Daylight Comes by Judith Miller Page A

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
    T he 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