“Mother...” She made her tone as sweet as the sugar cube dissolving in her tea. It was the one that always worked with her parents. “The implications for what this magnificent of a find could do for paleontology are overwhelming. Not to mention the fact that placing the Jankowski name next to it in the museum would be a credit to you both. Father spent years of his life devoted to the search—and now I’m followingin his footsteps.” Martha set her teacup on the tray, working to school her features into a pleasant yet earnest expression. “Please ... allow me to continue on the legacy. For our family.”
Mother shared a glance with Father. Antoni Jankowski picked up a folded newspaper and tucked it beneath his arm. He stood and looked at Martha then back at Mother, his eyes cold and distant. “It’s your decision, Victoria.” He left the room, slamming the door behind him.
Mother didn’t bat an eye. She sipped her tea, peering at Martha over the rim.
Martha refused to fidget. She could allow no evidence of her nerves—or of weakness.
Finally Mother spoke. “You make a fine argument, but we are also thinking of your reputation. We want what is best for you.”
Martha’s shoulders eased. A little thrill raced up her spine and she rejoiced a bit inside. Victory was almost hers. “This is the best for me. I’m a Jankowski. And I’m determined.”
The crunch of boots on grass brought Martha back to the present.
The unmistakable scent of mint wafted through the air and she turned to greet Lily Rose. Her companion blew out her breath and leveled a look Martha’s way as she took the last few steps to the top. “You should remember that this isn’t an easy climb in women’s footwear.”
Martha stuck her own boot-clad foot out from under her skirts. “You could always give in and allow me to buy you a pair of these.”
The woman grimaced. “I don’t know why you insist on wearing men’s boots—”
“You made my point a moment ago.” Martha nudged her friend’s foot with her own. “It’s easier for me to climbaround the dig site. I should get credit for not wearing trousers today.”
Lily Rose rolled her eyes, but her smile took the sting out of the action. “Heavens, I would burn them all if I had the chance, but I know they assist you in your beloved work.”
“You wouldn’t dare do such a thing. Besides, I’d simply buy more.” With a defiant lift of her chin, she winked. The two of them might not have the closest relationship, but there was something about spending so much time together that created an agreeable bond.
With a laugh, her companion lowered herself to a sitting position on a large boulder. “A fact I understand all too well.”
Martha watched as the older woman adjusted her skirts with a natural grace. She glanced away, tucking her lip between her teeth. She would never be so graceful. No matter how hard she practiced. She picked a few random blades of grass from her skirt and ventured a question. “Are you getting tired of following me around and watching me dig in the dirt?” It still boggled Martha that her companion was unattached. With her blonde hair and beautiful complexion, Lily Rose was, by all society’s standards, quite a beauty. It was a shame she hadn’t found someone special.
“Never.” Lily Rose twirled her parasol. “It was more tedious when you were younger and annoying in your childish ways.”
They laughed together, Lily Rose’s shoulder bumping hers with familiar fondness. “But you’ve become such a dear friend and I must admit I enjoy watching the bones come out of the earth. Perhaps not as much as you do, but I do find it interesting.” She gazed out at the quarry then glanced back at Martha with a warmth in her eyes. “Besides, it’s about time men were no longer at the top of every field. Women need recognition. I’m pleased as punch to assist you in your dreams. And there’s the fact that I made a commitment to you and yourparents. Until you get married, I’m bound by that—not that I mind.”
Well. This was certainly a change from previous conversations. “I appreciate your support, Lily Rose. But you are not usually quite so ... verbose in your praise of my work.”
The older woman shifted on the boulder. “Do you think it’s impossible for someone to change their mind?”
“Not at all.” Martha smiled. “But this seems like a drastic shift.”
Lily Rose looked over at her, a perfect dark blonde eyebrow arched high on her forehead. “You’ve been nagging me for years to see the value of your work. And now that I do, you want to argue with me about it?”
Martha let out a most unladylike snort. “A fair point. But I do wonder, Lily ... don’t you wish to find that perfect someone and settle down?”
Lily Rose shrugged. “Perhaps one day. You never know but that life can change in an instant. Perhaps my match is out there, and our paths are about to cross in a most unsuspecting way.” A dreamy smile softened her features for a moment. Then she shook her head. “Nevertheless, I’m content enough right here.”
Reaching out, Martha gripped the woman’s arm. “Are you quite certain? I don’t want you missing out on life because of me.”
“Missing out?” Her longtime companion released an unladylike harrumph. “I would be missing out if I didn’t get to see this dig to its completion. Nowthatwould upset me.”
For a moment they sat in comfortable silence.
While her companion had been a chaperone and in charge of her for the first few years they were together, it had been an easy transition to their new relationship once Martha turned seventeen. Journeying to Yale together, the two had come to understand one another throughout Martha’s time at theuniversity. After two years, they’d returned home as friends. Martha’s parents paid Lily Rose a tidy sum to accompany Martha wherever she went. Mother insisted. Instead of giving instruction in behavior, manners, and which fork was used to eat a salad, now Lily Rose gave suggestions on attire and whom she should speak to and even more important—whom she should avoid. She also made sure that no one could ever suggest there was anything improper happening at the dig sites.
While no one necessarily told Martha what to do anymore—she had the freedom of a wealthy, intelligent socialite—it was nice to have Lily Rose in her corner for advice.
Not that they were extremely close. Yes, she was closer to Lily Rose than she was to her parents, but she and her companion weren’t the kind of friends who shared intimate secrets and knew everything about one another. Martha had read about those kinds of friendships. Had even seen them on occasion but had never experienced it for herself other than Phoebe. A fact that pinched her heart. Was there something wrong with her that she hadn’t been able to attract that kind of kinship? Or had she shut everyone else out after Phoebe left?
Was that kind of friendship a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence? Like fine jewels and only the dreams of storytellers?
