“Of course, Mother.” She smiled and gave Mrs. Van Cleve a nod. “It was good to see you again.” Evie slipped away lest her mother change her mind. She sighed in relief and made her way to a less populated area of the lawn, pretending to be enthralled with one of the rose bushes.
The music was more muted here, but still easily heard. The Bronsons had hired a dozen musicians to play for the party. Even during a time of financial crisis, no expense was too great for their only daughter’s engagement celebration.
Evie found a wrought iron bench and took a seat. She sipped her cup of lemonade and wondered about her own future. She was at a complete loss as to what to do. She didn’t want to lieto her family, but neither did she want to continue nursing. It wasn’t that she didn’t wish to ease a patient’s suffering; she did. She very much enjoyed that aspect of the job. But that part of her duties was minimal most of the time. It seemed far more likely she had to cause pain to help facilitate healing.
Lord, I don’t know what to do. As the days go by, my father will expect me to join him at the hospital and on his rounds. Then what? How do I manage this situation? Idon’t want to hurt him, and I don’t want him to be disappointed in me.
“Here you are. I thought I saw you head this way.” Evie looked up and found her brother watching her most curiously. “This is definitely not like you.”
“I’ve changed. I told you that. I don’t like crowds as much anymore. After all these years of study and learning, I’ve become far more serious.”
Evan sat beside her. “Evie, it’s me. You know better than to try and hide something from me.”
She knew she was being unfair. “Evan, I’m sorry. I’ve a great deal on my mind, and I’m simply not ready to discuss it. Especially here.”
“Why especially?”
“It’s an engagement party. Amelia is the last of my friends to be coupled.”
“What about me? I’m not engaged or married. I thought we were the best of friends.”
“We’re more than friends, as you well know. Being twins, we have a bond that goes beyond any other of siblings or friends. We shared our mother’s womb.”
“Goodness, what kind of talk is that?”
“Certainly not high society dialogue.” Evie laughed. “Definitely not party conversation. I suppose it’s the talk of a nurse. For years now my discussions have been of body parts and functions. You would be quite scandalized.”
“Not at all.” He grinned. “I really don’t mind. We do share a special bond. We’ve been able to read each other like a book since we were little, so don’t hide from me now.”
Evie bit her lip. He was right. It wasn’t fair to him, but what could she say? It was an embarrassment to her as much as a disappointment.
“Evan, you know that I’m more than willing to share most everything with you. I just ... well, right now I’m trying to figure out my future, and there are a number of things weighing me down. Decisions and choices to make. I want to talk to you about them, but I need to sort through them first. Please just be patient with me.”
“I didn’t come to make you feel bad.” He took her hand. “Honestly, Evie, I just don’t want you to feel that you must bear whatever it is alone. I’m always here to talk.”
“I know you are. Right now, however, is the perfect time to be spending in Christina’s company. I’ve a feeling you two belong together. I’ve felt that way for some time.”
“Do you really like her?”
“Of course I do. She’s smart and beautiful, tenderhearted and considerate. Best of all, she’s very obviously sweet on you.”
He dropped his hold and leaned back, stretching his legs out in front of him. “I know she is. I like her very much. Well, that’s an understatement. I think I’m in love.”
“Good. I couldn’t want anything better for you. It’s time for you to take a wife and settle down. You have your share of the small inheritance Mother and Father gave us when we turned twenty-one. You could buy a house and set up for yourself. Just think how happy you’d be.”
“I can’t just run off and desert you. I know whatever is troubling you is big. I just want to help.”
“I know. But right now, there is nothing for you to help with, so please just give me some time to sort things out. Trust me.”
“I do.” He gave her a doubtful look but then smiled. “I’ll just keep praying for you.”
“Thank you. That’s the best way to help me.”
“May I speak to you a moment?” Evie’s sister Meredith asked from the open doorway.
“Certainly.” Evie went to her bedroom door and opened it even wider. “Come in.”
She closed the door behind Meredith as she entered the room. Her sister went immediately to the end of the bed and plopped down. She toyed with the ties on her robe as she looked up at Evie. “Was the engagement party grand?”
