The shock on his face was almost comical, but it would be awful to become engaged in a rush of sentimentality and regret it later. Someday he might come to her with an offer of marriage without misgivings or that panicked look in his eyes, but until that day, she would build a strong and meaningful life on her own.

42

Patrick was stunned when Gwen turned down his proposal.

Stunned and humbled. It was embarrassing, but he’d expected Gwen to fall on his offer, not go about her new life without him. In September she began classes at New York University, creating a new circle of friends among her fellow students and the teaching faculty. She had the nicest apartment of any of the graduate students, and her home on Boulanger Avenue became the natural gathering spot for study sessions after class. Her famous Friday night soirees continued with resounding success.

Patrick had to ask to be invited. The gatherings were a wonderful mix of people from the university, artists who made their living in the city, and the occasional Blackstone relative. Bertie kept everyone in stitches whenever he came, and Patrick had even befriended Joshua, who attended Gwen’s parties whenever he came to the city to exhibit his paintings at a Manhattan gallery. The home Gwen created on Boulanger Avenue was one of spiritual vibrancy that naturally attracted people to her.

With each passing week, Patrick fell more in love with her, and his fears about marrying into the Blackstone family diminished. It was Gwen he would marry, not her cousins or uncles or the people who drifted in and out of her world. Gwen brought out the best in people. The best in him. He wanted to create a warm, joyous, faith-filled home with Gwen at the heart of it.

Except he wasn’t entirely certain she would have him. As the weeks passed, she never gave any hint she wanted to rush to the altar. It was to be expected that her studies would keep her busy, but there were times when he only got to see her on Sundays, when they went to church together and then had lunch at his apartment with Birdie and Mrs. O’Shea.

In hindsight, he was embarrassed by his impulsive and clumsy proposal on the pier. A marriage should start with a strong foundation and a gift to symbolize his commitment. He couldn’t afford a fancy diamond ring or anything else extravagant, but he could offer her something better. Something to prove that he had the heart, mind, and desire to support her deepest dreams and share her world.

He met with her cousin Joshua at the library of Saint Boniface College to begin planning a strategy. The librarian had pulled several research books, and they were open on the table before them.

“You want a painting?” Joshua asked curiously.