by Lisa Day
Instantly, the warmth of his body withdrew from her. By the time Victoria regain possession of her wits he re-buttoned his trousers.
“Forgive me, I lost control for a bit. I won't do this to you. I won't insult or sully your name. I offered you the honorable position of wife, my name, my protection. I will not disgrace you again in such a manner. We will not join together until the time we consummate our marriage.”
If Thomas was embarrassed there wasn't a word for what Victoria was feeling. The ripest tomato paled in comparison to the blush on her face. The same blush that cover her neck, chest, and bosom.
“Am I interrupting?”
Victoria cried out and jumped behind Thomas while trying to pull her clothing in place.
“Go away, Keith.”
“I see that with the way you two behave it won't be hard for neither of you to sacrifice yourselves on the marriage alter. Should I send for the preacher now.”
“Go away Keith.”
“Next time close the door if you don't want an audience, brother.”
“Wait!” Victoria said, “Explain yourself, Keith, what is this all about, this great sacrifice.”
Thomas shook his head signaling no to his brother. Which he brother chose to ignore.
“Dear, dear brother, you haven't told her yet?” Keith walked up to the couple. “Oh, where should I begin. Ah, the town charter. For the good of the town your fiance here has agreed to take a wife and sacrifice up his bachelorhood. Yours is to...”
“Enough, Keith, she gets it.”
“I do and thankfully so.” Victoria sank into the chair behind the desk and began to laugh.
The two men watched as the laughter continued to grow. She snorted. Thomas laughed at the sound. Since, they both were giggling that left Keith only one thing to do. He joined in.
Tears ran down Victoria's face. Between the rounds of laughing she tried to explain.
“You don't know.” – You don't know what I thought. – the sacrifice – me – oh dear. – So relieved.”
Then she couldn't stop the tears. Between sobbing and laughing she hiccuped. Thomas stopped. He knelt at Victoria's feet. He understood. He took her hands in his.
“Victoria, my sweet, Victoria, what terrible nightmarish thoughts must have run though your mind and tortured you so.”
He kissed each hand and then wiped her tears from her cheek with his handkerchief.
Keith and Victoria ceased their noises as well.
“You should've asked me.” He voice was low as if for her ears alone.
He turned to his brother and said, “Go away.”
By the time Thomas pulled Victoria into his protective arms Keith was gone. Realizing the monster never really was and his honest sounding concern gave Victoria pause.
Arriving back at the house Thomas saw how emotionally drained the ordeal had been on her and he insisted she rest He took her to the bedroom. Victoria tried to disagree, but she allowed him to have his way. She closed her eyes as he pulled the cover up over her. Sleep claimed her before he reached the stairway.
***
Victoria discovered herself alone when she woke. The sun announced it was a new day. There were signs Thomas indeed shared the bed with her again last night. The aroma of bacon quickly encouraged her to rise, dress, and head down stairs to the kitchen in haste.
Upon entered the room Victoria stopped short the man's back was toward her as he tended to the food cooking. Strange emotions seem to fill her heart and mind. She recalled the tender way he dealt with her panic yesterday. How he kept insisting they will marry and yet yesterday when she agreed he refused to acknowledge her statement.
She reached out to grab the back of the closest chair as the question floated to the surface of her mind. What would it like to actually be this man's wife? Before she could acknowledge the question and before an answer formed thankfully he turned.
He turned, “Good morning, I hope you feel better. Breakfast is done sit. Sit.”
Two plates found their way to the table. The silverware had already been put in place. Thomas held two cups of fresh brewed coffee in his hands, and placed them down, one before Victoria the other by his own plate. Finally, he sat.
Victoria dragged the open napkin across her lap. Looking up at Thomas she smiled.
“It's look very good, and I'm starved.”
“Victoria.” He said her name in such a way she gave him her full attention.
“Yes.”
“I want us from now on begin our meals together by thanking the lord for our blessings.” He held he hand out for her to take hold of.
