Mrs. Faraday screwed her lips into a tight knot. “I’m not sure if it’s the pulse, but it’s usually where you can find the folks who know everyone else’s business.”
Macia noticed her brother’s chest deflate a bit as he hastened to explain his newspaper provided a valuable service by keeping the community informed.
The woman shrugged. “Newspapers provide exactly what folks want—gossip.”
Obviously, Harvey’s profession would garner no accolades from the matriarch of the Faraday family. Without further ado, Mrs. Faraday launched into a litany of questions regarding the size of the community, number of physicians, nearest pharmacy, and whether Harvey thought the doctor would be amenable to a pharmacy in town. “You know how doctors can be. Many of them prefer to dispense their own drugs—more money lining their own pockets.” A hint of anger edged her words.
Macia retrieved her cape from a hook on the wall. “I believe you’ll find my father more than welcoming. He’s been anxious to see a pharmacy in Hill City. In fact, why don’t I accompany you and you can ask him for yourself? He should still be at home. My mother’s health has suffered of late, and he usually spends time at home with her after the noonday meal.”
A deep blush tinged Mrs. Faraday’s cheeks, and Macia suspected the woman hadn’t made the familial connection. Mr. Faraday’s smug grin, on the other hand, seemed to indicate he had known all along. In all likelihood, Mr. Faraday had observed the signage on the office door while his wife had not. He gave his wife a condescending look.
Harvey pointed to his buggy. “Just follow us. The house isn’t far.” While the Faradays clambered into their carriage, Harvey assisted Macia into his and then settled in the seat and took up the reins. He glanced at his sister and gave a slight shake of his head. “There’s something strange about Mr. and Mrs. Faraday. I can’t put my finger on it.”
Macia patted her brother’s arm. “I trust you’ll soon know. After all, you newspaper people are nothing but gossips.” She sputtered the final words and then burst into a fit of giggles. “You’re right, though. They act as if they’re not very fond of each other, but remember how Mother and Father were when Father decided we would move west? A decision like that can cause family strife. Perhaps it’s merely all the upheaval of their relocation. At least we had a final destination when we moved. They seem to be going from town to town, searching for a place to settle as they travel.”
While Harvey waited for their guests, Macia hurried inside the house to alert her parents of the imminent visit. Relieved to find her mother up and dressed, Macia delightedly regaled her parents with all the information that she could pass on before the Faradays entered the house.
The moment their guests arrived, her mother rang the small brass bell and directed Fern to prepare tea. “Why don’t you assist her, Macia? I’m sure Fern would appreciate your assistance.”
The idea of spending time alone with Fern was the last thing Macia sought, but she didn’t want to cause a scene. So while the Faradays settled themselves and began to talk with her parents, Macia hastened to help in the kitchen. She spied a pot of boiling water on the stove. Thankfully, it wouldn’t take long to prepare the tea. After setting the tea to brew, she cut pieces of lemon pound cake and carefully arranged them on her mother’s best cake plate. Skirting the outer perimeter of the room in order to avoid Fern’s path, Macia gathered cups and saucers and poured cream into the china pitcher. Though Fern muttered several complaints, Macia completed the tasks without comment.
“Thank you, my dear,” her mother said as Macia put the tray down on the table beside her chair. “You sit down and visit. I’ll pour.” Apparently her mother had taken a liking to Mrs. Faraday. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have considered assuming hostess duties.
While Harvey entertained Camille and Jonas with tales of life in Hill City, Mrs. Faraday offered flowery praise for the Boyles’ house and willingly participated in discussions about decorating schemes and the latest fashions. However, her attention remained divided. At times, she even interrupted the men to interject a comment regarding the pharmacy business or their family’s relocation. When Macia’s father suggested a visit to a possible site for a pharmacy, Mrs. Faraday jumped to her feet, prepared to accompany the men.
It was Macia’s mother who waved the visitor back into her chair. “I believe we should permit the men to make the visit into town. You said you’d like an opportunity to view our previous home. I would be delighted to accompany you for a tour—provided you promise not to expect too much.”
