"I want to marry Calvin. I want to be his partner, and I want to be a mother," Hattie said. "And waste your gifts-I know," Catharine said. Hattie turned around to face her sister, struck by the caustic reply despite having braced herself for it. "Do you truly believe that becoming a wife and mother puts to waste what God has given me? Have we not taught any number of young women to embrace their God-given roles?" "Because a husband and children are all they have to look toward for security," Catharine said. "Are you certain that you are not simply envious that I am to have those roles after all?" Catharine's neck turned red, and her jaw tightened. "I envy nothing you have, Hattie, except for the working of your mind. I am disappointed that you are giving up your writing, your potential, and your influence for what any other woman without such intellect and education could do in your place." "I am not giving up any of those things! Mr. Stowe is proud of what I have accomplished already and promises to help me meet my potential, not hinder my progression." Catharine was shaking her head before Hattie finished. "There is boundless irony in such a promise," she said, raising a hand to massage her temple. "The very things so attractive to him will be lost, mark my words." "They will not." Excerpted from All That Makes Life Bright: The Life and Love of Harriet Beecher Stowe by Josi S. Kilpack All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
