“A newspaper woman?” Cherise said. “I am so jealous.”
“Thank you, sister. I am excited about the adventure. It has become too big a job for one lady to handle alone, and she thinks I will be a good fit.”
“What will you do, dear?” her mother asked.
“Proofread, for sure, and hopefully, learn how to set the type for print.”
“Who knows – you might even be able to submit articles,” Samantha said. “Put that imagination of yours to good use.”
“A newspaper writes the truth, not what my imagination can dish out.”
Everyone laughed.
Tariana looked toward Jamie to see his reaction. “What do you think, dear friend? Shall I make it good in the newspaper industry?”
He grinned. “You can do anything you put your mind to.”
“And what happens when the beaus start calling?” Mother said. “Will they be pleased to marry a woman with a career?”
“One step at a time, Mother,” Tariana said. “I have months to decide what I want most.”
“I want grandchildren, if my opinion counts for anything,” Ada Gracin said.
Everyone at the table roared.
Frances piped in, “I think I can help you in that department, Mother. Michael and I want lots of babies.”
Tariana focused on her father, who had become quiet during this latest revelation. “Father, are you all right with this? I would like your blessing.”
Clarence Gracin motioned for her to follow him into his office, withdrew a small box from a shelf on the far wall, and passed it to her. “It appears the newspaper occupation is a family trait,” he said. “I was sent some of my father’s things when he passed, and this certificate of excellence was in it. Apparently, he was a fine reporter back in his day, when gathering news was a risky, new undertaking.”
“I remember the small press in the back shed he called The Gracin News. All us kids helped by selling that one sheet of print. Folks liked to hear about events and what mischief old Mrs. Chilton was up to.”
Tariana stared at the award in the box. “You never told us what Grandfather did for a living. I just assumed he was a preacher, too.”
“No, he preached a different tune. Folks respected him because he held to the truth and made his words flow with kindness,” her father said. “Do you think you can do that?”
“I want to try,” Tariana said.
He took her by the shoulders and stared into her eyes. “Then go with my blessing. If you stay true to your heart and your upbringing, all will go well for you.”
“You do realize I am a bit of a rebel, right? Miss Freedman is strong for women’s rights, and we both know that not all men treat their wives as they should.”
“We do, and if that subject presents itself as news in the future, you would do well to tread carefully and let wisdom reign, not unrighteous rebellion.”
“I shall try my best, Father. I’m not even sure what I’ll be doing. She may care less about my creative input and just assign me the grunt jobs.”
They laughed. “We all start at the bottom, daughter. Now, I think I should like another piece of that pie. Some young man will be blessed to have such a well-balanced woman and a speaker for his community in his kitchen. Be sure not to settle for anything less in life.”
Chapter 12
Jamie, Michael, and Clarence Gracin went to the office after dinner while the girls stayed to help clean up.
“Thank you for making this a special dinner,” Frances said. “I appreciate it and do hope you will take Michael up on his invitation to visit our home anytime.”
“I will. I’m glad the tension is gone between us.” Tariana laughed. “Who knows – we might grow to really like each other.”
Frances slapped her with the loose end of the drying towel. “You say the silliest things. I knew you’d grow up someday. We’re sisters forever, and I’m proud that you’re setting out in the working world. I hope it is everything you expect.”
“If not,” Mother said, “she can come home and get serious about shopping for a husband.”
Evelyn groaned.
Tariana questioned her, “Whatever were you on about with Jamie? You know we’ve been friends our entire lives.”
Evelyn clucked her tongue with exasperation. “Sometimes, I wonder about love. Is it totally blind?”
“You imagine that I love Jamie, or he loves me?” Tariana asked.
“If I have to tell you, it takes all the fun out of watching you squirm,” Evelyn said, hanging her cloth on the hook to dry. “I’m done, Mother. Can I go to my room? I’m dying to read the last chapter of my book.” She leveled a mocking gaze in Tariana’s direction. “It’s a romance novel.”
“Yes, be off with you.” Ada looked at the remaining four girls. “Shall we take our tea in the parlor? I want to hear all about the changes the seamstress made to your dress, Frances.”
Tea cups in hand, the girls gathered to whisper appropriate oohs and ahs as Frances described every detail of the gown. Tariana would be much easier to please, as none of the fancy lace and satin interested her. If she married, she would dress in a simple, elegant, white dress with pearl buttons and a short train to flow behind her as she walked the church’s blue carpet before saying her vows. She would wear delicate, snow-colored flowers in her hair and a small veil to cover her face. When her man removed it and feasted his eyes on her, she would be the happiest woman alive.
“What are you thinking about?” Frances asked. “You look starry-eyed and a million
