Despite missing Jack, Ellie had enjoyed herself. “Actually, yes.”
Marie chuckled. “Don’t act so surprised. I can be fun when I want to be.”
Ellie raised an eyebrow.
“You may not realize it, but we have a lot more in common than you think.”
“So I’ve been told.”
Marie tipped her head to one side.
“Aunt Clara,” Ellie explained.
“Mmm.” She pressed the wrinkles from her dress. “What else did your aunt tell you about me?”
“That you and your mother used to fight all the time, just like us, and it was only after you were grown and had moved away that you reconciled your differences.” She thought for a moment before going on. “Do you think that’s how it’ll be with us?”
“I certainly hope not,” said Marie. “Besides, I hate to break it to you, sweetheart, but you’re already grown. I mean, look at you.” She gestured with an open hand. “You’re nineteen going on thirty. I’m sure Clara told you, but by the time we were your age, we were either married or engaged.”
“She may have mentioned it.”
“But times they are a changing,” said Marie. “Women are starting to make inroads. You have opportunities I never had.” She cleared her throat. “Tell you what, why don’t we forget the past and start anew—right here, right now?”
“You mean it?”
“Yes. We’ll never agree on everything, of course, but I think it’s high time I started treating you like a woman rather than a child.”
Ellie was at a loss for words. She had been at odds with her mother for as long as she could remember. Part of her wondered if Marie was being sincere or luring her into a trap. Regardless, if there was even a shred of hope that Marie was serious, Ellie was willing to take the chance.
“All right.” She met her mother’s gaze. “I’d like that.” They embraced in a hug that left Ellie feeling hopeful. “Now that we’ve agreed to be amenable, there’s something I feel I should tell you.”
Marie stopped on her way to the door.
“I met someone… while I was in Tennessee. A young man. His name is Jack. I didn’t mention it before because, well, I figured you already knew.”
Marie appeared troubled by this news and hesitated a moment before answering. “I didn’t,” she said, “but I’m glad you told me. So does this Jack have a last name?”
“Bennett,” said Ellie. “I met him on the water; that’s where he works. He and his friend run a ferry service. I’m only telling you now because I want you to know we’re in love. And I don’t care if you approve or not because, like you said, I’m a grown woman and I can make my own decisions.” She paused and took a breath.
“Well, I can see you wasted little time putting our agreement to the test. If you truly are in love, as you say, congratulations. Jack Bennett must be quite a young man to have caught your eye. As for whether I approve or not, you’re right; it’s none of my business. But if I might give you a piece of advice…?” She returned to the edge of the bed. “Since you were a child, you’ve dreamed of being an independent woman with a career as a college professor. As we’ve discussed, the deck is stacked against you, so you’ll have to work twice as hard. But given your intelligence and determination, I have no doubt you’ll achieve your goals.”
“But?”
“But that doesn’t leave a lot of time for much else, I’m afraid.”
Ellie shuddered, despair creeping through her. “You mean for love, don’t you?”
“Look, all I’m saying is that for you to achieve your dreams, love may need to take a back seat for a while, just until you’re established.”
That’s all? Even in her wildest dreams, Ellie couldn’t imagine her life without love, not now. And if forced to choose between Jack and a career, perhaps being a professor wasn’t that important after all.
“I realize it’s difficult for you to understand now, but someday when you’re sitting behind your desk, staring at the name above the door that reads Dr. Elizabeth Spencer, you’re going to thank me.”
* * *
The clock struck midnight, bringing Ellie back to the present. After another glass of wine, she moseyed into the living room and added a log to the fire. Feeling the effects of the alcohol, her thoughts drifted to the weekend of Jack’s surprise visit.
November 1950
