Page 68 of Air Affair

So Papa was still trying to salvage this. It was amazing what money could smooth over.

“Edward and I are finished. After the way he’s treated me, I want nothing to do with the man ever again. If Papa thinks he can make me reconsider, he is dead wrong. He’s already done his worst, and I’m doing just fine.” For a moment, she almost forgot she was talking to Evelyn as the argument she could no longer have with her father played out in her head like a phonograph recording. Her nails dug into her palms beneath the table as her head throbbed with words she’d never get to speak.

Evelyn tilted her head and furrowed her brow. “Are you, dear? Are you sure? I worry about you.”

A sudden well of sadness threatened to overwhelm Rory as she considered how to answer. In Mineola where everything was new and different, it was easy to pretend that things were going swimmingly. There was nothing to remind her of what she’d lost. But here with Evelyn, the loss of her former life was a gaping wound she couldn’t ignore. Much as she tried to convince herself she didn’t want this life anymore, it had hurt her deeply to be torn away from her family and her world so abruptly. She blinked back tears, determined not to let them fall.

“Oh, I’ll be all right.” She was very proud that she didn’t let her chin quiver. “I like my new life. I have work for the PBA to keep me busy. Did you know I’ve distributed funds to the twenty-three widows we connected with last month and received five new applications?”

This was safer ground. Rory wasn’t sure she could hold herself together under sustained scrutiny from her friend.

Evelyn gave her a far-too-knowing look. “That’s wonderful, dear. I had no doubt that you would make the PBA a smashing success. But I’m still not certain you’re all right.”

“I’ve been writing letters to elected officials about women’s suffrage too. That’s been keeping me busy.”

“Now, Rory, I know that—” Evelyn broke off abruptly as a servant came into view, carrying a tray of lemonade and cookies. She and Rory both smiled politely. It wouldn’t do to have the servants suspecting anything was amiss. “Thank you! Just leave it on the table here.”

The maid nodded her head and hurried away.

Taking advantage of Evelyn’s momentary distraction, Rory poured herself a glass of lemonade. “Excellent timing. I’m parched.”

She took a long sip, and the cold, sweet liquid went far to steady her nerves.

“As I was saying…” Evelyn leaned forward and looked Rory in the eyes. “I know that you’ve given up a great deal. You don’t have to pretend with me that it doesn’t hurt. I know you don’t like to talk about…feelings. You much prefer to lose yourself in a flurry of activity and pretend everything is fine. But if you did wish to talk about it, I want you to know that I am here for you.”

A tear dripped down Rory’s cheek, and she dashed it away. So much for holding herself together. “You are the best friend I could ever have. Do you know that?”

Evelyn grinned. “Oh, I do. And don’t you ever forget it!” She reached out and squeezed Rory’s shoulder. “Have a cookie and some more lemonade. There are few problems in this world that Mrs. O’Malley’s shortbread cookies can’t fix.”

Grateful, Rory took one and let buttery perfection transport her away from her troubles for a moment.

“There. You see?” Evelyn picked up a cookie and held it up. “Her cookies are magic. You feel better already, don’t you?”

Rory nodded and took another cookie.

“Now, let’s talk about something more pleasant. How are things going with your pilot?” Evelyn leaned forward and propped her chin on her hands.

Rory chewed thoughtfully as she pondered how to reply. She adored Hank, but things were becoming so messy between them with his repeated proposals and her refusals. “Evelyn?”

“Yes, Rory?” Her friend raised her eyebrows expectantly.

“Would you marry Clyde if he asked you?”

Evelyn sat up straight and frowned, glancing around as if worried someone might overhear. “My parents would never allow it.”

“What if you were in my situation? What if you no longer gave a fig what your parents thought?” Because she didn’t. Her father was never going to have a say in who she spent her time with again.

“I suppose it would depend.” Evelyn chewed her lip, considering.

“On what?” Rory leaned forward.

“On whether at the end of the day, after all the change and loss, we still made each other happy.”

Hank certainly made Rory happy. She was giddy every time she saw him. She wanted to curl up in his arms and never let go. But should she? “You would give up your independence for happiness?”

Evelyn chuckled. “Is that what this is about? You’re afraid you won’t be your own woman once you wed?”

“Yes.” There was no hiding anything from Evelyn. She always saw straight into the heart of the matter.