Chapter 4
The night of the fund raiser had finally arrived, and so far, everything seemed to be going smoothly.
Evie moved throughout the garden party greeting one person after another.
She encouraged them to partake of the refreshments and enjoy the beauty of her family’s garden, and she reminded them about the various charities the evening’s gathering hoped to support.
Everyone who was anyone in Minneapolis was in attendance.
Most were good friends with her parents.
For over twenty years, her parents had worked tirelessly to benefit the poor and needy.
Evie had never known a time when her family didn’t take part in activities to help those who were less fortunate.
It was a passion for her parents—their mission field, as her mother often referred to it.
Before heading off to nursing school, it was likewise for Evie.
She very much enjoyed urging their friends to have compassion on the destitute.
There were so many who needed help and even a few dollars could go a long way to helping, especially when multiplied by a hundred or more people giving.
“Oh, Evie, the evening is perfect for your party. Not a rain cloud in sight and the perfect temperature,” Amelia declared as she came to join her friend.
“It is a lovely night. I hope it draws out the generosity of the guests.” Evie had already done a mental calculation regarding the money that might be donated that evening. Even if each person gave only a small amount, they would still raise several thousand dollars.
“Don’t they make the sweetest couple?” Amelia asked, turning her attention to Evan and Christina Knutsson. “I do hope they’ll marry. Then you and I can be sisters for sure.”
“That stretches the limitations of in-law relations, but you and I have been closer than some sisters all our lives. I will always count you as a sister.”
“Goodness, then you’d have ten siblings.”
Evie laughed. “What’s one more? But in our case, you have a special place in my heart and always will.”
Amelia took hold of her gloved hands. “I feel the same way, Evie. I have always admired your passion for helping people. I want to do more of that. I told Carl that after we marry, we must host fund raisers like your family does. I want to be known for offering up my home and time. And when the day comes that we are well situated, I want to be known as a generous donor too.” Her eyes lit up as she spoke.
“I want people to think of me like they do Charlotte Van Cleve and your mother.”
Evie smiled. She would also like to be esteemed in such a fashion.
Minneapolis had several grand dames of society who were actively pursuing ways to benefit the city and its citizens.
Mrs. Van Cleve had always devoted herself to the lowest of those people, noting that even prostitutes and unwed mothers were worthy of God’s love.
“Mrs. Van Cleve is hosting a lecture next week that I hope to attend.” Amelia dropped Evie’s hands. “I plan to be there with my mother. Will you be coming?”
“I’m certain Mother will insist, if I’m not busy elsewhere helping my father.
” Evie hoped the meeting would take precedence even if her father did need her help.
“Mrs. Van Cleve and Mother would be the perfect people to discuss charitable work with. They can get you started in whatever touches your heart the most. They have given great attention to every charitable need you can imagine.”
Evan approached them then, leaving Christina to the company of her parents. “You both look quite beautiful tonight,” he said, glancing over his shoulder.
“Thank you, brother. We were speaking just a moment ago about you and Christina. You do make quite the pair.” Evie saw the happiness in his expression.
“I told Evie that if you two were to marry, then she and I would be sisters . . . in a roundabout way of course.”
Evan laughed and put his arm around Evie. “I can attest that there is no better sister in the world.”
“Why, thank you. You must be wanting something to be giving up compliments so freely.” Evie raised her brow. “Do tell.”
Evan gave a look of surprise. “You doubt my sincerity?”
“Not at all. I just know that there is usually more than one purpose in your statements. You have been that way all your life.”
He dropped his hold, grinning. “All right, so you know me better than anyone. I’m hoping I might talk you into coming out with us tomorrow. Christina was commenting about longing for a day at the lake. I told her I felt certain we could put something together.”
“Actually, that sounds like a lot of fun,” Amelia said, turning to Evie. “We could make it a gathering of friends. Carl would be certain to attend if his sister was going.”
