Evie didn’t know what had come over her that she should just confess to Max Garrison. She had done her level best to avoid speaking her heart to anyone, and then without warning she found herself just pouring out everything to Max. What was wrong with her? Now she would have to speak at least to Evan. They had always told each other everything, and to keep such a major issue from him would make him feel slighted.
She sighed and looked out into the darkness from her openwindow. Why couldn’t life be easier? Why couldn’t things just go the way she wanted them to? The restlessness was getting the better of her.
She crossed the room and took up her robe. If only she were a stronger person, then she could meet the requirements of nursing. After all, with the help of her supervisor and peppermint oil, she had at least managed to get through her training. Maybe in time, perseverance and determination would win out. But she doubted it.
Tying the belt on her robe, Evie knew it was time to have a talk with her twin. She couldn’t keep him in the dark forever. It had been hours since they’d all parted for bed, but somehow she knew he was still awake, perhaps even waiting for her to come.
She padded down the hallway as quietly as possible. No sense alerting the family to her inability to sleep. She gave a light knock on Evan’s door and wasn’t surprised at his immediate order to come in.
Evie stepped inside, then closed the door behind her. Evan was in his robe and pajamas, sitting with a book in front of his unlit fireplace. He had the electric light on, leaving her no doubt he was unable to sleep.
“I knew you’d come eventually,” he said, closing the book. “I hope this means you’re ready to talk.”
Evie nodded. “I’m sorry I’ve taken so long to do so. It’s just that I’ve been quite overwhelmed and not at all sure what to do.”
“Well, sit down and tell me all about it.” Evan smiled and eased back in his chair. “Together we shall figure it out.”
11
Max decided at the last minute to attend his father’s church. He had so many questions after trying to read various parts of the Bible. In fact, there were more questions now than when he’d started. He thought perhaps by attending church, he might at least get an idea of what was required to better know God.
The minister was a pudgy fellow well into his years. His stern expression and long-winded sermon offered Max mostly boredom and indifference. The man droned on and on about David slaying Goliath, and while Max had heard the story before, he found little value in what the minister shared.
Thankfully, the service ended, and after a lengthy benediction, the congregation was dismissed. Max felt as if the void within had grown. He made his way out of the church, hoping to have a word with his father, but didn’t see him anywhere. The Duchess, however, was holding court in a sea of silks and laces. The parasols and large hats domed over the gathering of women like flowery arbors shielding them from the sun. Max deftly avoided making contact as he continued to search for his father.
He heard hushed angry voices as he rounded the corner of the urban church. Near a line of carriages, he saw his father speaking with a half dozen well-dressed men. His father looked none too happy, especially as Ambrose Sterling took charge and wagged his finger at him.
Max decided against interrupting. It was clear that whatever the matter, the men were of mixed opinions and would probably argue their points for some time. The Duchess would be beside herself having to wait in the heat, but Max had seen his father go on for hours when something got his ire up.
Backing away, Max headed to where his single-horse buggy awaited. He’d already determined to go to Boom Island despite the hunger gnawing at his gut. He’d had little in the house for breakfast and decided there and then his first task on Monday morning would be to hire a cook. Most businesses were closed to observe the Sabbath, so he had no idea what he might do for a luncheon meal. Better to focus on the men he’d asked to meet him at the mill.
They were no sooner home from church than Evie found herself cornered by her father. A request had come for Father to come to the mission immediately and attend two men who had gotten into a knife fight.
“Why don’t you come with me, Evie? We can make short order of this if we’re both there.”
Evie had no desire to deal with the aftermath of a knife fight but found herself nodding. “Just let me go change my clothes. I won’t be but a minute.”
Beth was awaiting her upstairs, and when Evie explained, she sprang into action to see her mistress transformed. Gone was the watered silk of her church gown, and in its place came the navy dress and white pinafore apron. Evie grabbed a vialof peppermint oil and dropped it in her pocket, then took up her medical bag and headed for the door.
“Wish me well, Beth. You never know what you’ll find when medical emergencies call you away.”
“I always pray, Miss Evie. All these years with your parents have proved it wise to pray without ceasing, just as the Bible says.”
Evie nodded and left the maid to put away her clothes. Hurrying down the stairs, Evie tried not to think about what was ahead of her. After her conversation with Evan on Friday night, she had very mixed feelings about speaking to their parents. Evan encouraged her to speak the truth but to also have an idea of what she wanted to do in place of nursing. Frankly, that matter was easy enough. She would just as soon fundraise and focus on the possibility of getting to know Max better. Thinking of Max, however, gave her pause. Should she really be exploring feelings for someone who didn’t fully share her faith? All of her life she’d been warned about the heartache that could befall couples who were unequally yoked.
“I’m ready,” she announced, joining her parents in the foyer.
“Good. John brought the wagon around.”
Evie nodded. She knew there would be several crates of medical supplies already loaded on the wagon and ever at the ready. Her father was prepared for almost anything when making his rounds.
She climbed onto the wagon seat and waited for her father. Being alone with him might very well present the opportunity she needed to explain her situation. In fact, after they tended to the wounded men and were on their way back home, it would be the perfect time to address the matter. Maybe she should even allow herself to get sick and then afterward explain she was dealing with this problem every time she attempted to act as a nurse.
“Here we go,” Father said as he settled into the seat. For a man of sixty years old, he was still amazingly spry and active. He placed his medical bag alongside hers and grabbed the lines. “I’ve got it now, John,” he called to the boy who held the horses.
John stepped back, releasing the horses, and Father steered the wagon down the drive. Evie drew a deep breath and tried to steady her nerves. She wanted so much to just explain everything. It shouldn’t be this hard. She knew Father would love her no matter what she said or did, so why did it hurt so much to think about his disappointment?
“I have no idea what we’ll find, but the note said it was urgent. That probably means multiple deep wounds. I do wish those men would set aside their anger, but I suppose if I were without friend or family or hope, I might be inclined to fight. Still, it does nothing to better their circumstances.”
