The Highest of Hopes

by Susan Anne Mason

  “This is the easy part,” Marianne replied. “It’s the rest that isn’t so nice.”

  “I’ll do my best not to hurt you.” Dr. Hancock’s features became solemn. “My mission isn’t to cause you pain, but unfortunately a little discomfort is necessary to get the muscles to function again.” He glanced over at Emma. “If you’re willing to work with Marianne at home, her future sessions might go much easier.”

  “I’ll do my best. If her parents allow it.”

  The doctor frowned. “Why would they object?”

  Emma’s back stiffened. How could she explain without telling him the whole ugly story? “I’m sure it will be fine.” She smiled at him, hoping he’d let the matter drop.

  He studied her, then nodded. “That would be a big help.” He lowered his voice. “I’ve been suggesting they hire someone at home to do the exercises with Marianne, but I’ve sensed some resistance, which puzzles me. Why go through the trouble of bringing her here if they don’t really want the treatment to succeed?”

  “Why indeed?” Emma shook her head. So many of her father’s attitudes remained a mystery to her. Would she ever get behind his façade and learn his true motivations?

  “Sit or stand wherever you’re comfortable, Miss Moore. And if you have any questions, you may ask at any time.” The doctor turned back to Marianne and removed the towels.

  The next forty minutes passed by in a flash while Emma watched with admiration as the doctor worked. True to his promise, he used the utmost gentleness with Marianne, backing off immediately as soon as he perceived the actions were causing too much discomfort.

  “When will we try to stand again, Dr. Hancock?” Despite her fatigue from the draining exercises, Marianne still seemed optimistic.

  “If you continue to work at home, we might be able to try in a few weeks. If I feel the muscles are strong enough.” He patted her shoulder. “And don’t forget to work on your arm strength as well. The next step in getting mobile would be metal leg braces and arm crutches. You’d have to be strong enough to bear your weight on your arms.”

  He turned his full focus on Emma. “Would you like me to write down some of the exercises you can do with Marianne?”

  “That would be helpful. Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.” His eyes crinkled as he smiled. “I’m glad Marianne has someone willing to work with her. I expect we’ll start to see great improvements over the next few weeks.”

  Emma smiled but inwardly wondered at the battle she might face with Marianne’s parents. Why wouldn’t a mother do everything in her power to help her child walk again?

  Perhaps she’d have a private conversation with Randall and let him smooth the way for Emma’s assistance.

  CHAPTER 18

  Corinne followed her father into the Faculty of Law department, discreetly attempting to pat her hair into place on the off chance that she might run into Will. When Papa had told her after their visit to the museum that he needed to drop by his office for a few minutes, her heart had nearly stopped beating. What were the chances that Will would be there?

  To her amazement, he was waiting by her father’s door as though expecting them.

  “Hello, sir. Good afternoon, Corinne.” A flush graced Will’s cheeks.

  Papa turned to her. “I hope you don’t mind, honey, but I asked Will to show you around campus. I thought you might enjoy it more with someone closer to your own age. And Will can give you an unbiased opinion of the institution.” He winked at Will.

  Corinne clasped her hands together, uncertain whether she should be ecstatic or suspicious at this turn of events. Was Papa trying to use Will to persuade her to his way of thinking?

  In any event, it didn’t matter. She was being given the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with Will, and she didn’t care the reason.

  “I don’t mind at all, Papa,” she said, smiling.

  Even though Will had been at her graduation party, she hadn’t had much chance to talk to him since the roller-skating debacle. She hoped that since he was such a gentleman, he wouldn’t bring up the incident again.

  “Good. And maybe afterward the three of us can dine at Chez Marie’s.”

  Will took a step back, shaking his head. “That’s not necessary, sir.”

  Corinne’s spirits plummeted. Didn’t he want to eat with her in one of the city’s finest restaurants? It was the closest thing they’d get to an actual date.

  “Don’t turn down an offer like that, son. It may not happen again.” Papa gave Will a long look, one that seemed to have more meaning than she could fathom. He looked at his pocket watch. “By then it will likely be closer to the dinner hour anyway.”

  “Please join us, Will.” She held her breath, waiting for his response.

  At last he nodded. “Thank you. I’d be honored.”

  Two hours later, after walking up and down the stairs in many different buildings, Corinne’s shoes had begun to pinch her toes. If Will hadn’t been her guide, she would have put a halt to this tour long ago.

  Corinne slowed her steps as they crossed one of the university’s lawns. “If you don’t mind, could we go somewhere to sit for a while? My feet could use the rest.”

  “Of course. I should have thought of that sooner.” Will guided her over to a bench under a tree and sat down beside her, leaving far too much room between them.

  “Don’t apologize. I’ve enjoyed our time together.” She hoped he’d understand her meaning—not that she’d enjoyed the tour exactly, but rather his company.

  “So, did any of the courses interest you?” Will splayed his hands flat over his thighs as if unsure what to do with them.

  “Not especially.” She leaned closer, near enough to catch the scent of his soap. “Can I tell you something?”

  His breath seemed to catch in his throat, but he nodded. “Of course. You can tell me anything.”

