Daylight Comes

by Judith Miller

  Truth mashed her lips together. Lilly was up to something, and she undoubtedly held Truth at a disadvantage. In any case, she would play along and see where this discussion might lead. Long ago, Truth had discovered that her aunt didn’t participate in idle chatter. Lilly’s seemingly casual conversations always bore some hidden agenda, and Truth wondered what Lilly might be scheming this day.

  “Now, you let me know if your pains begin anew; I’ll have John fetch the doctor.” Lilly leaned forward and glanced about. She lowered her voice as though she and Truth were conspiring to commit a crime. “I’m pleased to know we agree John is an excellent choice for Grace. His attributes outshine Silas by . . . well . . .” She hesitated as though seeking the proper description. “Actually there’s no way to even compare the two of them, is there? They are worlds apart in all respects.”

  Hearing Lilly’s enthusiastic approval of John and Grace as a couple was nearly enough for Truth to decide maybe she didn’t want to continue her matchmaking campaign. However, her desire for Grace to take up permanent residence in Topeka outweighed her need to defy any decision made by Aunt Lilly.

  “And what brought you and John calling this afternoon?”

  Lilly explained that she’d coerced John into assisting her with several business matters before requesting he drive her to the house.

  “How could he refuse when I told him I wanted to check on your condition?” Rising from the chair, Lilly sauntered across the room and looked out the window at the perfect April day. “Of course, I couldn’t tell him the complete reason.”

  Truth raised an eyebrow. “And that would be?”

  Lilly returned to her chair. “To discuss what you’ve told John about your sister and Silas.”

  Truth clenched her jaw. Exactly what had John related to Lilly? She’d made any number of remarks to him when he’d come seeking advice about courting Grace. Though Moses had cautioned her against interfering, Truth had forged ahead, certain John would be a perfect husband for her sister. She’d provided glowing accounts of her sister, and though she’d managed to skirt several of John’s questions, she’d not been completely truthful with him. Now she wondered precisely what information Lilly hoped to exact from her. Well, she’d not offer up any details. Lilly would have to take the lead.

  Of course, Lilly was accustomed to taking the offensive. When Truth maintained a quizzical face, Lilly didn’t hesitate. “John tells me you assured him Grace and Silas are merely friends. I was stunned to hear you’d made such an assertion. We both know that what you’ve told John is a complete and utter falsehood.”

  “Did you tell John I had lied? Because what you’ve related is not exactly what I told him.” Truth shifted forward in the bed, her heart now fluttering at a rapid pace.

  Lilly folded her arms across her waist and leaned back in the chair.

  “What exactly did you tell him, Truth?”

  She contemplated her answer, attempting to recall the precise words she’d spoken. “I mentioned Silas had come calling on several occasions, and I said that I didn’t think their relationship was of a serious nature.”

  “When two people have spoken about marriage, you don’t think it’s serious?” Lilly drummed her fingers atop the bedside table.

  Truth flinched as a twinge of pain struck her lower back and then eased as quickly as it had arrived. She sighed. “I think their entire relationship is based upon convenience rather than love. Back when Silas accompanied Macia and me from New York, he thought he was in love with me. I believe he substituted Grace after Moses and I wed.” Truth shifted onto her side and tucked the pillow beneath her head. “Theirs is more of a friendship than the love between a man and woman who intend to marry.”

  Lilly’s rippling laughter filled the room. “Why, Truth. I do believe you’ve learned a lesson or two from your aunt Lilly.”

  Truth flashed an angry look at her aunt. “And just what are you implying?”

  “Seems you’ve become quite accomplished at twisting words in order to manipulate people and circumstances to suit your own desires.” Lilly edged closer. “Be careful with your meddling, Truth. My past has taught me that scheming plans can lead to much heartache. You are dabbling in a risky business, young lady.”

  Truth eyed her aunt suspiciously. “But you said you didn’t approve of Silas and that Grace was an excellent choice for John. I thought we were of the same mind in this matter.”

  With a sly grin, Lilly wagged her index finger back and forth. “Don’t you see, Truth? By making you think I was your ally, you’ve divulged what I wanted to know. You’re attempting to match wits with me, and you failed.”