Victoria stared at his hand. To accept it, to touch it, would be a commitment. It was his way to entrap her.
“I don't want to be here. I want..” Her head bowed bit not in prayer.
He cut her off.
“Are you not thankful..”
She cut him off.
“That's not what I meant and you know it.” She faced him.
He interrupted her from saying any more.
“Take my hand, Victoria.”
“NO”
Before she knew what he was doing he covered her hand with his. She tried to jerk it freed to no avail. He bowed his head. Leaving her feeling foolish, selfish, and ungodly. The only face saving thing she could do was bow her head in respect as well.
After the amen neither spoke a word until Thomas stood.
“Will you be kind enough to see to the clean-up here. I have a few necessary items to attend to in the library.”
“Of course.” Sounding subdued annoyed her feeling subdued infuriated her.
“Good you'll find some aprons in one of the drawers. Help yourself.”
He left the room before she could thank him. Victoria peaked through the drawers until she found the aprons. She assumed they belonged to his mother. She chose a blue one and slipped it over her head before tying the ties around her waist. The apron had fancy lace stitching around the front neckline of the bib portion. The pockets were also trimmed with the same lace as well as several rows along the bottom. It was pretty making made Victoria feel feminine and a bit special. She hummed while she worked on her tasks.
The table was cleared and clean the sink emptied. The pots and pans shined and back on the stove since she didn't know where they truly belonged. The last plate nearly slipped through her finger when she realize she'd been had. That cagey man wanted her to feel what it was like doing wifely chores in his kitchen.
In a rage she flew to the library.
“Thomas, why you piece of...” He wasn't alone.
“Look who just dropped in, dear. I was on my way to inform you to make a fresh pot of coffee. Mother brought her famous coffeecake.”
The word mother caught her attention. Another person she would have continued her tirade. Shocked and subdued she turned on her heels and fled back to the kitchen. Cabinet doors were slung open and slammed shut as Victoria searched where the coffee was stored.
“May I help you in any way, my dear?” His mother stood at the doorway.
There was an unshed tear in her eye and as if not finding the coffee would bring the world to ruin, “The coffee, I don't know where he keeps the coffee.”
“Of course, you don't.” She moved to the sidebar and opened the cabinet door. I kept it here. Now, if Thomas hasn't moved it. Oh good, it's here after all. May I be so overbearing as telling you to sit, and let me see to this.” Thomas' mother didn't wait for an answer she took control of the room.
Victoria sat. “I'm Victoria Trent.” Then she stopped how do you tell a mother her son kidnapped you and is holding you prisoner.
“I know dear. Thomas told me your name. What he didn't tell me was that he was in love with you.” Recognizing the girl was upset she rambled on. “It took me by surprise. He's so changed. He's almost fit to be in a room with. I know he's my son. But at times I wanted to...well you know–you love them, but they're so thick headed.”
She wasn't stopping, �
�And you...look at you pretty as a picture. I'm so glad he did think he'd fall for some foolish young thing. At least when he did find love it was with a level headed woman like yourself. You don't take no dirt from my son. You hear me. You stand up for yourself. He might be mad at first, but he'll get over and respect you more for it.”
The coffee was almost ready. Victoria still amazed at the whirlwind Thomas' mother created and wordlessly she fetched the tray to carry the cups, saucers, sugar bowl and creamer into the parlor.
Unsure where to begin Victoria lingered over the table with her hands still on the tray but not lifting it up. One deep breath later she said, “I'm not marrying your son.”
“Oh piff, of course you are. Any woman in her right mind would jump at the chance. He stayed single by choice not because woman, and I can tell you more than a few threw themselves at him. Some even tried tricking him in to marrying them. None of them put the light in his step and warmth in his eyes I see there today. And one look at you watching him speak or move you my dear have the same look.” The older woman moved to the door. “Come along child your future is out there in the parlor not in here.”
“We just met the other day you can love someone that fast.”
