“Even if they had done criminal acts in their past, they were seeking to make amends. They attended church regularly at the shelter and were exemplary in their behavior there. I believe the Bible teaches us that we should have compassion on the less fortunate and lend a helping hand to those in need. Doing so has certainly blessed us.”
Mrs. Garrison looked more than a little uncomfortable, and Evie felt sorry for the woman. It was as if they were all speaking a foreign language and she had no ability to interpret.
“May I say, Mrs. Garrison, that is a lovely gown you’re wearing.” Evie knew the woman would respond to such a statement. She was well-known for owning the latest fashions.
For a moment Mrs. Garrison looked even more confused, but then she smiled. Her entire countenance brightened. “It is from Worth. I recently acquired it because of the beautiful lavender color and styling.”
“It does suit you,” Mother added.
“Well, a woman can never have too many Worth gowns. I feared I might need something new for the party but then remembered I hadn’t even unboxed this lovely creation. I found it during our recent trip to New York City.” She nodded at Evie. “I was admiring your gown as well. How clever that the designer used strands of tiny beads in place of sleeves.”
Evie glanced at the styling. The cascade of beading off the strap of her gown had greatly appealed to her when she’d chosen it. The pale gold gown was trimmed out in beaded patterns from neck to hem, but the sleeves drew immediate attention as they swayed with her every movement.
“Let me guess, is it a Paquin? The woman is known for her embellishments.”
“I’m uncertain who the designer is,” Evie replied. “I chose it because it appeared to be the least confining and therefore cooler in temperature than any of my other gowns. I do not like the heat.”
“I’m afraid she takes after me in that,” Mother replied. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, Evie and I have to attend to a couple of things. I do hope you ladies will continue to enjoy yourself.”
Evie had never been so glad to be removed from a situation. As she skirted around Mrs. Garrison, Evie noticed Max was watching her from not far away. He had a humorous look on his face, and she wondered what so amused him.
“Thank you for that most graceful exit. I must say, there is something about Mrs. Garrison that grates my nerves,” Evie said as her mother paused at the French doors leading into the house.
“Yes, she can be trying,” Mother admitted. “If given a chance, she would spend the entire evening enlightening us on the latest acceptable designers and their most popular stylings.”
“Perhaps if trapped again in such conversations, I should bring up the manner in which a bowel is resected. Or perhaps the step-by-step procedures for an appendectomy.” They laughed.
“That would probably be quite shocking to Mrs. Garrison. She leaves much to be desired at times.”
“I’m happy to say that her stepson, Maxwell, is far more companionable. I had a lovely talk with him earlier this evening. I found him quite interesting.”
“Oh?” Her mother had a look of interest that Evie knew meant she wanted to hear more.
“I think he’s very nice.” Evie didn’t want her mother to get too excited and quickly changed the subject. “Now, what did you bring me here to say?”
“Only that it’s time to serve the cake and introduce your father so that he can mention the new charity hospital. He really is so excited for you to begin assisting with it. He’s talked of nothing else since you returned.”
Evie forced the smile to remain on her face. She didn’t want to ruin the evening by bringing up the truth now, not when she’d so carefully avoided it for weeks.
“You’re right, I should go see Mrs. Niedermeier and have her bring out the beautiful cake she made. You really should see it, Mother—it’s a magnificent creation. One of her very best.” She kissed her mother’s cheek. “And Father will no doubt convince everyone of the hospital’s value, even though none of them will see the inside of it except perhaps on a tour.” She shrugged, then hurried to find the cook before her very astute mother found reason to believe something was wrong.
Evie was glad when the last of the guests departed. She was tired of making small talk and encouraging people to part withtheir money at a time when there were such obvious problems with the economy.
She sat down behind her father’s desk with the basket of pledge cards and checks and began to tally the donations. She smiled when she came to a check given by Maxwell Garrison. The amount was more than generous. Only the very wealthiest of families had given more. Had he done it to impress her? Perhaps her comment about doing something to benefit others had given him the encouragement he needed. No matter what, she was more than a little touched at his spirit of giving. Later when she wrote thank-you cards, she would say something more personal when writing his.
A cursory examination left Evie a sense of relief. The donations were lower than a year ago, but not by much. She was glad to have gotten through to the donors the gravity of the situation. This money would go a long way toward seeing the various agencies benefited.
“I thought I might find you hard at work,” Evan said as he stuck his head into the room. The rest of him quickly followed. “Counting your money?”
“Not my money, but yes, I am counting and to my relief finding the tallies are good. What did you need?”
“I’ve set things in motion for tomorrow.” He pulled his tie loose. “We’ll leave here at ten.”
“Mrs. Niedermeier said there are plenty of goodies left over to take, and she’ll make some sandwiches and lemonade as well. Is Christina excited?”
“She is. She was quite excited that it’s to be a party of couples.”
Evie stacked the checks and cards together. “With exception to me, of course. I shan’t be coupled with anyone.”