  Truth was utterly puzzled. She had been certain Lilly thought John and Grace a good match. “So you think Grace should return to Silas?”

  “I think we should both permit Grace to decide for herself. I’ve given up my matchmaking attempts. You married the man of your choice; permit your sister the same pleasure.”

  Before Truth could offer a retort, a searing pain coursed down her back and circled her hips. She scooted deeper into the bed, gasping for breath. Lilly sympathetically recommended she remain calm, but to no avail. How could she relax with this unspeakable pain taking control of her body?

  When she could finally catch her breath, Truth clutched Lilly’s arm. “Tell Grace to fetch the doctor.” She turned Lilly loose as another surge of pain assaulted her body. “Now!”

  She didn’t want to scream, but the contractions had taken control and were not easing in the slightest. She no longer was able to restrain herself.

  Grace ran pell-mell into the room and knelt beside the bed. She wiped Truth’s perspiring forehead with her handkerchief. “John has gone for the doctor. When he knows the doctor is on his way here, he’ll go and fetch Moses. Everything is going to be fine, Truth.” Grace continued to wipe her sister’s brow. “By this time tomorrow, all this pain will be nothing but a distant memory. Just think—you’ll be holding a little son or daughter in your arms.”

  Truth tried to be brave, but as the hours wore on and the pain continued to ravage her body, she weakened and wondered if she could sustain the assaults. She wanted the pain to end. In fact, right now she believed she would prefer death to childbirth. Something was wrong: the birth was taking much too long. Though the doctor continued to encourage her, she could see the look of concern on her husband’s face the few times he came into the room. The sound of hushed whispers drifted to her from the hallway. Although Grace and Lilly spoke cheerfully as they took turns near her bedside, she could see the fear and worry in their eyes.

  Without warning, another bolt of burning pain ripped through her. She howled like an injured animal and then felt herself falling into a dark abyss.

  Moses was hovering over her when her eyes fluttered open again. He kissed her hand. “Truth? Can you hear me?”

  She tried to speak, but her lips wouldn’t move. Instead, she blinked her eyes. Moses gently lifted her head and held a cup of water to her lips. She managed a small sip before he placed her head back on the pillow.

  “You gave me quite a scare.” He motioned the doctor forward. “Dr. Rafferty says you’re going to be fine. Right, Doctor?”

  The doctor nodded as he stepped forward. “You’ll need to get some rest, but you’re young and healthy—and there’s plenty of time.”

  Truth grasped Moses’s hand. “Time for what? Where’s the baby?”

  She turned her head on the pillow, looking toward the cradle they’d had specially made for their child.

  Moses stroked her cheek. “The baby didn’t live, Truth.”

  Once again, the shadowy abyss rose up to snatch her, and Truth welcomed the comfort of dark oblivion.

  CHAPTER

  28

  Hill City , Kansas

  Macia tightly clasped Camille’s hand while Dr. Boyle pointed Mrs. Faraday to a chair. Camille’s brother, Jonas, hadn’t been at the pharmacy when they’d arrived, and for that Macia was grateful. They had awfu
l news to deliver.

  Not wanting to deal with weeping women, Erik Peterson had delivered the telegram to Dr. Boyle with the request that Macia’s father be the one who talked to Mrs. Faraday. Hoping to lend Camille some support, Macia had volunteered to come along, though she now wondered if she’d made a wise decision. There was no way to know how the two women would react to the tragic news.

  Strands of Mrs. Faraday’s graying hair had come loose from the pins and now flew about like thin, waving fingers. Dr. Boyle removed the telegram from the pocket of his jacket. Mrs. Faraday immediately frowned as though she knew nothing good would come from their visit.

  “Erik Peterson delivered this to me a short time ago. It’s from the sheriff down in Abilene. Seems your husband was involved in a card game at one of the local saloons. One of the men accused him of cheating.”

  “He’s been killed.”

  She knew?

  “I’m sorry to tell you that he died of a gunshot wound, Mrs. Faraday.” Dr. Boyle held out the telegram. “This says a letter will follow with additional details.”

