Chapter 6
“The party seems to be going well,” Mother said as Evie joined her. “Everyone appears to be having a good time.”
“I thought so too.” Evie glanced around at the people milling about their gardens. “Then again, how could they not? The food is perfect, the setting lovely, and the weather quite mild after a long hot day.”
“Makes it such that even though our guests are being asked to part with their money, they don’t mind.” Mother smiled and hugged Evie’s shoulders. “You did a very good job putting this together.”
“Thank you. I truly enjoy fund-raising. Before leaving for nursing school, it was the one thing I felt truly competent doing for the cause. I enjoy explaining the various charities and needs. I didn’t realize how much I missed it these past few years.”
“Mrs. Turner, thank you so much for hosting this marvelous event. And thank you, Miss Turner. I understand you had much to do with the arrangements,” Charlotte Van Cleve said as she joined them.
“We’re so glad you could come, Charlotte,” Mother said, taking the older woman’s gloved hands. “And you know part of what we’re raising here tonight will benefit Bethany Home.”
Bethany Home was Charlotte’s pet project.
Along with Abigail Swift, she had put together a home for pregnant prostitutes and unwed mothers.
These were the women no one cared about, who carried the blame for corrupting society because of their behavior.
But Charlotte Van Cleve had refocused the responsibility to be shared with the men who had a part in their downfall.
“I’m so glad that you’ve included us,” Mrs. Van Cleve replied. “The money we get from the city hardly puts a dent in the expenses.”
“I must say, we were all impressed that you convinced the city council to give you two-thirds of what they collected in brothel fines.” Evie’s mother smiled. “Only you could have managed that, my friend.”
“They certainly weren’t happy about it,” the white-haired woman replied.
Just then Mrs. Garrison walked by and seemed eager to make her presence known. She extended her gloved hand at no one in particular. “I must say, this has been a lovely party, Mrs. Turner. Thank you for inviting us.”
“I’m glad you could share in the fund raiser, Mrs. Garrison. We have such a great need in the city.”
The woman frowned and drew back her hand. “I suppose we must expect it with the various troubles going on.”’
“Yes, a banking crisis and falling investments have put a heavy burden on our most needy,” Mrs. Van Cleve began. “As the more fortunate, it is our duty to oversee their situations and help where we can.”
Mrs. Garrison looked far from interested in what they were discussing. “Well, I didn’t wish to intrude but wanted to thank you in person. The evening is so lovely, and your gardens are the finest in town.”
“We have been blessed,” Mother replied. “Dr. Turner found several men at the shelter for the friendless who were gifted gardeners and we hired them on. Just look at all they’ve accomplished.”
“You took in strangers without references?” Mrs. Garrison seemed mortified.
“Why not? They proved their abilities right away, and we were all the better for it. Now three men who might have gone without jobs or homes are happily sharing an apartment and working at what they love.”
“But what had brought them so low?” Mrs. Garrison asked. “What if they were criminals? How could you possibly know?”
Mother had always been capable of holding her own, and Evie couldn’t help but smile as she dealt with Josephine Garrison.
“Even if they had done criminal acts in their past, they were seeking to make amends. They attended church regularly at the shelter and were exemplary in their behavior there. I believe the Bible teaches us that we should have compassion on the less fortunate and lend a helping hand to those in need. Doing so has certainly blessed us.”
Mrs. Garrison looked more than a little uncomfortable, and Evie felt sorry for the woman. It was as if they were all speaking a foreign language and she had no ability to interpret.
“May I say, Mrs. Garrison, that is a lovely gown you’re wearing.” Evie knew the woman would respond to such a statement. She was well-known for owning the latest fashions.
For a moment Mrs. Garrison looked even more confused, but then she smiled. Her entire countenance brightened. “It is from Worth. I recently acquired it because of the beautiful lavender color and styling.”
“It does suit you,” Mother added.
“Well, a woman can never have too many Worth gowns. I feared I might need something new for the party but then remembered I hadn’t even unboxed this lovely creation.
I found it during our recent trip to New York City.
” She nodded at Evie. “I was admiring your gown as well. How clever that the designer used strands of tiny beads in place of sleeves.”
