Read Online Playing by Heart by Anne Mateer - Free Book Online Page B

dying your hair. Skirts no more than two inches above your ankle. No keeping company with men—including riding in a carriage or automobile with a man other than your father or brother. And of course I assume you understand that you are not to marry during the term. I can’t afford to lose another teacher to matrimony this year.”
    I pulled back my shoulders and sat up straight as I read through the list. “Mr. Gray, I am fully dedicated to my profession as a teacher, be it in high school or college. I assure you there is no cause for concern over my personal habits. I do not keep late hours or keep company with men. Ever. And even if I were so inclined, I’ve come to Dunn on behalf of my sister. I won’t have time for any other dalliances.”
    A grin stretched Principal Gray’s face. “Wonderful! Then the job is yours.”
    He hopped from his seat and scanned the books on a nearby shelf. Then he pulled two from their places and extended them toward me. “You know how to teach, and you know something of music. These books will help you put them together.”
    My confidence deflated. I didn’t want to teach music, but to turn down the job at this moment seemed foolhardy.
    â€œGo on. Take them.”
    My hand closed over the spines. A gold-stamped title on a dark cover: Music Teacher ’s Manual by Julia E. Crane and a quarterly journal entitled School Music.
    â€œPrincipal Gray, perhaps you have a more qualified music teacher already on staff? I’d be happy to switch places. I could teach math, science, English . . .”
    Principal Gray chuckled. “I have no other options for a music teacher, Miss Bowman. God obviously sent you to fill this spot.”
    I lowered my eyes, seeking courage from somewhere near my feet. Was God leading me in this direction? “It’s just that I’d prefer more of a challenge.” I raised my gaze to his, hoped he’d read the desperation in my face. “I’m used to intellectual stimulation, not days of . . .” I lifted the books in my hand, as if they could better convey what I thought.
    Mr. Gray’s eyes seemed to twinkle as he rubbed his hand across his mouth. My shoulders tensed. Was he laughing at me?
    â€œPlease understand, Mr. Gray. I’m grateful for the offer of this position and of course I’m happy to take it if you have nothing else, but . . .”
    â€œActually, the position of music teacher does come with another responsibility.”
    â€œYes?”
    â€œI’m also losing a teacher to the army. I need someone to cover—”
    A male teacher leaving? His responsibilities would be more desirable than music. Energy surged through me, straightening my spine, curling my lips into a rare smile. “I’ll do it.”
    This time Principal Gray smiled unapologetically. “It’s quite a challenge, Miss Bowman. Are you sure you’re up to it?”
    â€œOf course.” I wet my lips. Something to stimulate my mind, to keep me anchored in academic pursuits. “I’ll help wherever you need me.”
    He opened a bottom drawer in his desk and pulled out a pamphlet. My heart pulsed against my chest, so eager was I to wrap my hands around the challenge. I accepted the slim volume, looked down in giddy anticipation.
    Spalding’s Official Basket Ball Guide for Women, 1916–1917.
    I blinked. The words remained the same, as did the ridiculous picture of two girls in bloomers facing each other on the frontcover, one holding a ball, the other with her arms outstretched. My chin jerked up. “I don’t understand.”
    Amusement danced across his face. Irritation coiled tight inside me. I’d presented an earnest request, and he made sport of me? This was the result of being a music teacher instead of a mistress of mathematics. I wanted to fling the pamphlet to the desk and stalk out the door. But I needed this job. So I