Evie came to where he was standing. “Not doubt we will.” She stretched up and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for always being there for me. You are an amazing brother and friend.”
“I appreciate the help you’re giving me in finding a position teaching,” Max said, standing as the clock chimed. “And I’mmore than appreciative of the permission you’ve given me to marry your daughter.”
Dr. Turner laughed. “I would be in a lot of trouble if I refused. When Evie makes up her mind to do something, it’s already half done. You might as well learn that about her.”
“I know it well. She’s a woman of her word. Not only that, but I’ve never seen anyone like her when organizing and making things happen.”
“She gets that from her mother. I can tell you without a doubt that if they were in charge of the country, we never would have had an economic crisis.”
“I am sure you’re right.”
“Come on, let’s see if our ladies are awaiting us in the sitting room. I would imagine they’re anxious to know all about our discussion.”
“Well, I intend to formally ask Evie to marry me on our carriage ride to the theatre, so I would rather we say nothing about it for now.”
“You have my word. Why don’t you plan to come in when you bring Evie home this evening? We’ll have a little celebration with the family.”
“It will be very late. Perhaps we could do it Friday night, since tonight is a school night, and I want the children to be there to celebrate. I can’t imagine a better time than family night to announce that I’m joining the family.” Max hoped he hadn’t overstepped his bounds by making the suggestion.
“That would be perfect. You’ll fit very well into this family.” The look on Dr. Turner’s face warmed Max. His approval meant the world. Funny how he’d never felt that way about his own father.
“Friday night will be quite the celebration. I’ll let Mrs. Niedermeier know that we’ll need a very special banquet. And without Andrew and Jacob home, we might all get a chanceto sample each dish. I’ve never seen two boys eat more food than they can.”
Max let go his breath and smiled. “Thank you. That will be wonderful.”
They walked together into the private sitting room and found Evie and her mother waiting. Max’s breath caught in the back of his throat at the sight of his future wife.
Evie was gowned in pale blue with a modest neckline of lace and ruching, sleeves that were puffed to just below the elbow, and a banded waistline that showed off her figure to perfection. Her dark brown hair had been arranged in a pile of curls atop her head with dark blue feathers and netting to add a sense of the elaborate. She smiled at him just then, and everything else failed to impress.
Max forced himself to look at Mrs. Turner. He bowed his head slightly and smiled. “Mrs. Turner, it’s good to see you this evening.”
“Max, you look quite dashing.” She stepped forward and gave him a hug. “I hope you both enjoy the concert tonight. It’s Beethoven, is it not?”
“Yes,” Max replied. “His Concerto in C major to begin with. I’m not certain what else the orchestra has planned.”
“I’m a great fan of Beethoven,” Mrs. Turner said, glancing at her husband, “but much prefer Chopin.”
“I’m sure they’ll enjoy their evening. They might even hear the music,” Dr. Turner said in teasing manner. He put his arm around his wife. “But we really should allow them to be on their way.”
“Yes, of course,” Mrs. Turner said, smiling.
Max could tell that she had a good idea of what his conversation with the doctor had entailed. He probably should just come out and ask Evie for her hand in front of them, but he very much wanted the moment to be private—just themtogether in the carriage with the evening lights shining around. Evie loved the city, and it seemed only right to include it in his proposal.
“I love you both. Don’t wait up for me,” Evie said, moving toward Max. She smiled at him as she took up her wrap.
His breath caught again. She was stunning and all his. He whispered a prayer of thanks before taking her arm. “Good evening.”
He escorted Evie to the carriage. The sun had already set, and the driver had lit the carriage lamps. Since the night was fair, they would ride in the open barouche.
Max handed Evie up into the carriage and waited for her to be seated before joining her. In a daring and unexpected move, he sat beside her. Evie raised a brow at him, then allowed a smile to form on her lips.
The driver closed the door and mounted quickly to put the carriage in motion. Meanwhile, Max felt his pocket for the ring he’d purchased. He had no family heirloom to pass along to her, not that he would have even if one existed. His family life had been miserable, and with Evie he wanted to start fresh.
They turned onto the street and headed toward the heart of the city. Max lost no time. He turned to Evie and smiled. “I spoke to your father about my intentions of teaching, and he’s going to help me find a position.”
“I knew he would,” Evie replied, pulling her wrap around her to ward off the chilled night air.
“I have a better way to keep you warm,” Max said, grinning.
