Asking for Her Hand
On December 27, 1866, John could wait no longer. He walked with purpose up to the house when Mr. Heifelmeyer was having his nightly brandy and asked to speak to him. “Sir, I would like to speak to you man to man.”
He made an appointment for 8:00 in the evening to see Mr. Heifelmeyer so that he could ask for Patricia’s hand. He was very nervous, as any young man would be in similar circumstances. He was shown in and told to wait in the study, and the doors were closed behind him. He sat down in a chair, expecting Patricia’s father to be there at 8:00, but he didn’t enter the study until half past the hour.
When Mr. Heifelmeyer came into the room, he didn’t acknowledge the fact that John was even there. Walking directly to his desk, he sat down and began going over his ledgers. It was another full ten minutes before he even acknowledged the fact that John was there. He had to clear his throat, in order to be noticed.
“How are things going on the estate?” For twenty minutes, Patricia’s father discussed the estate with John, telling him he was the best overseer he’d ever had. He said he hoped to keep him on for quite a long time. In the future, John might even be allowed to buy a plot of land from him to build a home on and work his own land in addition to staying on and working for Klaus.
Klaus was not about to make this easy for him.
After twenty minutes of discussing the estate, Klaus said, “Well, if the estate is fine and you didn’t come to speak about that, then why are you here?”
By this time, John was so nervous, he thought he would just leave. He thought to himself, No, I’m not going to let you scare me off. I came in here to ask for Patricia’s hand in marriage and that’s what I’m going to do! Clearing his throat again, he began, “I’m, uh, here because I love your daughter.”
“Well, everyone loves my daughter.”
“Yes, sir, I’m sure they do, but I love Patricia in a special way. I love her with all my heart and soul.” On impulse, John stood. “I came here this evening with one thought in mind. I came to declare my love for your daughter openly to you and to ask you for her hand in marriage. Patricia and I love one another, and we will be together.” John was so nervous, he was jumping for the ceiling on the inside, his heart in his throat, as Mr. Heifelmeier moved abruptly in his chair exclaiming, “Indeed.”
“You are a worldly man, John. Patricia is an innocent child. You haven’t destroyed that, have you?” Klaus boomed and stood up with his hands on his hips. John felt as if the entire room shook with his fury.
“No, sir. No! I love Patricia. I adore her, sir. I want to marry Patricia and take care of her forever!” Standing his ground, he continued, “I would much rather have your permission, but either way, we will be together.” There, I’ve said it. He hoped Mr. Heifelmeier didn’t notice how scared to death he really was.
Clearing his throat and adjusting his shirt collar, Mr. Heifelmeyer said, “Sit down, son; sit down,” as he seated himself.
“No, thank you, sir.”
“How do you plan to do this, assuming I give my permission?”
“I’ve already been working on a home for us, sir, on the north end of the property. I’ve worked on it for almost a year now.”
“Yes, John. I am aware of the home.”
“I will continue to work for you if you wish. If not, I will acquire other work. Patricia will not lack for anything, if I have my way. I would give her the moon if she asked for it.”
Well over an hour after Mr. Heifelmeier entered the study, they both emerged. Emotionally and physically drained, John left the house. He was sure that his hair was more silvery now than at the beginning of the conversation. Indeed, months later, a soft streak of white appeared just above his right temple.
Mr. Heifelmeyer refused to allow a wedding as soon as the couple wanted. However, with considerable prodding on the part of Mrs. Heifelmeyer, they agreed to a minimum of a three-month courtship. Even so, that was close to a scandalous amount of time for a courtship. Usually in New Orleans, courtships lasted a maximum of eighteen months. It was agreed that they would be wed on her seventeenth birthday, April 6, 1867.