“Max, that’s a wonderful idea,” Dr. Turner said, smiling. “Of course, it depends on how much time you can spare, but getting a school up and running will be critical. There are a great many children in these homeless families. School will give them a sense of normalcy. Why don’t we meet tomorrow, and we can discuss in detail what you think you will need. That will give us time to search for teachers who can attend the children at both farms, since they’ll be too far apart to join together.”
Max nodded and couldn’t help glancing down at Evie. She was radiant as she smiled in approval. He loved that she was pleased with his offering. Perhaps in time he could tell her how he hoped to spend his life pleasing her.
“I was so surprised at your volunteering to help teach,” Evie said once everyone was settled down eating. She had positioned a little iron table between them so that Max didn’t have to struggle to balance a plate on his lap.
“I had almost forgotten how much I enjoyed teaching. That was never considered a smart enough position by my father, nor fashionable enough by my stepmother, as I mentioned earlier. Therefore, becoming a teacher was never an option.”
“But if you love it so much, why not? The world needs good teachers. They can make all the difference in a child’s life. I’ve had some good and some bad, and the outcome was quite astounding. I know you’d make a wonderful teacher.”
“Teachers don’t make much money, and my father and stepmother saw it as a worthless effort. My stepmother spent time in England where men of quality do not have to work for a living. With enough money, they just order people about to do the work for them.”
“Money isn’t everything.”
“Generally said by people who have money,” Max countered.
Evie considered that a moment. “I’m sure you’re right. I’ve only ever known wealth and have never gone in want. But honestly, you could still oversee your investments while being a teacher, couldn’t you?”
“I couldn’t work for my father and do so. But then again, I’ve pretty much made up my mind to cease my work with him. He counts more on my brothers for direction; I’m more of a manager for him here. And since the sawmills were destroyed and the logging camp work slowed, I am left to oversee just a handful of other matters.”
“Then why not teach? Didn’t you tell me you had an inheritance?” Max nodded, and Evie immediately continued, “Then invest it wisely and teach to your heart’s content.”
“And you would find that acceptable employment?”
“Of course I find it acceptable for a person to do what they love and feel called to do. You obviously have many places in your life that are out of sorts and unfulfilled. If this is one of them, then rectify it. Start with the temporary task at the farms. See if it is to your pleasure as much as you remember. If it is, then seek out a job here in Minneapolis. As I understand it, there are several private schools new to the area. They probably need teachers.”
“And what about you doing what you love and feel called to do?”
Evie shrugged and toyed with a cream-filled pastry. “I’ve been thinking about what you said earlier and have decided to tell my parents the truth tomorrow after church. I know they’ll understand, and the discomfort is purely on my part.” She looked across the lawn to where her mother and father were laughing at something Evan had said. “I just hate disappointing the people I love.”
“I believe they’d be more disappointed by you continuing in something that makes you physically ill. Even more so by the knowledge that you didn’t feel you could talk to them about it.”
She knew he was right and nodded. “They are the most understanding and compassionate of people. I have very good parents. When I hear you speak of how ignored you were as a child, it breaks my heart.” She looked back at him. “I had a wonderful childhood. My parents always made us feel as if we were the most important part of their lives. They were firm with us, don’t think otherwise. They insisted on good behavior but allowed for moments of silliness and chaos. I think maybe Mother wanted to give us a perfect life because she waited so long to have children.”
“A perfect life,” Max said with a sigh. “I’m not even sure what that would look like.”
“Well, for me it starts with God. My parents were good to stress that God was to be the very foundation on which we built everything. If it didn’t start with Him, my father would say it was no good to us.”
“I’m starting to see some of that for myself. The day I was injured, I prayed. I wasn’t sure God would hear me, but I prayed and now feel quite certain He heard and acted.”
“He answered a lot of prayers that day. Father and I were convinced there would be a great many dead from the fire, but so far even as they clean up the debris, they’ve found no one. God was merciful in sparing lives. A couple of the firefighters who were severely injured may yet pass away, but it could have been so much worse.”
Max nodded and looked away. “I just pray my father had nothing to do with it.”
“Have you talked to my father about it?”
“I figured to do that tomorrow when we talk about theschool. I suppose it will be a lot to put on the man at once, but Dr. Turner seems quite capable.”
“He is. He has handled far bigger problems.” Evie sampled the sweet dessert and studied Max while his thoughts were elsewhere. Her heart beat a little faster when she looked at him.
“Would you take a walk with me?” Max asked without warning.
“Of course.” She put her plate on the table and rose. “The evenings are becoming quite pleasant. They’re dry and cooler. I think as it moves into autumn, things become even more beautiful.”
She allowed Max to lead the way and then walked at his side as they moved deeper into the gardens.
“Do you see over there?” she asked, pointing to the southwest. “Father is planning to put in a tennis court. The boys learned to play and have encouraged him to do so. I think it might be fun to learn. Have you ever played?”
“I have. And I find it most enjoyable.”
