Her throat squeaked as she gasped, and it was useless to try to contain her giddiness. Her lips lifted, and she tapped her foot as if a lively tune was playing on the Victrola.
Mr. Carnegie’s amusement was clear as his grin widened. “I’ve always admired your enthusiasm, Miss Mills. At first, your expertise would be required to help the sightseers understand what it is we are doing out there. It’s taking valuable time away from the dig for the workers there to have to stop and explain their process. And if Mr. Douglass needs your assistance in the actual quarry, I told him you would be up to the task.”
She gasped. “Truly?”
“Yes.” He leaned back in the chair, appearing content with himself. The smile that lifted his rounded cheeks always made her think of St. Nicholas and Christmas. This wasn’t his reserved smile for his colleagues or business associates. No. This was the giant smile that she’d loved seeing as a child. The one that showed the man was utterly happy.
“That is a huge honor, sir. I would be thrilled to go. And even more ecstatic to dig with Mr. Douglass!” Keeping her seat was more difficult than she imagined, but she forced herself to think of calm and sedate things. And pressed her palms to her knees to keep them from bouncing along with her tapping boot. After all, Mr. Childers was also in the room. She had to appear professional.
Mr. Carnegie rubbed his beard. “I’d even be willing to lend your expertise to the monument permanently, if you so desire. At least, as long as we are digging in the Carnegie Quarry for my Hall of Dinosaurs. You would still be an employee of the institute, and we could offer your services there. I’m inclined to agree with Earl’s vision that the future generationsneed to see the bones and fossils in their resting places after we have produced an adequate amount of displays for the museum. Many have been excavated from the quarries, which is tremendous, but allowing people to see the great beasts’ resting places—essentially trapped in time in the stone walls—will be a marvelous advancement for science and knowledge.”
Herexpertise. That’s what he said. This amazing man didn’t offer compliments up to make people feel better about themselves. Ifhebelieved in her and saw her experience and knowledge, there was hope that one day ... the rest of the world would as well. To be recognized in the field of paleontology like this was more than a thrill. “That is very generous of you for the national monument, and I appreciate your confidence in me, Mr. Carnegie. More than you know.”
“My dear, I know how long you’ve loved the field. And you’ve proven yourself through not only your studies and degree, but your passion and vision for the future of paleontology.”
She put a hand to her chest. “That is high praise indeed, sir. Thank you.”
“As much as I believe in Mr. Douglass, I believe in you. To inspire future generations, especially young people, to explore and learn. There is great potential out there in Utah.” He stood. “If you are agreeable, I really must be on my way. But I wanted to ask for your assistance myself. I do believe this will be wonderful not only for the future of paleontology, but for the Hall of Dinosaurs, and for your own future as well.”
She came to her feet and nodded to him. “I’m more than honored that you would think of me for this position.”
“You’re theonlyone I thought of.”
She couldn’t contain her smile. “While my first inclination is to agree immediately to your offer, I would appreciate a day or two to speak to my grandparents and to think and pray about it.”
“Of course. That would be most wise.” He placed his hat on his head and winked at her. “Just let Mr. Childers know your answer and we will make all the arrangements.” And with that, the man whose name was on the building left the room.
Eliza blinked several times and took a steadying breath as she turned back to the museum’s director. In all the time she’d worked here, he’d earned nothing but respect from her. He’d never questioned her ideas because she was a woman—and young at that—and he’d never treated her different from any other employee. Honest and steady. That’s how she’d describe the man in front of her. “I’m a bit overwhelmed.”
“It’s a substantial offer, Miss Mills.” His somber expression was difficult to decipher.
“It is.”
“It will be a loss for the Hall of Dinosaurs if you leave, but rest assured, we will continue with the programs you have instituted.” He nodded toward her.
“Thank you, sir.”
He steepled his fingers together. His gray eyes were serious. “I must admit that I was resistant to the board hiring you at first.”
His admission was no surprise. One, a woman as a paleontologist was not widely accepted. Two, she was young. Three, many people thought she got the job because of her family’s relationship with Mr. Carnegie rather than her knowledge or experience. They just saw the little rich girl who knew nothing of dinosaurs.
For two years, she’d gone above and beyond to demonstrate her knowledge and worth.
The director continued, “You have proven yourself time and again, and I haven’t once doubted you. You are an asset to the scientific community, Miss Mills.”
Another compliment in the same realm as Mr. Carnegie’s. Could this day get any better? “Thank you, sir.” Making herway to the door, she allowed herself to revel in the excitement. “I had better get back to work, but I greatly appreciate your support and encouragement. It has been a privilege to learn from you.”
He nodded again, a slight smile on his lips.
As she left the office and pulled the door closed behind her, she resisted the urge to squeal like a little girl. But once she was several paces away and was certain no one was watching, she twirled around, then released her joy in a long sigh.
Wait until she told Devin!
MONDAY, MAY8, 1916•PITTSBURGH
The newspaper crinkled as he shook it open. They’d done it. It had been official for eight months now. The sightseers were all visiting in droves. Not that they hadn’t been fascinated ever since Earl Douglass found the bones there. Just thinking about it made his skin crawl.
The President had set aside eighty acres and called it a national monument.
