Chapter 16
Wade got off the train in Athens carrying his single valise and left the depot, carefully crossing the street, drinking in the sights and smells of the city. Walking down the central dirt road alongside the businesses, he met acquaintances along the way, tipping his hat, waving his hand, and accepting invitations which he had not yet seen. It seemed as though he would never reach his small apartment by the university campus. No matter where he turned, people flocked to him to welcome him back to town. It occurred to him that without Scarlett’s influence, he had been able to make quite a name for himself. He had become accepted in this small town, with only the Hamilton name, his personality, and his work ethic which preceded him. He was well known throughout the town, and was considered an eligible bachelor, for it was well-known that once he received his degree and began to practice law, he would earn enough wages to take care of any young girl lucky enough to trap him.
Athens was beginning to grow quite rapidly. The young men who had been lucky enough to return from war had been given grants to attend school, and the enrollment had increased dramatically over the past years. The university had been given a grant to include agriculture and mechanics, changing its characteristic student from elite landowners to students of various backgrounds and financial influences. As the university grew, so did the town. It was currently around 7,000 people, and although it was not nearly as large as Atlanta, it was named the county seat in Clarke County, and was an important textile manufacturing site. After the slow, long days of summer plantation life, it would take a while to get used to the hustle of city life, but he was already looking forward to the social gatherings and the excitement of university life.
Finally, he reached the small store which comprised the first level of the building where his apartment sat on the second floor, and he slowly climbed the stairs, suddenly aware of the exhaustion which encompassed him. He reached his room and meticulously unpacked his bag, placing everything in its proper place, neatly folded. Then he threw himself on his bed, sure that he would fall asleep quickly. However, his mind began to ponder his visit to Tara, and he realized that the blanket on which he was laying was very itchy, so he threw it to the side. Once again, he lay down and closed his eyes, and he envisioned his last visit with Emily, squabbling and upset, she left without saying goodbye. He realized that the feathers from his down pillow were sticking him in the nape of his neck so he threw it to the side and lay back on his hands. Still he could not relax.
His mind was plagued with worry. Nothing had gone the way he had planned, and now, though he had possibly won his mother’s favor, he may have lost Emily forever. Of course, he still distrusted his mother. He would always remember Will saying that she loved him as much as she ever could, so he had long ago given up his hope that she would love him and accept him, but he thought that she may have accepted his bride to be. But even that did not matter now because Emily was angry. He had experienced her anger before, and it was not a fleeting show of emotion, but rather a wrath of fury that she could harbor for a long time.
This final thought reminded him of Rhett’s words on the train home from New Orleans. He said not to trust a woman who was so passionate and easily discarded virtue. Would that definition fit Emily? Was Rhett’s advice worth taking, now that he had resumed his relationship and forgiven a woman who had so obviously scorned him for years? He turned over and tried to close his eyes again, hoping for the relief of sleep, but still none came, and he began to wonder if he would ever sleep again or if worry and strife would follow him for the rest of his life.
His eyes flew open suddenly, as he realized that Rhett’s words held no application in his present situation. Emily was nothing like Scarlett. He knew that she loved him, but she could not understand his need for chivalry, and frankly, he did not understand it himself sometimes. His life would have been so much easier on many occasions if he had been able to take the wider, easier road, but he was convinced of the fact that his self-worth was directly linked to his ability to display virtue in all situations. He wanted more than anything to be known as a person who could always be counted on to do the right thing. He wanted people to know that in all situations, big or small, he could be trusted to follow the right path, keep his word, and act nobly. He truly believed that hard work yielded desirable results, and nothing good could be gained with dishonesty. Although she misunderstood his acts of integrity, she would soon learn that she could rely on him, and she could apply his loyalty in other promises to the promises made to her.
