by Lisa Day
“No, it's fine.” He smiled. She be damned before she said perfect.
“I noticed yesterday when I used two spoonfuls of sugar to cover the laudanum you scowled. Yet you already used your spoon as it sat wet next on the saucer. So, I knew you liked some sweetness, but not too much.”
Her voice was caustic when she replied. “How very observant of you.”
Thomas tilted his head. “I like observing you. It gives me pleasure.”
She blushed under his glance, but the blush didn't explain the true reason warmth spread through her. All her emotion were running rampant. He'd throw her into fear, then be civil, intimidating, or thoughtful in a matter of second she didn't know what to feel.
“Please empty your trunk and such. I have a few things to attend to this morning. I will return after awhile. If you need anything there are pencil and paper in the desk. Make a list.”
The valise and trunk items now filled the wardrobe. Not until she was almost finished that it occurred to her she followed his instructions without thought or concern. Victoria ignored the urge to pull everything back out one and refill trunk.
All that remained were the items in the carpetbag. She dumped it's contains on the bed. Repacking the bag she put in a bar of soap, a comb, a few toiletries, and two well worn day dresses. Placing the bag in the bottom shelf of the wardrobe. When the time came to flee all she needed was to grab the carpetbag, and now it was ready.
Victoria’s back was to the door when Thomas unlocked it.
“Your garden must have been lovely in the past.”
He arms went around her. She stiffened. However, she didn't pull away as he expected.
“Mother has the green thumb. When she remarried she no longer had time for my garden. When we're married you can restore it if you wish.”
Her laughter surprised him.
“You're a fool if you believe I'd marry you. And as far as your garden goes I was known by the family as dead thumb, so if you counting on me, you'll be disappointed, I fear.”
“Victoria, you can make me happy or angry, but you could never disappoint me.” His words carried a conviction that he truly believed those words. At that she stiffened and turned to face him.
Thomas took her hand before she knew what he was after. He raised it to his lips. His eyes pinned to hers as he brushed her hand and felt his mustache. The kiss was gentle. The shock that run up her arm and down to her toes was not.
“I have water heating in the bath chamber if you like to take a bath.”
Victoria never got so excited about a bath before. Or was it because she was stepping out of the room. The more freedom she got the more of the layout of the house she'd learn, then easier it would be to escape him.
He let go of her hand.
With all the graciousness she could muster she said, “Thank you.”
He lead her down the hall to a small room.
“The house was refitted with the latest contraptions two years ago. Enjoy.”
She entered. Victoria in less than minute striped and eased herself into the waiting water. The relaxing scent of roses carried her away. She leaned back against the tub and closed her eyes. She must of drifted off. As she gained her senses she knew he was in the room.
“I'd love to wash your back. If you'd allow me the pleasure.”
He reeked of smugness.
She pulled the wash cloth over her breasts. What the cloth didn't cover her hands did. Victoria's vision followed Thomas as he knelt next to the tub.
“I don't need you to help me bathe. Please go.” There was no way to hide her stress and nervousness. His hand slid into the water. She fought the urge to scream. Her eyes followed the trail his hand took. It never touched her.
“One kiss. One willing kiss from you and I'll go.”
Victoria felt like a watch spring wound tight enough to break and free as a bird the next breath. His wet hand moved to her chin and guided her to face him.
He lied. He took two before he vacated the room. Hot salty tears covered her face and stung her bruised lips. No one ever kissed her as he just did.
Fully clothed she left the room and moved down the hallway. The door to the room she'd been in was open. She daringly proceeded down the stairway. The stairs opened to an entryway and to the right a large parlor. On the left side of the entry sat a den or library. She couldn't be sure for the door was half closed.
Thomas stood as she landed on the bottom step. The movement caught her eye. He met her half way. He held out his arm so she could take hold and be led into the next room. Together they moved through a dining room and stopped once they entered the kitchen.
“I laid out a small repast for us.” Letting go of her arm he pulled out a chair for her. She sat.
Thomas began eating and after a few bites he asked, “Would I be wrong to assume you'd like to leave the house for a bit? We could go for a stroll. There's a wonderful park with a pond and willow trees just a few blocks away.”
Her mind raced. Stay calm, Victoria commanded herself. This might be the chance she needed.
As sweet and innocent as possible she smiled at him.
“Yes, I would like that. Very much so.”
“Good. Now understand there are rules. I will be introducing you as my fiancee and I expect you to be agreeable and cordial to anyone who may greet us. You will agree also not to do or say anything that might embarrass or be considered an insult to me.”
She nodded.
“And.” He went on.” Any and I mean, any attempts to separate yourself from me or seek aid from anyone else will result in dire consequences for you on our return.”
The same threat filled his eyes as the first time she awoke in the upstairs room. There was no denying he was threatening her with bodily harm. The monster in him returned. Fear made Victoria want to refuse. Even if it meant she'd remain inside. Her heart raced. A knot formed deep inside her belly. The voice she answered him with wasn't her own. Quaking she assured him she understood and agreed to his terms. What choice did she have? She needed to know the lay of the town and area if she intended to make good her escape.
