Daylight Comes by Judith Miller

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 she 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