The more he considered the possibilities, the more he seemed to long for something that he couldn’t even explain. It was as if something were missing. Something that Evan and Evie had. Something he wanted very much for himself.
“I invited Max to join us tonight,” Evan told Evie as she descended the stairs. “He doesn’t have many friends, and I thought he could use an evening of plain and simple fun.”
“That was kind of you.” Evie glanced down at the pink gown she’d chosen, wondering if she looked all right. Usually, family night did not inspire fine fashions, but with Max coming she was suddenly concerned about her appearance.
“You look beautiful. Max will definitely lose his heart.” She couldn’t mistake the amusement in his tone.
“How you do go on.” She smiled. Evan knew her too well for her to lie to him and say that wasn’t what she was thinking.
“I think he’s good man, Evie.”
“I’m sure he is. Now, let’s change the subject. How’s your work coming along?”
He grinned but went along with her. “It’s going well. We’re taking on a case between a farmer and the railroad. Should prove interesting, since the railroads have all the money in the world to pay lawyers, as well as judges, unfortunately.”
“Can the poor farmer possibly win?”
“If my prayers have any influence, he will.” Evan put his arm around Evie’s shoulders. “I’ve been praying for you as well. Iknow you’re deeply troubled about something. You know it doesn’t do any good to hide it from me. We read each other like books.”
Evie didn’t want to hurt him. “I know.” She turned to look him in the eye. “I promise when I sort through this myself, I’ll come have a long talk with you. But for now, I need some time.”
“Just don’t take too long. Problems have a way of multiplying the longer we wait to deal with them.”
“I didn’t say it was a problem.”
He chuckled. “You didn’t have to. It’s written all over your face.”
She frowned. “You don’t think Mother and Father know, do you?”
“They both suspect something is going on with you, so don’t keep us waiting too long. That’s all I’ll say for now. We love you and want to help you no matter the trouble.”
Evie looked at him for a long moment, then nodded. Why did this have to be so hard?
10
The Turner house was a buzz of activity when Max arrived. The housekeeper ushered him inside without any hesitation. She took his hat and the box of pastries he’d brought.
“These are from the French bakery. I thought I should perhaps contribute something,” he explained.
She smiled. “Don’t you worry. There’s plenty of food, but these will make a nice surprise. I’ll see that Cook has them arranged and out on the table momentarily. Now, I’ll show you where everyone is gathered.”
But before she could lead him off to join the family, a boy and girl appeared and grabbed Max by the hands.
“We will take him outside, Mrs. Arbarca,” the boy declared. “Evan told me to look for you and then bring you outside. I’m Jared.” He pulled Max along.
“I’m Winifred, and I’m eleven,” the girl announced. “Evan told us to bring you around if we saw you.” She emphasized the wordus.
“Well, thank you very much. My friends call me Max.”
“Max is a wonderful name. There aren’t very many namesthat havexin them.” Winifred looked up and smiled. “I think that’s very keen. My name has aw, and there aren’t a lot ofwnames either, but more thanx’s.”
“I believe you’re right, Miss Winifred.”
He had no time to survey the hall as Jared pulled harder to urge him forward. “We’re doing everything outside because it’s summer. Father says the fresh air and sunlight are good for us. Mama doesn’t like the bugs, though,” Jared rambled as they made their way through the dining room and out to a foyer that opened onto stone steps. Beyond this was the garden Max had enjoyed on the night of the fund raiser.
“Max is here,” Winifred called to the others. As if on agreement, she and Jared dropped their hold on him.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and came to greet him. Max felt truly welcomed, perhaps even cared for.
