Chapter 23 #2
“You are clearly the most beautiful woman here,” Max said, coming up behind her. “I like the way your brown curls trail down from atop your head. It’s rather like a waterfall.”
She turned and smiled. “I’m so glad you appreciate the effort Beth took. And might I say you, good sir, are quite resplendent in your black tails.”
“Is everything going as you hoped?”
“Yes. Father was quite right about renting this place for the ball. There’s far more room here and a huge alcove for the orchestra.”
“I saw the refreshment area. The food looks amazing.”
“Only the best. We hired it all done, and Mother herself approved the sampling.” Evie turned as the orchestra completed their short break and began to tune for another round of songs.
“You haven’t yet had the time to dance with me. Don’t you think we should at least share one waltz? After all, your father did make a formal announcement about our engagement.”
Evie took hold of Max’s arm. “I would be honored to dance with you, Mr. Garrison. I’m sorry to have been so occupied tonight, but my efforts and pleas have brought about great generosity.
I think people are seeing that the worst of the economic troubles are behind them and they can be generous once again to those who have so little. ”
“I’m delighted to hear that.”
To Evie’s delight the orchestra struck up a waltz. “Oh, good. We needn’t wait for our waltz.” The dance floor filled with couples whirling around the room to the strains of “Les Patineurs.”
Max took her in hand and stepped easily into the stream of dancers.
It was the perfect song, and Evie lost herself in the rhythmic three-four beat.
The night could not be more perfect. All of her plans were coming together, and soon she would begin her married life. She couldn’t possibly be happier.
“You do this quite well, Miss Turner,” Max said as they moved amongst the dancers.
“Why, thank you, Mr. Garrison. You’re a wonderful leader. I did have some concerns about my own skills, however, since it had been some time since I was asked to a dance.”
“What a pity. It seems for one so lovely that dances would be a regular occurrence.”
Evie raised her brows and shook her head. “Alas, no, for I could not find a suitable partner.”
Max’s expression changed to a look of doubt. “That would present a problem.”
“It seems to me that you manage the job quite easily,” Evie replied. “I would happily allow for you to take on the task . . . forever.”
“Forever does seem a very long time.”
She laughed. “But with us together, the time shall be sheer pleasure.”
“I’ve no doubt about that, for even if there are difficulties, we will have each other and God in heaven to watch over us. I think a life so true could beg for nothing more.”
“We are going to be very happy together, Max.” She couldn’t imagine it any other way, for he was truly the love that she had always hoped for.
The music ended, and together they made their way to where Evie’s parents stood with Max’s father and stepmother.
“You are both the most beautiful couple here tonight,” Mrs. Garrison gushed. “In fact, in all of Europe and America, I cannot think of more exquisitely perfect people than the two of you.”
“You do look very nice together,” Mother said, smiling at Evie. “And I understand the guests have been quite generous with their donations.”
“They have,” Evie admitted. “Christmas brings out the giving spirit in everyone.”
“It’s true,” Mrs. Garrison declared. “I find myself of a most generous nature throughout the year, but especially now. There’s just something about Christmas that moves me to think of others.” She looked up at her husband. “Isn’t that true, my dear?”
“Absolutely, Duchess.”
“I understand you’ll be staying in Minneapolis until the New Year,” Mother said. “I do hope you’ll come to dinner one evening before your trip east.”
“Of course we will,” Mrs. Garrison said, putting a hand to her diamond and ruby necklace. “I cannot imagine a more enjoyable evening.”
Evie wanted to giggle at the woman’s show of delight.
Max had already told her how happy the duchess was at the idea that Max was marrying well.
She saw this as confirmation of her own happy life.
Married to a rich husband with three sons, all of whom had married wealthy women only served to secure her own future.
She was no doubt confident that none of her husband’s family would leave her to face poverty should anything happen to their own wealth.
Of course, she was right. Evie believed it her place to look out for the elder members of her family.
She would feel the same for Max’s people as well.
Caring for her immediate family, as well as those extended members, was a privilege her mother had instilled.
God had placed her in a home of loving parents and siblings.
Evie could only pray that her future would replicate what she had known as a child. A loving family who put God first.
On December twenty-third, Evie stood hand in hand with Max and recited her wedding vows without hesitation.
She was gowned in white taffeta with a fitted bodice and modest neckline.
The sleeves were set in tiered puffs that ended just below the elbow, then were fitted to the wrist. Mother had given her a diamond and pearl broach to wear, but Evie had chosen no other jewelry.
She wanted the gown and ceremony to be simple and unpretentious.
With her family’s money, she could have thrown the finest social affair of the year, but that wasn’t her heart.
She had suggested to Max that they could give the extra money to the charities they so loved. He had completely agreed.
They exchanged their vows in short order, and when the ceremony was completed, Max raised her veil, gave her a wink, then kissed her for all to see. She had never known more joy than in that moment. What had started off as a dreadful year had ended with great satisfaction.
As everyone was ushered into the smaller dining room, which was still large enough to accommodate the crowd, Evie and Max held back and watched as their family and friends passed by offering congratulations. Little Jared even offered Evie his boutonniere to add to her bouquet.
“I don’t know why they gave us boys flowers to wear. Those are for the girls.”
Evie laughed and kissed him on the forehead. “Someday you’ll proudly wear a flower when you wed the love of your life.”
“I’m never getting married,” Jared declared. “I’m going to raise horses.”
“You could still marry someone. She could help you with the horses.”
Jared shook his head and made a face. “No, the horses would be much too important. I couldn’t take care of them and a wife at the same time.”
Max laughed out loud. “Jared, you might be surprised at what you can do in another ten or twenty years.”
Jared took a stand with his hands on his hips. “I want two hundred horses. That will keep me very busy.”
Evie kissed his forehead, making the boy squirm. “For now, you’d best go on with the others and take your seat.”
“Aw, they’re not going to start without you and Max,” Jared said, shrugging. “I don’t need to hurry.”
Max laughed and ruffled his hair, while Evie gave him a nudge forward. “Do as you’re told.” He disappeared out the double doors and into the hall.
“He’s a bright boy. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him carry out his plan.”
Evie shook her head and started for the door. “Neither would I.”
Max surprised her by pulling her back into his arms. “I just might have to invest in your brother’s horse farm. I have a rather good feeling about it.”
She lifted her face to his and smiled. “I have a good feeling about all of this, us and him and even the horses.” She hugged Max’s arm tight. “I’m ready to face the future with you at my side, Maxwell Garrison.”