Free To Honor and Trust by Tracie Peterson, Judith Miller Page A

father had donned imaginary blinders.
    The same thing had happened when Wes went off to school. His father had expected him to take courses in business. To the family patriarch, the idea of becoming a physician was nonsensical. After all, physicians didn’t command much respect, and they certainly didn’t make much money. For someone of the lower class, becoming a physician might be a step up, but not for someone among the upper class. With a jovial pat on the back, his father had remarked that one day he’d end up in the family business. Apparently his father had decided that time was now.
    Leaning back in his chair, his father patted his midsection and looked at Wes. “I assume I can take your silence as agreement.”
    Leaning toward his father, Wes kept his voice low. “No, Father, you may not. I have no intention of ever joining the family business. And it might be best if we discussed this privately.”
    â€œWe are talking about the family business. Why would we discuss it privately? Your decision affects all of us.” His father spoke loudly enough to capture the attention of the women at their table.
    His mother patted his father’s arm. “Do keep your voice down, Howard. The people at the other tables aren’t interested in your conversation.” She glanced over her shoulder, clearly wondering if anyone was looking toward their table. “Remember we are guests of the Wades. They were most kind to offer the use of their apartments for the season, and we don’t want to do anything that would create embarrassment for Josiah or Margaret.” She pinned him with a warning look. “Even though the Wades won’t be here during the season, you can be sure the regular guests will be delighted to notify them of any impropriety on our part.”
    â€œFor the love of heaven, Blanche, quit worrying about Josiah and Margaret Wade. It’s your son who should be causing you concern. Did you hear him say he has no intention of ever joining the family business?” Before she could answer, his father turned to face Wesley. “You best give this more thought, son. Even though I didn’t approve of you becoming a physician, I paid for your education. And even though I thought it was foolhardy, I didn’t argue when you went off to New York. And I held my tongue when you decided to go to Texas. Beyond that, and at your mother’s behest, I agreed I would give you the rest of the winter before insisting that you settle down.”
    Wes leaned back and nearly toppled his chair. “Settle down? You make it sound as though I’ve been doing nothing but having fun since I finished medical school.”
    â€œAs far as I’m concerned, you haven’t been doing anything that’s going to secure your future, and now it’s time to get towork. If you don’t join us at the textile mills when we return to Lowell, don’t plan on the family supporting you.”
    Wes could feel the heat climbing up his neck. He needed to keep his temper in check. His jaw twitched when he caught a glimpse of Richard’s smirk, and he purposefully pushed back from the table. “Excuse me. I believe I’m through for the night.” Weaving among the tables, he strode from the room, his anger mounting with each step.
    â€œWesley! Do stop—I can’t run after you in these shoes.”
    He exhaled a frustrated sigh. Why had his mother followed him? Surely she knew that it would only make matters worse. Didn’t his father always accuse her of taking Wes’s side? Her actions would add fuel to the already raging fire. He continued outside to the porch and waited for her.
    â€œDo come back inside, Wes. He doesn’t mean it. You know your father sometimes speaks without thinking.”
    â€œThat may be true, Mother, but I believe he has given this a great deal of thought and he means exactly what he says. However, he need not worry about