Chapter 1 #2
“And that like most economic downfalls, it will reverse and recover,” Evan added. “There is no reason to believe it won’t. This is just one of those things that happens every twenty or so years.”
Later that evening, Evie sought out her twin.
Ever since Evie had returned from nursing school, she could see in Evan’s eyes that he knew something wasn’t quite right.
She wanted to reassure him but wasn’t yet ready to admit what was going on.
Never had she refused to share her heart with him, but this time it seemed necessary.
Up and down the hall, their siblings moved from room to room getting ready for bed. Laughter and loud boisterous voices were common each evening, an expected cacophony that gave assurance that all was well. Fifteen-year-old Jim went rushing by with the youngest boy, Jared, in his arms.
Jared flapped his arms up and down. “Look, Evie, I’m a bird!” he shouted as they passed by.
“A bird who’s going to bed,” Jim added.
Evie laughed. She recalled a time Evan had done the same thing while Jim took on the role of bird.
She loved the hubbub of their family and the great fun they always had.
She paused in front of Evan’s bedroom door.
There was no one in the world she was closer to, and now, after several years spent mostly apart, they were together again.
School had consumed them both, and then Evan had been busy learning the law while she’d been at nursing school.
She supposed as they grew older, married, and began their own families they’d be together less and less.
It was the natural order of things, yet she would miss him and all of this.
She glanced down the hall at her siblings hurrying off to their quarters. Evie smiled and rapped on the door.
“I thought you would be coming to see me. Enter, please.” He welcomed her into his room and motioned her to the dressing table chair. “What do you have to say for yourself? All evening at supper you looked as if you wanted to tell me something.”
Evie laughed. “I just wondered what was going on with you. We’ve had so little time to talk and no time alone.”
“It’s true.” Evan plopped down on the edge of his bed. “I’ve definitely missed you, and now you return looking as if something is amiss.”
“Nothing’s amiss.” Evie hated lying. It soured her stomach nearly as much as surgery did.
“I know that something isn’t right. As twins, we’ve always been able to sense that in each other. Why not just tell me what’s happened?”
Evie shrugged. “I grew up. People said we’d experience change in leaving home and each other.” She smiled. “I still adore you, brother dear, but I am a changed woman, and you are a man. We’re neither one of us children. We’ve seen a great many things that have changed us.”
Evan considered that a moment. “I suppose that does speak to the change in you . . . in me. I hope it won’t put distance between us.”
“Of course not.” Evie sat down on the chair he’d offered earlier. “You and I will always be close. We have a bond that none of the others can understand.”
“I agree. I just want to make certain that you know I’m here for you and always will be.”
“And I for you.” She smiled. “Now what else is on your mind? You wrote me about Carl Knutsson’s sister Christina. How is your pursuit of true love?”
Evan grinned. “Well, she’s beautiful and sweet and loves to read.
I find that especially attractive in a woman.
I asked what she particularly enjoyed in her reading choices, and she loves biographies and stories of adventure and danger.
She also enjoys books that relate to the invention of various items and women’s topics like fashion and romance. ”
“Oh, those are women’s topics, are they?” Evie laughed out loud. “I suppose I must allow that they are. She sounds wonderful, Evan.”
“She is. And Carl and I have been friends since boyhood. I’ve known her practically since she was born.”
“Well, I hope she will make you happy.”
“Whoa, now. I’m not proposing just yet. We aren’t even formally courting.”
“Why is it taking so long for you to get around to that?”
“I was establishing my career, like you. There are those who would say you’ve waited too long to marry.
However, I do not feel that way at all. I believe reasonable, intelligent women are waiting longer these days to marry.
They are looking at their circumstances and situations and figuring out for themselves what they might accomplish. ”
“Yes, and some of us simply haven’t captured the attention of any good man.” Evie shrugged.
“I know for a fact you’ve had your fair share of interested souls. Even Carl thought you might be the love of his life.”
“Before he settled on my best friend.”
“Amelia Bronson is a beautiful young woman. She suits the ideal of womanhood as many see it. Petite, blond, and blue-eyed. She also loves to read, as I recall, and she teaches Sunday school and loves children.”
“Yes, Amelia is practically perfect,” Evie said, standing and shaking her head.
“I’m the one who is strange. I intimidate men.
They don’t know what to make of me. I’m studious and not only love to read but can probably hold my own in their conversations of current affairs. That doesn’t bode well for a woman.”
“Then mind your tongue until you catch a husband.”
Evie laughed. “You know you don’t mean that. Besides, I’ve already got a reputation in Minneapolis. People know our family’s passion for the poor and friendless. They see me coming and grip their pocketbooks a little tighter.”
Evan laughed and jumped to his feet. “Not everyone. You’re a beautiful young woman from a wealthy family.
Your pedigree speaks for itself. There are plenty of men who will, and have, come calling.
A few I’ve tripped up before they could even speak to you because I knew they were bad news.
The right one will come along, I assure you, sister. ”
Evie wasn’t at all convinced. She patted his arm. “I’ve always liked Christina. Let me know how things develop between you two. Now that I’m home, I can also help fan those flames of romance.”
He shook his head. “I’ve got this one under control. I just need your prayers and love.”
She nodded. “You’ve always had that and always will.” She bid him good night, pausing again at the door. “Please don’t worry about me. I have changed, and there are issues, but I’m still your sister. When the time is right, I’ll come to you and explain.”
She headed back to her room. All at once Jared came barreling out of one of the bedrooms.
“Better slow it down, little man. You know how Mother feels about running upstairs,” she chided.
“I can’t slow down. It’s almost time for Nanny to check that I’m in bed. I have to hurry, or I’ll get in trouble again. I’ve been late to bed four times this week.”
Evie laughed. “Jared, as far as I know, you’ve never in your life been in bed on time.”
The young boy shrugged. “I can’t help it. I have a lot of things to do.”
Evie pushed him towards his room. “I’ve no doubt you do. Good night, little brother.”
“Night!” He scurried off like a mouse desperate to avoid the cat. “Glad you’re home, Evie.”