“Oh fiddlesticks of course you can. Ever hear of love at first sight.” Perls of laughter echo behind her as the woman strutted from the room.
Obediently, Victoria follow the other woman out. She was lost in thought. Her future certainly wasn't here or was it. She nearly tumbled when she looked at Thomas' eyes drinking her in when she entered the room as if she's been entering it for years. The cups rattled. Now everyone was watching her. Gracefully, she put the tray down on the side table next to an empty chair and sat in the chair.
Both men stood as the women entered. Thomas moved over to Victoria.
“Victoria, the other woman of my heart, my mother, Mrs. Emily Preston, and her dear husband, Phillip.”
Phillip nodded.
Emily said. “Thomas, I have already met Victoria in the kitchen, and we have become the best of friends haven't we, Victoria dear?”
She was expected to say something. She wanted to snap at the woman didn't you hear me. I am not marrying your son. Instead she said,”Yes. Yes, we did. You have a sweet and lovely mother, Thomas. What happen to you? Shall I pour.”
Philip nervously looked at Emily and squeaked. “Emily, dear?”
“Now, Phillip, it will be all right. Victoria knows how you like your coffee. Three sugars and just a drop of cream.” Emily nodded to Victoria. She immediately took the hint and prepared Thomas' stepfather's beverage first.
“Mrs. Preston, how do you take your coffee?”
“Now none of that it's Mother Emily or just Mother whichever you're most comfortable with, and I have double cream and no sugar, thank you darling.” Mother Emily or just Mother gave Victoria the most cunning and mischievous smile and then she winked. “Thank you, dear.” Thomas said as Victoria passed his cup to him. He apparently recouped from her comment earlier. The plates with the coffee cake where handed out.
“So tell me dear, are you and Thomas planning on a church service wedding or a small family affair.”
Victoria's head popped up. She went to put her spoon on the saucer but the shock of the question made her miss and her spoon dropped making a clacking sound as it landed on the floor. She looked for Thomas to intervene. He didn't. He was holding his breath waiting for her answer too.
“Ah, ah, we haven't decided that yet. It doesn't really matter.”
“Well if it doesn't matter than may I arrange a small affair at our home. Wouldn't that be splendid, Phillip?”
Thomas hid his smile behind his napkin. Phillip denied nothing his mother every wanted. He fought to hold the laughter watching Victoria squirm. The young woman had no idea how devious the other woman could be.
Victoria wanted to change the subject but couldn't bring herself to call her Mother or Mother Emily. She knew if she didn't change the subject soon it would just get worst. It did and of all people it was because of Phillip.
“Emily, dear do they have a date set yet?”
Victoria has to restrain herself and manged not to scream.
“No. not yet.”
“We thought soon haven't we dear.” Oh yes, Thomas you are enjoying this mess.
“Well, I have next Wednesday open or Saturday.” Emily's schedule book sat open and balanced on her lap.
“No. No, Saturday is not good for me. My hunting club, Sweetness.” Thank you Phillip Victoria thought.
Victoria smiled at Thomas. Following his lead any day would not open for her as well. You can do this she told herself, and she did. Even as far as giving in to saying Mother Emily.
“Wednesday is not good for me. I have to travel out of town before we get married. Family business that must be settled before the wedding. I've made arrangements to leave tomorrow actually. Oh, Mother Emily, how I'd love you to see me off. It would mean so much. My own parents passed away a few years ago.” Victoria was proud she even managed a teardrop to slip from beneath her eyelid.” She turned to Thomas as if to say–Ha.
He nearly choked on his mother's scrumptious coffee cake. He turned his whole body toward Victoria”
“I'll not have it. We already decided. Your trip to California will be after the wedding, and we will travel together. Have you forgotten the consequences? We discussed the dire consequences to you if you try to make this trip without me by your side.”
The cup rattled on the saucer to the point Victoria expected it to join the spoon on the floor.