Evie glanced at the styling. The cascade of beading off the strap of her gown had greatly appealed to her when she’d chosen it. The pale gold gown was trimmed out in beaded patterns from neck to hem, but the sleeves drew immediate attention as they swayed with her every movement.
“Let me guess, is it a Paquin? The woman is known for her embellishments.”
“I’m uncertain who the designer is,” Evie replied. “I chose it because it appeared to be the least confining and therefore cooler in temperature than any of my other gowns. I do not like the heat.”
“I’m afraid she takes after me in that,” Mother replied. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, Evie and I have to attend to a couple of things. I do hope you ladies will continue to enjoy yourself.”
Evie had never been so glad to be removed from a situation. As she skirted around Mrs. Garrison, Evie noticed Max was watching her from not far away. He had a humorous look on his face, and she wondered what so amused him.
“Thank you for that most graceful exit. I must say, there is something about Mrs. Garrison that grates my nerves,” Evie said as her mother paused at the French doors leading into the house.
“Yes, she can be trying,” Mother admitted. “If given a chance, she would spend the entire evening enlightening us on the latest acceptable designers and their most popular stylings.”
“Perhaps if trapped again in such conversations, I should bring up the manner in which a bowel is resected. Or perhaps the step-by-step procedures for an appendectomy.” They laughed.
“That would probably be quite shocking to Mrs. Garrison. She leaves much to be desired at times.”
“I’m happy to say that her stepson, Maxwell, is far more companionable. I had a lovely talk with him earlier this evening. I found him quite interesting.”
“Oh?” Her mother had a look of interest that Evie knew meant she wanted to hear more.
“I think he’s very nice.” Evie didn’t want her mother to get too excited and quickly changed the subject. “Now, what did you bring me here to say?”
“Only that it’s time to serve the cake and introduce your father so that he can mention the new charity hospital. He really is so excited for you to begin assisting with it. He’s talked of nothing else since you returned.”
Evie forced the smile to remain on her face. She didn’t want to ruin the evening by bringing up the truth now, not when she’d so carefully avoided it for weeks.
“You’re right, I should go see Mrs. Niedermeier and have her bring out the beautiful cake she made.
You really should see it, Mother—it’s a magnificent creation.
One of her very best.” She kissed her mother’s cheek.
“And Father will no doubt convince everyone of the hospital’s value, even though none of them will see the inside of it except perhaps on a tour.
” She shrugged, then hurried to find the cook before her very astute mother found reason to believe something was wrong.
Evie was glad when the last of the guests departed. She was tired of making small talk and encouraging people to part with their money at a time when there were such obvious problems with the economy.
She sat down behind her father’s desk with the basket of pledge cards and checks and began to tally the donations.
She smiled when she came to a check given by Maxwell Garrison.
The amount was more than generous. Only the very wealthiest of families had given more.
Had he done it to impress her? Perhaps her comment about doing something to benefit others had given him the encouragement he needed.
No matter what, she was more than a little touched at his spirit of giving.
Later when she wrote thank-you cards, she would say something more personal when writing his.
A cursory examination left Evie a sense of relief. The donations were lower than a year ago, but not by much. She was glad to have gotten through to the donors the gravity of the situation. This money would go a long way toward seeing the various agencies benefited.
“I thought I might find you hard at work,” Evan said as he stuck his head into the room. The rest of him quickly followed. “Counting your money?”
“Not my money, but yes, I am counting and to my relief finding the tallies are good. What did you need?”
“I’ve set things in motion for tomorrow.” He pulled his tie loose. “We’ll leave here at ten.”
“Mrs. Niedermeier said there are plenty of goodies left over to take, and she’ll make some sandwiches and lemonade as well. Is Christina excited?”
“She is. She was quite excited that it’s to be a party of couples.”
Evie stacked the checks and cards together. “With exception to me, of course. I shan’t be coupled with anyone.”
“Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong.”
She looked up, confused, but Evan just gave her a knowing smile. “What are you up to, Evan Turner?”
“I thought it only right that you have someone to talk to. That way I won’t feel guilty when I pair off with Christina. Plus if we rent canoes, you’ll need someone strong to help you paddle.”
“Meaning exactly what?” Evie could see Evan was feeling quite mischievous, and it had her a little nervous. Had he invited one of his friends to come along and pay her court?