Virginia's Vocation

by Zina Abbott

  Virginia sighed with relief when Drusilla re-entered the room carrying a tea tray. Her admiration for Avery Wilson increased another small measure as he rose from his seat and took the tray from her. He set in on the low table in front of the settee before he once again sat down.

  Bemused, Virginia watched as Drusilla went through the process of serving tea. She had read about such customs, of course. However, formally serving tea was not something done in her home growing up. Whether it was coffee or tea, one of the women usually filled the cups on the counter or the table and set them in front of whoever happened to be partaking. If someone wanted more, they either got up and refilled his or her own cup or waited until someone else rose to get a refill and offered more to the rest.

  Once her tea with cream added rested in her hands, Virginia waited until the others had their tea before she took her first sip. She glanced around the room. As much as she enjoyed spending time with Avery Wilson as well as Drusilla, she felt at a loss regarding what to talk about. She had no intention of discussing her pending trip to St. Louis any longer—not as long as Mr. Wilson remained in the room.

  As Drusilla addressed Avery, Virginia’s fingers shook, causing her cup to rattle against her saucer.

  “Mr. Wilson, Miss Atwell and I are facing a dilemma. It appears she needs to make a short visit to St. Louis. She intends to travel alone, but I am firmly against it. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to go as her companion at this time. I have my boardinghouse to see to, you know. Even though it is only you and young Thomas in residence, I am uneasy about leaving you two to your own devices with only Mrs. Mabry to see to your meals.”

  Virginia stared at Drusilla. She could have sworn the lady paused deliberately in order for what she said to sink in with Mr. Wilson. Virginia looked between the two. How could Drusilla even bring the topic up? Besides the fact that it was Virginia's personal business, this friend of hers, the one who had promised to keep her confidence, now shared far too much information with Mr. Wilson.

  Virginia dropped her eyes and studied the contents of her cup. However, in her peripheral vision, she watched Avery sit forward in his chair and study her for several seconds.

  Avery carefully set his cup on the table next to his chair and then interlaced his fingers in front of him. He cleared his throat. “That does appear to be a dilemma. Miss Atwell, have you made friends with other young women while you have been here at college? Is it possible that one or two of them would be available to go with you to St. Louis? Of course, I realize there is the issue of paying the transportation fare for two or three people if they do not intend to pay their own way as part of a holiday. I would gladly offer to go with you and pay my own way, but I am afraid it would be inappropriate for us to travel together.”

  “Not if the two of you were engaged to be married.”

  Virginia's jaw dropped, and her cup slipped onto her lap. She grabbed for it as she stared at Drusilla in disbelief. She glanced at Mr. Wilson who wore a rigid expression on his face.

  Drusilla waved her hand and shook her head. “Oh, don't either of you get too excited. I don't expect you to actually become engaged to be married over a trip to St. Louis. I have full confidence that Mr. Wilson will conduct himself with the utmost propriety in your presence, my dear. I am suggesting that you pose as an engaged couple so that he might escort you in a manner acceptable to society. That way, he can see to your safety.”

  Virginia rose to her feet, a frown on her face. “Drusilla—Miss Chilton—please do not try to run my life for me. I have spent the better part of the years since my last parent died when I was seventeen convincing my two brothers that I do not need someone to control my every movement. It is up to me to decide whether or not I wish to travel posing as a fiancée.”

  Virginia turned to Avery Wilson long enough to see him swallow as he stared at her. Realizing she stood up, he also jumped to his feet. She turned away and, aware of the tea stain on her skirt, carefully placed her cup on her saucer. “I'm sorry, Mr. Wilson. I had no idea that Drusilla…er, Mrs. Chilton would suggest a remedy of this nature. I do not wish to ask something of you that would cause you to feel uneasy. I’m sure you would consider traveling under these circumstances to be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Please forget the suggestion was even mentioned. I already told Mrs. Chilton—I will be fine traveling by myself.”

