“Well, I can’t say that I approve of having a wild animal in the house.” Father frowned as he helped himself to a platter of bacon.
“He’s hardly a wild animal. It’s just a little kitten. Barely even weaned from his mother.” Laura slathered butter on her toast, then reached for some jam. “I think he’s darling, and if he doesn’t belong to anyone, I’d like to keep him.”
Her father said nothing and concentrated instead on adding sugar to his coffee. Laura wasn’t sure why he was opposed to the kitten, but she felt confident she could win him over.
“When you’re away for long hours, a kitten will help me not to feel so alone.”
Her father glanced up. “Well, there are other solutions, you know. I’ve been thinking long and hard about it, in fact.”
“What are you talking about?”
“A husband. It’s high time you married. You are, after all, nearly twenty-three. By most standards, folks would say you’re pushing toward being an old maid.”
“And that bothers you?”
He gave a half smile. “It should bother you, my dear. No woman wants to be forgotten in situations of matrimony.”
“Such things aren’t all that important to me. I fell in love once, and it was a brutal and sorrowful situation.”
“When did you have opportunities to fall in love?”
“You seem surprised.” She dabbed the napkin to her lips. “Just because I went to schools for girls doesn’t mean I was never exposed to the company of young men.”
“I suppose I never thought much about it. Still, being exposed and having time to form a relationship and fall in love are two different things.” His brows furrowed together. “I can’t say that this news sits well with me.”
“Don’t let it upset you, Father. The young man was the nephew of a teacher. The one you arranged to take me to Europe. Remember, I was there for nearly two years. That’s a long time to be around a dashing and ambitious young man.”
“I’m appalled to imagine you having an intimate relationship. I never anticipated you would be put in such a dangerous situation.”
She shook her head. “I was carefully supervised for the most part. And Andrew did not take liberties, if that’s what worries you. We spent a lot of time together, that much is true, but he was mostly full of words. He professed his love, but he did so to many young women.” Laura hated to even bring up the subject again but was determined for her father to understand.
“I learned that the heart can be easily deceived if the parties are either deceptive or naïve. I was the latter and will not make that mistake again.”
Her father lowered his coffee midway to his mouth. “Why didn’t I hear about this when it happened?”
Laura picked up her own cup. “Why would I bother you with such a thing? What was to be done about it?”
“If he played you false or took advantage of you, then he deserves to be called to account. Even punished.”
She chuckled and sipped from the china cup. She could well imagine the debonair Andrew facing her imposing father. There might have been a bit of satisfaction in it when she was younger and nursing her wounds, but now it just seemed humorous.
Putting her cup aside, she shook her head. “It’s of no consequence now. I just want you to understand why I have no interest in pursuing courtship.”
“Still, it’s important for your future. Perhaps even for mine. Making a good connection would see our families supporting each other in crucial matters.”
“Such as you being appointed governor?” She raised her brow and eyed him carefully. “Surely you wouldn’t trade my happiness for the governorship?”
Her father said nothing for a moment. Finally, he shook his head. “Of course not. However, I know a bit more about life than you do. Women are happier with a mate. Men are too, but they often don’t realize it. The team of husband and wife can face the future with a strength that comes from no other place.”
“I believe that strength comes from God,” Laura said, picking up her fork once again. “A man and woman who serve God first and then each other are, in my opinion, unbeatable.When times of hardship come, they will seek their heavenly Father first.”
“While those things sound encouraging and hopeful, I can tell you from experience that it doesn’t always work that way. Your mother and I had a great deal of faith in God. We sought Him when your mother fell ill, and He ignored our pleas. God doesn’t always answer prayers.”
“Oh, but He does, Father. He just doesn’t always say yes. As hard as that is to accept, God often says no and directs us to a better way.”
“And how could there have been a better way at the price of your mother’s life?” Father all but growled the question. It was clear he was thoroughly upset by the conversation, and Laura hated that their discussion had turned so dark.
“Father, I’m sorry. I never meant for us to argue. I trust that you are wiser than I am when it comes to affairs of the heart. If it’s your desire for me to meet some young men, then I will.” She gave him a reassuring smile and saw the tension ease in his expression.
