Victoria's Family

by Kimberly J Muse-Holliday

  Chapter 10

  September 1902

  Joseph sat in the office going over the housing plans. They were to begin the second phase next week. That phase would be the simultaneous construction of four houses. Additional workers would arrive on Tuesday to assist with the construction. Samuel would be overseeing the workers while Joseph was overseeing the entire project. Several of the workers would be moving in once the homes were built just how Mr. Rockford wanted it. It continued to amaze Joseph how rewarding the job was. He never thought he would be blessed with such a career. Only time would tell if he would even want to live anywhere else after the required year Mr. Rockford had insisted on.

  He was amazed how much more time he had now that Ada had moved in. His earlier fears were gone. Eve was correct that you could hardly notice that Ada was feeble-minded. Her cooking was wonderful, much better than his own. He observed that first week how Eve had provided Ada with the menu items. She was not capable of determining the menu herself. If left to her own devises, there would be nothing but decadent desserts. Eve had instructed him on how to review the week's menu with Ada so that she would remember. Her parents had developed an elaborate system of colored word cards so that Ada would remember all the courses to prepare.

  Yesterday was Eve's last full day with them. She would visit briefly after services on Sundays to make sure Joseph and Ada were doing well and the week’s menu were in place. After a few weeks, she would only visit once in a while. Eve needed to see if Ada could manage without living with her parents since their parents had been very hands on and Joseph would not have the time.

  Joseph was adjusting well to the living arrangements. Ada was far younger looking than he ever expected. It was hard not to notice her striking looks, but he did not desire her. After all, he was in love with Victoria. At least he thought it was love. He certainly longed for her physically when sleep would not come at night. What he missed most was being able to review the plans with her and talk with her. Even their light banter was a pleasant memory.

  Ada was different. She was less complicated and always spoke the truth, even when it was not appropriate. Victoria had spunk and fluctuating emotions. He did not know which he preferred. Not that he was considering a romantic life with Ada. Eve and Samuel had entrusted her to his care. She was family. It was still difficult at times to divert his eyes from her beauty. She was nearly his height, slender figure with coal black hair and hazel green eyes. Her porcelain smooth skin glowed radiantly in the low light of the kitchen. You would never know that Ada and Eve were sisters. The only thing that was similar was their slightly broad noses and high cheekbones. Ada took on the more Native American traits of her ancestors than Eve.

  Joseph's thoughts began to wander to Victoria. It had been nearly a week since he saw Victoria and the kissed that they shared. Absent-mindedly he touched his lips with his hand. He had yet to seek her out to ask for her forgiveness. Maybe that was why she plagued his thoughts. He would make a point to seek her out soon. Mr. Rockford was due to visit later today and he would inquire when the best time would be. It was time to get out from behind the desk and stretch his legs. A fresh cup of coffee and a walk through the job site would help get his mind off Victoria.

  “Ada do we have any coffee left over from breakfast?”

  “No, sir Mr. Holmes.”

  “Please call me Joseph, Ada. You do not need to be so formal.”

  “No, sir J.. Joseph.”

  “Please make some. I will be back in a few minutes. I just need to check on how the construction is going.”

  “Yes, sir J.. Joseph.”

  Joseph grinned from ear to ear. She always stuttered when instructed to do something different. She had yet to remember to call him by his Christian name. They went through this every day. He would continue until she remembered. It just felt odd to be called Mr. Holmes. After all, she was older than he was.

  / / /

  “Samuel how is everything this morning.”

  “Construction is going well. We have had very few delays, not as much rain this year. The new crew is working out as well as can be expected. I have each man paired up. It appears to be working well.”

  “Good. Ada is making some more coffee if you are interested. I will talk to you later. I need to get the next lumber order ready so I can go into town tomorrow morning to pick it up.”

  “I will stop by this evening before I head home to let you know if there are any other supplies that I need.”

  Joseph made his way back inside. Ada had the coffee ready and was busy cleaning the kitchen.

  “Ada, thank you for the coffee. It is greatly appreciated. I will be going into town tomorrow. Would you like to come with me?”

  Ada tilted her head in thought. After a moment she threw her arms around Joseph in a bear hug almost spilling his cup of coffee. Victoria and Mr. Rockford entered the house at just that moment. Victoria took in the scene. This was the first time seeing the lovely Miss Ada O'Conner. It appeared they were both fond of each other. Had he forgotten their kiss just a week ago? Mr. Rockford could tell Victoria's temper was boiling by the faces she was making. He cleared his throat loudly to get Joseph's attention.

  “Mr. Rockford, I did not expect you till this afternoon.” He managed to get Ada's arms from around him and instructed her to get out two more cups for coffee. “Please have a seat. Ada will bring us some more cups. She just brewed another pot of rich coffee.”