Mrs. Faraday assured her mother that she’d seen the soddies and dugouts as they’d traveled from Ellis and she would be pleased to live in any house so long as it wasn’t made of dirt. The visitor gasped when Mrs. Boyle revealed that theirs had been the only wood house in Hill City when they’d arrived in 1877. While her mother went upstairs to fetch her hat, Mrs. Faraday pulled her husband aside for a private conversation. Macia couldn’t hear what was said, but on several occasions Mrs. Faraday pointed her index finger and seemed more like a scolding parent than a wife.
Macia would have preferred to accompany the men because she assumed Mr. Faraday would be more forthcoming than his wife. However, she had no choice in the matter, for her mother insisted she and Camille join the women while Harvey entertained Jonas. Without much difficulty, Harvey convinced Jonas he would enjoy seeing the old house, too. Macia grinned. There was no doubt Harvey wanted to remain near Camille.
Macia found her mother’s transformation amazing. The two women discussed the challenges of living in a small town without the proper accoutrements. “I do miss my ladies’ group,” her mother commented as they walked up the steps of the house the Boyles had lived in when they first arrived in Hill City. “We enjoyed discussing books while we did our needlework each week.”
“You know, Margaret, we could begin a group in Hill City—do our part to help civilize these folks. Between the two of us, I’m certain we’d have an excellent choice of books, and we could enrich the lives of the other residents.”
When their mother readily agreed to the plan, Macia looked at Harvey, her mouth agape. She’d not seen their mother express this much fervor since their arrival in Hill City. The thought of the two women organizing the women of Hill City for a discussion of William Shakespeare or Sir Walter Raleigh was more than a little amusing. Betsy Turnbull, who couldn’t even read, would probably be one of the first to attend. Macia wondered how enthusiastic Mrs. Faraday would remain after she encountered some of these unschooled women.
Tired of constantly having to be aware of proper manners around Mrs. Faraday and Camille, Macia was glad when the tour of their old home was complete and they’d returned to the Boyle residence, meeting up with her father and Mr. Faraday along the way. Mr. Faraday informed his wife that he’d signed the paperwork to purchase a limestone building that would more than adequately serve as a pharmacy.
Macia had heard stories of Richard Martin, the building’s former occupant, leaving to pursue his fortune in Colorado, and Mr. Faraday said the building’s owner, W. R. Hill, had offered him an excellent price. Though Mr. Martin had operated a tailor shop and lived in the rear of the building, Mr. Faraday assured his wife the building would need few modifications.
While Mr. Faraday excitedly described all the attributes of the building, his wife’s shoulders squared and her features tightened until they resembled a granite carving. “You’ve purchased the building? Without my being present?” A foreboding silence hung in the air as the woman directed an icy glare at her husband.
Macia’s mother stepped forward and clasped Mrs. Faraday’s arm. “Isn’t that the most wonderful news? I can’t tell you how delighted I am.” Margaret chirped on as though she hadn’t noticed Mrs. Faraday’s angry behavior.
Fortunately, her words served to lighten the mood. When Fern announced supper was served, the scowl disappeared from Mrs.
Faraday’s face. In fact, she became quite animated during the supper hour as s
he listened to details regarding the early settlement of Hill City and asked many questions.
After Dr. Boyle described the difficult circumstances encountered by the first settlers to Nicodemus—caused in large part by Mr. Hill’s unconscionable behavior—Mrs. Faraday shook her head in disgust. “Unfortunately, there are all too many men willing to take advantage of others in order to serve their own selfish purposes.”
Macia noted Mrs. Faraday’s quick glance at her husband and once again wondered if there wasn’t much more than met the eye with this family. If so, perhaps Camille would be more forthcoming in the future. The girl had certainly remained a closed book thus far. In fact, Camille’s only revelation had been her intensifying interest in Harvey.
Jonas dipped a spoonful of creamed peas onto his plate and asked if Harvey needed any assistance at the newspaper. Mrs. Faraday motioned for her son’s silence. “If we remain in Hill City, you’ll be attending school.”
Camille sighed as she passed the bowl of mashed potatoes to her brother. “What do you mean, Mother? You heard Father say he’s already signed papers to purchase the pharmacy. Of course we’re staying.”