The monster was still there. The threat was barely veiled.
He demanded, “Answer me,Victoria.”
She raised her other hand to steady the china balancing precariously. Never looking at Thomas he heard a meek. “Yes, I understand what you saying to me.”
He turned to face his mother. He hand placed lightly on Victoria's head. “Forgive me, Mother, but Victoria had an upsetting episode yesterday, and I feel perhaps she hasn't fully recovered. Come dear let me guide upstairs for a rest.”
Victoria decide she'd draw the line and cross at the same time. Of course that was before she saw Thomas' face. Backing down instantly and meekly she stood. His fingers gripped her upper arm. Together they seemed to float from the room.
“Excuse me, I'll be right back,” he said.
Victoria once she understood the extent of Thomas' anger expected to be re-tied to the bed. He didn't. He stopped at the doorway.
She tried to yank her arm free.
“Don't push me any more today, Victoria. Go inside and rest. We'll have this out and settled for the last time when I return.” He let go and turned to go back downstairs. Victoria entered the room alone and flung herself on the bed sobbing her heart out as if the tears shed would help.
***
It couldn't be Thomas, because he entered without ever knocking.
“Come in”
Thomas' mother entered and closed the door behind her.
“I hope you're feeling better.”
A faint smile on Victoria was the only answer.
“Thomas' gets his bull hardheadedness naturally my dear. Oh, the rows his father and I would have. He also has his father's passion. You might as well give in and marry him. You can't deny having some feelings for my son.”
“Don't you see I'm afraid of him. He... He”
“Yes dear, he saw you and took you, the whole towns knows the story, and I'm afraid the whole town supports him. It was for the good of the town. It also turned out to be very good for my son. This is a close knit community. It might seems strange to someone like yourself an outsider. I promise you'll get to like it.”
Emily took hold of Victoria's hands. She looked lost in thought. After a while Emily squeezed her hand tighter.
“You're a sweet woman and I'll help you to get away if that's what you really want.”
“You will, oh thank you.” Victoria bounced back from her depressed stat
e.”
“Not so fast. I have conditions. You will accept my son and plan to marry him. You make him happy and the day of the wedding if you still want to leave I'll fix it so you can.”
Victoria wanted to know, yet she hadn't the courage to ask, why. She didn't need to ask.
“Thomas was shall we say was gun-shy before about marriage. After you destroy his heart I'll never have to see him be victimized by a heartless and selfish female again.”
With that said Mother Emily let go of the younger woman's hands, stood, and walked out of the room. Victoria waited for the door to slam, however, the woman walked away with grace. If Victoria thought she cried before; she discovered she was wrong. Heartless and selfish whispered repeatedly with each sob.
Chapter Six
The sun was setting before Victoria found the physical strength and the mental fortitude to face Thomas.
She found him sitting behind his desk. Papers were pushed and piled everywhere. He looked up without saying a word. He watched her enter and finally stand in front of the desk.
“I'd like to talk to you. If you're not busy?”
Thomas put the pen down and closed the inkwell. “What is it, Victoria?”
She couldn't just blurt out hey I'll marry you. He wouldn't trust her and well she just couldn't that's all.
“I'm sorry about the way it went with your family.” She wrung her hands.”Yes, I am. Your mother is very nice and Phillip seems kind too.”
Thomas folded his arms and leaned in the back into the chair. “Get to the point, Victoria, I am kind of busy.”
“Oh, maybe I could make you some tea?” He wasn't helping and she was trying not to beg.
“Sure, tea.” When he finally answered her Victoria instantly retreated to the kitchen.
Waiting for the tea ware to heat Victoria's tummy growled informing her it had been hours since she ate last. Sorting through the cold larder she found some cheese and slices of ham. Along with the cider she arranged a snack for Thomas and her to share. The platter was piled high with the assortment of food. She went to carry it into the other room.
Victoria jumped back startled to find Thomas leaning lazily against the door jam watching her.