By the time she returned downstairs with her wrap the monster in him disappeared. They exited the house and at the front gate Thomas opened it and held his arm out for her laced her own arm in his. He smiled graciously and patted her hand. Her body relaxed. She could do this.
The first thing Victoria noticed was across the dirt road from his home was a center piece of land a narrow strip maybe a hundred or so feet wide. The length went on quite a ways. A small stream cut deep into the earth wound its way through the length of it. Several bridges placed strategically crossed the watercourse. The numerous trees gave their shade adding to the charmed scene. There were even a few benches to sit and enjoy the tranquility.
No one crossed their path for two blocks. Upon turning the corner however, Mrs. Trumble and her daughter came into view.
“Good day, Mrs. Trumble, and Mary.” he said.”
“Yes, a fine day, Mr. Kincaid.” Her daughter sort of gave a slight curtsy.
“May I introduce my beloved fiancee to you and your daughter.”
“How delightful for you and for the town as well.”
Victoria kept her end of the bargain as the introductions were made. They moved on. She thought he's comment about her flawless behavior. Leaving her no idea why she felt slighted when he didn't.
Sam Weston and his sister pointedly headed Thomas' way.
“Well, Thomas, I do say good show.” Sam extended his hand to Thomas.
“Lidia, Sam, may I present my future wife, Miss. Victoria Trent.”
The man shared a few words then Lidia asked, “Have you set a date yet?”
Thomas said, “Yes.”
Victoria said, “No.”
Lidia said, “Oh, dear.”
Victoria tensed. Definitely a mistake. She laughed.
“Lidia, you know how impulsive man are when they want something, and here we woman want to savor and enjo
y. Thomas wants to rush the wedding and I want to enjoy being just his fiancee for a bit. I will his wife much longer than his fiancee don't you agree?”
“Well said.” As Lidia shook her head in agreement.
“For the good of the town, I hope, Thomas, you prevail.” Sam added.
They moved down the lane. Victoria still dwelling on what Sam said about, the good of the town.
“Thomas, what did Sam mean...”
“Shall we go across the bridge?”
She didn't need to answer. He lead. She followed.
The park was beautiful a pond covered maybe an acre. Surrounded by well trimmed fields of grass leading all the way down to the waters banks. Pathways crisscrossed the fields and one circled the entire lake. Two bridges allowed those strolling to cross the pond at different ends. Majestic Weeping Willow trees grew long the waters edge gave shade and a tranquil feel to the park. Waterfowl of various kinds seem to skim across the placid water without a care.
The white ducks gave a grand showing as they glided in the water. Six ventured right under the bridge they were standing on. Victoria let go of Thomas' arm and rushed to the other side and watched as the flock paddled in formation from beneath the bridge.
She turned and smiled freely at him. Her enthusiasm caught Thomas by surprise. He savored the rush her pleasure gave him. At that moment he understood the good of the town became secondary. Making her his wife now became his number one goal.
She turned to view the birds as they sailed away. Thomas moved toward her and put his arms on the rails entrapping her.
“You're a beautiful woman, Victoria. I look forward to the day we are wed.”
She drew in a breathe, “Thomas..”
“Shhh...”
He nuzzled her neck. He scent filled her. He placed trace kisses along her neck. Part of her wanted to slap his face away. The part that wanted him to stay and let him continue scared her the most. She remained still and accepted his advances telling herself she had promised not to create a scene. Besides the sensations weren't as unpleasant as she had hoped. What's a few kisses between an engaged man and woman even if it was pretend..
“Er..Ah hem.”
Victoria felt Thomas stiffen for a change.
“Victoria, may I present one of the town's councilman Frederick Calhoun.”
“How do you do?” Sugar might as well be dripping from her lips. “It's wonderful to met you. I know how much the town means to Thomas, so as a councilman you must be a very important friend of his.” Dare she add. Yes, she did. “I understand how concerned you both are...for the good of the town.”
She saw Frederick reaction it took aback for a moment, then he decided to charge ahead in spite of it.
“Yes. Yes. There must be sacrifices made for the good of the town. Of course, not everyone gets to be sacrificed on the alter of...”
A crying child stopped Frederick's words in mid sentence.
“Daddy, Daddy, I fall down. Miss. Henshaw will be mad with me. Please don't let her take away my pudding tonight.” The small boy's hands were encased with mud and his left leg showed splotches of the same brown dirt.
Embarrassed, and yet being a kind father Frederick excused himself. “Now now, dear boy, I will fix it with Miss. Henshaw. Don't you fear. Come along.”
Thomas chuckled. “Ah, the joys of parenthood. Do you like children, Victoria?”
Victoria froze. Her heart blood pumped pure ice water. The color drained from her face. She couldn't draw a breathe. She swayed.
“Are you all right, Victoria?” On getting a better look at her Thomas paled.
“Come, let's sit.” He settled her on the closest bench.
Panic wasn't getting her anyway. She forced her racing heart to calm down. The dizziness alleviated somewhat. Eyes full of foreboding and angst stared at the man sitting next to her. Is this why he kidnapped her? To be some kind of sacrificial lamb. Bile rose in her throat. If Victoria didn't get hold of herself soon the contents of her stomach would be up soon.