Wade decided to write to her immediately, relaying his thoughts, hoping that she would see his point of view and forgive him. He took out a clean sheet of paper and very delicately penned an ornate letter of explanation, detailing his reasons for past, present, and future decisions. His promises to her were beautifully reaffirmed, and as he reread his written confessions, he was satisfied with his articulation. He quickly sealed and addressed the letter then ran it down to the post office, hoping unrealistically that there would be some word from Tara.
The next day he resumed the normal routine of school and work, and during any lull in activity, he wrote to Emily again, reiterating his love for her, begging her forgiveness, and promising his future. After his daily writing, he ran to the post office, yearning for any reply, but none came. Days of waiting turned to months, and as he sifted through his daily mail searching for any word from Tara, his worry turned to fear and finally hopelessness. He had never truly believed that she would turn her back on him, but her refusal to acknowledge his many attempts at communication weighed on him, revealing the depth of her anger. Before long, he ran out of new ideas, and he found that each letter contained the same musings which obviously had no effect on her.
His heart crumbled bit by bit each day when he checked and found no letter from her. Realization that she had deserted him slowly crept into his mind, and though he tried to fight negativity, daily reminders of her neglect settled on his shoulders like a heavy boulder that he could not shake. He believed that he had made a compelling argument in each letter, and he had finally resorted to begging for her reply or acknowledgement that she had received any letter, but nothing broke the thick wall that she had built between them.
In an effort to relieve his obsession, he focused on school and work, and attended social gatherings often. He was greatly impressed by the speed with which Athens had recuperated from the war and the grandness of the homes to which he was invited. The ladies and gentlemen were dressed gaily, no drab clothes or turned dresses, for their mourning had ended, and their vision of the coming century had spurred a revival for rich living. At each dinner, several courses of the finest cuisine were served, and each dance hosted the finest musicians. Artisans from all over Georgia were warmly received. He could not shake his frustration and disappointment, however, no matter how many functions he attended, for his mind always returned to Emily.
He had given up hope. It had been two months since he had been in Athens, and not one letter had been received from Emily. He had resigned to waiting until Christmas when he could see her in person, and this time he would not leave her side until they had resolved the issues. He went to the post office to check his mail, expecting his usual post of cards, invitations, and invoices. As he sorted through his various correspondences, a letter from Tara caught his eye. It was from Ella.
He ran home, barely noticing passersby, and ran straight to his room, flinging the rest of the mail on his desk then settling himself on his bed. He could hardly hold his letter opener for his hands were shaking. His heart beat rapidly and beads of perspiration had formed on his brow. Maybe she would disclose the cause of her sorrow that had been apparent during his summer visit, hopefully, she would mention his mother’s departure, and most importantly, he was sure that Ella would mention something about Emily. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he took a long deep breath, plunged the knife into the side of the envelope and removed the paper within. He opened it carefully, noticing t
he lovely handwriting, embellished with swirls. As he began to read, his heart dropped to the floor, and his mouth gaped open in horror.
My dearest brother Wade,
I have been tormented by whether or not to write this letter, for I have no desire to delve into your personal business or bear such horrific news, however, the nature of this deception warrants immediate attention. I am terribly afraid, brother, that Emily has betrayed you with talk of matrimony and faithfulness. No sooner than you left for school, Mr. Hayes began to court Emily regularly. They have been seen together on many occasions, and he frequents the Fontaine plantation almost daily. Although these details may not seem adequate revelations of fraud, they do explain their recent announcement of forthcoming betrothal.
I understand that this news may be quite shocking, considering her former engagement to you, but I have to say, dear brother, that it is not shocking to us all. You, who were blinded by love, could not see her faults as we could, for we are nonpartisan bystanders, sympathizing with your heartache. I am truly regretful that I have to be the one to relay such wretched news, and I hope that you will not bear ill-will with me for having told you.
