by Annie Boone
Aaron nodded with a smile. Hope looked at Faith and watched her expression go from uncertain to overjoyed in about two seconds.
“I do remember. I think it’s a splendid idea and I’ll support you any way you need,” Aaron responded. “So what are you thinking? I know you’re probably just at the beginning stages, but I can help you put a solid plan together. If you want me to help with that part, that is.”
“Well, there are a few things I know I need. One thing that you can help with is introductions. You have so many contacts and I have none here. I’ll need to build relationships with fabric suppliers. I also need help getting word out so people will even know I exist. And help getting my scattered thoughts organized to make a plan would be so helpful.”
“These are things I can easily do. We can get started on the planning part right away. It’s never too early to start making connections, either, so we’ll start on that, too,” Aaron agreed. “What else?”
“I know that I’m smart enough to pick up the business side of things. Some of it is just common sense, but there will be things I’ll need to learn. Will you teach me how to run a business?” she asked hopefully.
“You’re very clever to realize that there are things you don’t know and then seek out a way to learn what you need to learn. I’ve seen quite a few businessmen fail because they thought they knew it all when they didn’t. I’ll be happy to teach you what I know. I’ll also help you find other experts where we need it.”
“Oh, thank you so much, Aaron! I’ve been trying to think of ways to get this off the ground but I just don’t know enough people to make much of a difference.”
Hope decided to leave out the fact that she had considered a move to Atlanta. She didn’t want him to think that she was ungrateful for his kindness or that she didn’t trust him to help. The only person who knew about her uncertainty was Charity. She’d have to ask her to keep that part to herself. Surely she would honor that request.
“Well, I think that a dress shop has the potential to be a big winner. There are several directions you can take with how you set it up. In fact, I don’t think you’ll have to take just one approach.”
“Oh, yes. I think Aaron’s right,” Faith spoke up. “You can start by doing custom designs. You can also add some ready to wear items. That should help you have clothing for people to buy who can’t wait on a special design. Some people may be interested in buying from you who doing need a custom dress. You’ll need some way to be able to make sales while you’re making one of a kind dresses. I actually even see you hiring seamstresses to work for you at some point.”
“I never even considered selling ready to wear dresses, but it makes sense that sewing one a kind dresses only will limit my ability to sell very much.” She looked sheepishly to Aaron. “I suppose I’ll probably need some help finding suitable suppliers for this, too.”
Hope wasn’t used to asking anyone for anything, so this was an uncomfortable experience for her. She had taken it upon herself to become a seamstress and worked extremely hard to hone her talent. After much practice, she was confident and skilled. She also read everything she could find about design and had been designing what she sewed for several years.
“Well, we at least have a few things on the list that need to get done. The first thing we need to do is get you set up with a fabric merchant. There are two I know, but the first one I want you to see is the best one. Let’s talk to him first.”
Hope nodded her agreement. “That sounds fine, Aaron. I’ll go meet him tomorrow if you’ll tell me where to go.”
“I’ll get his address and give it to you later. He can get anything you want, or so I have heard. Please give him my regards when you see him.”
“This is so exciting, Hope! I think you’re going to be amazing at this!” exclaimed Faith.
“Hold on until we see how it goes, Faith. This is all new for me and I’m going to be feeling my way along. At least with Aaron’s help it will be better than jumping off the cliff completely.” Hope smiled at her sister, then at her brother-in-law.
She started to get up when Aaron held his hand up. “Wait a minute, Hope.” He passed a quick glance over to his wife and then back at Hope. Then he started speaking in a very inquisitive manner. “If we get Sam and Martha or Helen to watch the children tomorrow, would you two like to find a storefront for Hope’s shop? I think it will be a good idea to see what kind of property is available. The location will be very important.”
“That would be lovely. You’re so sweet to do this!” Faith answered, squeezing her husband’s hand affectionately.
“Oh, well, I’m not sure about that. Thank you for the offer, Aaron, but I’m not so sure I’m ready for that step yet,” Hope said. “Isn’t this conversation a little premature?”
“Oh, I don’t think so,” replied Faith.
Hope shook her head, “Yes, it probably is, Faith. I’ve been able to save some money, but I’m pretty sure that what I have will be needed to buy the first bit of materials for a custom design. I’ll probably have to do quite a few of those jobs before I’ll have the money to open a shop. I knew that would be the case, so I’m prepared to work hard and wait on that to come.”
At this, she watched a sly smile materialize on her brother-in-law’s face. “It does take money to start a business, no doubt about that. I think I have a plan for that, too, though.”
Hope looked at him with curiosity and caution. “What kind of plan?”
“Let’s go ahead and find a place that will work for your shop. I’ll put up the money for the rent and help you get everything you need to open.”
Hope’s heart started to pound in a cross of excitement and embarrassment. She had to stop herself from getting too enthusiastic about Aaron’s offer. She shook her head and answered carefully, “You are so kind, Aaron. I love you dearly for this solution, but I can’t accept money from you. I’ve warmed up to accepting your guidance and connections, but this is more than I’m comfortable with.”
