A Truth Revealed (The Heart of Cheyenne #3)

Chapter 2

2

Seeing the house’s lack of Christmas decorations, Laura brought the matter to her father’s attention first thing. To her delight, he had arranged for a Christmas tree to be brought in two days before the holiday. He then ordered all sorts of ornaments from his store and had them delivered as well. Laura and Mrs. Duffy had a wonderful time decorating the tree and arranging the house.

A blizzard struck the day before Christmas, burying the town in more snow. Laura had never experienced anything quite like it. On Christmas morning, the wind was still howling, and it seemed impossible to keep the house warm. Mrs. Duffy had awakened her with a cup of hot chocolate and helped her dress in a heavy quilted skirt and her warmest long-sleeved blouse and red velvet jacket. Laura even put on two pairs of woolen stockings, and still she was cold.

“When the wind blows like this, it makes all of the houses colder. Even the well-made ones,” Mrs. Duffy told her. “When I left this morning, my boys were huddled up around the fireplace, and I’ll bet they’ll be there all day.”

“I’m so sorry you have to spend Christmas here with us,” Laura said as Mrs. Duffy secured her hair in a simple bun.

“It’s not a problem. You’re bound to need someone to help. I do get to leave just after Christmas dinner. And your father was very generous with extra pay for the day.”

“I’m glad for at least that much.”

Laura finished drinking her hot chocolate. She couldn’t help being excited despite the cold. “I’ve so looked forward to this day. I haven’t spent a Christmas with my father since I was a little girl. Mama died just a little less than a month before Christmas when I was twelve. We didn’t celebrate that year, nor was I home to celebrate with Father all the years afterward. This is the first time we’ll be together.”

“How terrible for you to be alone all that time, Miss. Christmas is meant to be for family.”

“I agree, but my father was never up to the challenge. I’m glad he feels he can celebrate now. I’ve prayed for this and waited so long. We’re finally a family again.”

“Well, you should get downstairs. I’m sure your father is waiting for you in the front room.”

Laura hurried to the door. “I hope he’s got the fire burning bright. I’m already chilled to the bone.”

Thankfully, there was a large fire burning, and Father waited patiently at the mantel, no doubt keeping warm.

“Ah, there you are. Good Christmas Day to you.”

“Merry Christmas, Father.” Laura engulfed him in a hug. “I’m so happy I could cry. This is already the best Christmas I’ve had in years. Just having a home again and being with you is more than I could have asked for.”

He looked at her oddly as he pulled away. “I didn’t know it had been so hard for you.”

“I missed you. You had to know that. I wrote it in all my cards and letters home.”

He glanced down and shrugged. “I’m sorry I wasn’t up to the task of having you home for the holidays.”

She gave his arm a squeeze. “It’s all right. Let’s put it behind us. We have each other now. Come and sit. I have some gifts for you.”

Laura had brought trinkets of affection to give her father. She had purchased three books she thought he’d like, a new fountain pen carved from whale bone, and decidedly masculine-scented cologne bags for his dresser drawers.

He had arranged presents for her as well, including a beautiful necklace of exquisite diamonds and sapphires. Laura argued that the gift was much too expensive, but her father told her it was in keeping with her new status and that he hoped to give her most everything she asked for. The only thing he refused her was her request to attend Christmas church services.

“It’s far too cold, and besides, I don’t have a church to attend.” He dismissed the subject then, since Mrs. Duffy announced breakfast was served.

For the rest of the day, they quietly read in the front room. From time to time, one or the other made a comment, but it was a rather uncomfortable time for Laura. She had hoped she’d return to the loving father she remembered. Instead, she found herself wondering if she had simply invented that person in her mind. Surely not. She had good memories of him and her mother. Of course that had been a long, long time ago, but people didn’t change that much. Did they?

The next day, Laura was determined to talk to him about rectifying the matter. “Father, I hope you don’t mind, but I was rather hoping to talk to you about something,” Laura began, midway through breakfast.

“Whatever it is, speak up.” Her father had been balancing his attention between her, the food, and the newspaper.

“I was wondering why we did not attend Christmas services. I remember Mama was quite fond of us going to church together on Christmas morning. Through the years, I’ve found it to be such a glorious time.”

