Page 51 of Hank and Elsie
“A wise man, indeed. After all, we working women don’t need to jump into marriage from desperation. Angus is showing the same patience with me, although we haven’t discussed a specific length of time before we wed. Just that we both want to be more established. But I’m older than Elsie and have had my chance to experience some of the wider world.”
“I don’t want to take her work from her, even when she’s ready.” He let out a slow breath, not sure how much he wanted to reveal about his circumstances before he had a chance to discuss them with Elsie. But Constance needed to know some information, at least. “I have access to more financial resources than what would seem from my present circumstances. I moved here wanting to prove I could make a living on my own, without my family’s money.”
She picked up her cup, holding it as if for warmth, and then took a sip. “That’s very resourceful of you and speaks well for your character.”
“I can well afford a nice house in town, so Elsie can keep working with you. A housekeeper. A nanny for our children.”
Constance held up a hand. “Say no more. I can see the idea of town life pains you. Yet you love Elsie enough to make this huge change. I think I can help you smooth out your courtship path.”
For the first time since last night, Hank felt the tightness in his chest ease.
“Stay home this Sunday, so you won’t run afoul of Elsie and her family. Then, come to town, either during the week or next Sunday. I think I can convince Elsie to at least hear you out. The rest is up to you.”
“Monday.” He couldn’t bear the thought of waiting a minute longer than he had to. “Barring rain, you can count on seeing me Monday.”
Constance nodded, her expression approving. “Monday, it is.” She flashed him a mischievous look. “Oh, and Hank, the Camerons might be willing to spare you some of their roses.”
CHAPTER 18
The morning ride from the farm to town and the time before and after the church service were made in subdued and tense silence. Elsie left her family with a clipped goodbye, feeling relieved and not at all sorry she wouldn’t see her parents for at least another week and maybe longer.
She had a fierce need to pour her sadness and resentment into Miss Taylor’s ear, feeling sure her employer would understand. She impatiently waited until they finished with the business of the shop and then went upstairs. Miss Taylor seemed to understand Elsie’s desire to talk, and they didn’t even stop to change out of their Sunday clothes and make tea.
Sitting at the table together, Elsie launched into her story.
Miss Taylor listened with intent, often nodding, or making a sound of encouragement. But she didn’t interrupt, letting Elsie wind down to a stop.
“I don’t blame you for being upset with your father’s high-handed and old-fashioned need to marry you off. And I hope you know you have a job here, forever if you want.”
“What about Hank?” Elsie asked, her tone bitter.
“Well, I don’t know.” Miss Taylor seemed to choose her words carefully. “Hank’s been…obviouslyinterested in you. But I never had the impression that he was planning on moving so quickly. Just the opposite, in fact.” She paused. “Elsie, I think you didbothof you a disservice by not at least hearing him out.”
“I couldn’t. I was too angry, too hurt.”
Miss Taylor held up a restraining hand. “Not speaking in anger is important, so you don’t lose control and say hurtful things you don’t mean. After cooling off, though, a discussion is crucial.”
Elsie looked down, idly running a finger to trace the grain in the wood of the tabletop. She wasn’t ready to give in.
“If you want to cut Hank out of your life after having discussed the matter, that’s one thing. But you don’t cut people out of your life without trying to first resolve the situation.”
Elsie stubbornly resisted letting in Miss Taylor’s advice, even though, deep inside, she knew her employer was right.
“I certainly wouldn’t want you to do that withme. If you were upset and stopped talking to me? Turned your back on me? Nor would I want to cut you off without first discussing what was bothering me.”
The idea horrified Elsie. Frantically, she waved her hands in a negating motion. “No, no, no.”
“So why would it be different with Hank?”
“I just felt so betrayed!” Elsie’s feelings came out in a wail. “HankknowsI didn’t want to get married! Itold himI didn’t want to get married until I was at leasttwenty, maybe longer! I thought heunderstood! We’d been having so much fun. Then he ruined everything!”
“Is Hank really the type of man to not take your wishes into consideration? He doesn’t strike me that way. But you’ve spent more time with him, maybe you’ve seen him in a different light.”
Mutely, her stomach in knots, Elsie shook her head. She reviewed her reactions with dismay. “Although, I’m reluctant to admit the truth, you’re right.” She let out a breath. “Do you think Hank will want to talk, even though I turned him away twice.”
“They do say, ‘three times a charm.’ Hank doesn’t seem to me to be a man who gives up. I’m certain, he’ll provide you with another chance to talk things through. However,” Miss Taylor rose, “between now and then, best do some serious thinking about what you really want.”
The next dayin the shop, after an almost sleepless night of thinking, Elsie worked hard to hide her fatigue. She almost felt ready to see Hank on Sunday, that is if he came to church, and she was grateful to have practically a whole week to figure out what to say.
