Page 86 of Loyally, Luke
Luke:It’s for the donors of Cambric Hall. The king asked if I’d come and talk to the group about what I did at the kids’ home.
Izzy:Oh wow, Luke, that’s amazing. I’m so glad you’re stepping out in this. You’ve always had an amazing ability to influence people for good. Okay, some bad. Especially when pranks are involved.
Luke:I’m hoping I can convince Ellie to do the talking or read off my ideas. I hate speaking in front of people. You know that. You were in middle and high school with me. You’ve seen it.
Izzy:I hate that those guys made fun of you because of your accent. Just because we were a few of the only country kids at the city school gave them no right to be so mean, but that was so long ago. You’re not that kid anymore. And you only fainted once.
Luke:In front of the entire student body.
Izzy:Hyperventilating will do that to any eighth grader.
Luke:I just don’t see the point in having to stand up in front of a bunch of people I don’t know and won’t need to know when Ellie already knows them and has a lot more influence than me.
Izzy:The king wouldn’t have asked you unless he thought it would matter, Luke.
Izzy:Wow, that’s so weird to type IRL. I mean... wow!
Luke:Back to clothes. Ball cap or no ball cap?
Izzy:You can’t see me, but I’m rolling my eyes. What if Brodie and I come up tomorrow, join you for lunch, and then help you figure out what to wear? He’s wanted to come back and visit that little bookstore in Crieff anyway.
Luke:Sounds good.
Izzy:We could check out that kilt shop too. That would really make an impression on the donors.
Luke:A kilt and my ball cap. Got it.
Izzy:Ugh! See you tomorrow.
Luke:Thanks! See you then.
Luke:PS: They were Captain America Underoos. If you’re going to attempt to tease me, get your story straight.
***
Mrs. Kershaw and her staff at Cambric Hall knew how to throw parties. And since Luke had introduced the idea of looking for ways to turn these moments into teachable, and possibly occupational, opportunities, Ellie had been inspired to think in the same way. She’d even encouraged Mrs. Kershaw to use a few of the teen girls, whowere particularly interested in the field of hospitality, to join in the last parts of the planning.
And everything looked lovely.
People moved from the buffet to the tables. Some chose to stand and have their conversations. Each had their own place setting so that when Ellie stood to speak to them, everyone would be able to see the small platform where she would stand.
Her gaze skimmed over the tables of fresh-cut hyacinths, their lavender hues an excellent complement to the pale gold tablecloths. If the Board Luncheon proved this well executed, she could only imagine how much better the Donors’ Banquet would be. Ellie preferred the Caedric word for it—Ceilirach, or beautiful gathering.
It fit the current setting so well.
Cambric and another orphanage, Mara Caladh, on the Isle of Mara, housed the highest percentage of orphans on Skymar between the two of them, and their donor presence had always been significant. Another reason to love her people.
A gathering to ensure some of the most vulnerable children of Skymar were provided for and educated well. And now, with her heart and head in the right place, she felt all the more her calling to these children, these people.
Ellie smiled.
Herpeople.
Additional attendees dotted the space. This year, the board had invited some of the media to attend in order to increase visibility.
The idea of their presence sent a tremor through Ellie’s stomach, but she stilled the nerves as best she could. It was time to accept this part of her life again... and try to use it for good. Besides, she wouldn’t be alone. Luke would be with her.
But where was he?
