“Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong.”
She looked up, confused, but Evan just gave her a knowing smile. “What are you up to, Evan Turner?”
“I thought it only right that you have someone to talk to. That way I won’t feel guilty when I pair off with Christina. Plus if we rent canoes, you’ll need someone strong to help you paddle.”
“Meaning exactly what?” Evie could see Evan was feeling quite mischievous, and it had her a little nervous. Had he invited one of his friends to come along and pay her court?
“Meaning you won’t be alone. I invited Maxwell Garrison to join us tomorrow.”
Evie’s stomach gave a flip. Max? “Why did you do that? We hardly know him.”
“I felt an immediate kinship with him. If you feel otherwise, I’ll send some excuse as to why he cannot join us.”
“No, no. I don’t want you to make the situation even stranger than it is.” Evie put the checks and cards to one side. “I’m just surprised that he would agree to an outing of this type. He’s considerably older than we are, and no doubt will find our company lacking. Not only that, but it does put him, and me, in a rather awkward position.”
“What do you mean?”
“You and Christina are obviously interested in each other, and Amelia and Carl are engaged. Max and I are neither interested in each other nor engaged.”
“I think you’re more interested in each other than you’re willing to admit. I know Max seemed quite captivated with you. And your eyes positively lit up while conversing with him.”
Her cheeks warmed. She was interested in Mr. Garrison but hadn’t intended to speak of the matter just yet.
“I’m sure there’s no harm done,” Evie said, trying to make light of the matter. “We’ll have a wonderful time together, to be certain.”
“It’s going to be an incredible day, Evie. You’re going to beamazed at how much you enjoy yourself.” He headed for the door. “Be ready at ten. I’ll drive us. Oh, and we’ll be picking up Max. Carl will bring Amelia and Christina.”
Evie nodded and watched her brother leave. For a moment she just sat there, staring at the door. It felt strange to imagine herself spending the day at the side of a man she hardly knew. She had avoided relationships when she was younger, knowing that she would train as a nurse and take up duties with her father. There had been plenty of would-be suitors, but always she put them off, explaining her higher calling. Now that calling had failed her, and the idea of getting married would resolve the matter nicely. Married women simply did not work outside of their home. But getting married in order to avoid working with her father was hardly the answer.
Evie sighed and turned off the lamp. She exited her father’s office and made her way upstairs to her room. The younger children had all gone to bed long before now, and the house was strangely quiet.
She slipped into her bedroom and rang for Beth, who arrived within moments to help her undress.
“Did you have a lovely time this evening, miss?” Beth asked.
“I did. The people were very generous, and hopefully, our charities will be blessed for a long time to come.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I know you held some concerns.” Beth finished with the back buttons on the gown and then went to work unhooking the bodice from the skirt.
“Tomorrow I’m going on an outing to the lake. Evan arranged it. We’ll leave here about ten. I think I’ll wear the navy-blue suit with the white-and-black trim.” Evie started pulling pins from her hair.
“Oh, that sounds like such fun. Will you be going out to Lake Minnetonka to ride your mother’s paddle-wheeler?”
“I don’t believe we’re planning to go quite that far. I’m sure Lake Calhoun will suffice, but in truth Evan didn’t say which lake he had in mind.”
Beth released the laces on her corset, giving Evie more ease to breathe.
“I can manage the rest, Beth. You go ahead to bed. I’ve kept you up far too long.”
“I don’t mind, miss. You’re easy to care for. Always were. Even when you were a baby.”
Evie had heard stories about her contentment as an infant. Evan was the one who demanded attention, but Evie had been perfectly happy to wait her turn. When the other children came along in rapid succession, Evie remained content to wait until their needs were taken care of before asking anything of her nanny or parents.
“Well, just the same, good night and rest well.” Evie looked up and smiled. “I appreciate all that you’ve done for me.”
Mother had always instilled the importance of letting people know how you valued their work.“It doesn’t matter if a man or woman is the lowest of servants or the Queen of England,”she’d say.“People are important to the Lord and therefore should be important to us.”
“Good night, miss.” Beth paused at the door. “Just ring if you need me before morning.”