Although it may seem inappropriate to share my opinion amidst your sorrow, I must encourage you to find another lady, more suitable and worthy of you. The pathetic girl who won your devotion turned out to be the most despicable of creatures, undeserving of your fine character and strength. You have become a fine gentleman, an admirable brother, and an honorable person in contrast with her disreputable actions and demeanor. I hope that you will soon forget about her, focus on your duties at hand, and return to us with a lady who has proven herself worthy of you, creditable to your character, and as precious as rubies. Only then will you find true happiness.
Your loving sister,
Ella
Wade stared blindly at the written words in front of him. They did not make sense, but he couldn’t bear to read them again, fearing comprehension. He did not move, speak, or allow thoughts to enter his mind, for understanding would be insufferable. Paralyzed by an excruciating pain that ran through his chest and down his arms, he dropped the paper, and did not bother to pick it up, not wanting to know, wishing he had never read the letter, and hating Ella for shattering his delusions. As long as he did not know, he could dream of healing the wounds they shared, and yet rather than desiring reconciliation, she flew into the arms of another man, destroying any hopes they might have had.
As his mind began to grasp the complete ordeal, pain seared through his body, leaving him breathless. She was gone. For as long as he could remember, Emily was the only person in the world who had consistently loved him unconditionally. She had been his mainstay when all other relationships had failed him. She knew his heart, accepted his faults, and only required his devotion, or so he thought. Now, he was dazed at her incomprehensible actions, blindsided by her sudden lack of loyalty and willingness to discard virtue. He never would have predicted such betrayal, for even in their darkest hours, he felt her sincerity, and his faith in her remained stable.
He played each moment they shared through his mind, remembering each spat, disagreement and misunderstanding, as well as each moment he held her in his arms. He began to sob uncontrollably, hiccupping as he had not done since he was a child. He was tormented with grief, and with each memory came a new flow of tears. He cried until his strength was spent, and he could cry no more. He lay back on his pillow, emotionless, paralyzed with sorrow, unwilling to move, disinclined to breathe. His head throbbed and his muscles ached.
For the next two days, he laid motionless, sending messages to the bank and to his professors that he was ill, for he was. He was heartsick.
He knew no response to such an inconceivable prospect. This problem was not addressed in any law book therefore he had no process to follow to repair the situation, and no course of action that he could conjure seemed appropriate for the circumstances. He examined every one of his actions, one by one, but he could find no fault of his own. The blame lay with her, giving him no path for amendment. He had no recourse. He had done exactly what he believed would make him a better man, and in that search for honorability, he had lost the only person he had loved.
He began to consider the possibility that his own search for honorability was his downfall. Rhett had once advised him to cast off ideas of gentleman grace and kindness, and it was possible that his desire to be a gentleman had led him astray. Looking at his predecessors, being a gentleman had not helped his father win the affection of his bride, nor had Uncle Ashley been able to fully recuperate from Aunt Melly’s death because of his devotion to her memory, and his unwillingness to throw off the social expectations of widowhood. Wade had certainly never gained his mother’s adoration or respect in spite of his great trials, in fact she had more impressed by his scheming, passionate side.
Men across the country had suffered great blows at the hand of women, and he had to wonder if love, marriage, and passion were worth the prolonged agony that accompanied such devotion. When a man gives his heart to a woman, she possesses a power so great that, knowingly or unknowingly, she can crush his spirit and leave him writhing in pain without compassion. He sat down to share all of these thoughts with Emily in another letter, but soon, he dropped his pen, knowing she would never reply, and his ink was useless. At one time, he believed that he was in charge of his own destiny, but once again, someone stepped in and took over. When would his bright future that Mammy had predicted begin? So far, he had nothing but heartache, and it was time for a change.
As the first light of dawn filled his room, realization wafted on him like a warm blanket. He faced his faults and came to two conclusions. First, nothing positive resulted in acts of nobility. Second, the love of no woman would ever distract him again. So far, in his life, he had followed his ideals of honor, and it had done nothing but hinder his progress. No longer would he allow thoughts of principles to influence his decisions. He would do exactly as he pleased, and he would accomplish his goals with pride. He would discover his true heart’s desire, and he would gather material wants with no distraction. No lady in the state of Georgia would get in his way, for he was through with all persons of the female persuasion, forsaking love for the satisfaction of his needs and wants.