His expression saddened. “I haven’t been in church for years, if you want an honest answer. I’m afraid my anger at losing your mother left me unable. I haven’t yet worked out a way to make peace with a God who would steal away a child’s mother and a beloved wife when so many evildoers go unharmed.” He picked up his coffee and met her gaze. “I’m sorry if that offends you, but I have no use for religion.”

Laura tried to choose her words carefully. “I can understand your feelings. Losing Mama sent me in the opposite direction, however. And in your absence, I was most desperate for a father’s love and attention.”

“You always had both from me, just not face-to-face. For that, I’m deeply sorry. I wasn’t a strong man back then. Your mother’s death nearly brought on my own. I sent you away, Laura, because I knew I could not be a decent father to you. It wasn’t for lack of love.” He put the coffee down untasted.

“I had little love in my life as a child. Your mother’s love was my first real experience with it. She taught me to feel and care about things and people. I had so carefully guarded myself against such things that it was an entirely new way of living for me. Then you came along, and it was easy to lose my heart to you as well.”

Laura smiled. “And you were a very good father. You still are. I hated our separation, but you explained it quite well, and I held great sympathy for you. And even though I needed your attention and affection, there was a part of me that knew such a tenderness for your needs that my own seemed unimportant.”

“Still, it was wrong,” her father replied. “I should have been there for you. Your grief was great. It wasn’t right that I should have sent you away, but please know it was never for lack of love.”

She had always been certain of this and gave a nod. “You have always proven to me that your love was sincere and never-ending. I suppose that’s why it was easy for me to accept God’s love and to build my faith ever deeper. Mother always encouraged it, and without you to guide and encourage, I sought my heavenly Father. I hope you don’t find it offensive, but my faith is a big part of who I am. I can’t deny it just because you have no interest in it. I mean to attend church on Sunday and to continue being a woman of faith.”

“I have no problem with that,” her father replied, once again picking up his coffee. He took a long drink, then seemed to consider the contents before speaking. “Faith in God is a very personal thing. I’m sure you would agree.”

“Of course.”

He put the cup back on the saucer. “It’s difficult for me to make peace with God. That doesn’t mean that in time I won’t seek to do so, but for now, I am unable to reconcile the matter. I beg your indulgence and patience, and I ask that you refrain from any attempt to rush my reconciliation.”

“Of course. I have no right to impose my faith on anyone else.” She felt sorry for her father. He was still deeply wounded by the death of his wife. Laura whispered a prayer for guidance. Her heart’s desire was that her father would find peace once again and come to realize God’s grace and mercy in the midst of his pain.

“Good,” her father said, pushing back from the table. “Now finish up. As soon as you are done with breakfast, we’ll make our way to the Cheyenne Ladies’ Department Store. I think you’ll be quite impressed. I’ve patterned various sections off some of the finer stores in Paris, London, and New York.”

She couldn’t help but smile. He seemed so excited to show her what he had created. “I’m ready. I couldn’t eat another bite.” Laura folded her napkin and scooted back. “Let me get my things.”

The short ride through town was only slightly hampered by the snow. The blizzard winds had blown much of the snow into large drifts, and Mr. Grayson capably maneuvered the team as they made their way through the neighborhood.

Cheyenne in a cover of white seemed pristine and vast. The centralized downtown was nestled snuggly together in a crisscross of streets and contained a wide variety of businesses with everything from dressmakers and milliners to jewelry stores and an entire shop devoted to glassware. Skirting the edges of these were collections of houses and churches, expanding out to neighborhoods where even now children played in the snow. But the thing that most intrigued Laura was the noticeable lack of trees. How fascinating that the town simply rose out of the prairie, seemingly from nothing.

“We’ll soon have a very fashionable city,” Father declared. “Cheyenne hopes to one day be the capital of a great state. It’s already an important crossroads.”

“You’ve only just become a territory,” Laura reminded. “No doubt the government will take its time in seeing it become a state. From what I’ve learned, Congress has the power to create states but not a set plan for how to do it. Isn’t it based somewhat on population?”

