. She explained that both her journey to New York and early days at the school had been uneventful until she had fallen ill. Since there was little she recalled after taking to her bed, she asked Truth to continue.
As Truth told the group of the events that took place after her arrival in New York, there was little doubt they were amazed at all that had occurred, especially her boldness in planning their escape while nearly succumbing to illness herself. They even applauded when she told of Daisy’s assistance and Silas’s bravery in completing the successful escape.
When Macia and Truth had completed their account, Dr. Boyle shook his head. “I believe everything you girls have said, but none of this makes any sense. Why would Mr. Laird or the Rutledges want to harm their students?” He rubbed his open palm along his jaw. “Obviously something is amiss. Why would Mr. Laird have written several times advising me that Macia was feeling better?”
Silas whispered to Truth, and she encouraged him to speak. “Lotsa them girls got the sickness durin’ the time I’s been working there. I don’t understand ’bout the Rutledges’ business, but I heard ’em talk ’bout papers on the girls. Miss Macia and Truth figure it’s somethin’ to do with life insurance. I don’ know what that is, but they talked ’bout life papers for them girls. You know ’bout insurance, Dr. Boyle?”
Dr. Boyle looked surprised. “Yes, I understand what insurance is, Silas. Are you certain that’s what you heard?”
“Oh, yessuh. I heard ‘em talk ’bout them life papers ever’ time a fresh group of girls come to the school. When the new ones come, that’s when they be in the office talkin’ ’bout havin’ them girls sign some kind of life papers.”
Dr. Boyle glanced at Truth and Macia. “They must have been taking out life insurance policies on their students. Is that possible?”
Macia bobbed her head up and down. “I recall they had me sign papers when I first arrived at the school. I specifically remember because I argued with Mr. Laird.”
“But your mother and I had signed all your paperwork,” Dr. Boyle said. “I personally forwarded the forms to them.”
“That’s what I told him, but Mr. Laird insisted I sign a few other documents. I didn’t read them thoroughly because Mrs. Rutledge appeared to be upset over the entire ordeal.” Macia turned deathly pale.
“Do you think they were trying to kill me?”
Dr. Boyle stood and paced in front of the fireplace. He finally came to a halt in front of Moses. “What do you think, Moses?”
“I think this is a matter that needs to be fully investigated.What if I contact one of the newspapers in New York City and advise the editor of our concerns? Perhaps he would be willing to assign a reporter to go to the school on the ruse of writing an article and help uncover the facts.”
“Excellent idea!”
Excited voices joined the conversation as they formed a plan to force an investigation at Rutledge Academy. Only Silas appeared apprehensive. “Moses, I’s askin’ that you please don’t be usin’ my name when you write that letter to them folks in New York. I don’ want ’em knowing I’m out here in Kansas. They’s likely to send the law after me.”
Moving to Silas’s side, Truth gave him a reassuring smile. “Don’t you worry, Silas. Moses won’t do anything to jeopardize your safety. You have my word.”
The affirmation was all Silas needed. He enthusiastically suggested the men make inquiry into the disappearance of Sally Treadwell, a young lady who had become ill and later vanished from the school. He lowered his head and stared at the floor. “Me and Daisy noticed that after any of them girls died at the school, there was always lots of money bein’ spent.”
An involuntary shudder coursed through Truth’s body.
Moses shifted in his seat. “You know of girls that actually died?”
“Oh, yessuh. Probably six or seven since I been workin’ fer them people. Strange how them girls was always getting sick. I figured some-thin’ was wrong, but I couldn’ go to no police.”
Moses stood. “Perhaps the police won’t help, but someone must.”
CHAPTER
30
There were few options available for Jarena. Unlike Lilly, she couldn’t run off to some unknown place and hide from her past, though she thought the idea a perfect solution. She had carefully folded and packed her clothing in the trunk and had only a few personal items remaining in the room. Pulling open the top drawer of the chest, she removed the leather folder containing her birth record. Aunt Lilly had given her the folder before she departed town—along with her permission to keep or burn the document, whichever Jarena preferred. She was staring at the paper when Truth walked into the bedroom. Jarena quickly closed the folder and placed it in the trunk.
