The Highest of Hopes
Page 24
Her breathing grew shallow as panic set in. She wasn’t prepared for this final farewell. She needed more time. “We . . . we don’t have to say good-bye yet. I’ll see you before you leave.”
“No.” The harsh word erupted from him. “It’s best to sever ties now. It will be easier that way.” His eyes burned into hers with a thousand unspoken words.
This couldn’t be the end of their friendship. The last time she’d ever see him.
On a strangled cry, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. The familiar smell of his soap met her nose. She inhaled, trying to memorize the scent. His arms came around her and squeezed so tightly she could barely catch her breath. Her throat burned, her eyes stung.
How could she let him go?
“You don’t have to leave,” she whispered into his neck. Tears brimmed over and rolled down her face. If you loved me, you’d stay.
“I’m afraid I do.” Gently, he pried her arms away and set them at her side. “We want different things from life. I see that now, and that’s why I have to let you go—so you can be free to live the life you were meant to live. The one God intends for you.” He ran a finger down her damp cheek and smiled sadly. “I’ll always love you, Emmaline. Don’t forget that.” With a final searing look, he strode out the door.
Choking back a sob, she followed him into the hall, only to see the front door close behind him. She rushed back to the parlor window and pressed her hand to the glass, straining to catch the last glimpse of him until he was out of sight.
Then she laid her forehead against the windowpane and allowed the tears to flow in earnest, certain that nothing in her life would ever be the same again.
CHAPTER 27
Randall wasn’t accomplishing a single thing today. He might as well have stayed home. But to do that would look like he had something to hide, something to feel bad about, and he would take no responsibility for the fight that had ruined the fundraiser.
The blame for that lay squarely on Jonathan Rowe and Giles Wainwright. What on earth had possessed Emma’s friend to attack the reporter like that?
Someone knocked on his door, despite the fact that he’d asked not to be disturbed.
“Come in.”
Will entered. “Good afternoon, Professor. Is this a good time to talk?”
Randall frowned. “I suppose so.” He set down his pen. “What can I do for you?”
Will cleared his throat, his hand loosening the knot in his tie. “I’d like to speak with you about . . . Corinne.”
Randall stared at him for a second, then nodded. “Please sit down.” He took in Will’s nervous demeanor and suddenly had a very good idea what Will wanted. Randall had not been looking forward to this conversation.
“Thank you.” Will took a seat across the desk.
“Now, what about Corinne?”
A sheen of sweat shone on Will’s brow. “I’ve grown quite . . . fond of Corinne, and with your permission, sir, I’d like to start courting her.” He rubbed his palms on his pant leg.
“I see.” Randall gave thanks for his training in the courtroom that allowed him to school his emotions. “Do I presume my daughter would be agreeable to this arrangement?”
“I believe so, yes.”
“I take it you would be leading up to an eventual marriage proposal?”
“That would be my intent.”
Randall steepled his fingers together. Will was one of his best employees. His protégé. He would have to handle this request in a most delicate manner in order not to alienate him. “You’re still living at home with your mother and siblings, correct?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And you’re still providing for them financially.”
“Yes.” The lad shifted on his seat.
“You know I want only the best for my daughter,” Randall said slowly. “How do you intend to provide for Corinne while supporting five siblings? Even I would find that challenging.”
Will cleared his throat. “By the time we wed, I expect my situation will have changed and my family will be in a better position. Two of my sisters should be working by then, which would relieve the burden considerably.”
“But you’ll always feel responsible for them. At what point will Corinne become your priority?”
Will frowned. “My wife would always be my main priority. But only a cad would turn his back on his family.”
He couldn’t really fault the boy for his loyalty. However, that type of sacrifice wasn’t what Randall wanted for his daughter. Nor would Vera. Though she was all in favor of Corinne marrying, she had high standards for a future son-in-law.
“I don’t mean to be insensitive,” Randall said, “but my daughter is used to an affluent lifestyle. Can you guarantee her the same standard of living?”
“Not right away.” Will straightened on his seat and looked Randall in the eye. “But as I recall from your stories, you were around my age when you came to Canada with nothing more than the clothes on your back. Did that stop you from pursuing your wife?”
The boy had gumption, Randall would give him that.
“When I met Vera, I was further along in my career than you. And I had the support of my future father-in-law.”
“Which is what I’m attempting to gain now. You know I have aspirations for a career in law, and that I’ll eventually be able to offer Corinne a very comfortable life.”
“Ah, the ‘eventually’ part is what worries me. How long will that take? Five years? Ten?” Randall pushed his chair back on a sigh. “You know I hold you in high esteem, Will. You’re smart and principled. But I don’t think you’re ready for courtship or marriage. Perhaps we can revisit this conversation in a few years, if Corinne is still unattached by then. Maybe then your family situation will have changed and your career will be on a more solid footing.” He rose and crossed the room to open the door.
With a defeated air, Will slowly stood up.
