Although the young woman's hands were shaking terribly, she managed to pin up her hair. It would have made far more sense to cut it, but she was unable to bear the thought of parting with her beautiful tresses.
"Eleanor, do be reasonable," Blanche pleaded.
Eleanor shook her head. "I love you all dearly, but I have to do this." She put on one of her father's hats. "How do I look?"
"Perfectly foolish!" Genevieve crossed her arms. "Mother would be furious to see you dressed in men's clothing! You don't look at all like a proper lady! Furthermore, Father specifically forbade you to go to the university. Mark my words, Eleanor Davis! You'll come crawling back on your hands and knees, begging society's forgiveness for your folly!"
Without a word, Eleanor picked up a suitcase in each hand. She knew her sisters were only looking out for her best interests, and if she thought about it, she realized her parents were right. After all, who ever heard of a woman becoming a doctor? What was next, a woman who practiced law? The idea was utterly absurd!
She didn't have much time. Her parents wouldn't spend all day calling on their friends. In fact, they should be home in time for tea. She needed to leave immediately or wish forever she hadn't wasted her chance.
Making her way through the crowded streets at a brisk gait, she soon arrived at the train station, waiting only a few minutes before she was able to be seated on a train. She wondered what her grandparents would have thought if they had known how she was traveling, for the railway had not been invented in their time. Even her parents remembered a time not long ago when trains had not yet come into being.
Almost before she realized what was happening, the train came to a stop. She was now within walking distance of the university that was to be her new home as she began to build a life. Her stomach felt like knots of fire tied around a sinking boulder, and her palms were drenched in sweat.
There it was, this looming building in front of her. She managed a polite smile as she approached the administration desk and showed the necessary paperwork, answering questions with a nod or a shake of the head. Finally, she was shown to her room, which she was promised would be peaceful because she only had to share it with one other student.
At last she was left alone in her room. Although she knew she should begin unpacking at once, she threw herself onto the bed and began sobbing. What had she had done?! Why had such an idea ever crossed her mind?! Hearing footsteps in the hallway, she quickly dried her eyes, turning to face the wall as she struggled to regain her breath. The door opened.
"Are you alright?" a voice asked kindly.
She made no response.
"You're Daniel Simmons, right?"
Eleanor nodded without turning around.
"I'm Denis Dawson." He sighed. "I always thought it sounded ridiculous to have the first letter of your given name be the same as that of your surname, so I hope if I ever get married, we don't have another Denis or a Denise in the family."
Eleanor took a deep breath, attempting to steady her nerves before deepening her voice. "Delighted to make your acquaintance, my dear Mr. Dawson."
"Likewise, Mr. Simmons." He paused before adding, "Don't worry. I won't let anyone know you're homesick. It'll just be a secret between us."
She nodded and turned to face him, instantly regretting the fact that she had to fool society into believing she was a young man, for Denis Dawson had a handsome face as well as a kindly manner.
"What brings you to the university, Mr. Dawson?"
"Law." There was a spark of determination in his eyes. "I don't approve of the segregation. Wealthy mice have all the rights, and the poor or members of other species have no legal rights whatsoever. When I am a judge, I will sentence for crimes, not caring a whit about species or economic status. Anyone in need of justice can come to me for help."
Eleanor smiled. "When I am a physician, I won't care about species or economic status either."
The pair became fast friends. However, Eleanor remembered she had to hide her gender from her roommate, which was difficult at first, but she gradually became accustomed to it. Since they were to graduate the same semester, they spent years sharing a room. Finally, the week of graduation arrived, but Eleanor found herself summoned before administration.
"Daniel Simmons, we have evidence to suggest you are a woman. We made some enquiries and found out that when you arrived at our university, a young woman disappeared from your neighborhood. You must understand that we simply cannot allow a woman to receive a doctorate of medicine. Now pack your things and leave this university at once."
Eleanor was heartbroken. She had come so far! If only her secret could have remained hidden for only one more week, she would have received her doctorate and been able to help those in need! She was just stepping out when Denis returned from class, perplexed by the suitcases in her hand.
"What troubles you, my friend?" he asked gently. "Come on. You can tell me. I'm going to be a judge soon. You know you can trust me, right?"
Bursting into tears, Eleanor told him the entire story while his eyes grew wider and wider in bewilderment. When she had finished, he shook his head.
"I'm a fool!" Denis exclaimed. Seeing her frown in confusion, he continued, "Here I've had a beautiful young lady as my dearest friend for years, and I never once thought to ask her out to dinner." He tentatively took her hand, and as she offered no resistance, he pulled her into a hug. "Eleanor, I give you my word as Judge that within six months, you shall have your doctorate. Mousedom needs you."
Eleanor smiled. "You don't need to give me your word as Judge. Your word as my friend is enough."
When she arrived back home, Eleanor was welcomed by her family, who had long since come to accept, and even admire, her defiance of social norms and her determination to follow her heart. True to his word, the newly appointed Judge Denis Dawson brought Eleanor's doctorate before six months had passed. However, there was one major error.
"My last name is Davis," she reminded him.
"Yes, that's what it says," he replied.
"The name on this paper is Eleanor Dawson."
He examined the document. "Good heavens! So it is!" Denis cleared his throat. "Not to worry, Miss Davis. We can have it changed at once."
"My last name or the name written here?"
Denis adjusted his collar nervously. "I miss living with my dear friend, Daniel Simmons, and I admire this spirited young woman, Eleanor Davis, and to know they are one in the same…" Trembling, he knelt before her and removed a ring from his pocket. "Will you…? Would you be willing at least to…well, consider it?"
Eleanor crossed her arms. "I most certainly will not consider it!"
Heartbroken, he turned to leave, but Eleanor reached out and caught his wrist. "Denis, I don't need to consider it. I've made my decision already. I love you, and I will be proud to call myself Eleanor Dawson."