Truth plopped down on the bed. “What’s that you were looking at when I came in?”
Jarena bowed her head. She didn’t want to discuss her past with Truth right now. Perhaps she never would. Why should she continue to endure the pain of discussing the matter? Let someone else tell her. “Merely some papers—nothing of interest to you.”
“Moses told me about you and Aunt Lilly.”
Jarena shrugged. “Everybody has been talking behind my back.” Truth’s pained expression didn’t faze Jarena. She cared little if her words stung. “You need not look distraught. Your life will go on as planned, Truth. I’m the only one who must daily suffer the repercussions of the lie.”
“We weren’t talking behind your back, Jarena. I was concerned over your odd behavior toward me, and Moses explained about Aunt Lilly— and Thomas. I am truly sorry for all the misery you’ve suffered. I do wish there was something I could do or say that would help. I love you, and nothing changes that.”
Jarena jumped up. “But it has changed.” She grabbed the folder from her trunk and flung it across the bed. “That piece of paper changed everything. You and Grace aren’t my sisters. Your father isn’t my father; your mother wasn’t my mother. Lies! All of it! Nothing but lies!”
Truth moved toward her. “I can’t change any of what happened in the past, but you will always be my sister. A piece of paper doesn’t change what I feel in my heart. Say whatever you want, but you won’t make me stop loving you. I won’t let you push me away.”
Jarena buried her face in her hands. “Each time I think I’ve come to grips with my past, a new situation occurs and the pain once again rises to the surface. I know none of this is your fault, Truth. I’ve been wrestling with forgiveness since the day I found out. In my mind I know they did what was best, but my heart is filled with such pain and anger.”
“What is it Mama used to tell us? Time heals all wounds? Maybe that’s what this is going to take—time and prayer.”
“So you’ve grown wise during your short absence?” Jarena wiped her tear-stained cheeks. “Of course, you were always bright—you merely attempted to hide it, along with your ability to sew and clean.” Jarena smiled and patted her sister’s hand.
“I don’t know if I’m wiser now, but I do know that I never want anything to come between us. You’re the one I’ve always looked up to, Jarena. What would I do without you?”
Her firm resolve melted as she looked into Truth’s pleading eyes. Rejecting her sisters would only create more pain for all of them. And how could she turn away from the two girls she had practically raised? Nothing could change their bond. Not unless she allowed it. “I’m sorry, Truth. I do love you, and I promise I won’t let my feelings for you or Grace change. But you must bear with me if I forget myself and speak sharply sometimes.”
There was little doubt the words delighted Truth. She hugged Jarena tightly enough to nearly squeeze the breath out of her. “Thank you, Jarena.” When Truth finally released Jarena, her face was alight with pleasure. “As for your sharp tongue, Grace and I became accustomed to that years ago when you were
constantly correcting our grammar.” Jarena laughed and nodded. “I suppose that’s true enough.”
“We best both get to bed. Moses hopes to start for Nicodemus early in the morning.”
“And Silas? Where is he?”
“Dr. Boyle offered him Harvey’s room, but I think the idea of staying here made him uncomfortable. When Moses offered to put him up at his house, he quickly accepted.”
“What’s Silas planning to do, Truth?”
“He wants to own a piece of land. Silas reminds me of Pappy when he talks about owning land. I don’t think he has much money, so I doubt he can afford to purchase any acreage right away. He’s good with horses, and he did lots of odd jobs at the school. Surely someone could use his help.”
“I know there are lots of folks who could use his assistance, but whether they could afford to pay him would be entirely another story.”
“If all else fails, I’m sure Moses could put him to work setting type at the newspaper office.”
“Can he read?”
Truth frowned. “A little. But something will work out. After all, he wanted to come west.”
