Dovie cupped her chin in one hand as she sat at the table. “When yo’ husband come knockin’ at our door, I couldn’ believe my eyes. He looks white, Truth.” She hunched forward and continued to speak in a hushed voice. “And when I ask ’im where he worked, he said he was the auditor fer the state. I don’ know what the auditor does, but my mama figured from the way he was dressed, it must be somethin’ special. I sure hope so, ’cause she’s telling ever’one in the neighborhood that we know someone important.”
Truth placed the tea and cake on a tray. “Let’s have our tea in the parlor. No sense sitting out here in this dismal kitchen.”
“Dismal?” Dovie scanned the room. “This is almost as nice as Senator Johnson’s house—you know, the folks I worked for ’til last year.” Dovie cast another look around the house as they walked into the parlor. “He lost the election. Did I tell you ’bout that?”
“No.” Truth placed the tray on a small table. “I didn’t receive any letters after you wrote saying he was running for reelection. I wondered what had happened.”
“Ain’t been an easy time since then. I packed up and went back home after the new senator took office. Times been hard, and there weren’t no extra money for postage. We been needin’ every cent to keep a roof over our heads and food in our mouths.”
Grace edged forward. “Didn’t the new senator need a housekeeper?”
“Huh-uh. They brung their housekeeper with ’em.” She ran her finger around the edge of the teacup. “Since all the Exodusters come here, there’s plenty of folks looking for work and lots who ain’t finding it.”
“Aren’t. Lots who aren’t finding it.” Truth automatically corrected her friend and then noted Dovie’s surprised stare. “I’m sorry. I sound just like Jarena—busy correcting everyone’s grammar.”
“Ain’t no need to . . .” Dovie slapped her palm across her lips. “I mean, you don’t need to apologize. What kind of life you got back there in Nicodemus that you’s thinkin’ the kitchen in this house ain’t truly fine?”
Truth bit her lip. No matter how hard Dovie might try, she soon slipped back into her old speech patterns. Of course, she hadn’t had years of Jarena’s correction and discipline. And though Truth hadn’t told her older sister, she now appreciated the effort she’d made to educate them. Otherwise, Truth would now be even more frightened to mingle with the politicians and their wives.
Grace poured tea into each of the three china cups. “Moses built Truth a lovely new home in Nicodemus—much nicer than this. Of course, I plan to live on a farm when Silas and I jump the broom.”
“You seeing someone special, Dovie?” Truth asked as she handed the girl a cup of tea.
“Ain’t found no one I want to marry. Most all the single men living in Tennessee Town is poor, and I’m looking to find me a rich man—like you, Truth.” She took a sip of her tea. “Most of the men living nearby is part of the Exodusters that come from Tennessee.
Ain’t really a town—jest called that ’cause all the folks from Tennessee moved into the same area.” She held her cup at eye level and examined the thin, finely painted porcelain.
Truth watched as Dovie once again traced her finger around the rim of the cup. The envy she saw in her friend’s eyes was disconcerting. Dovie fingered the engraved initials on the silver spoon as if they were the most beautiful thing she’d seen in her life.
Truth placed her cup and saucer on a nearby table. “Like the house, most of the furniture belongs to Mr. Epps. But I’ll be certain to tell him you approve of his choices.”
“I wish I could live in a house like this again.” Dovie reached out for Truth’s hand. “Your husband said you’s looking for a cook and housekeeper. Would you consider hiring me, Truth?”
“Well, I . . .”
Before Truth could complete her reply, Dovie clenched her hand more tightly. “I promise I’ll do a good job, and I won’t let our friendship get in the way. You can correct me when I do things wrong or if you ain’t happy with my work. Mr. Johnson never did have much complaint ’bout me.”
Truth had hoped to speak with Moses before she officially hired someone, but she doubted he would voice an objection considering Dovie was one of Truth’s best friends. With Dovie waiting in wide-eyed anticipation, Truth nodded. Dovie immediately jumped up from the settee with a promise to be moved in before nightfall.
