A Truth Revealed (The Heart of Cheyenne #3)

Chapter 3

3

“I might not be here when you return tonight,” Mrs. Duffy told Laura. “I leave at nine sharp. It lets me get back to the boys to see them to bed and ready everything for the next day.”

“I don’t know how you do it,” Laura admitted. “It can’t be easy to get here at six in the morning and not get home until after nine at night.”

Mrs. Duffy shrugged and pushed back an errant strand of brown hair. “My mother lives with us, and she’s very helpful. The boys are too. They know the only way we can get by is if everyone does their part. Schooling is most important for them. Their father wanted them to have an education, but since classes are out for the holidays, they’re busy with odd jobs around the neighborhood to add a little money to the household coffers. They’re good that way.”

“They sound wonderful. I didn’t realize your mother lived with you. What a blessing.”

The housekeeper nodded and came to do up the back of Laura’s blouse. “When my husband, Tom, passed on last year, Mother came to stay with us. She had been living with my brother back in Maine. I couldn’t do my job without her, that’s to be sure.”

“If you don’t mind my asking, what happened to your husband?”

“Railroad accident. He was killed instantly.”

Laura fell momentarily silent, and she wished she hadn’t imposed the question. She was still trying to think of something to say when Mrs. Duffy finished with the buttons.

“There. Now you’re done up.”

Laura reached out to take hold of the older woman’s hand. “I’m so sorry about your husband. That couldn’t have been easy.”

“No.” Mrs. Duffy looked away. “Hardest on the boys. They were their father’s pride and joy. Mine too. It’s been hard for them to understand, but God has been good to us, and we’ll keep trusting Him for the future.”

“That’s all any of us can do. When I lost my mother years ago, I was devastated and had no idea of how to get through it. One of my teachers told me to simply take one step at a time and whisper a prayer in between. For a long time, that’s what I did.”

Mrs. Duffy nodded. “Grief is different for everyone, but God is a stronghold that never breaks.”

“Beautifully put, Mrs. Duffy.” Laura’s admiration for the woman doubled.

Laura turned to glance at her reflection in the dressing table mirror. She took up the matching green worsted jacket and pulled it on. It was well tailored, and as she did up the buttons, Laura turned her thoughts to the night ahead.

“I’m anxious about the church services. It’s never easy to start up with a new congregation.”

“Well, you look lovely, Miss,” Mrs. Duffy told her, brush ing off the back of the jacket. “You’re certain to charm them all.”

“I’ll be happy if I can just get through the evening without embarrassing myself.”

“Nonsense. There’ll be none of that for you. You’re quite the beauty, and you’ll no doubt have the eye of every single man in church.”

“Hardly the reaction I was aiming for.” Laura sat and checked her hair one more time. It was perfect. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous about this. It’s just church, and I’ve already made friends of Mrs. Vogel and Mrs. Decker. It’s not like I won’t know anyone.”

“I find meeting new folks to be rather daunting, but I’m sure you’ll do just fine.” Mrs. Duffy stepped back. I’ll lay out your nightgown and robe. Would you like me to leave you a snack to eat before bed?”

“No, that won’t be necessary.” Laura got to her feet. “I should go downstairs. I’m sure the Vogels will be here soon. Thank you for the help. Father might not realize it, but I can do for myself. We were taught at college to be very independent and not reliant upon maids.”

“I think every woman should be able to do for herself,” Mrs. Duffy replied. “One can never tell when it will be required of you.”

Laura smiled. She genuinely liked this no-nonsense housekeeper. Mrs. Duffy was quite knowledgeable despite having no extended education. Laura appreciated her wisdom and abilities, and she hoped to make sure the woman felt her admiration.

“I very much appreciate you, Mrs. Duffy.”

“Thank you, Miss Evans.”

“Call me Laura.”

“And you call me Etta.”

Laura stopped long enough to look the housekeeper in the eye. “I will, Etta. No matter what, I hope you know I will endeavor to be a good friend to you. Times are changing, and I believe it is possible to be friends with the people who work for you, and frankly, I need friends.”

Etta picked a piece of lint off Laura’s sleeve. “Well, then you have one in me.”

“Thank you. Already, I feel better.” Laura took up her Bible and purse and hurried downstairs. She was adjusting her hat when she heard the Vogels pull up outside.

Father was nowhere to be seen, so she pulled on her cloak and headed out to meet the Vogels. Mr. Vogel was already on the ground by the time she reached the carriage.

“Thank you so much for the ride,” she said as he handed her up. “I’m quite excited to visit your little church.”

“We’re glad to have you. It’s a very welcoming church, and I think you’ll enjoy the services. Our pastor is rather new. You may have heard of Dr. Scott who started us out, but he’s moved on, as has Reverend Allen. But Reverand Cather does a very nice job.”

