37. Viola
Viola
The library door stood closed before me. A deep breath didn’t slow my pounding heart, but it did help me focus.
I can do this.
On the other side of the door, Father and Mr. Muntz waited to hear my presentation. I would explain my plan clearly and logically. Openly. Father would understand. I would make him understand. This was my chance.
I pushed the door open and stepped into the library. Spine straight. Father sat behind his desk, and Mr. Muntz sat beside my chair.
I lifted my chin. “Thank you for agreeing to meet and discuss my proposal.”
Father arched a brow, and Mr. Muntz smiled warmly and pulled out a pen and paper.
“As you are both aware, I have been searching for a country estate for our family.” I swallowed my rising jitters. “But what you don’t know, what I haven’t admitted before today, is that I hope to spend a significant portion of my time there.”
Father’s steel-blue eyes widened, but he said nothing. Mr. Muntz bobbed his head and scratched something on the paper.
“My time in Harmony Lake solidified this plan in my mind. I have never felt at home in city society, but I did feel at home on the Jensens’ farm. That is what I want.”
Father tilted his head and gestured for me to continue.
“I’ve decided I want a different sort of country home. One with purpose. I want to purchase a farm and work the land. I would hire farmhands to help me. I want to rise to the challenges and be a part of small-town life.”
Father didn’t blink.
“I want a community, and I want to earn my place in it.”
Was that a small curve of Father’s lips?
I handed a folded paper to Mr. Muntz. “Please. This is where I would like you to inquire. This is the land I want.” He unfolded the page and showed it to Father.
Father’s gaze flicked to me. Then he nodded to Mr. Muntz. “Report back once you have some information.”
The energetic man rose and bustled to the door, notes in hand.
“I am off to make inquiries. Once I’ve assessed the situation, I’ll send word, and you can let me know how to proceed.
” He paused and smiled back at me from under his bushy mustache.
“This is not what I expected, Miss Viola. I’m sorry I didn’t bring you the right sort of listings before now, but this sounds lovely. ”
After Mr. Muntz left, Father and I lingered in our familiar seats. The last time it had been the two of us alone in the library, he had made his marriage ultimatum. But Minnesota had changed me. I no longer fit easily into the life I’d left behind—not after alfalfa and lightning and Jacob.
I clung to my manifesto, but it was no longer a shield—it was a direction. I made a new plan I hoped to set into motion within days. It was a plan that would allow me to continue my friendship with Jacob… yes, friendship would be safe.
Father watched me, fingertips pressed into a steeple before him. “I think this plan of yours, this farm, will require your year-round presence for it to be successful. But I must know… should this go through, do you intend to make this your permanent residence?”
“It will have everything I’ve always wanted. Purpose, independence, belonging. Friendship. It will be wonderful just to be me. To be judged for what I do and how I behave and not have everyone fawning over me with fake affection because of your influence and our wealth.”
He nodded as I spoke, but stayed silent.
I prayed for his understanding. “Yes, Father. I would like it to be my home. I expect to build a happy and fulfilling life for myself there.”
Father leaned back. “You recently had the unique experience of living a completely different life. A life free from preconceived notions and expectations. And now, an unexpected path draws you forward. I understand the appeal. I always thought marriage would bring you happiness, but, Viola, I do trust you to find your own path.”
“Please, Father.” I shifted forward, fingers curved as if hovering above the keys.
“But you must trust me and not completely rule out the possibility of marriage.”
“I will try to keep an open mind.”
He let out a low laugh. “That will do.”
I smiled back and pressed an E flat major chord into the arms of my chair.
“The area you are interested in is so far away, my dear.” He sighed.
“Before you make a final decision, please spend some time with my cousin’s family on their farm in Wisconsin.
Make sure the lure of farming has not worn off.
Have frank discussions about the responsibilities you would like to take on. ”
“Yes, of course,” I said.
“I will write to him today. When you return, we’ll speak again. If you remain committed to this course, I will give you my approval and support.”
I popped up from my chair and threw my arms around his neck. “Thank you! I can do this. You’ll see.”
He patted my back, and I caught a whiff of his clove-scented soap.
Yes.
All will be well.
And it didn’t feel like a lie.