Moved in? “There’s no need for you to leave your home, Dovie.
Moses will make arrangements for transportation back and forth.”
But her words fell on deaf ears, for unlike Truth, Dovie proclaimed that she was anxious to leave home, especially if it meant the opportunity to once again live in a fine house.
Though Truth didn’t understand Dovie’s decision, she didn’t voice an objection. “You be sure and tell your mama that I was willing for you to live at home. I don’t want her thinking I forced you to leave home again.”
Dovie giggled and waved. “You don’t need to be worrying none ’bout Mama. She’s gonna be even happier than me. Only thing that would please her more is iffen I brought home some well-to-do fella like what you got.” Removing her cloak from the ornate hall tree, Dovie wrapped it around her shoulders and fastened the frayed collar before she departed.
Truth sighed and leaned against the door. At least Lilly couldn’t accuse her of deceit, for it now appeared all of the bedrooms would be occupied.
Dovie returned much earlier than expected. In fact, when Truth saw her at the door only two hours later, she thought Dovie had decided the idea of working for her friend was preposterous or that her mother had disapproved of the situation. However, when she noticed the satchel Dovie held in one hand and Dovie’s father lumbering toward her carrying a large trunk, she knew she was mistaken.
She held open the door and waved Mr. Tuttle up the stairs to what was now Dovie’s room. He looked older than she remembered, but she supposed that was to be expected. She hadn’t seen him for more than five years. Mr. Tuttle situated the trunk along one wall and quickly exited the room. Making a rapid descent down the stairs, he placed a fleeting kiss on his daughter’s cheek.
Truth said she had hoped he would remain long enough to meet Moses, but Mr. Tuttle declined, citing work that awaited him at the livery. With a wave, Dovie bid her father farewell, seemingly undaunted by his departure. Truth mentioned that Dovie was free to go home on Saturday evenings and spend Sundays with her family, but Dovie quickly refused the offer. Perhaps she’d grown accustomed to separation from her family when she worked for the Johnsons, but something about the whole matter nagged at Truth. Before Truth could inquire further, Dovie hastened to the kitchen to help Grace prepare the evening meal.
Truth had little time to dwell upon the matter of Dovie’s apathy toward her family and home when Moses returned for the evening.
There was a spring to his step and a twinkle in his eyes. Apparently things had gone well at his office. His predecessor had generously agreed that Moses could observe the practices and procedures of the state auditor’s office prior to taking office.
He wrapped Truth in a welcoming hug, and she shivered and yelped as he placed his icy cheek alongside her own. Pushing her hands against his broad chest, she backed away and scolded him.
Chuckling, Moses removed his coat and hung it in the hallway.
“Did you and Grace have a nice visit with Dovie?”
She motioned for him to follow her upstairs. “Dovie is now our housekeeper. Our live-in housekeeper.” She nibbled her lower lip as she awaited his reaction.
Moses stared at her for a moment, his eyebrows raised. “Is that a bad thing? I thought you planned to have her come and work for us if she was available.”
“It will be fine—at least I hope it will. I do worry about what will happen when I have to assign her duties or correct her work.”
“I doubt there will be problems. The two of you haven’t been around one another for several years. You’ll soon slip into a natural pattern that�
�s comfortable for both of you.”
He took her hands and pulled her close. “I believe I’ve warmed up enough for a proper welcome-home kiss.”
She placed her palm along his jaw. “I do believe you have.” She tilted her head and raised up on her toes. His lips covered hers with a long, ardent kiss, and several moments passed before he released her.
She gave him a half smile as she looked at him from beneath hooded eyelids. “There’s absolutely no doubt you’ve warmed up, Mr.
Wyman.”
He laughed and wagged his finger. “Careful or you’ll miss your supper, and that would be extremely difficult to explain to the new housekeeper.”
Truth giggled at the thought as she grabbed her husband by the hand and led him back down the stairs. “You certainly came home in a cheerful mood,” she said as they reached the landing.
“I’m always cheerful—just a bit more so today. I’ll tell you why at supper.”
