Morning Sky

by Judith Miller

  “At the moment, however, I’m feeling a bit tired,” Mrs. Boyle submitted. “I wish to go up to my room now.”

  Truth had to work very hard not to roll her eyes.

  It was nearly ten o’clock when a tap sounded on Truth’s bedroom door and Macia whispered her name. Truth briefly considered pulling the sheet over her head, but she knew Macia needed a listening ear. After talking with her father, she had finally gained enough courage to go and speak with Jeb and Lucy—likely not a pleasant experience for any of them.

  Macia sat down on the chair beside Truth’s bed. With her head bowed until it nearly touched her knees, she rocked back and forth. “I don’t know if Jeb is ever going to forgive me for giving in to my mother’s wishes—or for hurting Lucy.”

  The sheet rippled as Truth turned on her side. “You can’t blame him for being angry, Macia. He told you long ago he didn’t want Lucy hurt again. He may never be willing to overlook what’s happened, but you can’t change it now.” She pulled her arm out from under the sheet. “You best be prepared, for he may wed someone else before you return from Europe.”

  Macia’s lower lip was trembling when she lifted her head. “You think he would do that?”

  Truth nodded as she plumped her pillow with two swift punches. “I couldn’t blame him if he did. Why on earth did you ever agree to such a thing? So far as I can see, your mama’s the only one happy over your decision.”

  Macia endeavored to explain, though she faltered without her mother’s prompting. Still, it was evident she was truly attempting to do the right thing. And Truth knew what that was like.

  A tear dropped onto the bed sheet, and Truth took Macia’s hand in her own. “You can’t change what’s been done, but we can pray that God will set things on the proper path for you, Macia—and that Lucy and Jeb will find it in their hearts to forgive you.”

  As they bowed their heads, Macia’s tears continued to flow. Truth doubted Macia would follow her heart.

  CHAPTER

  33

  Jarena had survived her sister’s wedding unscathed . . . mostly. She had experienced both joy and pain, along with a generous portion of guilt. For the most part, however, Jarena was genuinely happy for Moses and Truth. She only hoped that one day she would experience the pleasure of being a bride herself.

  Truth was strikingly beautiful in the satin gown that had been fitted to Mrs. Kramer’s exacting requirements. Jarena had never seen Moses, who looked quite handsome in his morning coat, appear happier than when he saw his bride enter the church grasping her father’s arm. Nevertheless, the finely bedecked couple seemed somewhat out of place in the small church with its limestone walls and log benches that were notorious for implanting splinters in many of the congregants’ backsides. Fortunately, the weather cooperated and the reception went on until well after bedtime. Even Miss Hattie admitted the music and food were to her liking.

  Before Truth and Moses departed on their wedding trip, Jarena had agreed to make a brief return to the Boyle residence. Though Jarena was certain the temporary employment was intended to lure her back into a full-time position for the Boyles, she didn’t intend to acquiesce. When she had learned of the Boyles’ oldest son’s impending visit in order to accompany Macia back east, that had been enough to entice her into a brief return. Carlisle Boyle was Jarena’s final link to Thomas—the only person she knew who had served with him in the army. She had decided she would gladly cook and clean in the Boyles’ home in exchange for any information about Thomas she could extract from Carlisle.

  In retrospect, Carlisle’s visit had been a blessing. During his time at home, he told Jarena of Thomas’s dedication to the military and his selfless attitude both at the fort and in the skirmishes in which they’d been engaged. She soon realized there had been more battles than Thomas had ever written her about, likely because he hadn’t wanted to worry her. And although Carlisle was no longer privy to news concerning the men at Fort Concho, he agreed there was hope that Thomas might one day return. She was thankful for his encouragement— and she told him so. Even though her family thought she should move forward with her life, Jarena was not about to give up hope.