Jarena walked to the open bedroom window and stared into the starlit sky. “But you still bear a certain amount of responsibility to help him, Truth. He wouldn’t have come here if it hadn’t been for you. Have you noticed the way he looks at you? I believe he cares deeply for you.”
With her arms folded across her waist, Jarena turned to face her sister.
“No. We’re merely friends. In fact, we barely know each other. Silas knew I had marriage plans before he decided to help us. I told him about Moses.”
Jarena regarded her sister with misgivings. “You may have spoken the words, Truth, but did you speak them from your heart so there would be no misunderstanding?Were you certain he understood before you convinced him to travel west and give up his previous life? For it’s now quite obvious he can’t return to New York and resume his position at the school.”
Truth looked irritated, and she motioned widely with her hands as she spoke. “He’s a man full grown, Jarena. He’ll make his way the same as everyone else who’s come to live out here. If he wants to leave Kansas, Moses and I will do what we can to help him. If he wants to stay, we’ll help him with that, too.”
The four travelers had bid their farewells and were settled into the carriage by dawn. Moses drove the coach with Truth by his side, while Silas and Jarena sat behind them. As they set out, Silas began to question Jarena. How far to Nicodemus? Did she think he could find work? Could he purchase land? At first Jarena attempted to answer, but he continued questioning her until she grew weary.
Jarena wanted to shake her sister and force her to answer some of his countless inquiries. “Didn’t you ask Truth any of these questions before departing New York, Silas?”
He fumbled with his shirt sleeve and shook his head. “No, ma’am. I s’pose I shoulda, but I wanted to get out of that place. I’s wantin’ to own me a piece of land more’n anything, and Truth tol’ me there was land for the takin’ out here in the West.”
“There’s land to be purchased in Nicodemus. Is that where you plan to settle?”
“Don’t know fer sure. I ain’t seen it yet. Reckon I could get a job there? Moses says I might be able to hire out workin’ for the livery or mebbe helpin’ at one of the farms for room and board. But that ain’t gonna help me get enough money to buy no land, is it?”
He was a likeable young man, but he sure had a lot of questions. Jarena wanted to offer encouragement. “If all else fails, I know my father could use an extra pair of strong hands. He and my younger sister are attempting to farm both his acreage and the land that lies directly adjacent. Truth may have mentioned that my future husband is off fighting with the cavalry?”
Silas straightened his shoulders as though mention of the military required he come to attention. “No, I don’t believe she talked ’bout that. She did say she had two sisters, you and Grace. She said Grace is her twin.” His proud countenance reminded Jarena of a young schoolboy who had properly recited his lessons. “You think your pappy might want me to help farm your beau’s land while he’s off fightin’?”
Jarena simply nodded. There was little doubt her father would be pleased to have the help, especially with the corn nearly ripe for harvest. But sending Silas into Thomas’s fields to cut and shuck the corn seemed a betrayal of her loyalty. Oh how she wished Thomas were here to work his own land!
Jarena was thankful to see her father’s house come into view. Apparently Grace had heard the wagon approach, for she came scurrying outdoors before the horses had even come to a stop. The moment she saw Truth, Grace began to jump up and down as if her feet were giant springs. When the two girls finally embraced, they bounced and laughed in unison.
“They look some alike, don’t they?” Silas said to Jarena as he watched the two girls.
“Yes, but their personalities are completely different. Grace loves to work outdoors alongside Pappy. She’s happiest when she’s watching things grow, and she’s much more thoughtful and quiet—though you wouldn’t suspect that from watching her antics right now.”
“They’s sure happy to see each other.” Silas gestured toward the luggage. “Iffen you tell me where to put these things, I can start unloadin’.”
Jarena stopped to hug Grace and introduce Silas before leading him inside. “You can put my trunk over there. I can get the rest of my belongings while you bring your baggage inside.” Although Jarena wasn’t certain what her father would think of having another mouth to feed, she knew he wouldn’t turn the young man away—especially if he should prove to be a good field hand.