Grace emerged from the kitchen and joined them. “Dovie says she wants to finish up on her own and serve the meal. I hope she’s able to find everything.”
“You two worry far too much. I believe she’s bright enough to come and ask for assistance whenever she needs it.”
The three of them walked into the dining room, with Grace on one side of Moses and Truth on the other. They chatted for several minutes, but soon they were all expectantly watching for the door between the kitchen and dining room to open. When Dovie didn’t appear after several minutes, Truth excused herself and hurried to the kitchen. She was stunned to find Dovie sitting near the worktable with the dishes and bowls of food piled high.
“Why are you sitting here, Dovie? The food is growing cold.”
“I never heard you ring the bell. Mrs. Johnson always rang a bell when it was time to bring in the food.”
Truth giggled. “Oh, Dovie. I don’t even own a bell.” Truth picked up a bowl in one hand and a platter in the other. “Let’s get this food on the table.” Hesitating for only a moment, she instructed Dovie to bring the remainder of the dishes.
While they filled their plates, Moses revealed he’d met a young lawyer earlier in the day—a fine black man who had begun a law practice in Topeka, a man Moses believed could become a friend. An idea struck her, and Truth stole a look across the table. This man sounded perfect for Grace! Or was he already married?
“We should invite him and his wife to supper next week,” Truth hedged.
“He’s not married,” Moses said, “but you’ll meet him at the swearing-in ceremonies. His name is John Rockley.”
Perfect! If Grace developed a relationship with John Rockley, maybe she’d forget about Silas and decide to stay in Topeka rather than return to Nicodemus. Nothing would make Truth happier than to have her sister nearby, and she’d never considered Silas and Grace to be particularly well suited anyway.
“Do you think he’d like to attend the ceremonies with us?” Truth asked. “Perhaps he could act as Grace’s escort at the gala.”
She didn’t know who looked more surprised by the suggestion— her husband or Grace. Before either of them could reject her proposal, she hastily explained it would make for better seating arrangements.
She’d heard few people attended these functions unescorted. And those who did . . . well, Grace could end up seated beside some pretentious old man who would bore her to tears with tales of his past accomplishments. It would save her sister from myriad uncomfortable circumstances if she had a trustworthy escort.
“If Grace don’t want that fella, I’d be right pleased to meet him.”
All three of them turned their attention to Dovie, who had taken a seat at the far end of the dining room table. Truth couldn’t believe her eyes. Forevermore! What did Dovie think she was doing sitting at the table and entering into their conversation as though she were a guest? Apparently she viewed this new position differently than her employment with the Johnson family. Trying to avoid a reprimand, Truth merely shook her head and frowned. Dovie remained undeterred. She didn’t budge from the chair. Gaining Moses’s attention, Truth frowned and signaled toward Dovie with a slight dip of her head. Moses held up his water glass and Dovie promptly fetched the pitcher. When she drew near his side, Moses crooked his finger to beckon her closer. As Dovie leaned forward, Moses whispered into her ear.
After filling his glass, Dovie scampered from the room without a word. Truth mouthed a silent thank-you to her husband. She didn’t know what he’d said, but his words had been effective.
“Since I plan to marry Silas, do you believe it would be appropriate to have Mr. Rockley escort me to the gala?” Grace asked, staring at her plate. “I’m not certain what Silas would think.”
Truth sighed and raised her eyebrows. “It’s not as though Mr.
Rockley would be courting you, Grace. I’m only suggesting he act as your escort. You’d be with us the entire time.”
“What do you think, Moses? If Truth had attended a function with someone else, would you have been troubled by her actions?”
Moses laughed and reminded Grace that her sister had traveled to New York City without his complete approval and he’d still married her.
Grace took a sip of water. “What about Aunt Lilly? Won’t she be attending with us? If the two of us could sit together at the events, the seating wouldn’t be a problem.”
“Aunt Lilly isn’t attending. Moses was entitled to only one additional ticket for the event, and I wanted you to be there with me.”