  Joseph brought the steaming, rich coffee to the table and sat down. He tried not to smile as he leaned back into the wooden chair waiting for Ada to bring the cups. Victoria certainly was predictable. She stirred his desires, but he knew that was not enough. He had to be able to accept her constantly changing emotional state if they were ever to have a relationship once she was available.

  “It does smell wonderful in here,” replied Mr. Rockford. “We will not keep you long. Victoria has something she needs to say to you.” Mr. Rockford took the seat across from Joseph. He too was trying not to smile.

  Victoria scowled at Uncle Rock and she moved to the chair next to him. She was more than capable of talking. She did not need him to explain the reason for their visit. She plopped down in a huff.

  Ada not even aware of Victoria's scrutiny placed the cups in front of them and proceeded to pour each of them a cup of coffee with a friendly smile on her face.

  “Thank you Ada. It is time for your break.”

  Ada smiled warmly and walked to the back of the house towards the bedrooms without a word.

  Victoria waited only until Ada was out of the room to let her anger out. “What were you doing with her arms around you? I had come to apologize for my behavior last week. It seems you owe me more of one.”

  Joseph paused only briefly before replying. With guidance from Samuel, he was starting to understand how to handle his own emotions as well as responding to those around him. It took a lot of prayer and strength from the Lord. “Victoria, I do not answer to you.” His statement took Victoria by surprise, leaving her stunned with eyes wide and lips slightly parted. “I do seek your forgiveness for last week. I should not have kissed you back. I do apologize for my behavior that day. As for my behavior today when you walked in, that is between me and Ada.”

  “Victoria, sit back down! You will finish your talk with Joseph.” Victoria turned and plopped back down in the seat. Uncle Rock's tone indicated there was no arguing with him about it. They had come for her to apologize. She needed to get it over with. He had obviously moved on and it had only been a week.

  “Your apology is accepted Joseph. Please forgive me for being so forward last week. Can we go now Uncle Rock?”

  “No Victoria. We are going to enjoy a cup of this delicious coffee while you and Joseph finish talking.”

  “Fine.” Victoria picked up her cup of coffee and took a big gulp. She visibly grimaced. In her haste she had burnt her tongue.

  Joseph chuckled softly. It was like her to react that way.


  “Do not laugh at me Joseph.”

  “Sorry Victoria. It has been a while since I have seen your temper. You do look adorable when you are angry. I do accept your apology.”

  “Can we go now Uncle Rock?”

  “No Victoria. You two need to talk a bit longer.”

  Uncle Rock picked up his cup of coffee and made his way outside. He did not need to walk far to see that the construction was progressing rapidly. At this rate, they would have the next set of houses built before winter.

  Joseph and Victoria sat in silence drinking their coffee. Joseph had many things that he wanted to say, but in Victoria's current state he did not think she would truly listen. He did not like going against Mr. Rockford's wishes so he would have to think of something safe to talk about.

  “How is Miss Jenny doing?”

  “She is doing just fine. She is such a wonderful lady. She came to work last Sunday to prepare our dinner.”

  “I thought she was off on Sunday's.”

  “She is. She wanted to help out since we were out all day for the festivities the day before.”

  “That was very thoughtful of her.”

  Joseph did not know what else to say. Ada was certainly not a safe topic, nor his feelings for Victoria. He would definitely need to talk with Samuel on Sunday.

  Uncle Rock walked in a few minutes later to see the two of them sipping yet another cup of coffee.

  “I take it you are all talked out.”

  “Yes, Uncle Rock. I am ready to go home.”

  “Wait for me outside Victoria. I need to talk with Joseph in private.”

  Vitoria did as instructed, but not without giving Uncle Rock and Joseph a suspicious look.

  “Joseph is everything OK now.”

  “We both apologized if that is what you are asking. I know I have only been around Ada for a week now, but I am starting to think I want a wife more like her. Victoria is so emotional. I do not know if I can handle that on a full time bases.”

  “Do you have feelings for Ada?”

  “Only those of sisterly love. She is beautiful, but I see her as a little sister. It is hard to believe she is ten years older than me.”

  “Do you still have feelings for Victoria?”

  “I do. Until she is divorced, they do not matter. I will try to wait for her and see how our relationship grows. If she keeps up this attitude though, I am not sure it will work out.”

  “Did you talk about it?”

  Joseph lowered his head and shook it from side to side. “We barely talked.”

  “I had hoped for more, maybe next time. Just so you know I will be hiring an escort for Victoria. You will not have to worry about her being in your presence alone anymore. No need to be tempted.”

  “Good idea. I will talk to you later Uncle Rock. We do not want to keep Victoria waiting too long. Besides, I have work to do.”

  Uncle Rock and Joseph shook hands and Uncle Rock made his way out the house. Ada made her entrance at the sound of the door closing. She silently gathered the coffee cups from the table, brought them to the sink, washed them and returned back to her room. Joseph knew he had a lot to pray about. He was starting to have second thoughts that Victoria was the wife for him.