“So what do you think I should do? It’s not an obvious or easy decision forme.”
“And why not,” Katherine asked. “It seems quite obvious to me. It’s a splendid opportunity. Why wouldn’t you snatch that upimmediately?”
“But my parents? My teaching? And I won’t be as close to youanymore.”
“If you were married you would already be gone and your parents would have gotten used to it. And you’ll still be teaching, but the way you like. And as for me… I’m soon to be a married lady and won’t be as close either. Hey, life goes on. You need to seize the opportunity when it presentsitself.”
“And what if Daniel and I become…serious?”
“As you told me, there are obstacles there. Cross that bridge when you come toit.”
“But I don’t want to become involved with the child and then abandon her when she begins to count onme.”
“Yes. That is a consideration. If you insert yourself into her life youwillbe creating an obligation. And that’s something you do need toconsider.”
“Big help you are,” Susanteased.
* * *
Smoking his pipe,Papa stood with his back to the fireplace, even though there was no fire. It was his station in the sitting room during a familydiscussion.
Mamma was seated inherchair crocheting, her head bent as she listened to Susan’spresentation.
“I’m seriously considering this offer. What do either of you have to say?” Susanasked.
Neither parent spoke up right away. Papa emptied his pipe, tapping it against the side of the fireplace, then tamped more tobacco into the pipe and relitit.
Mamma worked her mouth in a way that Susan knew what she wasthinking.
“Just so you know, I’m inclined to take the offer,” Susan added. “It’s a wonderful opportunity, but it means leaving home and I’m concerned about the two ofyou.”
“And what about the teaching job you have now? You can’t just walk away from that,” Mamma said as she looked up atSusan.
“Aye, lass. It would not be proper to just up and leave your students at the beginning of the term,” her fathersaid.
Susan knew that. “Yes. I’m thinking right now about finding areplacement.”
“And how likely is that after the school year has already begun?” Mamma asked. “Won’t teachers already have their jobs bynow?”
“There’s a young woman, Peggy Alexander, who you may remember I tutored some time back.” Mamma nodded. “She wants very much to teach, but she just missed being hired this school year as she was traveling. I feel quite certain she would love to take over my classes. I’ll go and see her as soon as I’ve accepted the newposition.”
“Yes, I remember her,” Mamma said. “Very short—low brow—and had a squint, I seem toremember.”
“But she’ll make a good teacher,Mamma.”
“Hmm,” shereplied.
“Now, what you’ve not told me is how the two of you feel about me leaving you alone. It’ll be just the two of you now. Julie will be able to help, but I won’t be here. Can youmanage?”
“Louisa is just down the road and stops by almost every day,” Papa said. “I don’t see a problem. Less of us to deal with. Fewer mouths tofeed.”
“And less help on the farm, as well,” Susan pointedout.
“Got Jacob for the heavy lifting. Naught else needed, I’dsay.”
“And Mamma, what about you? You’ve always got sixpence worth of advice. How to you feel about meleaving?”
“I think it sounds like a fine opportunity. And can’t be bad to double what you’re making now, canit?”
“And what’s she like—this little tyke you’ll be tending to?” Papaasked.
“She’s adorable, but she’s also a challenge. Very withdrawn and in need of a lot of love and attention—andeducating.”
“Must be nice to be living in a grand house--servants at your beck and call—posh dinners and galaballs.”
“Mamma, I’m an employee, not a family member or a guest. I’m part of the staff, and I doubt I shall be treated any differently than the rest ofthem.”
“I hope you’ll not forget us lass. Come by for a visit now and then, won’tyou?”
“I shall,Papa.”