  With Macia and Carlisle headed east to meet Mrs. Donlevy in Baltimore, Jarena was anxious to return home. With a final promise from Mrs. Boyle that she need stay for only one more week, Jarena set off for the general store to stock the shelves of Mrs. Boyle’s pantry before her final departure. As she neared the Malones’ house, young Lucy came outside and hollered a greeting. Since Jarena’s return to the Boyle household, Lucy hadn’t come calling, although the girl had previously been a frequent and welcome visitor.

  Life had changed for young Lucy since Macia’s decision to travel abroad, and Jarena couldn’t help but take pity on the girl. No doubt, her days were lonely with only an older brother at home. She returned Lucy’s greeting and swung her empty basket. “I’m going to the store. Would you care to walk along with me?”

  The girl bobbed her head with enthusiasm. “Will you wait until I ask Jeb?”

  Jarena agreed, and minutes later Lucy came running pell-mell toward her. “Jeb says I can go with you.”

  “Good! I’ve been meaning to stop by and tell you that I have several books Macia asked that I give to you. Perhaps you could walk me home and we’ll get them when I’m done shopping.”

  Lucy clutched Jarena’s hand tightly. “I don’t know if I should accept a gift from Macia.” The girl’s eyes shimmered with pain as she spoke Macia’s name.

  “If you don’t want to keep them, you could at least spend some time with me over the next few days and we could read them together. Would you like that?”

  “Yes . . . but are you leaving, too?”

  Jarena nodded. It might have been better not to have mentioned the books or spending time together. She had hoped to provide a bit of diversion for Lucy, not cause her more disappointment. “However, I’ll be in Hill City one more week, and while I’m here, I’d like to get started reading those books. What do you say we set a time to get together each evening? And perhaps you could come to Nicodemus and visit me some time soon.”

  Skipping around to face Jarena, Lucy danced backward as they continued down the street. “Oh, I would like that! I never get to go anywhere.” She shouldn’t have made such an offer, Jarena told herself. If she moved to Topeka, the girl would be disappointed when she didn’t get to travel to Nicodemus. She walked through the open door. “Good morning, Mrs. Johnson,” she greeted.

  Ada Johnson glanced over her shoulder as she continued to stock the shelves with the shipment of goods her husband had brought from Ellis the day before. “Good morning. Let me know if you need any help. Oh, and there’s a letter for you, Jarena.” Mrs. Johnson nodded toward the stack of mail that hadn’t yet been sorted into the small wooden cubes along the wall.

  A letter! Jarena’s stomach muscles tightened into a knot of apprehension. Could it possibly be from Thomas? “May I?” she asked, pointing at the heap of letters.

  The woman nodded, and Jarena began shuffling through one pile of envelopes while Lucy busied herself with another stack. Jarena kept her attention focused upon the handwriting on each envelope, longing to see Thomas’s familiar script.

  “Wait! Here it is.” Lucy pulled an envelope from the pile and thrust it at Jarena.

  The missive didn’t bear the handwriting for which she’d been searching. In fact, it wasn’t from Indian Territory at all—it was from Leadville, one of the boomtowns out in Colorado she’d heard folks mention from time to time—and the script was obviously feminine.

  “Who’s it from?” Lucy’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned across the counter to gain a better look at the envelope. “I never get mail from anyone.”

  “I’m not certain, Lucy.” Jarena tucked the envelope into her skirt pocket and picked up her shopping basket. “Why don’t you find me a spool of thread. Dark blue. If you don’t see any, Mrs. Johnson will help you locate it. I’m going to gather th
e other items on the list.”

  Even though the envelope didn’t bear the name of the sender, Jarena assumed the letter was from Lilly. Who else would be writing to her from such a place? Yet Lilly had told them she was going to head north to Canada—which was exactly why Jarena had told Bentley Cummings her aunt had probably headed to California.

  Neither Lucy nor Jarena mentioned the letter after their return from the store. It wasn’t until Jarena was preparing for bed that she withdrew the envelope from her pocket and opened it carefully. She sat down in a rocking chair near the foot of her bed and unfolded the pages, first glancing at the signature on the final page to assure herself the letter was from Lilly.