“You seem to have learned a great deal at school,” her father said, looking somewhat impressed.

“I did. My school was quite progressive in seeing women obtain as good an education as that offered by the various men’s universities. However, they also instructed that each and every bit of knowledge we obtained would be useful in running a proper Southern household. I intend for my children, be they male or female, to value education. It’s very important to be knowledgeable. Don’t you think, Father?”

“I do, indeed, and it would appear my money was well spent in seeing to your education. I’m pleased that you have retained so much information.”

“It might surprise you to know that I can read and write Latin and Greek, and I am fluent in French.” She shrugged. “I can also speak a bit of Italian and German, as I picked those up in our travels through Europe.”

He chuckled. “A well-rounded scholar to be sure.”

Laura smiled. “It kept my mind occupied and saved me from being too lonely for home.”

The carriage came to a stop, and rather than respond to her comment, Father exited quickly and let Mr. Grayson help Laura down.

She looked up at the wide storefront. The beautifully designed sign atop the wooden building proudly announced the department store.

“Of course, this is soon to change. This entire block is owned by me, and I am arranging for everything to be done up in brick. I have a shipment of bricks due to come in spring, and a construction crew contracted to begin building in March. This is going to be quite the place. Now, come inside and see what we have. I believe you’ll be pleased.”

Laura followed her father. He was obviously happy with all that he had created, and she didn’t want him to think her anything but supportive.

Inside the store, Laura noted the abundance of light. Lamps were situated throughout the floor on overhead posts and arranged so that optimal benefit could be had below. Her father had arranged a variety of departments where all manner of things could be had. Most all were of interest to women, with one section furnishing intimate apparel and another perfumes, powders, lotions, and soaps. There was a department for ready-made clothing and another for hats and shoes. It was quite impressive.

“I’m surprised that you’re open on Saturday,” Laura said as she took it all in.

“Just half a day. There are many women who prefer to shop today rather than during the week. I try to accommodate them, and it has paid off in a most beneficial way. Saturdays are a valuable revenue day for the store.”

He pulled her along. “We have a salon in the back where our customers can sit and rest, even take tea. There are, of course, other stores that offer ready-made clothes and household supplies, but I offer everything under one roof—and of the highest quality,” her father announced. “Come and meet some of my staff.”

He led her to a counter where three women clad in black skirts and white blouses waited to help customers. Her father gave a quick introduction to the trio. Laura tried to memorize their names, but her father insisted on moving her on to yet another part of the store before she could speak to them.

Laura was rather relieved when one of the women she’d met approached him about a problem with one of the shipments and Father’s attention was needed.

“I’ll just look around the store,” Laura told him. “You go ahead and see to business.”

He seemed annoyed but nodded and left with the woman. Laura took a deep breath and glanced around the building. It was far more impressive than she’d imagined it to be. She was surprised by what her father had created but then chided herself for feeling that way. She really knew very little about him beyond what she could remember from childhood and his correspondence over the years.

Two women were walking down the main aisle as Laura rounded the corner. They were laughing about something and seemed to be having a wonderful time together. She smiled as they approached.

“Good morning, ladies,” she said, feeling obligated to greet the customers.

“Good morning,” the woman on the right replied. The other nodded and offered her hello as well.

Laura gave a nervous laugh. “This is my father’s store.” She wasn’t sure why she made that comment. It seemed completely out of place now that the words were out of her mouth.

“How wonderful. We love shopping here.” The woman on the right said. She extended her hand. “I’m Melody Decker. This is my dear friend Marybeth Vogel. You’re new to Cheyenne, aren’t you?”

There was an unexpected and immediate connection between the three women. Laura shook the woman’s hand and nodded. “I arrived just shortly before Christmas. I’m to make my home here with my father.”

“That’s wonderful news,” Melody said. “Do you yet have a church to attend?”

“No. I was hoping to find one.” She glanced over her shoulder, uncertain what, if anything, she should say about her father’s lack of attendance. She looked back at Melody and Marybeth and shrugged. “Have you one to suggest?”

“Our church is quite satisfying. We attend the Methodist church. Currently, we meet at the school on Sunday evenings. We would love for you to join us for services. We meet at seven. You and your father would be very welcome.”

