Ella of All-of-a-Kind Family (13 page)

“Will that be enough for you?”

“Oh yes, yes! I’ll be able to go on studying and singing the kind of music that is dear to me. Also it means I’ll be staying home with the family. Best of all, I shall be near you. Oh Jules, how marvelous it’s going to be for both of us. Both of us studying and working. And who knows, perhaps some day another kind of career opportunity may come along.”

For a while nothing more was said. Then Jules spoke. “How are your parents going to take this?”

Ella shook her head. “I don’t know. It’s Mama I’m
mostly worried about. She had this dream of a great career for her daughter. To make up for her own lost chance, I suppose. But actually I don’t think she was too happy about vaudeville.” She sighed. “All those months wasted—”

“Nothing one has learned is ever a waste,” Jules assured her.

“I guess so,” Ella agreed. “And not earning a living at it will not make me love music any the less. My studying has given me a better understanding and a greater joy in music than I ever would have had. And besides, I can still sing for people. There are plenty of places where good amateurs are needed.” She smiled up at Jules. “We’ll be able to sing together in Temple. Won’t that be wonderful? And some day I’ll be able to sing to my children.”

“Our children, Ella.”

Her head burrowed in his shoulder, her finger tracing a circle on the button of his jacket.

“I love you, Ella,” Jules said softly as he kissed her.