  “I have no desire to attend university. But Papa seems to have his heart set on it for some reason.”

  “I see.” Will studied her quietly. “Then what do you want for your future, Corinne?”

  Her heart gave a strange little quiver. What if she answered him with the bare, unadulterated truth? Would he get up and race off? Better to soften her response. “You won’t laugh?”

  “Of course not.” His green eyes were solemn. Trustworthy.

  She drew in a breath. “After school finished, I was hoping to get the job as my father’s secretary. But then he gave it to Emma.”

  Will’s brows rose. “Did you tell your father that you wanted the job?”

  “Not directly. But I hinted many times.” She smoothed her skirt over her knees. “I thought he understood and was holding it open for me.”

  “I didn’t know you could type.” Will seemed to be having a hard time keeping his lips from twitching.

  “I can’t. But I’m sure I could learn. I picked up the piano fairly quickly.”

  He laughed, and his gaze held a glint of admiration. “I believe you could do anything you set your mind to. Although I never thought you’d be interested in office work.”

  She lowered her gaze to her lap. “I want to do something meaningful. And what better way than to help my father?” She peeked up at him. “I told him this morning that I also want to join his campaign team. Help him win the election.”

  Real approval shone in Will’s eyes. “You would surely be an asset. I’d be happy to mention it to him again if you think it would help.”

  “Really? That would be wonderful.” She beamed at him.

  He swallowed and looked away.

  Several seconds of silence passed. A few students walked by on the path toward the street.

  “Can I tell you something in confidence?” Will said at last.

  “Certainly.” Corinne’s breath tangled in her lungs. Was he at last ready to declare his feelings?

  He leaned closer. “I’m very fond of Emmaline, but I don’t think she’s cut out to be a secretary. She’s wasted more paper t
han anyone in the whole department.”

  Corinne covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. “Really?”

  “It’s true. If it weren’t for her relation to your father, I’m certain he would have fired her long ago.” He unbuttoned his jacket and let it fall open. “You might consider taking a few typing lessons in the event that the position becomes vacant again.”

  “That’s a great idea, though I wonder if Papa will allow it. He may think it beneath me.”

  “Would he have to know exactly what course you’re taking?”

  “Why, Mr. Munroe, I didn’t realize how devious you could be.”

  He laughed out loud. “I’ve had my share of practice in getting around a domineering parent.”

  “Then you understand my dilemma.”

  “All too well, Corinne.” He cleared his throat and rose. “I need to get my bag from the office before we meet your father. Do you want to wait here or come with me?”

  “I think my feet have sufficiently recovered.” She held out a hand.

  Slowly he took it and helped her to her feet. But he didn’t release her right away. “I want you to know, Corinne,” he said softly, “that I hold you in the highest regard. And if I could relive that moment at the roller rink over again, I would never have pushed you away.” He raised her hand to his lips.

  His mouth warmed her skin, and her heart leaped in her chest.

  “I think very highly of you too, Will.” She looked into his eyes, praying he would pull her into his arms now and kiss her. “In fact, I’ve been hoping you might ask me out.” Her mouth went dry. She chewed her bottom lip, praying she hadn’t gone too far.

  He let out a sigh. “Believe me, if I were in a position to court you, I would do so without hesitation. But being your father’s protégé, along with my studies and all my responsibilities at home, I’m afraid it’s not feasible right now.”

  Her heightened spirits plummeted. “But I don’t care about any of that, Will.”

  He gave a sad smile. “You deserve a man who can give you the world, Corinne. Not one with so many obligations weighing him down.”

  She fought for some logical argument to persuade him to her way of thinking. But nothing came to mind. Other than “I love you,” which she doubted would sway him.

  “Come on,” he said. “We don’t want to keep your father waiting.”

  They made a quick trip up to the law office. Corinne waited by Emma’s desk while Will went to his area in the back. Resentment burned inside her as she ran her hand over the smooth desktop and rolled a pen between her fingers. This should be her spot. Her work area. Now more than ever, Corinne needed to have a job here so she could see Will on a daily basis. Surely then he would realize that the obstacles he mentioned weren’t really obstacles at all.

  She picked up a bottle of ink and twirled it absently. What she needed was a way to make Emma’s departure happen sooner rather than later. Quietly, she opened the top drawer a few inches. Inside were some handwritten documents, as well as several typed pages.

  Her throat tightened. Before she could let her conscience overrule her, she unscrewed the cap and tipped the ink out. It pooled in a dark puddle, soaking into the papers. She pushed the drawer closed just as Will approached.

  “Ready?” she asked brightly.

  “Sure am. I hope I don’t look too out of place at this restaurant. I’ve never been anywhere so fancy before.”

  “Don’t worry.” She looped her arm through his. “I’ll make sure you feel right at home.”

  CHAPTER 19

  Jonathan opened the envelope and eagerly removed a letter from his Aunt Trudy. He’d been hoping for weeks now to hear from her again, and finally she’d answered his many letters. He only prayed she would be honest and not keep any unpleasant news from him.

