Chapter 18 #3
“What a thing to say,” Father said indignantly.
“It might be difficult to hear, but children sit in school any number of hours each day and are heavily influenced by the one in charge of the classroom.
Their time at home with their parents is limited to a brief period in the morning, then a brief time after school.
They are soon off to bed and the process starts fresh the next day.
Surely you can see that the time given a child with their parents is brief once school begins.
“And for that upper-class society that you so love, Duchess, those hours are spent with a nanny or governess, and children rarely ever see their parents. So how could they possibly be influenced by them? When I was young, I spent a good amount of time one summer with a nanny from Savannah, Georgia. I learned all about that fair city and society. I learned about the difficulties caused by the war and how the North had been very wrong to inflict its demands on the South. I even found myself starting to speak in a thick Southern drawl like her.”
“That must have been before I married your father,” the Duchess replied, looking appalled. “I would never have allowed for a Southerner.”
“It was before you joined our family, not that it matters. My point is that if parents fail to spend time with their children, how can they hope to have any influence or say over them? Therefore, isn’t it best to call the very finest souls to the job of teaching?
Wouldn’t it be to the benefit of all to have admirable people of high regard in positions of school master and marm? ”
“Of course, but I would never have wanted such a position for any child of mine.” His father quickly stepped in. “Your brothers are men of industry, and you were raised to be no less.”
“But my heart lies elsewhere.” Max smiled and leaned back in his chair. “And for once, I believe I shall follow it.”
“Do you have a minute to talk?” Father asked at Evie’s open bedroom door.
“Of course. I had rather hoped you’d stop by.” She got up from her dressing table and went to hug him. “Have a seat.” She motioned to the chair she’d just abandoned. “I’ll sit on the bed.”
Her father sat down and folded his hands together.
“I won’t say that I’m not sad to lose you as my assistant, but I want to assure you that I’m glad you told me the truth.
I would have hated knowing you were continuing in a job that made you ill.
I thought back to how sick you were at the fire.
I presumed it was just because of the smells.
” He sighed. “I feel terrible that I didn’t know sooner. ”
“Please don’t. It isn’t your fault. I wanted so much to make this happen. For us to work together was not only your dream, but mine as well. That’s why I went to every possible length to get past my nausea and discomfort. I didn’t want to just give up without really putting all my efforts into it.”
“You did that and more. I love you dearly, Evie. I don’t want anything but happiness for you.”
“And I for you.”
Her father shifted and placed his hands on his thighs. “So, what does the future hold now?”
Evie smiled. “Well, I hope to continue fund-raising. I believe I have a talent for that. After all, I raised a considerable amount of money for our charities, and during a financial crisis. If I can do that, just imagine how great it will be when we’re having good years.”
He chuckled. “Evie, you’ve always been able to talk a good talk.
I think you could convince a man to give you his coat in the dead of winter.
I’m sure your mother would love to step back from some of her work and have you take over with all the fund-raising.
I won’t speak for her, but I know she’s getting tired.
Besides, we’ve talked of one day traveling together, perhaps going abroad again.
I think this just might be the thing that allows for that. ”
“I’d love knowing that my work would somehow bless you two. That’s really all I’ve ever wanted to do . . . bless you.”
“Evie, the day you were born you were a blessing to us. You and Evan were our pride and joy and still are. We’re proud of you both.”
“Thank you, Father. I love hearing that.”
He stood and came to where she sat. Reaching out, he took her hands. “I’m also happy to hear about your affections for Max. He’s a good man, Evie. I think you’ll see changes in him that will only make him better. Together, who knows what you can accomplish?”
“So you’ll approve it, when he asks for my hand?”
“Well, you’ve only known each other a few weeks. I think perhaps we’d be wise to give it just a little more time.”
She met his tender gaze and nodded. “I promise we won’t just run off and elope. We’ve already discussed slowing things down a bit. But I just want you to know that I already feel confident he is the man God would have me marry.”
“Strangely enough, Evie, I share that confidence.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Goodness, but it will be hard to lose you.”
Evie shook her head. “You’ll never lose me, Papa. Never.”