  Avery stepped forward and reached for Virginia. “Might I inquire about the reason that requires you to go to St. Louis at this time?”

  Virginia shook her head. “No, you may not. It is a personal matter, and I do not wish to discuss it.” As she watched his face exhibit a range of expressions, she wondered what thoughts entered his mind.

  Avery tugged on the bottom of his waistcoat to straighten it. “Miss Atwell, I have always wished to visit St. Louis. I must admit that, as enjoyable as this summer break has been, it has grown a bit monotonous for me. I would consider it an honor if you would allow me to escort you down there so you may conduct whatever business it is you need to see to. I would fully cover my own expenses since it will serve as a vacation for me. I will respect your privacy.”

  Virginia locked her gaze on Avery as he walked toward her. As he gazed intently into her eyes, she lost the ability to speak.

  “Miss Atwell, unfortunately, we all must deal with our world the way it is. It would be prudent of you to travel with an escort. It would discourage advances from those whose behavior is less than admirable.”

  Virginia felt her resolve weaken as Drusilla raised an eyebrow and canted her head. “Well, then, Virginia? What have you decided? You have a very respectable gentleman who has offered to escort you so that you might safely travel and conduct your business in St. Louis. It will also afford him the opportunity to enjoy a small holiday. Do you plan to take advantage of the opportunity presented to you? Or, do you plan to forget about your business in St. Louis and stay home?”

  Virginia understood the message hidden amongst Drusilla’s words, but Mr. Wilson did not. At least, she hoped he knew nothing of her reason for traveling to St. Louis. She studied his face. She ignored the quiet voice within that told her what she truly wanted. She wished to be engaged to Avery Wilson in reality, not as a ruse. However, she dared not hope for that.

  Virginia knew she must focus on meeting with Mr. Porter in St. Louis to discover the nature of the assignment he had earmarked for Mr. V. A. Wellington. At the same time, she knew by going, she risked Mr. Porter ending his relationship with her as a regular contributor to the Heartland Monthly.

  “Your offer is very generous, Mr. Wilson.”

  Both turned to Drusilla Chilton as, with a knowing smile on her face, she settled back on the settee. “Wonderful! I am so happy we have settled the matter.” She leaned forward and patted Virginia's hand. “I have just the ring that will serve well as a token of your engagement. I'm fairly sure it will fit your finger.”

  Avery cleared his throat. “If you have any concerns you wish to discuss with me regarding this arrangement, please say so. Perhaps we can work them out.”

  Torn, Virginia studied Mr. Wilson. If she agreed, yes, there were concerns to work out. Before she did that, she pondered, dared she pose as his fiancée? The temptation of being able to be with him and learn more about him—to discover if her feelings were a girlish crush or a sincere affection leading to lasting love—clouded her reasoning ability.

  Drusilla arose and picked up the tea tray. “I'll let you two discuss things while I take this back to the kitchen. I'll return shortly.”

  Mesmerized, Virginia continued to stare at Avery. She recalled reading once about cobras in India. They were known to hypnotize their prey, and then, without warning, strike. She was the prey, and Avery Wilson was the cobra. She questioned if she wanted to escape him and maintain the status quo while she still could.

  Virginia searched her mind for any concerns she wished to discuss with him now. She found none. Rather than object to spending time with him, to travel with hi
m while he served as her escort, the thought sent a shiver of excitement through her. Yet, she knew she should object. Because of her feelings for him, traveling with him for several days and knowing no one else around them, she could end up feeling even a greater attraction to him than at present. What about him? He could come away from the experience despising her. If her love grew, and he turned from her, could her heart bear it?

  Drusilla re-entered the room holding a ring between her forefinger and her thumb. She sat on the settee and handed it to Virginia. “Put it on your ring finger, dear. Let's see if it fits well enough for you to use it as an engagement ring. The small aquamarine with a diamond on each side makes a nice setting, does it not?”

  Virginia sat down and slid the ring on her finger. It fit perfectly.

  “Oh, and since you two must keep up the appearance that you are engaged, you need to start addressing each other by your given names.”

