CHAPTER TWO: 1900
Walter invites Clara over. He has something to ask her.
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'Clara, you're very important to me,' Walt says. Clara swoons.
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Walt bends on one knee. 'I want you to be the most important person in my life,' he says. 'Officially.'
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'Of course!' Clara accepts.
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With that step covered, Walt takes his father outside and sits on the front porch.
'I proposed to Clara,' Walt says.
'Bout time,' Albert replies. He puffs on his pipe. 'That girl is too good for you. Gotta lock her in 'afore she gets away.'
Walt pouts.
'Father. With my upcoming marriage and the impending growth of our family, this place is going to be too small. We have to move.'
To Walter's surprise, his Father agrees.
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Edith catches Clara as she enters the house.
'A word?' Edith asks.
Clara agrees - not that she had a choice - and follows Edith to her bedroom.
'I hear you're to marry Walter,'
'Yes,' Clara agrees.
'Not that I'm delighted to call you my daughter-in-law, but I would like to give you some words of advice,' Edith says.
Clara sits quietly.
'Walter's a fine lad. A good lad. He tries. But you will need to try harder, dearie. He will fall short of your expectations, and you will need to learn how to manage it. They are good men, but ...' Edith trails off.
'But?' Clara prompts.
Edith provides a small smile. 'But they will never be what you truly need. There are things that are difficult for them that we don't understand, and many difficulties we face that they shall never understand. It's our duty to be the one that tries to understand. Do you follow me?'
Lying, Clara agrees.
'Now, how about we start planning your big day?' Edith says.
Clara nods, Edith's words echoing in her head.
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And the beautiful day is here.
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Walt and Clara Montgomery.
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'Treat her well, you hear me,' Edith whispers in Walter's ear. 'She's a good girl.'
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Walter, Clara, Albert and Edith stand at the front of their new residence. Edith is speechless. She could never imagine to live in a house this big. She thinks back to her younger self, sharing that cold and meagre soup with Albert all those years ago.
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Walter's first job with his father at the law firm.
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'Keep your head down, your ears up and your eyes open,' Albert instructs.
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Clara begins her daily duties as a housewife.