Jarena stepped to the doorway and called to her sister. “Where’s Pappy, Grace?”
“Out in the fields checking the corn. He’ll be here soon.”
Jarena donned an apron that was hanging near the sink before peering into a kettle bubbling on the stove. Rabbit stew. She could add some more turnips and carrots and make a big batch of corn bread to help stretch the meal. Pappy would expect his food on the table at noon, company or not.
When Ezekiel arrived a short time later, Jarena was ladling the stew into a large crock. “Good to see you, daughter.” He kissed Jarena’s cheek. “Food sure do smell good, too.”
“He’s been longing for your cooking ever since you left, Jarena,” Grace said. “Seems like I can’t cook anything to suit him.”
Ezekiel poured water into the washbowl and winked at Grace. “You’s doing some better, Grace. Practice makes perfect—you jest don’ wanna practice. That apple pie you made a week ago was right tasty.”
When Jarena and Truth introduced Silas, Ezekiel welcomed him heartily. “Silas, set down and make yerself to home.”
The noonday meal was filled with a lengthy account of the many problems Truth had faced while in New York, along with the details of her subsequent journey home. She saved the final bit of news until last.
“You’ll never guess who it was that helped us on the train, Pappy.”
Ezekiel poured himself another cup of coffee. “Don’ reckon as I could. Was it someone I know from back in Kentucky?”
“It was a friend of Aunt Lilly’s. Mr. Cummings.”
All signs of cheerfulness vanished from Ezekiel’s face. “Where’s he now?”
“When I spoke with him, he said he had been invited to stay with the Nelsons,” Jarena replied.
Ezekiel surrounded his coffee cup with both hands and stared into the dark brew. “He say anything ’bout comin’ over here to Nicodemus?”
Jarena shook her head. “I’m not certain he believed me when I told him Aunt Lilly had departed.”
“He’ll prob’ly come over here to check.” Ezekiel pushed his chair away from the table. “Daylight’s wastin’. I best head back out to the field. Silas, you wanna come along? Might give you an idea if you want to take up farmin’.”
Silas glanced at Moses, who appeared perfectly content to remain at the table.
“You go on, Silas. I’m going to town to gather information for the newspaper. I’ve seen Ezekiel’s fields, and I know I don’t want to take up farming.”
Ezekiel chuckled as he pulled his hat off a peg near the door. “You might want to take a side trip to Stockton while you’s this far. Folks is rumoring ’bout one of the railroads layin’ track in this direction. Now wouldn’t that be somethin’ if we was to get us trains comin’ right through Nicodemus?”
Once Ezekiel and Silas had departed, Moses appeared anxious to be on his way. However, his offer to have Truth accompany him into town was met by Grace’s immediate disapproval. With a good-natured laugh and an admonition that Truth discuss preparations for their wedding, he left the young women to themselves.
Grace gathered a stack of dishes from the table. “Have the two of you set a new wedding date?”
“I don’t know if Moses will agree, but I’m thinking the first week in November will allow us enough time to properly prepare.”
Jarena sometimes wondered if Truth really wanted to marry Moses, for it seemed as if she kept postponing their wedding. Though the problems in New York hadn’t been of Truth’s doing, she didn’t need to wait another eight weeks to wed. She longed to tell Truth that if Thomas walked in the door, she’d be prepared to marry him that very moment. Of course, Truth hadn’t ever been faced with the possibility of losing Moses.
Grace frowned as she grabbed a dish towel and began to dry one of the plates. “I don’t think Moses’ll want to wait that long. All he talked about while you were gone was that you weren’t going to return in time for the wedding. I believe he thinks he’s already waited much too long.”
“And I may not be here in November, either,” Jarena put in.
The twins swiveled around to face Jarena. “Where will you be?” Grace’s voice cracked as she asked the question.
Morning Sky Page 25