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  Chapter 20

  ~o0o~

  St. Louis, Missouri – early August, 1859

  V irginia stepped up to the rail of the steamboat as it prepared to pull into the dock at St Louis. She reflected over the trip these past several days. Forced to admit the truth to herself, if no one else, she realized that it had been a relief as well as a pleasure to travel with Avery Wilson. She had gone to the bank in Oberlin and withdrawn enough funds to cover her portion of trip. However, after having established the itinerary with Mr. Wilson, he had purchased all the tickets and arranged for their luggage to be loaded and transferred along the way. First, they traveled on the railroad which took them from Ohio to the Mississippi River. Next, they transferred to a steamboat to make their way down to St Louis.

  Once the steamboat approached the pier, Avery turned to Virginia. “I think we should search for rooms several blocks away from the docks. I’ve heard that sometimes the undesirable elements that work on the ships or the docks tend to stay in taverns and inns close to the waterfront. Will you please tell me the address where you have your appointment? We can try to find a hotel nearby.”

  Virginia hesitated, reluctant to reveal the exact address at that time. “It is one of the numbered streets. I suspect if we look for a hotel in the downtown area, we should find ourselves fairly close to where I need to go two days from now.”

  Shaking his head with an expression of disappointment on his face, Virginia watched Avery’s gaze search hers. “Virginia, do you still not trust me? Are you still not willing to tell me where it is you need to go for this appointment?”

  Virginia swallowed. She turned away. She cared deeply for him, but she also knew he might turn against her once he knew who she would meet, even if he never knew the purpose of the meeting. The thought of losing his good opinion of her—his presence she had enjoyed so thoroughly these past several days—shot sensations of pain and regret through her. She turned to him once more. With her eyes, she silently begged him to trust her. “Avery—” How easily his first name came to her lips now that they agreed to address each other by their given names while they posed as an engaged couple. “It is not a matter of trust. It is a matter that I have given my solemn promise to a member of my family regarding a certain matter. It is imperative that I do not disclose with whom it is I am to meet, or why I am meeting with this person. Please understand, it is important to me to keep my word.”

  This time, Avery turned his head away. He visibly swallowed. “I understand, Virginia. I will grant that keeping your word is of vital importance. I will ask you for no information beyond what is needed to see you safely there.”

  “Thank you, Avery.”

  Avery found a conveyance to take them and their luggage to the center of town. After talking to the driver who offered them suggestions about a few reasonably priced hotels, Virginia suggested one to Avery. From the address, it sounded to her like it might be the closest to her ultimate destination. The driver took them there, and Virginia waited while Avery arranged for them each to rent a room.

  The following day, Virginia enjoyed seeing the city of St Louis in Avery's company. They hired a different driver who took them to see the Basilica of St. Louis cathedral, shops along Broadway Avenue, and the Mercantile Library. They enjoyed supper in the hotel dining room.

  Although Virginia remained aware of her purpose for being in St Louis, she realized how much she enjoyed spending this time with Avery. Any thought she had previously entertained that spending so much time with Avery might disillusion her concerning him and crush any girlish fancies she felt toward him had disappeared. Although loathe to admit it, she realized she had fallen completely in love with the man. However, she dared not tell him of her growing affection for him. For one thing, although he remained the perfect gentleman, and he seemed to become more relaxed and friendly with her, she still felt uncertain of the depth of his feelings toward her. After all, he possessed a penchant for exhibiting perfect manners. It could easily be the case this was a pleasant diversion for him—a vacation—one he would soon set aside as he returned to his teaching endeavors after they both returned to Oberlin. It could be, once this holiday ended, he would regard her as no more than a student and resident at the same boardinghouse where the two of them lived.

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  Chapter 21

  ~o0o~

  T he day of Virginia's appointment with Mr. Porter arrived. As she prepared to leave the hotel, Avery found them transportation. Breaking with tradition, Virginia handed the driver a piece of paper with the address.

