Today's Reading
His father leaned forward, making eye contact with Blaine. "I didn't send you to Santa Clara University so you could fritter away your life. Now that you've graduated, it's time you married."
Blaine dropped his gaze to the ground, then looked back up. "I do understand, Father, and I'm willing. I hope you understand I won't be pressured into a match that doesn't suit me." Showing his parents proper deference and maintaining his own self-respect was a difficult dance.
His father scowled and chucked to the horses to walk on.
Blaine watched the carriage leave, then turned back to the house.
Pratt, their butler, closed the door behind him. "May I take your coat, sir?"
"Thank you, no, I'm leaving in a moment." Blaine paused, chewing his bottom lip as he thought. Pratt had served his family as long as he could remember, one of the few constants in a household that changed cooks and housemaids and grooms almost as often as the storms that blew in from the Pacific Ocean. Blaine knew him to be an extraordinary man, a person of integrity and wisdom. At the moment, he coveted an advisor, someone other than his father. "Pratt, might I impose on your good judgment?"
"I am at your service, sir."
"I'm attending a picnic at which there will be a number of eligible young women."
"Yes, sir."
"I've chosen not to arrive with my parents—to come on my own—so I might have a few moments to observe without drawing anyone's attention."
"Very good, sir."
"My parents are eager for me to meet certain daughters and their fathers."
"And you are not, sir?"
"Actually, I've been praying that God would direct my steps to find the right young lady. One of His choosing. I am quite willing to fall in love."
"Excellent. And how may I assist you?"
"I'm averse to choosing anyone based solely on my father's approval." Blaine paced the width of the foyer. "You know the families, Pratt. Is there a special young woman I should take note of? One that would please my father—and myself?"
Pratt's eyebrows shot up. "Excuse me, sir. Just so I don't misunderstand, you are asking my advice regarding a potential wife?"
Blaine stopped pacing and faced the butler. "I know it seems odd, actually quite odd, but yes."
"I assure you the young women in your parents' circle of friends appear virtuous and accomplished. I know nothing ill of any of them." The butler turned as if to leave the foyer, then stopped as Blaine continued.
"Yes, Pratt, yes. Virtuous and accomplished are important. But I don't want an ordinary life. My father intends I join him in the family business, and I will." Blaine walked to the window and looked at the blue sky, painted here and there with wispy clouds. "I want to serve my God faithfully and boldly. I'll do that as a businessman, but it can't be limited to that. I want to make a difference in Eureka, in all of Humboldt County, maybe all of California." He turned from the window. "And I want a wife driven by the same desires."
"I see, sir. You want me to recommend a lady of class who is also a woman of strong faith."
"Yes, yes, Pratt."
"I'm sorry, sir, no one comes to mind. I suggest you continue to pray for God's guidance and trust He will lead you."
"You are right, of course." Blaine extended his hand. "Thank you, Pratt."
The butler hesitated before grasping the proffered hand to shake.
Blaine noticed his confusion. "I'm not that keen on distinction between classes. I appreciate your friendship as I might any man's."
"Yes, sir. However, your father wouldn't approve of such familiarity." "Hmmm. There is that."
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