As the sun made its way across the sky, Wade made lists of desired objects he sought to obtain and feats he would achieve. He set goals for accomplishment, sights he wished to see, and activities in which he wished to partake. Each goal was given a priority rating, and charts were filled with timelines. Then each goal was broken down into smaller, digestible parts, and placed in the order in which they would be accomplished. After hours of study and examination, he sat back and studied his work, smiling devilishly at his future, for it was filled with unthinkable items that he had never considered when he was focused on Emily. He had regained his strength by focusing on the future, just as the city had regained its strength after the war, and he was convinced of his potential success if only he could maintain his single-mindedness.
The next morning, he rose early, dressed to the nines, ready to face the new day with a new perspective. He headed directly to the bank then up to the president’s office. He rapped on the door authoritatively, and when the door opened, he stretched out his hand with a firm grip.
“I would like to speak with you about my future with the bank,” Wade asserted.
The president, Mr. Johnson, waved his hand, motioning him to sit. Then he sat behind his desk, perching his elbows on his crossed legs, folding his hands under his chin, and propping his head with his pointer fingers. “What do you have in mind?”
“I believe that I have proven myself over the last year. It is time to start planning my future, and I would like to have a better view of the banking business. What would you suggest to be the best way to learn the business?” Wade tried to hide his eagerness, but the perpetual movement of his leg uncovered his disguise.
Mr. Johnson rocked for a moment, st
aring intensely at Wade. He envisioned Wade marrying his oldest daughter, becoming his son-in-law, and presiding as president, but he could not be so forthright. “Let me think about this for a while, do some checking. Why don’t you come by our house tonight? We will be hosting some of the most prominent families in Athens.”
Wade stood and extended his hand, once more, “Thank you, sir. I accept your invitation.” He released the Mr. Johnson’s hand, reluctantly, hoping for more information, but unwilling to press him.
“We will expect you at eight o’clock sharp.”
Wade nodded then turned to go. Opening the door slowly, he turned once more to face the man behind the desk upon hearing his voice. “I understand that Ashley Wilkes is your uncle. Quite a man, that fellow. He was right about you.”
Wade looked at him questioningly, “I am afraid I don’t follow you.”
“You didn’t know? Mr. Wilkes approached me about a year ago and pleaded with me to hire you. I was not sure about you, for you were young, uneducated, and without male influence, but you turned out to be quite an investment.”
“Thank you, sir.” Wade hurriedly rushed out the door and down the hall to his desk in the corner. He was stunned. The only reason he had been hired was because of Uncle Ashley, and this entire time, he assumed he had gotten this job on his own merit. His mother had enchanted his way in to the university with her money. Even Tara belonged to her, and if he ever inherited that land, it would be because of her good graces. He realized that he had no control over anything in his life. Every aspect was manipulated by some force beyond his control, and he could not break free.
He began shuffling papers, trying to rid his mind of such frustrating admissions of helplessness. He had pledged to stay focused on his goals, and he must push thoughts of Scarlett far from his mind. He concentrated on his work, completing applications, helping customers, and handling money. With each touch of gold, his heart began to swell with greed, wanting his own, and considering plans to make his fortune. So many opportunities afforded him, and all he had to do was take control. He had to break free from Scarlett’s grasp and the influence of the numerous people surrounding him that considered him incapable of running his own life. He had to break free.
The day swept by quickly as he finished his duties at the bank, attended his classes at school, and then readied himself for the soirée at Mr. Johnson’s home. He found his most appropriate tuxedo, slicked back his hair, and donned an impressive hat. As he strolled down the street, he noticed numerous carriages riding swiftly by, and he peered at them, hoping to recognize one of them, but he could not quite see inside, and as he neared the mansion, he realized that the carriages were stopping in front. The guests present at this affair were of highest stature in the city, and he would be seen walking to the front steps, without carriage or horse, for he had left Silver at Tara.