“You look faint.” He pushed her head down in a very unladylike position. Her head was between her knees, also making her lose her balance. His hand on her back steadied her. “Breathe through your nose slowly. That's it one, two, in and out.”
“Please, don't hurt me.” Victoria rose to a sitting position repeating and pleaded with him. “Please, please don't hurt me.”
“What the...why...how could I even think of hurting someone as special as you?” Thomas took her in to his arms and held her head close to his chest.
His heart echoed in her ear. Suspicion and apprehension filled her. She needed to reach-out to someone and he was all she had. How could she trust him? He put her in the position as she was reminded herself...for the good of the town
What kind of monsters where these people? What evil hid itself here? She read the historical accounts of cultures that believed in the idea. But, this was the nineteenth century people don't go around do THAT or do they?
“I'll do anything don't hurt me. Don't let them hurt me.” Victoria fingers clawed at his clothing.
“You're really frightened aren't you? Shhh, now I promise no harm will come to you.” He went to stand up.
“I'll marry you. I will. Just like you said.” her word were soft and yet strained.
Thomas pulled her up. “Oh, you'll agree to marry me, but not like this. No, I'll not have you agreeing while something has you this upset. Let me take you home.”
He'd made sure they weren't put in the position to greet anyone as he steered her home. The route he took brought them to the road he lived on except on the opposite side of the creek and park-like area. Thomas wasn't going to present this part of the town's plan for her today. His mind changed when they found themselves in front of the building.
Chapter Five
He planned on introducing Victoria to the schoolhouse tomorrow, but after seeing her distress Thomas decided a diversion might help.
Instead of heading to the small bridge and crossing over to the other side of the park where his home sat he directed them up the wooden pathway to the schoolhouse. The door was unlocked.
The room showed signs of neglect. It wasn't anything a good scrubbing wouldn't fix.
“Remember our conversation in the restaurant when I asked if you ever considered being a school teacher and you crinkled your nose. Yes, just like you are now.” Thomas was still moving, but hesitated when he chortled at her response.
“Your a smart woman, so what do you have against teachers?”
“Nothing really. I just want to do more with my education. Any one can be a teacher. Besides I don't think I could handle the stigma. A single woman too long in the tooth. That kind of stuff and nosense. A woman having no other way to support herself.”
Thomas literally took a step back from her.
“A bit condescending aren't you.” He snapped at her in surprise.
“I don't mean to be. Let me try to explain. Teachers must be educated to a point, yes. But, anyone that knows how to read and write or do simple arithmetic can teach some one else those skills. I do agree those fortunate enough to go on with their education can teach others more proficiently. There's more to life then being able to read and write.”
“You're almost there, sweetheart. I agree reading and writing are good assets. However, an educated person like yourself understands the thirst for knowledge. That is the difference between a teacher and a great teacher. A great one instills in her students the same thirst you had, the desire to learn, not everyone has that thirst to learn more than how to write the his name. Think about it.
A woman who doesn't know how to read has a child if she never learns to read has she harmed herself, not really because she'll never know what she was cheated out of in her life. But what of her child think of all she could have shared could have taught him if she could only been able read to him as a child and created in him a desire to know more than the house or town he grew up in. How much a better person
and mother she could be?”'
Victoria stood there feeling odd and stared at the passionate man.
Apparently Thomas had more to say. “It's a right of passage for someone who was able to receive an education like you to share it. Children are a community's future. What kind of future would the town have if all the children thought reading and writing their name was all the learning they ever needed.”
He shifted his weight. “You have a gift. Gift that grows if you share it.”
Victoria was getting uncomfortable and needed the conversation to take a new direction.
“I see your point.”
“I doubt it.” He growled. He grabbed her and swept her tight against his chest. He right hand forced her chin up to accept his kiss.
This kiss was rough and demanding. His tongue slid between her teeth and explored her mouth deeply savory her taste. His hands held her body against the hardness of his groin. Withdrawing from her mouth his lips trailed sucking kisses down her throat. He growled again. One of his hands seized one of her breasts. He squeezed. He pulled the orb up and moved his lips to reign hot moist kisses on the exposed flesh. He yanked the top few buttons free and nudged her out of the her clothing's trappings.
He moaning at the sight. There exposed before him were the objects of his desire. His mouth latched on one and began to tease and titillate it. It wasn't until that moment Thomas realized Victoria had been pushing against him trying to free herself. Her resistance stopped. He fondled the remaining breast until its dark center bud responded and tensed hard against his fingers.
His free hand worked at getting beneath her shirts and finally succeeded. Victoria's shirt and petty coats now wrapped around her waist. Her legs free for his view. They both heard the tear as he pushed her back against the desk and her bloomers tore. He stroked her where no man ever had before. He found her ready and with one hand released the buttons of his britches freeing himself.
Returning to give that warm moist spot between hers legs more attention he found her eager and ready to received him. He kissed her mouth with hungry, lustful, and out of control kisses.
Her head back and eyes close she begged. “Thomas, I need.”