Randall clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Nothing personal, son. If all goes well for you, I’ll be more than happy to have you as part of the family.”
Will stared woodenly at the floor, clearly unhappy with the direction the conversation had taken.
“Thank you for your time,” he bit out before exiting the office.
Randall closed the door behind him and blew out a breath. He’d only had Corinne’s best interest in mind, so why did he feel like he’d done something that would cost him not only his daughter’s respect but Will’s as well?
“You’re doing very well, Kate. Only one wrong answer this time.” Corinne smiled at the eager girl seated beside her. She’d really improved in her equations since Corinne had started tutoring her.
Kate beamed at her. “You make it seem so easy, Corinne. I wish my teachers could explain everything as simply as you do.”
Corinne’s chest swelled with the unexpected praise. “Why, thank you. That’s a wonderful compliment.” Her pulse quickened, the girl’s words seeming to confirm the idea that she’d been toying with for days. Could she have found her calling in life?
“Have you ever thought of becoming a teacher?” Kate’s question had Corinne’s breath catching in her lungs.
“I hadn’t before,” she said. “But I must admit there’s something very satisfying in helping a person learn.”
Kate leaned forward. “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, only my marks were never good enough. Mama keeps telling me I have to get a job to help support the family.” She bit her lip, twirling her hair around her fingers. “Do you think I could raise my marks enough to get into college?”
Corinne was struck by the irony. Her father was practically begging her to continue her education and she’d had no interest, and yet Kate wanted to and circumstances denied her that right. “I think you can do anything you set your mind to, Kate. If you study hard, there’s no telling what you can do.”
The girl’s shoulders slumped. “Even if I bring my marks up, we’d never be able to afford it.”
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“You could get a part-time job to help earn funds. If you really want something bad enough, you’ll find a way to make it happen.”
“Well said.”
Corinne swiveled on her chair as Will entered the room. Instant heat bloomed in her cheeks. “Will, hello. I didn’t hear you come in.” Had he overheard their conversation? What would he think of his sister’s ambitions?
He leaned against the doorframe, a thoughtful expression on his face. “How is Katie doing?”
“I was just telling her how much she’s improved.” She paused. “It seems she might want to become a teacher.”
Will nodded, studying his sister. “That would be great, if we could find the money to pay for it.” He turned his green eyes on Corinne. “Speaking of teaching, you’re a natural.”
“Thank you. I really enjoy working with your sister.”
“Are we done for today, Corinne?” Kate had started to gather her papers together.
“I think so. You know which questions to do for next time, right?”
“I do.” She smiled at Corinne. “I’ll be ready for our quiz. I’d better go and start dinner. See you on Thursday.”
Corinne picked up her books and put them into her bag. As usual, Will waited to walk her to the streetcar.
Today, however, he seemed unusually somber as they walked. She sensed something was occupying Will’s thoughts. Something more than Kate’s studies.
“How was your day?” she asked to break the somewhat strained silence.
“I went to see your father,” he said abruptly. He stared straight ahead, his forehead wreathed in lines.
Corinne’s pulse skipped. “What about?”
“I asked permission to court you.”
Her heart did a slow roll in her chest. The fact that he didn’t look at all happy made her think it hadn’t gone well. “What happened?”
“He said no.”
Her stomach sank to the walkway, though she didn’t know why she had expected anything different. “What were his reasons?”
“He said I wasn’t ready for such a commitment due to my family obligations.” His lips pressed together.
Corinne waited for him to continue.
“He said I had nothing to offer you. And he’s right.”
“No, he’s not, Will. You have many wonderful qualities that any girl would be proud to have in a suitor.”
Will turned to look at her. “He didn’t refuse me outright. Just told me to wait a few years until my situation has changed.” His eyes grew sad. “I tried to warn you that this would never work. I guess I was a fool to think it ever could.”
She tugged on his sleeve. “We’re both young. We have our whole lives ahead of us. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt us to wait a while.”
She could hardly believe she was saying that. But with a newfound confidence in Will’s affections, she believed their relationship could withstand a period of waiting.
He frowned. “What are you trying to say?”
“I’ve been thinking that maybe my father was right about me going to college.” She peered up through her lashes. “Since working with Kate, I’ve been thinking of becoming a teacher.”
His eyebrows rose. “Really? So my idea wasn’t anything new?”
“No. But it helped confirm what I was already thinking.” She leaned her shoulder against a lamppost. “We could have an unofficial courtship while we both go to school. Once we graduate, your circumstances might be more favorable for us to consider something more serious.” Her heart beat in her chest as she tried to gauge his reaction. Maybe he wouldn’t want to wait that long to marry.
He shook his head and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I can’t ask you to put your life on hold until my circumstances improve. Besides, you’ll likely meet someone else before then.”
She weighed her words while her heart beat an erratic rhythm in her chest. “I’m not interested in anyone else, Will. I’ll wait as long as it takes—within reason, of course.” She smiled at him, hoping to lighten the mood.
