I imagine he spends more time at the college than with his uncle. He aspires to be a Supreme Court justice one day.”
“That is a lofty aspiration. A very limited position too. I used to think being a female and wanting to become a certified surgeon was difficult. Your son desires a job that is one of only nine and assigned for life. What are the odds he will ever reach his dream?”
Lakewood laughed. “It will depend on how badly he wants it. And who knows, they only set the number at nine justices a few years ago. Maybe folks will decide we need fifteen or more justices and increase the number by the time he’s qualified.”
“Still, that’s a very limited prospect.”
“Well, at twenty years of age, I fully expect his desires will change. He’ll probably find some attractive young woman and fall in love. I’ve seen it happen to more than one driven young man.”
“Perhaps he will, but perhaps she will share his dream.”
The carriage slowed and then stopped. The driver soon opened the door. “We’ve reached the college.”
Faith pushed the blanket to one side and allowed the driver to help her from the carriage. “Thank you so much for the ride, Mr. Lakewood.”
She didn’t wait to hear his response but headed up the walkway to the building. The cold was encouragement enough to hasten her steps, but she also wanted to meet with her friends before the lecture. They were going to discuss the talk they were planning to stage on the following Friday, and she wanted to make certain all was in order.
She spied Malcolm first and bid him good morning. “You look as cold as I feel,” she said, placing her satchel on the nearest table.
“I walked all the way. The trolley is still unable to make it from my apartment.” He smiled. “But I’m glad classes are back in session. I’ve finished my paper. At least I believe I have. I’m having a meeting with Dr. Albright later today. We’ll see what he thinks.”
Faith pulled her gloves off and stuffed them in her coat pocket. “I’ve nearly concluded mine. I keep thinking of things that I want to stress, however.” She took the pins from her hat and pulled it from her head. “There, that’s better.” She set the hat atop her satchel.
“Just remember,” Violet said, coming up behind them, “make your statement in such a way that you only have to say it once.” She shook her index finger as they had seen one of the lecturers do. “Repetition leads to boredom.”
Faith laughed. She would miss these people when their classes were concluded and they graduated from the college. She had enjoyed the friendship of likeminded friends, and once they all went their separate ways, she wondered if she would ever have such camaraderie again.
“Shall we all still meet at the restaurant after the lectures?” Malcolm asked.
“I think we must.” Faith looked at Violet, who nodded. “There’s still a lot of work to do before we hold our first lecture. We want to come out very strong. I’m going to write to my uncle and see if he can send his right-hand man to come speak. His name is Clint Singleton, and he’s an Indian Affairs Regulator. My uncle says, however, that he’s very compassionate about the needs of the reservation tribes. I believe he could offer great credibility.”
“We can discuss it at the restaurant. I’ll see you there at four,” Malcolm said, gathering his things. “Right now, I have to speak with Dr. Hall before the lecture begins.”
Violet looked to Faith. “Shall we make our way to the classroom?”
Faith nodded. “I hope it’s warmer there than here.”
“The students are doing what?” Samuel Lakewood asked.
“They are planning a series of lectures designed to raise money for the reservation Indians for additional medical provisions, as well as cleaning supplies and other household needs.”
“Who started this?” Samuel eyed the man across the desk with such intensity that he looked away.
“I believe it was a cooperative arrangement with several of the students.”
“Is Miss Kenner involved?”
“I believe so.”
“Parrish, this must not be allowed to go on. Especially on college grounds.”
The president of the medical college, Josiah Parrish, seemed to regain his strength. “We are known for being open to progressive thinking, Samuel. There is nothing wrong with the students working together to better the reservations. God knows they need help.”
Lakewood clenched his fists. “If you don’t put a stop to it, I will withdraw my support. It was