  When she had finished reading her aunt’s letter a short time later, Jarena leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes. How could she possibly be this woman’s daughter? She felt no connection to her—nor did she want to. Though the pages were filled with interesting tidbits about Lilly’s life in Leadville, there was no explanation as to why she had chosen to settle in Colorado rather than traveling north to Canada as planned. Jarena surmised the decision had been based upon the possible exploitation of a fellow traveler Lilly had met on the train, especially since her letter included references to her recent purchase of a millinery shop and an investment in a silver mine.

  Jarena was mindful Lilly hadn’t departed Hill City with enough money for such costly investments. All of Mr. Nelson’s valuables had been returned; she’d seen to it herself. She leaned back in her chair and imagined Lilly sidling up to a wealthy gentleman on the train, pilfering his riches with the ease and pleasure of a cat lapping up a bowl of milk. She shuddered at the thought. She truly didn’t want to think ill of Lilly, yet how else could the woman accomplish so much in this short period of time? Perhaps she would write and ask what had happened to her aunt’s talk of thankfulness to God for sparing her life and restoring broken relationships. Ha! The woman was a fraud—always had been and always would be.

  On the final page of the letter was an inquiry regarding Bentley Cummings. Obviously Lilly remained fearful of the man. The letter asked that her mail be directed to general delivery in Leadville and was followed by a heartfelt request that her whereabouts remain a secret from anyone who might know or have contact with Bentley Cummings. Wouldn’t Lilly be distressed to learn that Macia and Truth had traveled with him on their return journey to Kansas? Or that Jarena had told him Lilly was her mother—that bit of information had nearly caused him to come undone. She would consider penning a letter to Lilly once she returned to Nicodemus. In addition, there was the dispatch from Mr. Cummings. If nothing else, she should forward Bentley’s letter to Lilly. No telling what information that missive might contain.

  Jarena sat in the pew alongside Dr. Boyle. When young Lucy discovered Mrs. Boyle was suffering from a headache and wouldn’t be attending the morning services, she moved to take the seat beside Jarena. Mrs. Boyle had insisted she would be fine for an hour or so by herself. And although Jarena agreed, missing the Sunday morning services at the Boyles’ church wouldn’t have distressed her in the least. She surveyed the crowd and wondered what the members of this serious congregation might think if they heard a sermon preached in Nicode-mus. They’d surely clutch at their chests when someone shouted a heartfelt amen or hallelujah. The idea nearly made her giggle aloud.

  When the service ended, Jarena hurried to Truth’s side. “Were you still planning for me to come over to visit this afternoon?”

  “Of course!” Truth looped her left arm around Jarena’s right arm. “I’m preparing chicken and dumplings and even made a layer cake for dessert.”

  “And it didn’t even topple over this time.” Moses kissed his wife’s cheek and winked.

  Lucy had followed along behind Jarena and giggled at his remark.

  “Don’t laugh, Lucy,” Truth said. “One day your husband will make fun of your layer cake, too.”

  “I’m going to be like Jarena. I’m not going to get married.”

  Jarena’s breath caught in her throat. She wanted to grab the child’s face between her hands and explain that this solitary life wasn’t of her own choosing, that she wanted nothing more than to walk down a church aisle and wed Thomas Grayson. She wanted to be exactly like Truth and the other women in the congregation—married to the man she loved, baking uneven layer cakes, and looking forward to a future filled with laughter, happiness, and children.

  Moses captured one of Lucy’s braids between his fingers and gave a gentle tug. “Jarena is going to marry one of these days, too. She’s merely waiting for the proper time. Isn’t that right, Jarena?”

  “That’s right, Moses.” Jarena was thankful he hadn’t said she was awaiting the right man, for such words would have cut her to the quick.

  Once they’d finished the noonday meal, Moses excused himself and retreated to his library. He’d spoken of a book he’d been wanting to begin. Though Jarena doubted he was anxious to read, she appreciated his kindness in allowing her time alone with her sister. They’d begun to clear the dishes when Jarena said, “I received a letter from Lilly yesterday.” Truth looked up. “Truly? Where is she? Canada? Did she mention Mr. Cummings?”