The leaves overhead fluttered in the breeze, causing a host of shadows to dance over his features.
“Are you sure? That seems too much to ask of any woman, much less the daughter of such a prominent member of society.”
“I’m no different than any other girl, despite my father’s political ambition.” She gave him her most serious stare. “Do you think I’m worth the wait, Will? Because I think you are.”
His pupils darkened, the only warning she had before he swept her into his arms. “I think you’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met, Corinne Moore.” His mouth captured hers in a long kiss.
Every nerve in her body came alive, every sense attuned to his touch. All too soon, he set her away from him. This time, however, a huge smile brightened his features. At least he didn’t regret kissing her again.
Yet one thought still worried her. “You wouldn’t object to a wife who wants a career?”
“Not at all. I think it’s most admirable that you want to teach.”
She reached up to place her palm against his chest. “Thank you for believing in me, Will.”
“I’m the one who should be thanking you. I never dreamed a girl like you would want anything to do with me. How did I ever get so lucky?” He brushed his fingers across her cheek. She shivered at the goose bumps chasing along her spine.
“I think God has big plans for you, Will,” she said. “I’m just happy those plans brought us together.”
He gave her a crooked smile, then wrapped his arm around her waist as they continued on toward the streetcar stop. By now they would have missed the one she usually took, but Corinne didn’t care. She was floating on a wave of pure bliss.
Will came to a stop under the streetcar sign. “We’ll have to thank your sister. Emma was the one who encouraged me not to give up hope.” He studied her. “Do you think you can ever overcome your animosity toward her?”
Corinne smiled. “I already have,” she said softly.
“That’s my girl.” And he kissed her again.
CHAPTER 28
The next morning, with fresh trepidation crawling up her spine, Emma knocked on her father’s front door. If she hadn’t promised Marianne that she’d be over to continue their exercises today, Emma would have stayed holed up in her room until the whole hospital fiasco blew over. But she couldn’t bring herself to disappoint her sister.
Besides, keeping busy might be the only way to keep her mind off Jonathan’s departure and the gaping hole in her soul.
The housekeeper answered her knock. “Good afternoon, Miss Emmaline. Miss Marianne is waiting in the music room for you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Beck.” Emma stepped into the hallway.
“That was a lovely event at the hospital the other day,” the housekeeper said. “Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves tremendously.”
“You were there?”
“I was indeed.” She smiled.
“I’m so glad you enjoyed it.” Emma glanced toward the study and bit back the urge to ask her father’s whereabouts.
“A shame what happened at the end. But that doesn’t take away from the rest of the day.”
Emma forced a smile. “I hope you’re right.”
High heels tapped down the hall. Vera appeared and gave Emma a cool appraisal. “I’d like a word before you go in to see Marianne, if you don’t mind.”
Emma swallowed a sigh. So much for taking her mind off her problems. “Of course.”
“We can talk in the parlor.” Vera nodded a dismissal to Mrs. Beck and led the way into the room. They each took a seat on opposite sides of the coffee table.
“How bad has it been?” Emma asked before Vera could say a word.
“Bad enough. Randall has been fielding questions for two days now, trying to undo the damage that article in the paper created.”
“I’m terribly sorry. I don’t know what got into Jonathan. He’s never been one to initiate a fight before.”
Emma clasped her hands together on her lap. “Whatever I can do, just let me know.”
“I might have an idea about that.” Harcourt Fenton strode in through the arched doorway.
A tremble of anxiety rolled through Emma’s belly, but she pushed it aside. “I’d welcome your opinion, especially if you have any thoughts on how to get rid of Giles Wainwright. That man is a constant source of friction. It seems like every time I turn around, he’s there.”
Mr. Fenton took a seat in an armchair, crossing one ankle over the knee of his perfectly pressed trousers. “And therein lies the problem, Emma. Wainwright is like a bloodhound sniffing out a scent—your scent. And until we remove the object of his obsession, I doubt the problem will be resolved.” He stared at her with piercing eyes.
Emma pressed a hand to her midsection. “What are you saying?”
He leaned forward. “I’m saying that if you care about your father as much as you claim, you’ll disappear for a while. Preferably until after the election.”
Disappear? Her hand moved to her throat, her chest tightening. “But the election isn’t until January.”
“I realize that.” He continued to stare.
Emma glanced at Vera, hoping for a glimmer of support, but she only nodded. “I agree with my father. I’m sure you mean well, Emmaline, but it has been nothing but chaotic in our household since your arrival.” She heaved a sigh, running her fingers over her strand of pearls. “Randall would never ask you to go, but we wish to appeal to your generous nature. For his sake, the altruistic thing to do would be to leave.”
Emma’s muscles grew slack, and she fought to stay upright on her seat. “But where would I go?” she whispered. “I have no home to go back to.”
“Canada is a large country, my dear. You could go anywhere you wished.” Mr. Fenton gave her a pointed look. “We’d be willing to help you financially if necessary.”