Wedded to War Read Online Free

very much?
    “Fifteen hundred
sixty
dollars, sir. To be precise. Plus, you’d supply the flannel and buttons,” she said.
    “I need more than just shirts, miss.” Dorsheimer’s tone was sharp, biting. “I need trousers, jackets, and overcoats, too, and I need it all in three weeks. Twelve thousand sets. And
you
provide the material. Not me. Do I look like I’m in the garment business?”
    Alice’s eyes widened into large pools of cornflower blue. Charlotte’s narrowed into slits.
    “Twelve thousand complete uniforms in three weeks. I wish I couldsay we could do that, Mr. Dorsheimer, but you’re asking for a huge sum on an extremely short deadline. Not only can we not perform miracles, but I doubt any single company in New York could do a satisfactory job under your specifications.”
    “I’m sure if we joined together with a few other sewing organizations, we could do it,” said Charlotte, swiveling between Mr. Pease and Mr. Dorsheimer. “But we need a little more time to make the arrangements. This contract would mean a great deal to the House of Industry and to the workers in a financial sense, but it would also be a perfect way they could serve their country and their fighting men at war. You could be guaranteed of fine quality products made by conscientious workers.”
    “Not possible. The boys are going to war, and they need to be clothed.”
    “Mr. Dorsheimer, please. Consider the greater value of giving a charity the contract. The House of Industry has made a profound impact on Five Points, rescuing people from poverty—and the immorality that sometimes goes with it—and helping them walk a better road.”
    Mr. Dorsheimer raised a hand to stop her, but she didn’t slow down.
    “I’m sure you know President Lincoln came to Five Points just last year, just before his Cooper Union speech that launched him toward the presidency. And what did he choose to see in Five Points? Not the brothels or groggeries, but the House of Industry.”
    “Miss—” He tried again, but she couldn’t stop.
    “Maggie’s mother, and dozens like her, needed this contract. Sir, the good work we do here inside these walls is becoming even more famous than the degradation outside of them. Invest in the House of Industry with this uniform contract, Mr. Dorsheimer, and you’ll be getting the products you want and doing society a favor at the same time.”
    At the end of her speech now, Charlotte caught her breath; Alice stared at her in disbelief. No one said a word until Mr. Dorsheimer jabbed a stubby finger at Charlotte.
    “My responsibility, young woman, is to the State of New York, not to your pet project here in the slums.”
    Charlotte’s face burned as she, Alice, and Mr. Pease watched Mr. Dorsheimer trudge out of the building, taking her hope with her.
    “It was worth a try, Miss Waverly,” Mr. Pease said.
    Alice leveled her gaze at Charlotte. “Another good idea, right Charlotte?”
    Frustration swelled in Charlotte’s chest. “Why? Why would you say such a thing? It was a brilliant idea! It made so much sense!”
    “Charlotte, when will you ever realize that not everyone sees the world as you do? You act so surprised when others disagree with you, when you are the one stepping out of the range of normal.”
    Charlotte crossed her arms tightly across her waist. “You used to look up to me.” Her throat grew tight with the unshed tears of bitter disappointment. “You used to believe in me.”
    Alice laid a tentative hand on Charlotte’s arm. “I believe your intentions are good. But once again, you spoke too boldly. Perhaps if you had not been so vehement with your outburst, Mr. Dorsheimer would at least have considered giving you the contract.” Alice sighed, resignation in her eyes. “You must—you
must
—know your place, dear sister, or one of these days, you will stand to lose much more than a sewing contract.”
    Charlotte opened her mouth to deny it, but could make no reply.

New York