  “His body?”

  “The telegram doesn’t say. The undertaker may have buried him down in Abilene. Perhaps when you receive the letter . . .”

  “Yes, of course.” She drew a cleansing breath and reached for Camille. “We must decide what we’re to do.”

  Camille jutted her chin and knelt down beside her mother. “We’ll continue on as we have since he vanished. We’re getting by, Mother.

  With Dr. Boyle’s help, we can continue to operate the pharmacy here in Hill City, don’t you think, Dr. Boyle?”

  “Yes, of course. You’ve been doing an admirable job, Camille, and there’s no reason to think of leaving. After all, you’ve established the business, and you own a home here.”

  Macia nodded to affirm the statement. She hoped they would stay; Camille had become a good friend in recent months.

  After a glance at Macia and Dr. Boyle, Mrs. Faraday looked back to her daughter. “We also have a great deal of debt. I worry whether the pharmacy can turn enough profit to keep us afloat.”

  “Don’t fret over the future, Mrs. Faraday,” Macia’s father said. “I’ll do everything in my power to help you maintain the business. In addition, young Jonas may want to plan his future around operating the pharmacy.”

  “I think he’s more interested in the newspaper business than the pharmacy,” Camille said. “That’s where his free time is occupied nowadays.”

  As she and her father prepared to depart, Macia took Camille’s hands in her own. “Do let me know if there’s anything I can do, Camille. If you’d like to stop by the house, please feel free to do so without an invitation.”

  Mrs. Faraday suddenly smiled. “That’s an excellent idea. In fact, you could go over and visit this evening. Perhaps a game of whist? It will take your mind off of our family problems. Moreover, you need to be around people your own age. You spend far too much time alone in this pharmacy.”

  Camille stared wide-eyed at her mother. “I truly don’t believe this is an appropriate time for me to go about town visiting, Mother.

  We’ve received word of Father’s death only minutes ago, and you’re now sending me off for a game of cards?”

  Mrs. Faraday rested her hands on her hips, her elbows projecting like two chicken wings. “Your father has been detached from this family for years. In addition, he chose to completely disappear from our lives without so much as a farewell. I don’t plan to spend time mourning over a man who cared nothing for me or the welfare of this family, and I’ll not permit you or Jonas to do so, either.”

  Macia bowed her head close to Camille’s ear. “It might be best if you agreed to come visit this evening. Your mother is likely in shock, and further disagreement will only make matters worse.”

  Camille nodded and then accompanied Macia and Dr. Boyle outside. After Dr. Boyle departed for his office, Camille tugged Macia away from the front door of the pharmacy. Keeping her voice low, Camille hastened to explain that her mother’s behavior wasn’t due to grief over her father’s death. “She’s not suffering from shock.

  My parents ceased caring about each other long ago. My mother is pushing me to visit at your home because she holds out hope that Harvey will propose marriage.”

  Macia grinned and squeezed Camille’s hand. “I’d be most pleased to have you as a member of the family. I’ve always wanted a sister.

  From the way Harvey was looking at you just the other day, I don’t think he needs your mother’s assistance. He appears more than a little interested in you, but you no doubt already know that.”

  “We’ve been seeing each other on occasion—secretly, because I didn’t want my mother interfering. She’s pushed me toward Harvey from the day we arrived. I truly like him, but I would never want him to believe I pursued him because I was seeking a husband to provide for my future security.” The wind whipped at Camille’s skirt, and she gripped the folds between her fingers. “You do understand my dilemma, don’t you?”

  “Of course. But Harvey isn’t a child who can easily be deceived.

  I’m certain he already realizes that your mother would like to see a match. Believe me, my brother won’t propose unless he truly loves you, Camille.” She looped arms with Camille as they walked back to the front door of the pharmacy. “I do hope you’ll come to the house this evening.”

  “In that case, I’ll see you tonight.” Camille waved good-bye as she entered the small business establishment.

  Macia contemplated stopping by the newspaper office before heading back home but just as quickly decided against the idea. Camille and Harvey didn’t need another person meddling in their lives.

