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ambitions. You possess the poise and charm to connect with voters. And since he doesn’t want—”
    Laura held up one hand. “Let’s not discuss this now, Mother. I fear my headache will worsen, and I’m expected at the orphanage this morning.”
    “I’m sorry, my dear. I didn’t mean to rattle on.” Her mother finished her eggs and took a final sip of coffee. “It’s a beautiful morning. I thought we might sit on the porch. The fresh air might help your headache, and I could use your assistance. Our Ladies of the Union group has decided we should begin meeting again. We’ve met only a few times since the end of the war, and we’d like to resume regular meetings so we can serve some charitable needs in the area.”
    Laura followed her mother to the front porch. “I do believe it’s time for a new name, as well.”
    Her mother lowered herself into one of the cushioned willow chairs. “Perhaps, but I don’t believe you can fault us too much. There are several Southern states that haven’t yet beenreadmitted to the Union. You’ll recall that our neighbor, Virginia, is among those states.”
    “Of course I do, Mother, but you don’t need to wait until every state is readmitted before you change the name of your organization. Since the club was initially organized to make quilts and knit socks for the soldiers, perhaps now you could turn your attention to the needs of those soldiers’ widows who remain in the area. I’m sure there are many who continue to struggle. If the ladies need any further ideas, you can let them know that assistance is always needed at the orphanage.”
    “I know helping the orphans gives you both solace and pleasure, dear, but most of the ladies in our group don’t possess the physical stamina necessary for such work.”
    Laura didn’t miss the pity that shone in her mother’s eyes as she reached forward to pat Laura’s hand. “There are many things they could do that wouldn’t require physical strength. I doubt it would tax the ladies to read a book to the children.”
    “That’s true enough, but the noise and activity at the orphanage would surely prove too much for us. The younger ladies should fill that void.” Her lips curved in a weak smile. “Besides, I think our organization is seeking fund-raising and sewing projects rather than volunteer work. Enid Matheson thought we should start a movement to raise money for a new state capitol building. She says that renting the Linsly School is demeaning and we need a beautiful structure that will rival those of other states.”
    “And what do you think about Enid’s suggestion?” Laura turned her rocking chair away from the sun before sitting down. “Are you interested in organizing fund-raisers for our lawmakers?”
    “Enid isn’t fooling me. Her husband, Hubert, hopes to win a seat in the legislature, and she’ll do anything or use anyone tomake sure it happens, including our Ladies of the Union group.” Her mother sniffed. “I find her behavior shameful.”
    “Now, Mother, you ought not jump to conclusions. I’ve heard others say that construction of a new capitol building would not only help beautify Wheeling, but would also provide work for men in need of employment.”
    “ Pshaw . That’s a lot of political puffery, if you ask me. Just take a look around Bartlett and note the lack of able-bodied men. Our men who didn’t die in the war came home injured. Most of them can’t perform the jobs they had before the war.”
    “That may be a bit of an exaggeration, Mother, but I do understand your point. I think if you present your concerns with some actual facts and figures, the ladies will rally behind you rather than Enid.” Giving a slight push with her foot, Laura set the rocking chair into motion. “Perhaps Winston could help gather some figures for you.”
    “I suppose, but I may be capable of doing that myself. I can go into town and speak with folks on my own. I’m sure the mayor can help.”
    Laura