Page 33 of Poison and Wine
“After we have the chance to speak, I’m sure I can get them to see things more favorably.”
“Don’t count on it.”
As Callum went to get another drink, I couldn’t help asking, “What happened to your sister?”
“She’s a sophomore at Trinity College in Dublin.”
“You didn’t marry her off when she turned eighteen?”
Callum’s jaw tensed. “We won’t be marrying her off period. If she ever decides she wants to get married, she’ll do the choosing.”
“That’s very progressive of you. Not to mention you’re allowing her to get an education.”
After sliding back into his chair, Callum eyed me curiously. “Did you want to go to university?”
With my chest constricting, I glanced down at my lap. “Very much.”
“What did you want to study?”
I snapped my surprised gaze back to Callum’s. I couldn’t help being surprised by his question. Men in the world I’d grown up in didn’t appreciate educated women. “You really want to know?”
“Aye.”
Chewing on my lip, I debated telling him. For some reason, it felt like I was stripping myself bare in front of him. Other than my brothers, I’d never spoken it aloud to anyone. “At the very minimum, I wanted to be a nurse, but in my wildest dreams, I wanted to become a doctor and serve with Doctors Without Borders.”
“Somehow I could see you as a nurse.”
“Really?”
“You have a natural compassion about you.”
“Just not with you, right?” I teasingly asked.
Callum chuckled. “In your defense, I don’t bring out the best in you.”
“That’s true.”
“Is your desire to be a nurse the reason why you became a missionary novice?”
“Yes and no. I wanted to travel to help people, but I also wanted to put as much distance between my father and the man he wanted me to marry.”
“That’s understandable.” He then quirked his brows at me. “Would you still want to pursue a degree?”
My heartbeat accelerated at his words, and I fought the urge to pinch myself. Was he actually alluding to what I thought he was? “More than anything in the world.”
With a quick nod of his head, Callum replied, “Then I don’t see anything wrong with you pursuing a degree as my wife.”
“Please don’t tease me right now.”
“I’m not.”
“You would actually let me go to college?”
“Yes.” He tilted his head at me. “Obviously, you would have to commute. I sure as hell wouldn’t allow you to live away from me.”
“I’d be fine with that.”
“Then it’s settled. If you willingly consent to marrying me, you may go to university. And as long as it doesn’t fuck up being a supportive wife and mother, I don’t see any reason why you can’t pursue a career.”