“Night!” He scurried off like a mouse desperate to avoid the cat. “Glad you’re home, Evie.”
2
Late Sunday afternoon, Evie found herself dressed in her finest summer gown of rose-pink silk, attending her best friend’s engagement party with her brother and parents. They had come together in the family carriage, discussing the church services earlier that day and siblings Andrew, Jacob, and Meredith heading off or back to college in the fall. Meredith was the greatest concern due to her just turning eighteen. Now, however, focus was on the party and visiting with old friends.
The Bronsons were a well-to-do family whose holdings in real estate had made them quite wealthy. Amelia and Evie met on their first day of school and had remained fast friends throughout the years, while their parents had done a great deal of business together. Evie had always hoped Amelia might marry Evan and be bonded to their family for life, but neither ever found the other of any interest.
“I’m so glad you could be here to celebrate with us,” Amelia said as Evie approached the happy couple. “Look, Carl, Evie and her family have come.”
The young man smiled. “I know my sister will be delighted to see Evan is here.”
“Perhaps theirs will be the next engagement party,” Amelia offered.
“Wouldn’t that be wonderful.” Evie gave a light laugh, but her heart wasn’t in it. Still, she was a convincing actress. “Maybe you could have a double wedding.”
“No, I have planned far too long for my wedding day,” Amelia countered. “Oh, Evie, it’s going to be glorious. And you, of course, will be my maid of honor.”
“I would be honored. You’re my dearest friend.” Evie gave Amelia a hug as Evan and her parents joined them.
“Congratulations, Amelia and Carl,” Mother declared. “We are so happy for you both. Have you set the date for the wedding?”
“Yes,” Carl replied. “The day before Christmas. We wanted a winter wedding, and that seemed like the perfect time. Everyone will already be in a spirit of celebration for the holidays and hopefully will extend that to our wedding as well. Evan, I hope you’ll be my best man.”
“Absolutely.” Evan and Carl had been friends even longer than Amelia and Evie.
Father shook hands with Carl. “I wish you the very best.”
“Thank you.” Carl smiled at Amelia. “With Amelia at my side, I know the future will be perfect.”
“Well, I wouldn’t count on perfection,” Mother said, glancing up at Father. “But so long as you love one another and forgive any imperfections, you should be happy.” Mother looked over her shoulder. “We should keep this line moving so that you can receive all of your guests, but just know we will be praying for you both.”
“That means the world to us,” Carl said, taking Amelia’s hand. “We want always to look to God.”
“Putting God first will resolve a great many problems.”
Evie had heard her father say as much on at least a dozen occasions. She was glad he offered the comment once again.
They moved on to greet Amelia’s family and then Carl’s. The afternoon had turned out perfectly lovely. Puffy white clouds overhead offered some shade from the sun, and a light breeze made the temperature quite comfortable. It didn’t stop Evie from worrying about her mother. Over the years there had been quite a few times when she was unable to endure the heat. Father had jokingly said perhaps they should move to the icy north.
Evie couldn’t help but be concerned. She’d even attended some special lectures while in her nurse’s training, hoping to hear something that might offer help or insight into her mother’s inability to deal with the heat. Father had always maintained that at the heart of the problem was her mother’s inability to sweat. Having no natural defense against the body’s temperature rising, it was no wonder that Mother was given to suffering on the hottest days.
“Are you cool enough, Mother?” Evie asked in a hushed whisper.
“I’m fine, darling. Go and visit with your friends. I’ll have your father to watch over me.”
“I know he’ll be here, but he is sixty years old.”
“And still quite spry and capable. Honestly, Evie, you act as though he’s got one foot in the grave.”
“God forbid!” Evie shook her head. “I am certainly not implying that. I just want you to be safe and have the utmost of care, should you need it.”
Mother patted her hand. “I’m fine, Nurse Turner. Now go and enjoy yourself.”
Evie wasn’t sure if that was possible. Having Mother remind her of the title pushed her concerns about the future to theforefront once again. How could she possibly explain her situation with any degree of satisfaction?
“It’s so good to see you again, Evie,” Christina Knutsson greeted. Her comments might have been addressed to Evie, but it was Evan she watched like a hawk.
“It’s good to see you, Christina, and what a lovely gown.” Evie nodded toward her fashionable attire. The tiny blonde looked perfect in the pale lavender gown with embroidered chiffon at the neck and short pleated sleeves that banded at the elbow.