Mrs. Faraday leveled a warning look at her daughter. “I doubt any money has exchanged hands. I’m sure Mr. Hill won’t hold your father to the contract if we decide this isn’t where we want to settle.”
Harvey laughed. “I wouldn’t rely upon that notion. Mr. Hill may have softened a bit in the last year or two, but when it comes to business, he’ll hold you to the contract.”
Though Mrs. Faraday appeared unconvinced, she didn’t argue. “In that case, I suppose we should finalize our living arrangements. I believe I saw a hotel in town.”
Mrs. Boyle waved away the comment. “I see no reason you couldn’t stay at our old house. It’s been unoccupied since we moved into this home. Of course, if you find it comfortable, you may even want to purchase it in the future. I can send Fern over to remove the dustcovers from the furniture and tidy things up a bit. I know you’re accustomed to much finer, but we’d be willing to rent it to you until you decide whether you prefer to purchase or build. Wouldn’t we, Samuel?”
Macia’s father gave a hearty nod. “You’ve seen the house, Mrs.
Faraday, and your family is most welcome to rent the dwelling. In addition, you’d have time to make a proper assessment of the town before deciding to build a house.”
Mrs. Faraday chased a single pea across her dinner plate and speared it with her fork. “Since my husband has already sealed our fate in Hill City, we will thankfully accept your proposal—and the offer of your housekeeper to set things aright.”
Macia immediately turned her attention to Mrs. Faraday. “Will you be requiring a housekeeper on a permanent basis?”
The question appeared to cause the woman a moment of discomfort. “Not immediately, though we might after we’re settled. I imagine it’s somewhat difficult to find good help that you can trust.”
Macia jumped to her feet, shrieking as cold liquid splashed down her back. Fern was holding a pitcher that had been filled with milk only moments earlier. “Oh, I’m terribly sorry. I tripped on the rug. I do hope I haven’t ruined your gown, Miss Macia.” Fern offered a napkin, but she was wearing a smile so unctuous it nearly slid off her face.
Holding her temper in check, Macia excused herself and headed toward the stairs. “You’re absolutely correct, Mrs. Faraday. Finding capable help is virtually impossible.”
Camille stood up and followed Macia. “I’ll come along and help you out of your dress.”
“Thank you, Camille. It’s obvious Fern isn’t going to offer her assistance—not that I’d trust her to help me. She’d likely tear this gown to shreds, also.”
Fern returned Macia’s icy stare with a look of pure hatred that sent a chill of fear coursing through Macia’s being. She must convince her father to terminate Fern’s employment before the woman did more than just destroy her gowns and pour milk down her back.
Once in Macia’s room, Camille motioned for Macia to turn around and began to unbutton the soggy gown. “I didn’t want to say anything downstairs, but I know your housekeeper didn’t trip. I watched her intentionally pour that milk on you.”
“I don’t doubt you.” As Macia slipped out of her gown, she explained the circumstances surrounding her return to Hill City and Fern’s obvious fears about losing Jeb Malone’s affection. “I’ve truly done nothing to warrant such outrageous behavior. I’m not competing for Jeb’s attention, but she remains jealous of any contact I have with Jeb or his sister.”
After she draped the gown over a chair, Camille blotted out the dampness with a towel. “So even though you were planning to marry Jeb, you no longer have any romantic feelings for him?”
Macia paused. She didn’t want to admit she still cared for Jeb. “Time and circumstances have a way of changing our feelings. Besides, I’ve met someone new—Garrett Johnson. He’s quite handsome and extremely kind.” She didn’t give Camille the opportunity to quiz her further. Instead, she talked—about Garrett, about the canning factory, about her trip abroad, about Mrs. Donlevy’s illness and subsequent death, and about her own family’s move to Hill City years earlier. By the time her narrative finally ended, she had sponged off and redressed.
“I feel like we’ve been friends for years,” Camille said as they departed the bedroom.
Macia laughed. “You should. I’ve told you my entire life history. And next time we’re alone, you must do the same. I want to hear all about your life before arriving in Hill City.”
“I doubt you’d find it very interesting.” Camille tugged on Macia’s hand before they descended the steps. “Tell me, does Harvey have somebody special?”