“It does sound like the perfect outing for a hot August day. Let’s do it. We can have a picnic.”
“I can arrange to bring a basket too,” Amelia pledged. “Oh, it’s a wonderful way to spend the day. Walking, maybe wading. I certainly am much too shy to go swimming.”
“What about canoeing? We could rent some boats and get completely away from people,” Evan said, sounding even more enthusiastic.
“We’ll just see what develops. I know the picnic part of it is settled,” Evie declared. “I’ll make sure Mrs. Niedermeier knows. She’ll have lots of food left over from the party that she can pack for us.”
“Wonderful.” Evan slapped her shoulder as he might have one of his male comrades. When Evie nearly fell forward, he caught her and shrugged. “Sorry, I was just overly excited. I’ll go arrange everything.”
“I’ll come with you and make sure Carl is persuaded.” Amelia gave Evie a parting smile. “I’m sure we’ll talk more later this evening.”
Evie shook her head as the two hurried away, speaking in a conspiratorial manner.
Oh, to be so carefree and in love. Both her best friend and twin were besotted with romantic notions.
And why not? They knew romance to be an important part of their future, while Evie had completely different plans—plans to serve at her father’s side and benefit their family’s many charities as a nurse.
Evie shook her head. Some nurse.
Max stood beside his father in a gathering of men discussing the woes of the economy amidst a lavish display of luxurious refreshments.
They were dressed in expensive suits that bore impressive labels and perfect tailoring, and the way they carried themselves suggested tedious training since childhood.
These were the well-to-do of Minneapolis society.
The men who made the decisions that had developed the small, seemingly insignificant town into a large city of purpose and pride.
They were the same ones who wrote the laws and regulations and decided the direction of the future.
A future that, at present, seemed to test their patience and bank accounts.
Still, if anyone could figure out the secret to managing the financial disaster of 1893, it would be men like these.
To say he was impressed by these tycoons and entrepreneurs would not be exactly correct. Max had great respect for them to be sure. However, there was also an equal amount of disdain for their lack of concern for those who struggled beneath their social status.
“I realize events such as tonight are necessary in polite society. We must at least give the appearance of a generous and caring heart,” one man declared, waving his unlit cigar around like a wand.
“But frankly, my grandfather came from little to nothing and made his own way in the world without anyone handing him a donation. Earned himself a tidy sum and invested it wisely. It laid the foundation for our family’s wealth and good fortune.
Some of you have similar stories. If our relatives could do it, anyone could.
Anyone who is willing to put ease and comfort aside and do the work required has the ability to overcome their conditions. ”
“That’s a point well made, Ambrose,” another man joined in.
“Our families worked to get where they are. My own were poor Irish who came to America determined to have a better life, and they made exactly that. No one handed them a fortune. God knows we would have happily taken one if offered.” He chuckled.
“But milling flour was one of the only skills they knew. They went to work for others, then eventually saved enough money to run their own mills, and now just look at all that’s been accomplished. ”
Another man jutted his chin out. “My family has always had money, but we did not sit idle. I’m appalled at those who wander about begging for bread. I say let them work for a living.”
“Hear, hear!” Several of the men joined in at this.
The man continued, “I have little sympathy for the poor and destitute, although I give generously, as do you. It is expected that those of us with means provide for those who have none. Hardly seems fair, but society demands it of us.”
“So does God,” Dr. Turner declared, suddenly appearing in their midst. These pillars of industry could hardly go against what he’d just said. If there was one thing their society demanded, it was at least a pretense of religiosity.
Max couldn’t help but be amused, and had he a better relationship with God, he might have cheered the man on.
Dr. Turner seemed completely at ease and capable without Max’s support, however.
“Gentlemen, some of us have been blessed in many ways that allow us the fortunes we enjoy. I’m no stranger to hard work, as you well know.
I was born into money, but for a time that luxury was removed.
The loss caused me to work all the harder, and eventually God in His mercy restored what was lost.