“I’m afraid my father would be too busy to join me.” She hoped they wouldn’t question her on the matter. Laura had no desire to dishonor him in any way.

“We could come by to pick you up,” Marybeth offered. “My husband won’t mind at all.”

“Or we could. Perhaps we could take turns,” Melody said, looking to Marybeth. The woman nodded.

“I would like that very much, especially given it’s at night. Why are the services in the evening?”

Marybeth took on this question. “We share the school building with another church. Their services are in the morning. We have quite a few in our congregation now. We were the first church to organize in Cheyenne, but alas, we weren’t the first to construct our own building. We’re hoping to get started next year. It’s just the matter of raising the money.”

“How wonderful. Perhaps I can talk my father into donating.” She heard his gruff voice barking out orders and knew he was most likely headed back to retrieve her. “We live on Seventeenth.”

“I know well where your house is situated,” Melody replied. “Our place is close by, next to a private school for boys that my husband and I run. One of our students lives across the street from your house.”

Marybeth nodded. “It’s hard not to know where everyone is situated. The town isn’t that big just yet. We live on the east side as well. I’m sure we’ll all get to know each other and be dear friends.”

Her father joined them just then, and Laura turned to introduce them. “Father, this is Mrs. Vogel and Mrs. Decker. Ladies, this is my father, Granite Evans.”

“Ladies, I’m charmed. I hope you’re enjoying all that the store has to offer.”

“Oh, we are,” Melody replied. “It isn’t our first visit here. You have a wonderful place, Mr. Evans.”

“Thank you. It is my desire to afford the ladies of Cheyenne with the same services and selections as any of the larger cities. If you don’t see what you need, we can always order it.”

“Father, these ladies have invited me to attend the Methodist services with them on Sunday evenings. They have even offered to give me a ride with their families. Wasn’t that gracious?”

“Very. I can’t thank you enough for warmly welcoming my daughter to Cheyenne.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “I will let my clerks know that you’re to have five percent off anything you purchase today.” He straightened and smiled. “Now, I must continue to introduce my daughter to the staff. If you’ll excuse us.”

“Of course,” the women said in unison.

“And thank you for your generous discount,” Melody added.

Laura took hold of her father’s arm. She was so pleased at his kindness. “You are quite the man, Father. It’s no wonder you’ve made good in Cheyenne. People know you for your kindness and generosity.”

He patted her arm. “I find such attitude and actions to always be beneficial.”

Wilson Porter sanded the table edge and ran his hand along it to make certain there were no rough places. He’d been in Cheyenne since the spring, waiting for the government to finally approve his appointment to minister on the Indian reservation. One delay after another had made it necessary to seek work, and since he was good at making furniture, Mr. Bradley of Bradley’s Furniture Store had hired him on.

He didn’t exactly hate the work, but it left him feeling a lack of fulfillment. He’d come west at the encouragement of his church and father, who headed up that congregation. His father was an eighth-generation man of the cloth, able to trace back his religious roots in America to a ship called the Brethren , which had brought his relations to the new land from Europe. His father and grandfather were quite proud of the family heritage, as was Will.

Preaching to the native peoples was something of a tradition, although his father had given that up to move his family to Salem, Ohio, where he founded their church. Despite that change, Will had felt called to continue the tradition, and once he’d graduated seminary, he had done what he could to involve himself in helping spread the Gospel to the Indians.

The War between the States had delayed him. He felt it his duty to serve and help free the slaves from the oppression of the South. During his experience on the battlefield, Will had found many opportunities to pray with his fellow soldiers and offer encouragement during times of great fear. The men started calling him Preacher, some with more affection than others. Once the war concluded, Will was able to finish seminary and complete the requirements of ordination. And through seeking to work with the native peoples, Will found himself looking ever westward.

Last spring, he had been encouraged by the Office of Indian Affairs to relocate to Cheyenne while they concluded the terms for the treaties with the area Shoshone and Bannock tribes. The newly formed Fort Hall Indian Reservation would be divided into five districts, and Wilson was sure to be appointed to one of them.

