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 boardinghouse.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.
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 withmy 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, brushingoff 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.”