Macia gave her a wink. “He doesn’t seem to have time for anything or anyone other than his printing press. Perhaps you can change that.”
Camille responded with a beaming smile.
CHAPTER
9
Nicodemus , Kansas
The unfolding events swirled around Truth like a prairie whirlwind. When had her life gotten so out of control?
When Moses mentioned his plan to visit Harvey Boyle in Hill City, Aunt Lilly jumped up from her chair. Truth listened in amazement as her aunt declared her desire to visit the Nelson children in Hill City. In fact, Truth nearly laughed aloud at the declaration. Aunt Lilly wanted to go visit the Nelson children? Had the woman lost her senses out in Colorado and forgotten she disliked children? Obviously, Lilly had no memory of the trials and tribulations she purportedly suffered at the hands of the Nelson children while in the employ of the Hill City banker and his wife a couple years ago. Or was this merely a masquerade? A ruse to conceal the genuine reason she wanted to accompany Moses to Hill City? One could never be sure with Aunt Lilly.
Lilly glanced across the table at Jarena. “I’m certain Truth won’t feel up to making the journey in her condition, but perhaps you’d be willing to accompany me, Jarena. Thomas won’t mind the fact that you want to spend time with me, will you, Thomas?”
Without waiting for a response, Lilly continued to formulate her plan. Truth waited and watched as Jarena and Lilly outlined their journey. Pained and somewhat confused about the fact that they’d just assumed she wouldn’t want to join them for the trip, Truth motioned for Moses to join her in the kitchen.
“I believe I’ll go with you to Hill City. I’d like to see the Boyles before we move to Topeka, and this may be my final opportunity.”
Moses looked delighted, but Truth didn’t fail to notice Aunt Lilly’s frown when they returned to the dining room and she heard the news. Clearly, Lilly wanted to spend time alone with Jarena and likely surmised Truth would listen in on everything they said. And she would! Truth was curious to discover how and when Jarena and Lilly had developed this seemingly close relationship. So far as she knew, the two women hadn’t even been corresponding.
After breakfast, the four of them loaded into the wagon, and Jarena held out her arms to take Je
nnie from Thomas’s arms. With an air of authority, Lilly pushed Jarena’s arms aside. “Surely the child would be more comfortable at home with Grace or her father.”
Truth turned from her seat up front and gave her aunt a wry grin. “Why, Aunt Lilly! I thought you enjoyed children. Isn’t that why you’re going to Hill City? To reunite with the Nelson youngsters?”
“I’m thinking of Jennie, not myself. It’s chilly and she’ll likely catch her death of cold if she’s out in this weather.”
“There are blankets, and Jennie would much prefer being with her mother,” Truth pointed out. “Besides, the sun is out and it’s going to warm considerably. Don’t you agree, Jarena?”
“Yes. Besides, I wouldn’t consider leaving her behind.” Jarena settled the child onto her lap and leaned from the buggy to kiss Thomas good-bye. “You can help me if Jennie becomes fussy, Truth.” Jarena giggled as she playfully tapped her sister’s shoulder. “You’ll need the experience more than Lilly.”
When the baby was settled, Moses flicked the reins, and they headed out of town. Apart from the clopping of the horses’ hooves on the hardened dirt road and Jennie’s gurgling coos, silence permeated the buggy. The open plains soon spread before them like a painted canvas portraying the change of season. The prairie grass had turned to a dull shade of brown, and the curled, dry yellow leaves from an occasional cottonwood crunched beneath their wagon wheels. Rather than a full palette of autumnal colors, the canvas presented a stark, barren beauty all its own—one that Truth had grown to love. She leaned back against the seat and inhaled the prairie’s grassy scent and the musky aroma of the fallen leaves.
While the buggy rolled along the well-worn path, bits of conversation drifted to her from the rear of the carriage. Truth shifted in her seat and strained to hear. The slight breeze carried the conversation directly to her ears, and she unashamedly eavesdropped as Jarena questioned Lilly about her life in Colorado. And Lilly, always so secretive in the past, seemed eager to tell of her escapades. Strange!
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