“I can’t argue with that.”
“Then why haven’t you taken Mother’s advice and secured Annaliese’s agreement to enter into a formal courtship with you?”
“Because Annaliese hasn’t broached the topic with me, and the last thing anyone wants when they seem to be avoiding a topic is for everyone to press them about the matter or give them unsolicited advice.” He reached over and gave Norma Jean’s knee a pat. “I wouldn’t fret about the matter, though. Annaliese and I are more than capable of figuring out if we want to pursue a romantic relationship, and contrary to what everyone seems to think, we don’t need any assistance to figure that out.”
“My friends are not going to be happy if they find out their matchmaking efforts were in vain.”
“There really wasn’t much effort made, except for some pointed remarks revolving around what a perfect match Annaliese and I would make, which isn’t exactly plotting at its finest.”
“What did you expect from thirteen-year-old girls?”
“I never really thought about that, but...” He grinned. “Luckily for me, you ran off, I had to come find you, and just like that, some adolescent matchmaking came to a rapid end.”
“I wouldn’t let your guard down once we get back to Chicago if you and Annaliese haven’t come to an understanding, although I have to admit that I hope you do.”
Seth frowned. “I thought you weren’t keen for me to even be friends with Annaliese, let alone pursue something more with her.”
“I wasn’t, but I’m thirteen.” Norma Jean sent him a knowing look. “Everyone knows young ladies of that tender age are notorious for changing their minds, hence the reason I now adore Annaliese.”
“Since when?”
“Since I realized you really like her.”
“Imagine that.”
“Yes, imagine that,” Norma Jean said. “But that’s not the only reason I adore Annaliese. I’ve also come to realize that she’s a very progressive lady, and that progressiveness is certain to pave the way for other progressive-minded young ladies like me.” She smiled. “It would be nice if, when I reach Annaliese’s age, I’m able to pursue my passions in life, quite like she has begun to do.”
“She was quite passionate when we ran across that circus owner in Pensacola this morning and she tried to relieve him of his elephants before we set sail.”
“Indeed, although it was too bad that man wouldn’t sell her his elephants, no matter how much she offered for them.” Norma Jean tilted her head. “I bet if we hadn’t had to leave port because the captain of this ship has a tight schedule, shewould have figured out a way to get those elephants. But even though she failed with those, I didn’t neglect to notice how she mentioned that circuses were going to be a new target of hers, which, again, is a passion I’m sure she’s going to pursue.”
Seth gave his jaw a rub. “I wonder if deciding to pursue her passions is why Annaliese is avoiding the topic of a courtship between us.”
“An interesting thought, and something you might want to ask her.”
“Except that I’ve decided to simply enjoy her company right now. That means I’ll continue confining our conversations to talking about her insects, although she’s also been rather interested to hear about the horseless carriage I’m in the process of building.”
“You’re going to call it a horseless carriage?”
“By your tone, I’m getting the impression you don’t like that name.”
“Because your invention probably doesn’t have anything to do with horses.”
“It doesn’t as it’s a motorized machine, but ... I suppose I could always call it an internal combustion wagon.”
“I think using the wordcombustionmight give potential customers the idea that it might up and combust.”
“A fair point.”
“That’s why you have me around, but since I now have you around, may I run an idea I’ve been mulling by you?”
“Of course. What’s the idea?”
“I’ve been thinking about that publishing idea Annaliese doesn’t want to pursue, and I think I could figure out how to open and operate a publishing house, after I find a few books on the subject and read them.” Norma Jean’s eyes began to twinkle. “That would definitely get me on my way to overshadowing your accomplishments as I don’t think there are any thirteen-year-old publishing house owners out there.”
“Except that opening a business like that requires a lot of money to start up.”
She smiled far too sweetly. “Surely you’re not going to want me to returnallthe money I took from your safe, are you? Not when, again, you did tell me once that you would be happy to supply me with any pin money if I was running short.”
