Olivia grasped the arm of the chair. “What?”
“It makes sense, Olivia. I’ll be gone from this earth long before you, and when I am, I want you to be able to continue our work here with no legal impediments. Bennington Place will be yours.”
Olivia’s hand went to her throat. “I don’t know what to say.” She couldn’t begin to understand Ruth’s generosity. “What about your grandson? Shouldn’t the house pass to him?”
“I haven’t left Thomas out completely. He’ll get whatever is left. Besides, he’s already inherited the balance of my son and daughter-in-law’s estate. And, sadly, my grandson has no sentimental attachment to me or this house.” She sighed and squared her shoulders. “Anyway, I’ve put the matter in the Lord’s hands and in my lawyer’s. That’s the best I can do for now.” Ruth gave a rather forced smile. “Let’s change the subject, shall we? I’ve been thinking we should do something fun for the ladies this weekend. Something a little out of the ordinary. Maybe we’ll have a game night or play some music and sing songs. Something to bring a little merriment into our lives.”
“That’s a marvelous idea.” Olivia clapped her hands together. “We could make a cake or bake cookies. And have punch. I’ll ask Mrs. Neale if she has any good recipes.”
“Excellent. We’ll make it very festive.”
“Can we do it on Friday, since I have plans for Saturday?” Olivia asked.
“Another date?” Ruth’s brow rose.
Heat infused Olivia’s cheeks. “Actually, I’ve been invited to Sofia’s fifth birthday party. Which reminds me, I have to go shopping for a gift. Maybe I could pick up some decorations while I’m out.”
Ruth nodded, the lines around her eyes easing. Yet their usual sparkle was missing. “This is exactly what we need around here. Everyone can forget their problems and have a little fun for a change.”
Olivia hated to ruin the moment, but from her friend’s downhearted demeanor, she had to ask. “Is anything else bothering you, Ruth?”
Ruth let out a long breath. “The city council meetings resume in a few weeks’ time. Our alderman contacted me to say that Mr. Simmons will be presenting his petition against Bennington Place at the first fall meeting. I’ve heard he has close to five hundred signatures.”
Olivia flew to her feet. “That man is such a nuisance.” She paced to the bookcase and back. “We have to be there to counteract his petition. If only some of the women would come too and testify about the benefits the home provides. But I don’t think any of them would agree to do that.”
“What about you, Olivia?”
“Me?”
“Your passion for the cause inspired me. Perhaps if you told the council what made you want to open a maternity home, it would help to sway the vote.”
Olivia’s legs began to shake. She could never get up before a panel of council members and share her shameful tale. To do so would destroy any chance she ever had at regaining her respectability. “I don’t think so, Ruth. I’m sorry.”
Ruth regarded her with a faint air of disappointment. “It’s all right. We’ll have others to plead our case. I’m sure it will be enough.”
Olivia hated that she wasn’t brave enough to do what Ruth asked. But the mere thought of it made her stomach churn and her palms sweat.
The telephone on the desk rang. Ruth answered it, then handed the receiver to Olivia. “It’s for you. Someone named Joannie.”
A flood of guilt rushed through Olivia. Despite her good intentions, she’d never gone back to visit her friend. What must Joannie think of her?
Ruth slipped out of the room, giving Olivia some privacy. After a moment to collect herself, she spoke into the receiver. “Joannie, how are you? I’m sorry I had to cancel my last visit.”
“That’s all right. I know it can’t be easy coming back here. Besides, I have great news.”
Olivia’s tense muscles loosened. Joannie had never sounded so cheerful. “What is it?”
“I’m getting out of this hellhole early. Next week, to be exact.” Her excitement was palpable even over the phone.
“That’s wonderful,” Olivia said. “Are you still planning to stay with me for a while until you get a job?” Her mind raced with the preparations she’d have to make for Joannie’s arrival.
The silence on the line gave Olivia her first niggle of worry.
“Actually, that’s why I’m calling. I’ve made other plans. I hope you don’t mind.”
Something in her tone had warning bells ringing in Olivia’s head. “Of course not. I’m happy you have somewhere to go. Did your family come around after all?” She prayed that was the case.
“Not exactly.”
“Then where are you going?”
A long pause ensued. Olivia’s fingers tightened on the receiver.
“Jimmy came to see me. He said he misses me like crazy and asked me to move in with him. He’s got a place in a rooming house near the garage where he works. And once I find a job, we’ll be able to get a better place.”
Oh, Joannie. Olivia pressed a hand to her forehead. This was the last thing her friend needed. A sure way to sabotage her fresh start. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? You could do anything you choose with your life. You could go back to school—”
“I don’t want to go to school. I want to marry Jimmy, and as soon as we have enough money saved, that’s what we’re going to do.” A pause. “I thought you’d be happy for me.”
Olivia winced at the hurt in Joannie’s voice, but how could she act pleased when the girl was about to make a terrible mistake? She inhaled and tried to quell her misgivings. “As long as you’re happy, then I am too. Promise me you’ll keep in touch?”
“I promise.”
“Do you want me to be there when you’re released?”
“No, Jimmy’s coming to get me. He’s got a surprise planned.”
Olivia’s stomach twisted tighter than the phone cord. She could only imagine what that would entail. “Be careful, Joannie. You don’t want to end up in the same