“This is our daughter, Carrie,” Marybeth said. “This is Miss Evans, Carrie. Say hello.”

Laura smiled at the little girl. “You are the cutest little pixie, Miss Carrie.”

“I’m free.”

“Free?” Laura looked to Marybeth for an explanation.

“She means three. She’s almost three years old. Her birthday is coming up on the thirtieth, and she’s only too aware of it. I suppose that is all my doing, but I can’t help but be excited about it.”

“Well, I hope you have a very happy birthday. I love birthdays.”

Carrie snuggled closer to Marybeth. “You come to my birfday, please.”

Laura laughed. “That would be delightful.”

“We are planning a little party, and you would be very welcome. We’ll have supper and then cake. Wednesday evening at six.”

“I’ll send word tomorrow if I can make it.”

Marybeth nodded and put her arm around Carrie. Carrie patted Marybeth’s abdomen. “My mama have a baby.”

Edward got the carriage moving as Laura responded, “I didn’t know you were expecting.”

“I am. Mrs. Decker is as well. We’re both due in April.”

“Congratulations! How exciting.”

“We’re pleased to be sure. Melody is absolutely convinced we’re having boys. I’m not sure why, but she feels very confident of the matter.”

“Well, no matter, I’m sure you’ll welcome either boy or girl and be happy for it. I wish you the very best.”

“Thank you. By the way, how is your father doing?”

“Well. He’s very busy,” Laura answered, hesitating to explain further. She’d hardly seen him since arriving in Cheyenne and wasn’t at all sure what he was up to or when they might have more time together.

“Be sure and invite him to come to the party too,” Marybeth said, shifting Carrie. The child was too excited to sit still.

“I will, but as I said, he’s very busy. He’s had so many meetings.”

“He wants to be governor, as I hear it,” Edward threw in. “I think he’d probably make a good one. Folks around here admire him. He’s been quite generous to the community.”

Laura enjoyed hearing praise for her father. It made her proud and gave her the tiniest insight as to who he was.

It only took a couple of minutes to reach the school, and before Laura knew it, Edward was helping her down and then assisting his wife and daughter. They made such a sweet little family, and Laura already held them dear.

Inside the schoolhouse, they were immediately greeted by a man who seemed to be in charge. “I’m Reverend Cather. We’re so glad you could be with us.”

“I’m Laura Evans. My father is Granite Evans. You might know him.”

“I do, indeed. There was a small article in the Leader about you coming here after finishing your education back east. You are quite welcome to join us.”

“I had no idea there was an article.” Laura found it strange something like that would be city news. “But thank you for the welcome.”

As he turned to greet someone else, Melody Decker came to greet Laura and introduce her to the tall man at her side. “This is Charlie, my husband. Charlie, this is Granite Evans’s daughter, Laura. We met her at the store the other day and plan to be good friends.”

Laura gave Charlie a nod. “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Decker.”

“Please call me Charlie. I get enough of being called Mr. Decker by my students.” He grinned and took hold of his wife’s arm. “I know your father quite well, Miss Evans. He heads up a businessmen’s consortium to which I belong. He seems to know a lot about so much. I enjoy hearing him speak.”

“I’m delighted to know he’s well thought of. The Vogels were just singing his praises. It does my heart good. Oh, and please call me Laura.”

“The name Granite Evans is widely respected in Cheyenne. I wouldn’t be surprised to find him our new governor since we’ve heard that he’s also well-known to President-elect Grant,” Melody added.

“Goodness, wouldn’t that be exciting.” Laura wasn’t sure what else to say. She knew her father would love nothing more. Still, it seemed prideful to boast of his plans to see that very thing put in motion.

Edward Vogel came up to them. “We’d better get to our seats. Reverend Cather is taking his place.”

Laura glanced around the room as they made their way to the second row of seats. There were about fifty people gathered for worship.

She quickly found herself swept up by the congregation’s joy and enthusiastic singing. By the time they had prayed and sung several hymns, she felt right at home.

The pastor preached from the book of Luke, still focusing somewhat on the Christmas story, the shepherds, in particular. Laura found it made up for having missed services on Christmas Day.

By the time the service was over and the benediction offered, she knew that she wanted to continue with this congregation. The service was simple and yet heartfelt, and the atmosphere of the worshipers was most sincere. Afterward, people came to meet her and were more than friendly.

“This is Granny Taylor,” Melody told her as an older woman came to greet Laura. “Granny and her husband, Jed, are some of my dearest friends.”

“It’s good to meet you, Miss Evans,” Granny Taylor declared. “I’ve heard a lot about you from Melody and, of course, from your father. He was quite excited that you were to move here to be with him.”

