Not much scared her, but when the eight-legged things jumped or scurried across her path, she usually went out of her way to squash them under her boot. Nothing was more disturbing than something so small that could make her skin crawl and urge her to climb on a chair and scream.
Needless to say, she tuned out the speaker several times during his talk, turning her attention instead to the dig. It wouldn’t bother her one whit to run across a fossilized spider. In fact, she’d probably cheer.
“To end this evening, I would like to talk about some interesting findings of late.” The lecturer smiled. “It brings the worlds of entomology and paleontology together.”
Martha’s ears perked up. This evening had been a bit dry and lackluster, but maybe the man had saved the best for last. She sat up a little straighter and poked Lily Rose with her elbow. Her companion had fallen asleep. Again.
Not that she hadn’t wanted to fall asleep herself.
“I have it on good authority—from the man himself—that Mr. Hatcher has been pressed by Marsh to look for the tiny fossils of mammals that might have scurried beneath dinosaurs’—Ceratopsians’—feet.” The man wiggled his eyebrows as his grin broadened and he leaned over the lectern. “He’s found fossilized mammal teeth in ant hills of all places. Now isn’t that exciting? It proves that our fields of science are all connected and if we wish to understand this incredible earth on which we live, we need to go to the smallest inhabitants—the bugs.”
Applause rang out around them, and Martha joined in. Lily Rose, on her left, gave a polite clap or two, but Jacob, on her right, had come to his feet with a large portion of the audience.
When Martha arrived—quite early—with her companion, she’d made her way to the front row, taken her seat, and saved one for Mr. Duncan. After waiting half an hour, she’d fearedhe wouldn’t make it, but he slipped into the row with two minutes to spare. Out of breath but grinning from ear to ear.
There hadn’t been a chance for conversation—other than introductions—at the time and they’d settled in for the lecture.
Martha had wished to leave at least ten times during the past hour. Lily Rose’s soft snores hadn’t helped. Things changed with the lecturer’s mention of John Bell Hatcher and made Martha glad she stayed until the end. Her enthusiasm bubbled up and she was eager to exchange ideas. Her mind was spinning.
The crowd’s hum of conversation grew as people stood and milled about. Once again, she turned a bit in her seat. “Mr. Duncan, I’d love your thoughts on the evening.”
He leaned forward and propped his elbows on his knees. An informal and relaxed posture. Something she wasn’t accustomed to seeing, so she took the opportunity to study him. He angled his head back and forth as if weighing his thoughts.
“Well ... to be honest, I’m not much of a bug enthusiast and found myself longing for my pillow. But I must admit I was quite intrigued with what he said at the end. That part would have been good to expound upon.”
“I was thinking the same thing!” Shocked at her own outburst, she placed a hand over her lips. After a moment, she reclaimed her proper tone. “I am fascinated with what he said and would love to know more.”
“Have you ever heard of this Hatcher fellow?” Mr. Duncan posed the question and stared at her. “If he was commissioned by Marsh, I’m sure all of his findings belong to the senior paleontologist. From what I’ve heard, Marsh isn’t one to share the limelight.”
She released a tiny huff. “You’ve heard correctly.”
“I take it you’re not a fan of Marsh? What about Cope?” He raised an eyebrow.
Tightening her lips, she paused for a moment so she wouldn’t spew her intense feelings on the matter. A tiny pinch from Lily Rose reinforced her will. This was neither the time nor the place to unleash her full thoughts, but she couldn’t stop her tongue from giving her opinion. “I’m not a fan of either one of them. Not one bit.” She lifted her chin. “I hope this doesn’t offend you, Mr. Duncan, but I do not appreciate how those two men have gone about their work. This horrible contention between them has brought shame on paleontology. I don’t care how many people say it has brought the science to everyone’s attention. It has accomplished more divisiveness and outright criminal activity than any good I believe it has brought. Paleontology”—she tapped her knee with her finger for emphasis—“deserves respect and honor. Not the hideous ridicule and disgrace their actions have summoned.”
His eyes were wide as he stared at her.
So much for keeping her rant in check. Had she offended him?
“I appreciate the fact that you have obviously put a lot of thought into the subject. I’m not a fan of the men either.” One side of his mouth lifted in a lopsided grin.
It put her at ease.
“If you come to spend much time with Miss Jankowski, you will find she has many thoughts on the subject,” Lily Rose piped up from behind her.
Light laughter erupted from Martha, and she covered her mouth with her hand. “I apologize for my rant. Idohave opinions.”
Mr. Duncan leaned a bit past Martha and grinned at her companion. “I value both of your opinions. What do you think, Miss Ducasse?”
“I’m inclined to agree with Miss Jankowski, but don’t mind me, I’m in need of some fresh air after that lecture.”
Martha heard Lily Rose shift behind her, but she was onthe edge of her seat wanting to know more of Mr. Duncan’s thoughts. “What doyouthink?”
“In all seriousness, I believe that their underhanded dealings aren’t a good example to those who will follow in their footsteps.” His eyes softened and he appeared thoughtful, studious. “It’s why I’m hoping to continue working in the field and bring credit to it.”
Why weren’t more men honest and discerning like the one before her? “I appreciate the fact that you are a man of honor, Mr. Duncan. It will serve you well, I’m sure.” Who was Jacob Duncan? He wore the same suit he’d worn last week, which reinforced the fact that he wasn’t a man of means. That was fine. She didn’t care about money or classes of people. Perhaps he didn’t either and that’s why he could be bold about what he believed to be right. He seemed comfortable spending time with her and discussing intellectual pursuits.
Maybe, like her, he hadn’t had many interactions with those outside of his class. Mother had spoken to Martha on a few occasions about venturing out of one’s class and always with negative tones. But without experiencing it herself, it never seemed to matter much. Martha had been sheltered. Perhaps Mr. Duncan had too. So what difference did it make?