  The weather had warmed considerably, though a strong southerly wind yanked at her cloak and then whipped the bonnet from her head. Thankful she’d knotted the ribbons, she attempted to pull the hat back into place.

  The sound of Lucy’s voice carried on the breeze. Macia turned to see the girl racing headlong toward her. Lucy’s books hung in a leather strap that bounced at her side, and Macia wondered that they didn’t go scattering onto the street. Macia couldn’t resist grinning at the sight. “School out for the day?”

  Lucy came to a screeching halt and pulled Macia into a forceful embrace. “Yep. Where have you been? Down to see Harvey at the newspaper office?”

  “No, I was at the pharmacy. How were your lessons today?”

  “I’m having a bit of trouble. Could you come over this evening and help me?”

  Macia doubted Lucy was having any difficulty with her schoolwork. More likely, she was once again up to her matchmaking. The girl was determined that nothing would stand in the way of Jeb and Macia resuming their relationship. So far as Lucy was concerned, now that Fern and Garrett were no longer contenders for Jeb’s and Macia’s affections, there was nothing impeding their marriage.

  “I’m sorry, but I’m expecting company this evening, Lucy. I’m sure Jeb can help you with your lessons.”

  Lucy’s smile crumpled like an ill-prepared souffle . Macia knew her reply wasn’t the answer Jeb’s sister wanted to hear. However, the girl wasn’t easily deterred. “Why don’t you stop in now? You could help me before you go home.”

  “I suppose I could help you for a half hour, but then I must return home.”

  “We can cut through the livery.”

  Macia walked along behind, knowing Lucy thought herself quite clever. There was little doubt what she was up to.

  Lucy waved at her brother as they walked across the hay-strewn floor of the barn. “Look who I brought home with me.”

  Jeb waved in greeting and walked toward her with a currycomb in one hand. “Erik told me the news about Mr. Faraday. He said you went down to see the family with your father. How are they doing?”

  Lucy came closer and took hold of her brother’s arm. “What happened? Did they find Mr. Faraday?”

  After explaining the circumstances of Mr. Faraday’s death to his sister,
Jeb turned his attention back to Macia. “Is Mrs. Faraday going to pull up stakes and leave town?”

  “No. Seems they plan to remain and try to make a go of the pharmacy. At least I hope so.”

  “I’m sure your brother hopes for the same. I reckon he and Camille have taken a liking to one another.” Jeb grinned as they walked through the barn.

  Macia merely shrugged, though she surmised the clandestine visits between Camille and her brother hadn’t been nearly as private as they thought. “Lucy and I had best get to that schoolwork as I’ll need to return home before long.”

  Jeb stepped aside and then headed back toward the horse he’d been grooming. When Lucy didn’t move, Macia tugged at her hand.

  “Come on.”

  After they’d entered the house, Lucy placed her hands on her hips.

  “He wanted to talk some more. How are you two ever gonna get back together if you won’t talk to him?”

  Macia couldn’t fault the girl. If nothing else, she had determination! Unfortunately for Lucy, Macia was not prepared to give her heart to Jeb Malone again—at least not yet.

  Ezekiel cupped his hands over his face in despair. He’d expected to hear he had another grandchild to welcome into the fold. Instead, Jarena’s voice quivered as she read the letter telling him of the stillborn infant. Somehow he couldn’t wrap his mind around the idea. Not once had he envisioned such a thing. And from the gist of Moses’s letter, it didn’t sound as though Truth was recuperating like the doctor had predicted.

  In fact, the only good news in the entire letter was Grace’s note saying she would accompany representatives of the railroad on a visit to Nicodemus in a few weeks. She didn’t mention whether she would return to Topeka after her visit, and he wondered who would win— Truth or Silas. Ezekiel didn’t doubt that Truth would want her sister’s company during this time of loss. On the other hand, Silas wouldn’t easily let Grace leave him again.

  From what Ezekiel had seen, Silas still hadn’t sent any letters to Grace while she was off in Topeka. Ezekiel massaged his forehead with his fingertips. If Silas lost this battle, he’d have only himself to blame.