“Yes, Mama,” Winifred said, unfolding her napkin. “But I wish I could ride astride like Jared and Jim. They can go really fast, but I can’t.”
“Ladies ride side saddle, my dear. It’s just the way things are done.”
Evie smiled at her little sister. Winifred was another of those adopted into the brood, but she so completely shared Evie and Mother’s features that everyone assumed she was born to the Turners. Penelope, on the other hand, had an unusual tint of red to her brown hair. Mother said it harkened back to a great-uncle on her mother’s side. Evie rather admired it and sometimes wished she could have been the one to inherit that little bit of difference.
The rest of the boys finally made their way into the dining room. Andrew, at twenty, was dashingly handsome. Single young ladies all over Minneapolis and St. Paul made certain that he received invitations to their parties and dances, just as they did Evan. Andrew’s interests at the moment, however, were solely on school. He was certain that his calling lay somewhere in medicine, but he hadn’t quite yet decided where. He and Father spent a great deal of time in discussion on the matter. It would seem surgical interests were currently winning.
Nineteen-year-old Jacob had been adopted into the family at six months of age after the rest of his family had been lost in a fire. The blond-haired, blue-eyed boy had suffered several burns on his back. Mother had taken one look at him and told Father that he needed them and they needed him. Jacob was soft-spoken and gentle and much preferred animals to people. At an early age, he had announced his desire to be an animal doctor. Soon he’d be eastward bound for the New York College of Veterinarian Surgeons.
“Now that we’re finally in place,” Father announced, “let me offer up grace.”
“That’s a rhyme, Father,” Jared said, laughing. One look from Father, however, silenced him, and the boy bowed his head.
Father prayed a quick blessing and had barely uttered “Amen” when the food began to be passed in quick order around the dining room table.
Evie helped Jared with the larger platters but made certain to praise him for his strength. He wanted very much to be grown up like his brothers and had even told their mother that he would like to no longer be the youngest in the family. Mother told him that was impossible to change unless God brought more children into their family. Jared was not pleased.
“I have a bit of fun to announce,” Father said, glancing at Mother. She nodded and smiled.
“What is it, Father?” Jared asked as he was always inclined to do.
“There’s a circus performance a week from Monday that I thought we might all like to attend. The Forepaugh Show is widely known as one of the very best with over six hundred employees. It’s quite the production and scheduled to arrive in town next Sunday.”
“A circus!” Jared said, clapping his hands. “I want to go!”
“Do you even know what a circus is?” Penelope asked in a tone that suggested she knew he didn’t.
Jared frowned. “I know. It has animals and clowns. Nanny read me a book about a circus. You’d be surprised what I know.” He jerked his chin up as if to emphasize his authority.
Penelope was neatly put in her place. Evie might have laughed at the look on her sister’s face, but it seemed she’d already received her comeuppance.
“That is indeed part of what a circus is and so much more,” Father continued. “I have secured us tickets.”
“That sounds like a lot of fun,” Jacob said, sliding several sausages onto this plate. “We haven’t been to a circus in a very, very long time. Count me in.”
There were comments from the other children, mostly in favor. Meri didn’t think it sounded at all exciting, but she was usually quite particular these days about her outings.
“Meri, did you enjoy the party last night?” Evie asked.
“I did.” Her sister perked up at this. “I met some very nice people. In particular, I was impressed with Ian Smith. He’s related to the Washburns and interested in their flour milling industry. He plans to be at a party I’ve been invited to next week, so we thought we might have a chance to speak again.”
“Perhaps if you still find him of interest, we could invite him over for our family night on Friday.”
Meri smiled and put jam on her toast. “I thought that might be possible as well.”
Evie had to smile. Meri had spoken to their parents about remaining home instead of going to college and found them quite accepting of the idea. Already Meri was much happier and more like her old self. Of course, Evie was really still getting to know everyone again. After being gone for most of four years, Evie found they had all grown up considerably while she’d been away. She felt a definite distance. Hopefully, that would fade now that she was home.
“Evie, you’re different now,” Jared said amidst the roomful of conversations.
“How strange of you to say so. I was just thinking the same about all of you.”
Jared frowned for a moment. “I am a lot older now. Next month, I’ll be ten.”
“And I’ll be twenty-two.” Evie winked. “I think we should do something special to celebrate our September birthdays.”
“Your birthday is Evan’s birthday too,” Jared reminded her.
“Yes, you’re right. So perhaps the three of us should have an outing together.”