  “Indeed. She asked whether he’d actually come to Kansas. However, she’s not in Canada. It seems she went only as far as Colorado—Lead-ville. She did ask that we not divulge her whereabouts to outsiders.”

  Truth picked up the bowl of green beans and returned it to the kitchen. “I won’t say a word, but I wonder what made her change her mind about Canada.”

  Jarena followed along behind her sister, carrying a stack of dirty dishes. “I have no idea, but she’s invested in both a millinery shop and a silver mine. And she’s asked me to join her.”

  Truth’s eyes widened with surprise. “What? In Leadville? That’s ludicrous. Surely she doesn’t think you would do such a thing. You wouldn’t, would you?” Truth dropped the damp dishrag into the sudsy water and turned to look at Jarena. “Would you?”

  CHAPTER

  34

  Nicodemus , Kansas • October 1880

  The journey to Nicodemus should have been uneventful. However, they were only a few miles outside Hill City when Truth began to voice a succession of arguments against Aunt Lilly’s proposal that Jarena move to Colorado. Although Jeb had offered to drive Jarena home, Moses and Truth had insisted they would see to the task themselves. Jarena now realized why! Truth was consumed with presenting all the possible pitfalls of a move to Colorado. To make matters worse, each time Jarena attempted to divert the conversation, Truth signaled for Moses to take up the cause. Quite frankly, Jarena was now confident Jeb’s company would have been preferable to that of her sister and brother-in-law.

  When they finally arrived in Nicodemus, Moses assisted the two women from the buggy. Jarena sighed with relief, pleased to be set free from their sermonizing. “Please don’t mention any of this in front of Pappy. No need to upset him with any of this foolish talk.”

  Truth brightened and grasped Jarena’s hand before she had a chance to enter the house. “Then you agree with us? You’re not going to consider going to Colorado?”

  Jarena peeked out from beneath the brim of her lace-trimmed bonnet. “You’ve made the decisions regarding your life, Truth. I suggest you let others do the same.”

  “Now, Jarena. Don’t go and get your back up. You know we’re only attempting to look out for what’s best.”

  Jarena exhaled in exasperation. She gave momentary thought to stomping her feet just like the twins used to do when they were little girls wanting their way. Perhaps such childlike behavior would finally capture Truth’s attention. “And I’m telling you I don’t want you or anyone else making my decisions. Do you understand?”

  Grace emerged from the cornfield and came running toward them with the skirt of her dress whipping about her legs like a ship’s sail gone awry. “Truth! Jarena! I’m so happy to see you.” She squealed and made a headlong dive for Truth that nearly sent both
young women toppling to the ground. Jarena laughed at the sight, thankful the frenzied leap had been directed at Truth rather than herself.

  Grace leaned back and looked at her sister and then at Moses.

  “You’re going to stay and visit for a day or two, aren’t you?”

  “Only until tomorrow. We must leave early—the newspaper. But it won’t be long until we move to Nicodemus, and then you’ll quickly tire of having us around.”

  Grace’s smile turned into an effective pout. “But you won’t move here until Harvey Boyle finishes school and comes back to Hill City. That’s not so soon.”

  “Now, now, Grace. You know Truth will want to oversee construction of the new house once the roof is on—and that’s not far off.”

  Truth looped arms with her twin sister. “Yes—and I’ll need lots of help making decisions about the house. Unlike some people, I appreciate the opinion of others.”

  “Only when they agree with you,” Jarena whispered as she brushed by her sisters. “Pappy and Silas out in the fields, Grace?”

  “We’ve started cutting in the far field, but now that Pappy’s got Silas working with him, he doesn’t care much whether I’m out there helping. He’d rather have me spend time improving my cooking.” Grace giggled. “I know he’s gonna be glad you’re back home for good, Jarena. He got used to having you for those couple weeks before you went back to help at the Boyles’. Now that we’ve begun the harvest, he’s gonna want some of your corn pudding.”