Free While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad Page A

me give you the details concerning the position I’m offering you.”
    He went on to explain she’d be traveling to cities in southern Minnesota to give a series of lectures on cooking with gas. Each lecture circuit, he said, would take three to five days, so the job would mean traveling away from Saint Paul. She would be in eachcity a couple of days to speak to the ladies of the community about the outstanding benefits of cooking on a gas range. Along with that, she would be free to share her knowledge of nutrition, teach the ladies time-saving kitchen advice, and share recipes of all kinds with them.
    “Most of the time, you’ll travel for one week and then have the next off.” He went over the pay and a few other details. “So, do we have a deal?”
    Charlotte took a deep breath. Was this what she wanted? At Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery, she had taught under Miss Farmer and had loved doing so, but this was a far cry from working in the kitchen of a fine restaurant or owning her own establishment. How was she to know if this was what the Lord intended for her? Did it feel right?
    “I’m sorry I can’t give you more time, but I have to know today,” Mr. Johnson said. “If you aren’t interested, we’ll approach the second-place winner.”
    She sat up straight and nodded. “Yes, Mr. Johnson, I’d be honored to represent your gas company.”

    Charlotte relaxed into the seat of the streetcar. A job. A position. Too good to be true. The trolley’s clackety-clack beat in time with her jumbled thoughts. She couldn’t believe she had accepted the position Mr. Johnson offered. It might not be in a fancy restaurant, but she would be cooking professionally.
    Even though she was dying to share her news with Aunt Sam and Tessa, she had one stop to make first. Her sister Hannah deserved to hear the turn of events before anyone else. She had never forgotten Hannah’s promise to help Charlotte and Tessa achieve their dreams. Every time Charlotte was tempted to give up, Hannah had been there to encourage her.
    As Charlotte made the short walk from the streetcar line to Hannah and Lincoln’s home, excitement bubbled inside her. Theneighborhood where her sister now lived sported a lovely collection of homes, including several new square Craftsman houses with large porches. In front of some, purple irises added a spot of color against the brick and stucco facades.
    When Charlotte arrived at Hannah’s, she found her sister sitting on the front porch. Ellie, Hannah explained, was sleeping inside. She stood as Charlotte approached and clasped Charlotte’s hands. “I’m so glad you came today. I want to hear all about the contest.” She paused and tipped her head to the side. “Charlotte Gregory, you are positively glowing, and you look as if you’re about to burst. What is going on? Did you find a position?”
    “Yes!” A jolt of fresh exuberance shot through Charlotte. “Oh dear, you should be sitting down. You just got home from the hospital. Are you sure you should be out here? What if you catch a chill?”
    Hannah sat down in a cushioned rattan chair. “I’m fine. The fresh air is good for me.”
    Charlotte shook out the soft wool blanket lying on the table and draped it over her sister’s lap. “Where’s Lincoln?”
    “He’s at work, but Mrs. Umdahl is here. She’s in the kitchen, and she won’t let me do a thing. Another reason I’m glad you’re here.” Hannah made a circular motion with her hand to hurry her along. “So don’t make me wait. When do you start? What will you be doing?”
    Charlotte sat down in the matching rattan chair on the other side of the small table. “I start next Monday working for the gas company.”
    “The gas company? Not a restaurant?”
    Charlotte stiffened at Hannah’s tone. She hurried to explain how she would be traveling to give lectures on the benefits of using the gas stove for cooking.
    “I’m proud of you.” Hannah reached over and squeezed her