Daughters by Florence Osmund Page A

makes a person an individual, what a person does with his life, what gifts they have to offer. But I hear you saying it’s much more than that.” He glanced at Marie and smiled. “I understand that, which proves you can teach an old dog new tricks.” His face turned serious. “Claire and I want to help you with this. You deserve at least that much from us. I just hope it’s not too late.”
    “No, it’s not too late.” She gave him a big smile. “Just knowing you is a major milestone for me. And the more I know about you, the more I know about myself.” She thought through her next words. “What do you think Claire really thinks about me?”
    “Hmm.”
    “And be honest, please.”
    “Honestly…I don’t think she knows yet how she really feels. She goes from feeling empathy toward you and harboring no ill feelings, which she knows is the right thing to do, to being angry about the whole affair. And unfortunately, I think the more she thinks about it, the more questions she has about our own relationship.”
    “I must have really messed things up by coming into your life. Everything was probably perfect before I showed up.”
    “No, far from it. We’ve had our share of family issues just like anyone else. Claire will be fine. I’m sure of that. In fact, I noticed a change in her attitude toward you during your stay. Did you sense a change?”
    “Yes, I did. I was just hoping it was real and not because she felt she had to.”
    “Let me tell you something about Claire. She doesn’t do or say very much just because she has to. Look, I don’t want you to worry about her. You let me do that.” He looked out the window. “It won’t be long before you’re home. Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?”
    “As a matter of fact, there is. Two things, actually.”
    “Go ahead.”
    “When Claire and I and the girls were at the Hotel Baker, the other patrons looked at us like we were from some other planet. Claire said it was because they were curious, but I wasn’t so sure. Exactly how are you treated by the whites in this town? I mean, what do you think when people stare at you like that?”
    Jonathan sighed and stared out the window for a few seconds. “I think it’s easier for me than it is for Claire. With me, I gained a good reputation selling horses before anyone even realized I was a Negro. So when they did find out, I was already established in the business community. But with Claire, it’s a whole other matter. She can’t join the afternoon tea clubs or go to lunch with ‘the girls,’ so to speak. There’s no one for her to relate to in this town.”
    “She said most other Negroes here are poor and keep to themselves.”
    “Not most. All of them. But Claire is strong-willed. If she wants to have lunch at the Hotel Baker, then by God, she’s going to have lunch there. And unlike in the South, she can.”
    “I guess I understand that.” Marie paused. The next thing she was about to say was more difficult. “There’s something I need to get off my chest.” She took in a deep breath. “Mom always told me you loved us very much but couldn’t be in our lives. I believed her, but that didn’t mean I didn’t still feel abandoned by you.” Her voice cracked. “And when I was pretty sure you were a Negro, which was long after she died, I felt betrayed by her as well. Maybe there was no other way, and I’m sure she thought she was doing the right thing…but I just had to tell you how that felt for me.”
    Jonathan squeezed her hand. “I know, Marie. Believe me, I know.”
    Walter dropped Marie off at her apartment and then drove Jonathan to Rita’s Bed & Breakfast where he would stay the night. Marie had made the arrangements for him. She had stayed there while looking for a permanent place to live, and Rita had been her friend ever since.
    The last thing Jonathan said to Marie was, “‘Til next time, sweetheart.”

CHAPTER 6

    Library Cards
    “Okay, start at the