He shook his head, “Hope, this is how business works. Investors work with new business owners all the time. I will be the kind of investor who will believe in you and support your vision. I want to invest in your company, not as an obligation because you’re family, but because I think I’ll get a return on the venture. Well, maybe a little because you’re family, but mostly because I believe in you.” He laughed a little at his lame joke and winked quickly at Faith.
“Actually, I don’t think I heard you ask him for any money at all, Hope. He offered to invest in you. Unless I’m completely wrong, he’ll expect a return on his investment,” added Faith.
“You know, Hope, if you prefer a loan to an investment, we can do it that way. You can pay me back as your business becomes profitable. Either way, I want you to take the money. It will take you so long to be able to get a business like this going and I think you’re going to need labor help to do it. You can’t do that without some seed money.” Aaron had become serious and Hope understood what he was trying to convey. If she was determined to make her dream a reality, she needed to be aggressive.
Hope didn’t know what to say. She felt a smile creep onto her lips, but she also felt an immense sense of nervousness begin to form in the pit of her stomach. “Thank you so much, Aaron,” she managed to say amidst her shock.
He nodded, but before she could say anything else, she heard Faith grow almost too excited to contain herself and she said, “This is going to be so much fun! We have been discussing this for a while. We were just waiting for you to decide this was what you wanted to do.”
Hope, feeling overwhelmed and confused looked at her sister and asked, “What? You’ve been talking about this behind my back?”
Faith realized her mistake. She leaned over and kissed Aaron quickly on the cheek. “Thank you, my sweet love. Will you please excuse us?”
He nodded, “Of course,” as he rose and walked out of the room.
When the two of them were alone, Faith stared
at Hope and asked, “Are you all right? We thought you would be thrilled by this news. You seem, kind of annoyed.”
Hope smiled weakly at her older sister before she answered, “I’m fine and I’m not annoyed.” She then shrugged, not sure if she really wanted to tell her exactly what was on her mind. In a way, she was slightly embarrassed.
Noticing this, Faith turned her head to the side and stared at her sister, “What is it?”
Hope shook her head at first, but then she looked up at Faith and answered in a low tone, “The truth is that I’m embarrassed. I don’t want to take anything from you.”
Faith smiled and clasped her sister’s hands in her own before she answered, “You aren’t taking anything from me. No matter if you choose to take the money as a loan or as an investment, the money will come back to us. I know you’re going to be a success and that makes me want to do this even more.”
“I appreciate your confidence, but it may not happen fast. It will probably take a while for me to repay you,” replied Hope.
Faith reached out and took her sister’s hand and added, “Look, Hope. Of course, Aaron and I want to help you because you are family and we love you. But you have real talent and we think that your business is coming along at the right time for San Jose. It’s growing quickly and getting in place now will put you in on the ground floor of the growth. You will be set up to serve affluent customers who will be moving into the area soon. There’s already a solid base that will get you off on the right foot if you make an insistent start.”
“I can tell you’re married to a businessman. His attitude and vocabulary are wearing off on you, Faith,” joked Hope.
Even though Faith’s words were meant to inspire her sister, they really only made her feel worse. It wasn’t so much the thought of taking the help as it was a far greater internal struggle. Hope sighed and pulled her hands back before she answered, “Thank you again, Faith, but that isn’t it. I appreciate the offer of monetary help and I understand everything you are saying. I even agree with you.”
Faith seemed confused then and she inquired seriously, “What is it, then? Why are you plagued with such reservation?”
Once again, Hope sighed and turned away, but she knew that her sister wasn’t going to let her get off the hook that easily. After a slight pause, “It’s me,” she said.
This confused Hope and so, she asked, “What do you mean, it’s you?” She smiled then and tried to catch her sister’s eye as she turned around.
Once she knew that she could not escape her sister’s glance any further, she sighed and shook her head before she replied finally, “It still has to do with me. I don’t want to take anything from you and then fail. If I fail, there’s no way you’ll get your money back. It won’t make a hill of beans worth of difference if it’s a loan or an investment. If I can’t do it, everything will be gone. I can’t live with that.”
Faith smiled and replied with all of the confidence in the world, “You aren’t going to fail. No matter what you decide to do, little sister, you are going to make it work. I know that. And it will be better than anyone has ever imagined.” Then, before Hope could argue, she added “I believe that the timing of this is God’s work. I have no doubt that he has worked everything out. I’m here because of what God put in place and so are you.”
This declaration from Faith brought a scowl to Hope’s face. She looked down and drummed her fingers rhythmically on the table.
At this withdrawal, Faith sighed and continued, “Hope, listen. I know that you’ve had trouble grasping God’s purpose. It seems like sometimes you even have trouble believing. Charity and I have always seemed to be, well, let’s say more spiritual than you. Would you agree?”
“Yes, I suppose.”
Faith nodded. “You know, it’s only too late to get right with God when you’re dead. As far as I can see you’re alive and kicking at the moment. I want you to know that I’m going to pray for your heart, Hope.”