But it was nearly the new year, and there was still no word from Washington. The local Indian agent, Mr. Blevins, had tried to be encouraging, telling him it was just a matter of time, but that hadn’t really helped. Especially when word came in July that Will’s father had passed away suddenly. Will hadn’t even had the opportunity to reach home in time for the funeral.

He could still remember the tears his mother and sister had cried when he’d left for Cheyenne. They understood his calling but wanted him to remain in Ohio. Instead, Will returned to Cheyenne and began to pray fervently for an answer as to how he could both take care of his mother and sister and answer God’s call on his life. Just before the weather had turned cold, an idea had come to him: Mother and Sally could move to Cheyenne. It would put them much closer to the reservation, and perhaps in time they could even join him. With them in Cheyenne, he would have a better chance to help them. He might even find a way to be assigned to one of the other tribal reservations closest to Cheyenne.

At least, that would be his goal if he could talk them into moving west. Thankfully, his mother had money left to her from her parents. Her funds had often supported them in years when his father’s earnings through the church had been lean. It had been a source of some argument as to whether it was biblical for a man of God to rely on his wife’s inheritance, but in the long run, Will’s father had called it God’s blessing for a ministry that He had known would need extra support. Now his mother and sister could live without fear of the future. It gave Will a great sense of relief to know they were provided for since he wouldn’t earn a lot of money as a missionary.

He finished his work and straightened. This table had been ordered a couple of weeks ago and was to be finished by the first of the year. Thankfully, everything was on schedule, and he could quit for the day with a clear conscience that all was well.

Will stretched and reached up to knead the muscles in his neck. He’d been invited to share supper with the Decker family this evening and had been looking forward to it all day. He enjoyed conversing with Charlie Decker, and his wife, Melody, was a very good cook. Not that his boardinghouse owner, Mrs. Cooper, was a poor one. Both women were talented in their abilities. He smiled and dusted off his clothes. He was a blessed man, and if his mother and sister would come to Cheyenne, and if he could obtain a missional assignment, he’d have no complaints at all.

If.

“That table is looking good, Will,” Mr. Bradley said as Will put away his tools.

“Thanks. Shouldn’t have any trouble getting it stained and finished in plenty of time.”

With everything taken care of, Will hurried home to the boardinghouse to clean up. He had barely stepped foot in the door, however, when Mrs. Cooper came up to him.

“You’ve had some news, Will. I know you’ll be wanting to see these before you head out again.” She handed him two letters.

Will glanced at the envelopes. One was from his mother and the other from the Indian office. “Thanks!” He bounded up the stairs, taking them two at a time.

He hurried to his room and, once inside, ripped open his mother’s letter first. A smile lined his lips. They were coming. His mother had spent most of the last few months with her sister in Mississippi, but she and Sally were finally on their way for an extended visit. They hoped to join him sometime after the new year and stay until summer. She would send another letter or telegram when she had an exact date of arrival.

Will was tempted to let out a whoop but knew it wouldn’t be understood by those sharing rooms around him. Instead, he tossed the letter onto the bed and opened the one from the Indian office. He scanned the contents, a frown replacing his smile. More delays. The approval hadn’t yet been given since details were still being argued regarding some of the treaty’s more difficult points.

He drew a deep breath and refolded the letter. God had perfect timing for everything, and he had to trust that this was all a part of God’s plan. After all, if he were to be approved for the reservation work and had to leave before his mother and sister arrived, that would put everyone at a disadvantage. This way he would be there to help Mother and Sally get settled and perhaps convince them to remain in Cheyenne permanently.

That thought brought to mind that he had no idea where they would stay. His boardinghouse was for men. Women weren’t allowed. He was going to have to get right on to finding them a place. A hotel to begin with or another board inghouse. If they agreed to stay, then maybe he could find a house where they could all live together until he had to leave. Mother could afford to purchase a place once she decided for certain, but he would need to have options for her. Tomorrow was Sunday, so Monday he’d get the table stained, and while it was drying, he’d take a little time off work and check in with the real estate office and see what he could find. He’d also ask Mrs. Cooper about places for rent or board.

A peace settled on him even as he realized time was getting away from him. Everything was going to work out right. He just knew it.