SPRINGTIME PROMISES *published*

CHAPTER 11: THE MATCHMAKER

Herbert Curl had always been a bit different from his siblings. At thirty-one, he had carved out a path that set him apart from the family's agricultural roots. While his brothers, Robert and George, had embraced the life of farmers, Herbert found himself drawn to a different kind of work. As a laborer, he represented the new wave of working-class men who were adjusting to the economic shifts of post-World War I Canada. Ontario's growing industrialization was changing the workforce, and Herbert stood at the forefront of that change.

Herbert's choice to step away from the farm wasn't made lightly, but he had always been one to seek new challenges. He admired his brothers' devotion to the land, but for him, the allure of physical labor in a more urban setting offered a kind of independence and self-sufficiency that farming didn't provide. His work took him into the heart of Kingston where factories and construction sites were beginning to dot the landscape, ushering in a new era of opportunity.

Despite his laboring job, Herbert remained deeply connected to his family. His marriage to Carrie Alberta Deyo in 1919 had been a moment of joy for the entire Curl clan. Carrie was a perfect partner for Herbert—warm, practical, and resilient, with a strength that matched his own. The two of them made a good team, navigating the challenges of working-class life with grace and optimism.

Although Herbert's work kept him away from the farm, his bond with his siblings remained strong. He often visited the family homestead, offering a helping hand when needed and providing a fresh perspective on life outside the fields. Herbert and Carrie were particularly close to Eva, the youngest Curl sibling, who had come to rely on them.

Herbert had always been protective of his younger sister. He saw in Harry the same sense of responsibility and commitment that he valued in himself, and the two men had formed a quiet friendship over the past few months. Herbert understood the importance of family, and he wanted to make sure that Eva had everything she needed as she transitioned into this new chapter of her life.

Herbert's role as a laborer placed him at the crossroads of change in Ontario. As the province shifted from an agrarian to an industrial economy, Herbert's work reflected the evolving landscape. Factories were rising, and with them came new opportunities—and new struggles. He worked long hours, often coming home exhausted, but he found satisfaction in the knowledge that his labor helped support his family and build a future for his children.

Carrie, ever the supportive wife, managed their household with efficiency and care. Though they had not yet started their own family, the couple often talked about the future and the life they hoped to build together. Herbert was confident that, no matter what challenges lay ahead, he and Carrie would face them together. Their relationship, like his work, was grounded in practicality and mutual respect.

Herbert admired Eva's quiet strength and her ability to move forward despite the challenges life had thrown her way. He knew that she had faced tremendous loss, but he also believed in her resilience. In many ways, Eva reminded him of Carrie—strong yet soft, practical yet full of heart. It was no surprise to him that Harry had fallen in love with her.

Herbert's relationship with his siblings was one of mutual respect and quiet understanding. Although he had chosen a different path from his brothers, he never felt disconnected from them. In fact, he often thought that his laboring job allowed him to bring something new to the family dynamic. His experiences in the city gave him a broader perspective, and he enjoyed sharing stories of life beyond the farm with his siblings.

He was also aware that, as the youngest of the Curl brothers, he had a unique role to play in keeping the family grounded. While the world around them was changing, and his siblings were moving in different directions—whether through marriage or work—Herbert remained a steady presence, always ready to lend a hand or offer a word of advice.