Hope was almost annoyed at the near accusation that she wasn’t a Christian. Charity had done the very same thing that morning. What was up with her sisters? Just because she didn’t pray every other second of the day?
Faith then broke into her thoughts and continued. “I know that you’re not really happy here.” Before Hope could even speak a word, Faith exclaimed, “I can see it in your eyes so don’t try to deny it.”
“I am so happy!” She insisted, almost angrily. The last thing she wanted Faith to think was that she was ungrateful. She also didn’t enjoy the prying into her inner emotions.
Faith put her hands up, trying to calm her sister before she answered, “I know you. I know how you think and I recognize that restlessness. I had the same thing when I left home to come here to meet Aaron.”
Hope remembered that time and the heated discussions they’d had about Faith’s decision. She laughed slightly at the memory and answered, “You tried to rationalize that you’d done all the research. It’s been different than you expected, hasn’t it?”
Faith shrugged, “It was hard, when I first came here, but I wanted out of Sweetwater Creek with everything that I held dear. I wanted to make a life for myself. I was willing to endure just about anything. I was faced with many challenges.”
“Did you ever think about giving up? I’ve wanted to ask that, and always hesitated. Since we’re being honest, did you?” asked Hope.
“Yes. I did. I even thought of maybe leaving here and going somewhere else. I figured I could get a teaching job somewhere. Any place would probably have paid more than I made in Georgia after the war.” She smiled briefly at the bittersweet memory. “But I didn’t mean to get us off track.”
“What else do you have to say? Haven’t you already said enough?”
“I know that you don’t feel settled here yet. I also know you think Atlanta is a more desirable place to be. More built up with wealthier women to sew for. I’m sympathetic to that, but I truly feel that the best place to be is with a network of family and friends to help you make your talent your work.”
Hope sat still. Waiting. She knew Faith wasn’t finished with her speech.
Then, Faith’s eyes grew saddened slightly as she added, “But if you truly feel that this is the right path for you in your life, then I am never going to stand in your way. It is your decision, Hope. You can stay here and receive all of the help your family and your community can provide to you, or you could try to do things your own way, whether that is Atlanta-”
At this, Hope couldn’t help but narrow her eyes, feeling betrayed, “What did that snitch Charity say? I thought I could trust her!”
Faith shook her head, “Charity hasn’t said a word to me about any of this. And that’s terribly rude to call her names.”
Confused, Hope stared at her sister for a moment before she asked, “Then how did you know that I’ve thought of leaving to go to Atlanta?”
“I know how to read my sisters,” Faith answered. “So don’t blame Charity. My point in telling you that is that no matter what path you feel is right for you, I want you to take it. Charity might not be so keen to accept your decision and I don’t even want to think about what Mama would say. But it’s your life and your decision.”
Hope chuckled a little, realizing that what her sister was saying might not be too far off, “Yes, they’ve both done some intervention to keep us all together.”
Faith nodded, “Now that you know what your options are with Aaron that will hopefully help you decide what’s best for you. Remember, though, that the only wrong choice is the one you make for anyone other than yourself.”
Hope looked contemplatively at her older sister, wondering quite seriously what she would do in Atlanta all by herself. She knew that she would do the best she could, but she would miss her family terribly. She also thought about the practicality of such a move without much money and the loss of support from Aaron.
“Thank you, Faith. That really means a lot.”
Hope waited in the large
and opulent parlor where the merchant lived. As she tapped her foot on the expensive imported marble floor, Faith reached over and took her hand. She looked up and realized that her sister was looking at her with a wide-eyed disapproving look.
“Be confident! He’s a human being just like you,” Faith whispered.
“What am I even doing here?” Hope asked.
“Making friends. You’re very good at that, too,” Faith answered.
“There’s so much at stake. I’m not sure I can live up to expectations.”
“Whose expectations are you worried about?” asked Faith.
“Aaron’s. Yours. And mine. Did I get carried away and think I can do more than I actually can?”
“No. You’re a gifted seamstress. Fashion is a passion for you and your advice on what will look perfect on a woman is impeccable. The business part is what you will learn as you go. Aaron and his advisors will teach you and you’ll learn from your own experiences. I know this is scary for you, but you’ll look back at your nervousness and laugh one day.”
“Oh, Faith. I hope you’re right. I’m a little too nauseated now to believe you.”
The two women continued to wait quietly for the merchant Aaron had referred them to. Mr. Marcum was reported to be a master in the import world. He supposedly had associations all over the world for all sorts of goods.
While they waited, Hope’s mind continued to wander. She tried to control the negative thoughts, but they were pervasive at this moment. Was her design ability good enough? She’d had no formal training in anything. Was a little bit of talent enough? Sure she was a good seamstress, but would that really matter when she’d eventually be doing less and less of that herself, anyway. The questions pounded her brain along with the self-doubt.
Charity told her to pray about this decision and to ask God for all the confidence she would need to move forward. She’d said a prayer, but she wasn’t feeling like she was getting through. Charity would say that God heard, she just wasn’t listening to what He was saying back.
