Read Online Mariel by Jo Ann Ferguson - Free Book Online

was accustomed to this, but she could not guess what Ian would think.
    Angrily, she spun her pencil in her fingers. Although Ian invaded her thoughts far too often, she should not allow herself to become overly concerned with his opinion of her. Long ago, she had vowed never to change to suit someone else. It was simply that she wanted him to think well of her. For the first time in her life, another’s opinion of her truly mattered.
    That Lady Mariel remained silent startled Mr. Gratton. He had expected some outburst from her immediately. His jovial smile brightened his face as he glanced in the pastor’s direction. If Reverend Beckwith-Carter had this type of settling influence on Lady Mariel, they must discover a way to coerce him to attend each board meeting.
    â€œNo old business? Any new business?” He did not pause to take a breath, before adding, “If there is no—”
    With a serenity that deceived no one, Mariel interrupted, “I have a question which would be considered new business, Mr. Gratton.”
    â€œYes, Lady Mariel?” he asked with obvious reluctance.
    â€œI am wondering why there is no money earmarked for the purchase of new textbooks. I know I am not the only one in the community concerned with the appalling condition of the books our children use.”
    â€œ Our children,” corrected Mr. Albion, “have used these books for twenty years.”
    She smiled at him coolly. More than the head of the school board, this rail-thin man, whose head was covered with sparse gray hairs, abhorred her ideas. He termed each one revolutionary or decadent. Although her voice was not raised, everyone was aware of her disgust with him when she replied.
    â€œI may not have had twelve children attend this school as you have, sir, but I do know that many things have changed in two decades. How do you expect the children of this community to deal with the problems of the approaching twentieth century when they know nothing of the new advances in the second half of this one? If they leave Foxbridge to seek their fortunes in the bigger world, they will be ill-equipped to handle it.”
    â€œWe don’t want our children to leave!” he retorted with a sniff.
    â€œBut they are. They are going to the cities, to America, to the next town.” She warmed to her topic. With her elbows on the table in a most unladylike pose, she pointed the pencil directly at the four men at the table. “We can offer the children of Foxbridge only one thing: a quality education, which will prepare them for the future. Even if they don’t leave Foxbridge, they will have to deal with outsiders coming here. Do you want your children to be cheated by hucksters who prey on their ignorance?”
    When he saw Mr. Jones nodding in eager agreement, Mr. Knowles leapt to his feet. A pompous man, he always reminded Mariel of a posturing blue jay, decked out with brightly colored feathers, but as empty-headed as the squawks coming from his mouth. The buttons on his forest-green waistcoat strained as he took a deep breath to remonstrate with her. She watched with amused fascination, for she considered him a fool in love with the sound of his own voice.
    â€œNow see here, Lady Mariel. It is all right for you to express your ill-thought-out opinions, but I will not have you disparaging the education the children receive in our school. We do the best with the materials at hand.”
    â€œExactly.” She smiled as her agreement knocked the next words from him. “You do the best with what you have, but think of how much more you could do if you had up-to-date materials for these hungry young minds! They want to learn. I know that, for I have spoken with both your students and their parents. They appreciate what you have done with the shoddy materials you have here, Mr. Knowles.”
    He puffed several times, but could think of nothing to say. Glancing at the other members of the board for