  Halfway through the missive, Jonathan’s heart sank. Just as he suspected, his aunt was struggling both financially and personally. With him so far away and Felix gone, Aunt Trudy had lost both her support systems. Though fairly independent, she was still a somewhat fragile woman who needed help chopping wood for the stove, lifting some of the heavy bolts of material down from the higher shelves, and fixing the plumbing when leaks sprung up. Jonathan had spoken with their minister before he left, asking him to keep an eye on her and to send the parishioners over once in a while to keep her company or help out in the store.

  Aunt Trudy didn’t mention any such visits in her letter. But she did say that the bank manager had been harassing her again. All over that pesky loan, one that would have been paid off long ago if Jonathan hadn’t been away at war. He sighed. If only he could be in two places at once, maybe then he wouldn’t be plagued with such constant guilt.

  What if the bank made good on their repeated threats and called in her loan? Aunt Trudy would lose her shop. And since they lived in the flat above the store, she’d also have to find a new home.

  Jonathan couldn’t allow that to happen. Ever since his uncle Truman had died twenty years ago, Aunt Trudy had put every penny into Trudy’s Dress Designs, determined to earn a living for herself. And when Jonathan’s family had perished in that fire, she hadn’t hesitated for one second to take in the orphaned boy. Jonathan owed her everything, and because of that, he would never abandon her, never allow her to lose the store that meant so much to her.

  He took out a piece of paper from the bedside table. He intended to write to the bank and ascertain their intentions. If at all possible, Jonathan would get them to leave his aunt alone, at least until he returned later in the summer to handle her finances.

  Never had the weight of his responsibilities threatened to undo him. For as much as he owed Aunt Trudy, he felt an equal, if not greater, responsibility toward Emma. How could he leave her in this strange country with a family that barely acknowledged her existence? What would Emma do if Randall broke ties with her? How would she make a living here all alone? Would she come back to England, even though selling her grandfather’s shop meant she no longer had a job or a home to return to?

  Jonathan lowered his head. The only thing he could do was pray for a solution to his troubles and trust God to provide the answers he needed.

  Lord, show me the right path to take, one that will allow me to take care of both the women who need me. I can’t bear to let either one of them down.

  On Monday morning, for the first time since she started her job, Emma considered faking an illness so as not to have to go in to work. Still smarting from her treatment at the graduation, she didn’t know if she could set aside her hurt and continue as though nothing had happened.

  But unfortunately, her grandad’s mantra rang in her head: “Never shirk your duty, Emma girl. If you’re lucky enough to have a job, make sure you don’t take it for granted.”

  Heaving a sigh, Emma climbed the stairs to the office. Likely her father wouldn’t even realize that Emma might be upset by what happened at the graduation. He’d probably never given it—or her—a moment’s thought.

  But for Marianne’s sake, if nothing else, Emma would persevere.

  “Good morning, Doris,” Emma called as she reached her desk. She frowned, finding her chair somewhat askew. Had the janitor forgotten to put it under the desk when he’d finished cleaning?

  “Morning, Emma.” Doris held up her coffee mug in a silent salute and nodded toward Randall’s door. “The boss is in early today.”

  With a sigh, Emma pulled her chair over and took a seat. This morning she had to finish the minutes from the law society board meeting. Mrs. Anderson had been kind enough to provide a longhand version of the minutes, knowing Emma would be asked to type them. And Emma had been so careful with each page, placing each one safely in her drawer as soon as she finished it. This was an important document, one that had to be error-free since it was going out to the university’s board of directors. Emma was glad those secretarial courses she’d signed up for would start soon. Maybe then she’d begin to feel more competent at her job.

  But when sh
e uncovered the typewriter and then opened her drawer to take out the documents, a shriek escaped her lips before she could stop it.

  “What’s the matter?” Doris crossed the aisle.

  With a hand over her mouth, Emma pointed to the inky mess in her drawer.

  “Oh dear. That’s unfortunate.” Behind her large glasses, Doris’s eyes shone with sympathy. “Let me get something to clean this up.”

  She disappeared down the hall and came back moments later with a couple of large rags.

  Emma fought back tears as Doris dabbed at some of the ink that was still wet. The rest, it seemed, had soaked right through all the papers underneath. How was she going to explain to her father that the whole document was ruined?

  “What a shame. I don’t think any of this can be salvaged.” Doris held out the blackened stack of papers for Emma to see before she dropped the whole mess into the metal bin.

  “What am I going to do?” Emma said. “He needs those minutes done by today.”

  “What if I help you? I can take one half and you do the other. If we’re lucky, the professor won’t ask you for it till later this afternoon. Do you have the original notes?”

  Emma shook her head. “They were in that pile,” she whispered.

  Doris reached into the can and searched through the pages, pulling out the stained handwritten minutes. “It’s no use. They’re unreadable.” She huffed out a breath and tossed the pages back into the trash.

  “I didn’t put the ink bottle in that drawer, Doris.”

  “What?” Doris paused from wiping her fingers on a clean rag. “Then how did it get in there?”

  “I have no idea. But someone has been here since Friday. My chair was out of place, and”—Emma picked up a pen from the desktop—“this pen was moved, and the ink bottle was spilled in the drawer.” She looked up at Doris. “If I didn’t know better, I’d swear someone did this on purpose.”