Daylight Comes by Judith Miller

could be withdrawn, shouts of jubilation erupted. Hoping Moses would do something to put Miss Hattie in her place, Truth squeezed his hand. Unfortunately, he was already nodding his agreement.
    Truth wandered through the parlor and dining room, straightening furniture and checking tabletops for dust. She wanted to feel assured the house was in order for tonight’s celebration party. Though she longed to take a brief nap, she wouldn’t want their visitors to think her a poor housekeeper. Accordingly, she circled the rooms several times before giving her final approval.
    Although Moses had privately voiced his displeasure over Miss Hattie’s invitation to the community, he was clearly thrilled the gathering would reconvene this evening. Tonight the town would truly celebrate his election. The votes had all been counted, and the telegram from Topeka had declared Moses the winner by a landslide.
    Erik Peterson had ridden like the wind to bring the message from the telegraph office. The voting citizens of Kansas had spoken, and so had God. Truth would not have her way in this matter.
    A knock sounded at the front door and Truth checked the mantel clock. Just before four. She’d specifically sent word that Miss Hattie need not arrive until after supper. Truth trudged toward the front door and exhaled a sigh before she yanked it open.
    Her jaw went slack and she simply stared, momentarily rendered speechless.
    “Aren’t you going to invite me in?”
    Truth moved to the side. The scent of floral perfume filled her nostrils as the woman came into the foyer. Her fashionable gown gently rustled as she brushed past Truth. “I wasn’t expecting . . . I mean, I’m surprised . . . I expected Miss Hattie to be standing on the porch.”
    Aunt Lilly’s familiar laughter filled the foyer. “Don’t you love a surprise?”
    Truth shook her head. She’d had enough surprises to last her a lifetime, and the last thing she wanted was yet one more—particularly the arrival of Aunt Lilly at her door.
    Though Pappy and Lilly had made amends before Lilly departed Nicodemus, Truth wondered if he would be displeased to see her. More importantly, why was Lilly at her place rather than Jarena’s? Jarena and Lilly were more than aunt and niece; they were mother and daughter—by blood, if not by any other bond. She peeked out the front door. Two large trunks and a large leather bag sat nearby.
    Lilly followed her gaze. “I’m having the remainder of my things shipped.”
    “Remainder?”
    Stopping in front of the mirror, Lilly rearranged the lacy jabot that topped her wine-colored wool traveling dress. “Yes. I’m relocating. But we can leave those outside until I’ve decided where I’ll be staying.”
    Truth swallowed hard as she followed her aunt into the parlor. Where she’ll be staying? If Lilly planned to remain in Nicodemus for an extended visit, surely she would move in with Jarena—or even Pappy. Truth was afraid to pursue the topic, for there was no telling what answer she might receive. Moreover, there were chores that needed to be completed before her guests arrived. She’d not had time to explain the celebratory party when she heard Miss Hattie’s familiar voice.
    The old woman pushed open the front door and charged forward. “Who’s that there baggage on your porch—” She stopped mid-sentence and frowned at Lilly. The old woman squinted and took a step closer. “Is my eyes deceiving me, or is that Lilly Verdue?”
    Truth smiled at Miss Hattie’s little game of cat and mouse. “You know it is, Miss Hattie.”
    A throaty harrumph erupted before Miss Hattie made her way into the parlor. “I’m guessing you’s back here to stir up some more of that trouble you’s so good at brewing.”
    Lilly’s soft laugh rippled through the room. “The only thing I’ve continued to stir up is my own perfume, Miss Hattie.” She leaned down and placed a kiss on the old woman’s wrinkled brow.
    The surprising gesture nearly