Page 13 of Heart of Mystic Valley
She passed around small slips of paper and a tin for collecting them. The women scribbled quickly, some whispering to their neighbors, others casting furtive glances at the Becketts or Shaw.
Faith tallied the votes aloud. “Taxes… four. Children’s fund… three. Library… five. Voting rights… six.”
A murmur ran through the crowd. While some had hoped for a different outcome, it was clear most agreed on the fundamental importance of suffrage.
“So, we start with the right to vote,” Faith said. “Are we all in agreement?”
“Hold on,” Melody Jennings said, standing. “We need to be smart about this.”
All eyes turned to Melody, who dabbed at the corner of her mouth with a lace handkerchief. “I’m not saying we back down on the important issue of getting the right to vote. However,perhaps we start with something less contentious. Build some goodwill and momentum first.”
“Such as?” Annalee asked, a hint of skepticism in her voice.
“Opening a library,” Melody said. “It’s something everyone can get behind. Imagine the knowledge and resources it would provide. Once we’ve established ourselves with a popular project, we’ll be in a stronger position to tackle the tougher issues.”
Gloria Graham, seated next to Melody, nodded in agreement. “It’s a pragmatic approach. We need the community’s support, and this could be a way to earn it. Rushing headlong into the most controversial issues could splinter our Alliance before it even gets started.”
The room grew quiet as the women considered their words.
Some of the women shifted uncomfortably in their seats, not wanting to seem as if they were backing down from the fight. But Gloria’s words carried weight. As the wife of the bank president and member of the town council, she understood the intricacies of community politics.
“If we can show them we are reasonable and thoughtful in our approach,” Gloria continued, “we’ll be more likely to gain the support we need.”
The women began to murmur, their initial hesitation giving way to a growing sense of agreement.
“Imagine having access to a wide range of books,” said Evelyn Graham, daughter of the bank president. “I believe what Melody and Gloria are saying makes sense.”
Annalee spoke up next. “A library would benefit everyone. It’s something we can point to as a tangible accomplishment.”
The enthusiasm for the library grew, with women suggesting book drives and fundraising ideas. Even Doyle Shaw looked impressed.
Naomi Beckett raised her hand, and the room fell silent. “If we’re serious about this, I can offer space in one of the buildings we own. It’s not being used for anything at the moment, and it would save us the trouble of finding a location.”
The women turned to Naomi, their eyes widening with hope and gratitude.
“That’s very generous, Naomi,” Faith said, beaming. “Having a space will make all the difference.”
Doyle Shaw cleared his throat, catching Faith’s eye. “If it’s worth anything, I’ll start the fund with fifty dollars.”
A collective gasp went up, followed by applause. Even the more skeptical women couldn’t hide their appreciation for Shaw’s gesture. Having a successful business owner behind the idea, plus his significant donation, gave the library project an immediate boost.
“Thank you, Doyle,” Faith said, genuinely touched. “Your support means a great deal.”
Shaw nodded, accepting the thanks with modesty. “Just doing my part, ladies.”
Perhaps Doyle Shaw wasn’t such a bad egg after all, Faith thought.
With the major discussions concluded, Faith looked at the clock on her mantle. “We still have a bit of time. Let’s elect our officers.”
The women looked at each other, some leaning back as if to distance themselves from the process, others sitting up straighter, ready to volunteer. Faith passed around more slips of paper and the tin, and the women quickly cast their votes.
“First, for president,” Faith said. “Mr. Shaw, perhaps you would count the votes and announce the name for each position.”
“I’d be honored.” Walking to stand next to Faith, he opened the tin and read the slips, noting each position and the nameson a piece of paper. “Faith Goodell is your first president of the Alliance.”
She blushed as the women applauded. “Well, thank you. I accept.”
The results for the other positions came swiftly. Doyle cleared his throat before continuing. “Vice president is Melody Jennings. Secretary is Maisy Cox. Treasurer is Mia Duval. And at-large committee members are Gloria Graham and Naomi Beckett.”