He inched his way to the front doors, unsure of his presence, carefully studying the dress of the other gentlemen. His dress was suitable, but he was till nervous about being seen without appropriate transportation however he soon found that he was able to slide in with the crowd as they made their way up the steps to the grand entrance. Huge French doors, towering above their heads, opened slowly to reveal a magnificent entrance with ceilings reaching two stories high. Flights of stairs on either side led to rails guarding the landing on each story, leading to unseen rooms. The large room was white with white marble floors and white settees strategically placed around the room for guests to rest and watch the dancing. Throughout the room, bronze accents broke up the crisp, stark white décor. Large mirrors hung at the other end, and a crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, giving off a luminous glow.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson met the group at the door, introducing their daughter, Louise then led them into the great room, where other callers had already arrived. The room was filled with the most prominent citizens of Athens. Crowds gathered around the room as waiters carried drinks, serving the guests fluted glasses of champagne, wine and port. Wade sauntered through the crowd, trying to act as though he fit in, but he felt uncomfortable. Some people he knew, but others he had only heard of, and they all stood in groups, talking animatedly, unaware of his presence.
A waiter offered him a glass of champagne and he hesitantly took it, but found he was soon glad to have something in his hand so that he would not fidget. A time or two, he had to suppress hiccups that he could feel welling in his chest. He edged his way to the corner and continued walking around the edge, not daring sit, for it would be conspicuous, but slowly circling the crowd as if he were dazed. All of the sudden, his movement was interrupted by someone bumping his arm. He could feel his glass slipping from his fingers, but was able to recover quickly enough to keep hold of his glass as its contents fell to the floor. Before he knew how to react, a waiter cleaned up the spilled liquid and replaced his glass with a freshly filled one.
He was amazed at the treatment, for although he had witnessed many parties given by his mother, none were handled so delicately with such refinement, and even the parties he had attended over the last year while in Athens were incomparable. He soon found that this particular dinner was a highly coveted event which only hosted the most important people in Athens, and there were even a few Atlantans present. He was honored to be recognized as worthy of an invitation.
The man who bumped his arm turned and introduced himself, “Excuse me, sir. I apologize profusely. My name is Mr. Beck. And you are?”
Wade straightened his shoulders, gathering his courage, and in a deeper voice than usual, replied, “Wade Hampton Hamilton, sir. I am glad to make your acquaintance.”
Mr. Beck laughed deeply, noticing the crimson creep slowly up Wade’s neck. “No need to feel shy here. I can tell you stories about every person here that would make you blush even harder. Might as well make yourself at home.” He smiled and chuckled slightly then asked, “So what business are you in, son?”
“I am in banking, an employee of Mr. Johnson’s, and I am a law student at the university,” Wade replied uneasily. He was unsure of how his position would be received, but the man shook his hand again, congratulating him on his invitation then turned around and introduced him to the group.
“This is Wade Hampton Hamilton.”
“That is quite a name. Were you named after your father’s commanding officer?” Another man asked.
“Yes, sir. My father died in the war after attending the university.” Wade answered briefly then attempted to answer the other questions that were fired so quickly.
“Where are you from? What is your business? Do you plan to open a law firm? Where have I heard the name Hamilton?”
By the time he had answered the inquiries, his head was swimming, but he felt much more at ease. These gentlemen accepted him, as if he was one of them, and he had not mentioned Uncle Ashley, Scarlett, or Rhett Butler’s name. He soon learned the names of the other gentlemen standing around him, and he was pleased to learn that they were unrecognizable, so that he could stand on his own, not having to worry about reports to his kin.
“I hear we are expecting quite a cotton crop.” Mr. Beck looked at Wade, expecting his input. Mr. Beck was in the textile business, which had suffered great loss during the war, but had recovered rather quickly. A good cotton crop would increase his business as he looked forward to expanding his business to the overseas market.