“You know my father?” Laura asked.

“Everyone knows him,” the old woman declared. “I shop at his department store, and he’s always very welcoming. And lately your coming to Cheyenne was all he could talk about.”

Her words warmed Laura’s heart. She hadn’t known that her father had made her pending arrival known to the town. The thought made her happy. She wanted so much for this reunion to be the perfect conclusion to years of isolation and loneliness. Healing had taken time, and Laura was determined not to resent the years she’d lost to grief.

Will glanced across the room to where his friends were gathered. There was a new young woman in the middle of the group. He couldn’t help but wonder who she was. Charlie waved him over, and seeing that he could hardly ignore the invitation, Will joined them.

“Wilson Porter, this is Laura Evans, Granite Evans’s daughter. She’s newly come to live with him here in Cheyenne.”

Will gazed deeply into her brown eyes and, for a moment, felt a bit overwhelmed. When she smiled, it caused his breath to catch in the back of his throat.

He cleared his throat with a bit of a cough. “Miss Evans.”

“Mr. Porter,” she replied. “I’m pleased to meet you.”

“Will is here awaiting word from the government. He’s a preacher in his own right and plans to work with the Indians,” Charlie explained. “Apparently there are issues to be resolved, however. New treaties and all sorts of details. Poor Will has been waiting since early in the year to be assigned a place to minister.”

“Still, that must be very exciting. I’ve read about the reservation system, but I’ve never seen one in person.”

“At the rate they’re taking, Will’s beginning to wonder if he will see one himself,” Charlie countered. “But we’re happy to have him stick around Cheyenne. He’s a good man.”

“But we are praying for his clearance and appointment to come through soon,” Melody added. “Just be patient a little longer, Will. Just as we told you last night, things will come together soon enough.”

“I hope you’re right.” Will shrugged and looked again to Laura. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, as well, Miss Evans. I’ve heard of your father.” He chuckled. “Well, that is to say, everyone has heard of your father. He’s a visionary who has done much to better the town.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” Laura replied. “I am rather fond of him despite our years of separation. I am very happy to be here at last.”

“Do you plan to stay on?” Will asked more out of politeness than real curiosity. She was an engaging woman, and it would be easy to get caught up in socializing, but he had to keep his focus on the plans at hand.

“I do,” she replied. “I don’t know what the Lord has in store for me, but I do know He has brought me here, and here I will stay until He moves me on. But do tell me more about your work, Mr. Porter. Do you have a particular Indian tribe that you will work with?”

He was surprised by her interest. “I hope to work with the Shoshone. They are a peaceful and interesting people, and I’ve done my best to learn about them.”

“What is their culture like?”

He squared his shoulders. “I don’t know that I have a simple answer for that. They live off the land. They use hides for their teepees. That is to say, their houses. It’s like a tent of sorts.”

“And they live in these even during the cold months like we’re having now?”

Will nodded. “They live quite well in them. They have figured out ways to make them warm. They usually have a fire right in the middle with venting out the top. They hunt and fish and move about as needed to get the things they need to survive. Life on the reservation will limit how much they can move about, but the government plans to supply certain foods, clothes, medicines, and such to balance the situation.”

Laura seemed to consider his words. “And the Shoshone are agreeable to that arrangement?”

“As agreeable as they can be. Life has been altered for them—for all the Indians. It isn’t always an easy transition, but the Shoshone have been quite amiable and peaceful. I’m encouraged to think they will readily accept the Gospel and Bible teaching.”

“I hope they will. I would like to see all mankind accept God’s Word.”

He smiled. “As would I.”

“Excuse me,” Edward Vogel interrupted. “Marybeth is exhausted, and I think it’s time we head home.”

“Of course.” Laura started to go but turned back. “Mr. Porter, I would like to hear more about your studies of the Shoshone culture. I find anthropology quite fascinating.”

Will was surprised by her comment but gave her a nod. “I would be happy to tell you about them.”

He watched her go. She seemed quite genuine and very personable.

“So what did you think of Miss Evans?” Charlie asked him after she had gone.

Will shrugged. “Seemed nice enough. Why do you ask?”

“I might be overstepping my bounds here, but it looked to me like you were rather taken with her.”

“What? Why would you say that?” Will shook his head. “I’m not hunting for a wife, if that’s what you think.”

Charlie laughed. “You seem on guard to such things.”

Will realized he had reacted rather strongly. “I think the long wait from the government has put me on edge. That and waiting for my mother and sister to join me here in Cheyenne. It feels as though the entire world has been slowed to a stop. I don’t want anything—or anyone—to cause further delay in my moving ahead.”