  Abashed, the driver turned and stared, first at her, and then at Avery. “Sorry, ma’am. I don’t know how to read.”

  With a smile brittle with tension, Virginia told him the address. Realizing Avery turned in his seat and stared at her, she pointedly stared straight ahead. She breathed a sigh of relief when he did not question her in the carriage.

  Once they arrived at the building, Avery helped her down and paid the driver. He turned to her, but instead of offering his arm, he stepped in front of her and blocked her from walking towards the door of the building. He gaze searched her face.

  “I know this address. This is the office for the publisher of the Heartland Monthly. Please tell me that you have an appointment with somebody else that shares the building.”

  Virginia dropped her gaze and shook her head. “I'm sorry, Avery. As I told you before, I have given my word to my brother that I will not disclose where I am going or with whom I will be speaking.”

  Avery paused and looked at her askance. Then he stepped to her side and offered his arm. He held the door open for her as they entered the building. Inside, a thin man in his forties with stooped shoulders sat behind a desk. He studied a stack of papers in front of him until the door clicked closed.

  At the sight of Virginia and Avery, the man jerked upright, and he rose to his feet. “Good morning, sir, ma’am. How may I help you?”

  Virginia took the initiative, speaking quickly. “Yes, sir. Are you by chance Mr. Porter?” Virginia ignored Avery's intense stare as, upon hearing her ask for Mr. Porter, he frowned as he studied the side of her face.

  “No, ma'am. He is within his office. If you will give me your name, I will see if he can spare a few minutes in which to see you.”

  “Thank you. Will you please tell him Miss Atwell is here to see him?”

  “Certainly. However, I will warn you. He has an appointment with an out-of-town visitor in the next few minutes. He may ask that you come back at a different time.”

  “I understand.”

  As the gentleman stepped into the next room and closed the door, Avery leaned over and, with a low voice, spoke into her ear. “Do you know who this is and what he does for a living? What kind of business would you have with a publisher of a monthly political journal?”

  Virginia said nothing as the clerk exited the room and firmly closed the door. “I'm sorry, Miss Atwell. Mr. Port
er says that he will not have time to see you this afternoon. He is expecting a visit from one of the contributors to his magazine any moment now. Perhaps, I can schedule appointment with you for later?”

  Virginia smiled sweetly and folded her hands in front of her. “Mr.... I'm sorry. I did not catch your name...”

  “My apologies, miss. I'm Mr. Dangerfield. As I was saying...”

  “Mr. Dangerfield, I am aware of Mr. Porter's afternoon appointment. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, I have come regarding that appointment. It is imperative that I speak with Mr. Porter for a few minutes.”

  Virginia heard Avery step away from her as he made a quarter-turn to face her. “Virginia... Excuse me. Miss Atwell, what is this about? I was not aware that you were coming here regarding someone who has an appointment with Mr. Porter.”

  “As I told you earlier, Mr. Wilson, this is a confidential matter.” Virginia turned and offered what she hoped was a winning smile in Mr. Dangerfield's direction. “If you would be so good as to show me in to see Mr. Porter at his earliest convenience, I would appreciate it.”

  Mr. Dangerfield looked at her with confusion. He motioned towards a trio of chairs set against the side wall. “If you and the gentleman will please take a seat, I’ll go check. He then excused himself and once again entered the back room.”

  Virginia allowed Avery to assist with seating her. She folded her hands in her lap as he sat down next to her. To discourage questions, she stared straight ahead. She turned her head toward the back room as she listened to an outburst of displeasure coming from a voice that did not belong to Mr. Dangerfield. A moment later, Mr. Dangerfield re-entered the front office. “Miss Atwell, Mr. Porter will see you now.”

  Virginia nodded in acknowledgement towards Mr. Dangerfield as she arose to her feet. As Avery also stood as if to accompany her, she turned to him. “Please wait here for me, Avery. I will be but a few minutes.” Leaving him standing next to his chair, Virginia turned and hurried towards the door to the back room.