Wade replied, “I haven’t seen it yet, but this summer it looked well. Hopefully the cattle market looks as promising, for that is my newest investment.”
The men agreed, nodding their heads. “Athens is growing mighty quickly. You might want to consider expanding your investments to include Athens.” Mr. Whittier announced. Mr. Whittier had made his fortune by investing in the railroad which ran through Athens. The railroad had been spared during the war, and was being lengthened to run further north. He privately considered the opportunity to ship cattle north and its profitability.
“It has grown since I first
arrived.” Wade agreed.
“Will you be attending the Cotton Expo in Atlanta?” Mr. Carter asked. Mr. Carter was originally from Augusta, but had relocated to Athens temporarily to accompany his son while he was at the university studying agriculture. He was very interested in attending the expo, for it promised to change the south with its novel ideas and industrial techniques. “I hear it is the height of excitement this year, presenting the newest technology.”
“I have not heard of it,” Wade replied, “But if it is going to be as inspiring as you say, I wouldn’t miss it. I welcome the opportunity for advancement and profit.”
The men slapped him on the back, laughing and agreeing wholeheartedly. By the time the dinner bell rang, Wade was enjoying himself, the conversation, and the company. He followed the gentlemen into the dining room, and watched their movements carefully as they found their name cards placed on the setting where they were expected to sit. He quickly found his name and sat down watching the other guests. He was terribly worried that presented with such a fine opportunity, he would ruin it by committing a social faux pas.
Turning to his left, he was stunned to find Louise Johnson beside him. She was quite an attractive young lady, dressed in fine royal blue silk. Around her neck hung a delicate string of pearls, and her hair was swept back in a long French twist entwined with blue violets, revealing dainty pearl drops hanging from each ear. Her delicate features were contrasted by large brown eyes that remained downcast most of the night. Her small hands were folded neatly in her lap, and she sat straight, her back never touching the chair. She looked like a royal princess, uncomfortable with her position, yet bearing it with dignity.
Wade kept his eyes diverted from her, hoping to avoid her attention. She remained seemingly occupied, investigating her hands which lay quietly in her lap, and only looked up when she was directly addressed. Then, she spoke so softly, she could barely be heard, replying briefly. As soon as the first course was placed in front of him, he realized that he was ravenously hungry, and he picked up his silver ready to devour the scrumptious food before him when he heard her softly speak his name.
“Wade, not yet.” No one else had heard her for her voice was frail, and he looked around the room, gaining insight into her directions. No one else had begun to eat, so he quickly laid his fork back down, waiting for everyone to be served. Mr. Johnson gave thanks then the dining hall became loud as guests began to eat. Forks clanged against the china, glasses rang with frequent toasts, and roars of laughter could be heard from the other end of the long table.
Wade turned to Louise and asked, “How did you know my name?”
Her eyes remained lowered as she spoke, “We were introduced in the receiving line.” Wade was impressed at her memory. He had already forgotten most of the names he had heard throughout the evening.
He did not want to engage in conversation with her. She was strikingly beautiful, and her demeanor reminded him of his Aunt Melly, which made her even lovelier. He reminded himself that his heart was still broken because of Emily, and he wished to avoid more heartache by becoming involved with another woman, so he directed his attention to the conversation around him.
All around him, people talked of business ventures and propositions. Most of the vocabulary was foreign, and he listened carefully, making mental lists of words to define later. The conversation was interesting, and he learned of business opportunities he had never dreamed of. He tried to memorize names and associations, for he knew that this group of people would help him reach his goals.
Finally, the diners were full, plates were empty, and champagne glasses were being refilled when they returned to the ballroom. The band began to play, and partners matched for the first reel. Wade knew how to dance, but did not consider himself to be a graceful dancer, so he decided to venture to the terrace where he could see out over the city. Stars glowed brightly and the moon gave light to the sprawling buildings beneath him. It was a beautiful evening, and he was enjoying the music in the distance, and the serenity of standing on the balcony alone.