Truth stabbed several green beans onto her fork.
“Truly?” She looked to Moses for affirmation, and when he nodded, she said, “I’m honored that I was the one selected to attend.
Thank you.”
“You are most welcome, Grace. And you may rest assured that we will respect your wishes regarding Mr. Rockley.” Moses gave Truth a pointed look. “Won’t we, my dear?”
Grace spoke before Truth could respond. “I don’t suppose having Mr. Rockley act as my escort would be improper. Silas and I aren’t married yet.”
Truth wanted to giggle with delight, but she forced herself to give only a solemn nod while she mentally considered details for the upcoming event. Fortunately she and Grace wore the same size dress.
Her blue-and-white silk dress, one she’d purchased during a trip to Boston with Moses, would be perfect for Grace. If Mr. Rockley and Grace agreed to see each other for future social engagements, her sister would have an entire wardrobe of suitable attire at her disposal since none of Truth’s gowns fit her increasing figure. And if Truth had her way, they would be seeing each other frequently.
CHAPTER
23
Truth was filled with pride when Moses raised his right hand and took the oath of office on January 8. The first black official in the state! Although this whole move to Topeka still wasn’t sitting well with her, she felt her chest puff up a little as she beamed at her husband.
The swearing-in ceremony was followed by a reception to greet and honor the new officials and their wives and special guests. John Rockley joined Truth, Grace, and Moses in the east wing of the capital. Mr. Rockley had remained by Grace’s side throughout all the formalities, and Truth soon discovered what a powerful member of the community he was. He had already been involved in several well-publicized cases. He had acted as special counsel to the Republican Party on several occasions, and his presence was desired at all political functions. With his knowledge of protocol, he’d been able to answer all of Truth and Grace’s questions with ease.
They discovered there was little time between each of the events, but Truth suspected a woman may have been consulted regarding the actual schedule. Though there wouldn’t be time to tarry, they would have sufficient time to return home and change into their gowns for the supper and dance that would follow.
As the foursome prepared to depart, Moses pulled John aside. “Why don’t we all attend in one carriage? Could you come by the house at five-thirty?”
“Excellent
idea. There are always far too many carriages at these events.” John gave Grace a slight bow. “I shall look forward to joining you for the evening.”
After they had piled into the carriage, Truth quizzed her sister. Though Grace occasionally appeared to object to the questions, Truth persisted; she must discover her sister’s thoughts if her plan was going to work. If only Grace were more open about her opinions . . .
Grace exhaled an audible sigh when they finally arrived home, and Moses grinned as he assisted her down from the carriage. “You must be pleased to be home, where you can avoid your sister’s probing questions—at least for a time.”
Truth playfully slapped at his arm. She was certain Mr. Rockley thought Grace attractive. He’d said as much to Moses. Now if she could only convince Grace to relax and enjoy the evening, her sister’s natural charm and intelligence would captivate Mr. Rockley even further. Coupled with the blue-and-white silk gown, how could he possibly resist?
After changing into her evening dress, Truth headed down to the parlor to await Mr. Rockley’s arrival. She could barely believe her eyes when she entered the parlor. Dovie was sitting on the settee entertaining Mr. Rockley as though she were the mistress of the house!
Truth hastened into the room and tapped the servant on her shoulder. “Would you please go upstairs and advise Grace we’re preparing to depart, Dovie?”
Dovie’s guilty expression showed that she was aware she’d overstepped her boundaries and was taking unacceptable liberties. Anger caused Truth’s cheeks to burn. After her earlier blunder at the supper table, why would Dovie behave in such a bold manner? She had to realize Truth would disapprove. Apparently the desire to find a prosperous husband was of greater import to Dovie than her job.
Truth sighed. Now there was little doubt Dovie’s employment was going to prove awkward. If she dismissed the girl after only a few days on the job and word trickled back to Nicodemus, folks would doubtless think Truth’s behavior rash and inappropriate. Perhaps she should have more carefully considered the possibility of such problems before hiring her old friend.
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