Behind him, he felt a presence, and he turned to find Louise standing quietly in the doorway. When she saw him look at her, she turned from him, focusing on the dance, but found that she could not stand the hoards of company. She walked gracefully onto the balcony and stood with her hands lying on the rails just a few feet from where Wade reclined against the rails.
“Are you enjoying the party?” Louise asked.
Wade had to slide closer to her, for her voice was faint. “Yes, thank you. Why are you not dancing?” he asked, eyeing her closely, wondering what brought her out here when she was obviously a graceful dancer.
She bowed her head momentarily then raised her eyes to him. As if she were revealing a deep secret, she whispered, “I do not enjoy dancing. The crowds are very large, and I am fearful of stepping on toes.” She blushed slightly, and Wade noticed she looked even more beautiful with color on her cheeks. “I have to admit that I would much rather be reading alone in my room. I suppose that admission does not make me very ladylike.” She lowered her head again, focusing on her hands which gripped the rail tightly.
“I understand. I would prefer Shakespeare any day. What do you enjoy reading?” he inquired.
She suddenly became animated as she began to discuss literature, her first love. “I love Shakespeare as well as anything else I can get my hands on. I believe I have read every bit of non fiction in this house. My father has a great library, which is where I spend most of my time.”
Wade imagined the library, speculating the large volumes of Greek mythology, poetry, and informational texts. “That sounds lovely.” He studied her closely, realizing that as she talked of books, her shyness subsided, and she became enthusiastic. Her eyes danced in the moonlight, sparkling with excitement, and her feet began to move in time to the music.
“I heard you say that you are a law student. I would never tell anyone this, either, but I long to attend the university as well. Once again, an improper confession for an unmarried woman if she wants to avoid spinsterhood,” she smiled, laughing at herself. “If my mother heard the things I have told you, I would have to hide for weeks.” She suddenly became silent, realizing she had said too much.
Wade did not know how to respond. He appreciated her honesty, for he had never admired a woman’s false flattery and strategic schemes considered necessary to catch a man’s attention. He understood that she had no desire to try to catch him, and he felt a sense of relief, knowing that he could let down his guard with her. He would not have to defend himself against her, for her charm was natural, and she played no games. “Your secrets are safe with me.” He took her hand and kissed it gently, watching her blush. “But I don’t think you should consider attending the university. They do not admit women, and I do not anticipate women ever attending formal educational institutions.” He tried not to laugh out loud, for the thought of a woman going to the university was preposterous. Ladies were made to be simple, emotional creatures.
“It is a possibility. I would not discard the idea so easily. I can see by your expression that you believe it is a silly idea. Do you believe that women were formed simply to look pretty? Are you a man who believes that a woman has no common sense?”
Wade blushed, aware that his emotions were written clearly on his face. She had been able to read his thoughts. He shuffled his feet for a moment before answering, “I cannot say that I believe women are simple. My mother happens to be ingenuous with a good business head. I have seen ladies run large plantations, taking far more responsibility than is afforded them.” Wade hoped he had recovered from his obvious blunder. “I just do not believe that social norms are changed so easily. Women have never needed schooling beyond learning charm, etiquette, and sewing, and women have no reason to attend college. They will never use that knowledge in the workforce.”
Louise stared at him incredulously, astonished at his forthright manner with which he addressed the issue. She had not d
iscussed the issue with another person, and she was astounded to hear the facts related to her so matter-of-factly, and it brought tears to her eyes to know that her deepest desires were beyond comprehension to another person. “I suppose you make a point, sir.” Embarrassed at her lack of refined conversation and the emotion that glistened on her cheeks, she excused herself quickly and ran from his side. Although he searched for her through the crowd, hoping to make amends, he did not see her again, and he left without saying goodbye.