by Lisa Day
“Yes, ma'am.”
“I knew it. The caulk is old.” Victoria cried out. The letters the child formed were barely legible. “Let's try a new box. Here.”
Victoria after seeing no improvement drew small dashes on the board the help guide Mary's hand. Follow the lines and I think you'll be surprised.” While Mary did so. Victoria repeatedly made more dashes as Mary practiced. “Mary, you must slow down. You catch on so fast.” Which of course encourage the child to work faster.
Each time Victoria used less and less dashes. Soon Mary's M's were straight sharp and clean. The rest of her letters followed suit.
“This is how you spell–CAT.” Victoria meowed and the child giggled. A few minutes later Mary could write and spell five new words.
Thomas stood at the door and watched the two people carry on at the blackboard laughing and making animal sounds. Victoria insisted Mary make the sound of the animals she spelled as she wrote.
Thomas whispered, “Thank you, Mary.” While he wondered if Victoria realized what a great instructor she'd be.
“I'm sorry to interrupt you ladies from your fun and games. But, we do need to clean up before dinner at mother's.”
Victoria bent over and hugged Mary good-bye, with a promise to see her tomorrow, before she moved toward Thomas.
***
Dinner as expected was excellent. Instead of the ladies going into the parlor after dinner they headed upstairs. The dressmaker was already there and waiting.
The dress fit perfectly. The cream toned silk dress draped as if it was designed just for her. The front material was pulled back and up allowing folds and creases to drape softly across the front of the skirt. A few rows of ruffles followed just above the hem line. The bustle in back wasn't over bearing. The material stitched into wide pleads and fell into a long train completed the design in the back.
The bodice's neckline was squared surrounded by ruffled rosepoint lace. The same beautiful lace edged the three-quarter length sleeves. A longer version of the lace decked the edge of the deep v-shaped front. The material molded snug around Victoria's waist. Fifteen silk cover buttons down the front finished the garment's detail.
Speechless at seeing the reflection of the future bride in the mirror it took a moment to compose herself. Victoria and Mother Emily praised the seamstress for her talents and effects. Victoria stared a moment longer subdued and bewildered.
A bemused Mother Emily and a disconcerted Victoria arrived to join Thomas and his Stepfather in the parlor. Not two minutes passed before Mother Emily announced.
“The invitations were hand delivered this morning. The nuptials are set for ten o'clock Thursday morning.”
Thomas smiled.
Phillip commented.“Good show, we'll be done by three. I won't miss the cricket match at the club.
Victoria gasped and spurred out. “So Soon.”
“Now Victoria. The whole town knows how deeply you two love each other, so there really isn't any reason the delay. I know you and Thomas want to start a life together as soon as possible. Besides, it's for the good of town to see this courtship come to an end. Don't you agree?”
Victoria stood up and walked to the window dumbfounded. She needed to answer the woman. So, what's the problem you'll be free to leave this place in two days. There could only be one answer. “Yes. Yes, of course you're correct.”
“Good now that's settled. Thomas, bring Victoria and anything else she may need over tomorrow night. I won't have my future daughter-in-law's reputation sullied.” She didn't need to add anymore than it all ready was. However, much is forgiven when it for the god of the town. “She'll be spending the night before the ceremony here and not under your roof.”
If Thomas intended to complain he lost his chance. When Emily added.
“Now, Thomas, don't look like that. You know it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding. What do you think will happen? That your bride abscond right before your eyes?”
Victoria nearly choked. Gads, that's exactly what's planned. She need air before she fainted. She grabbed the back of the nearest chair. Her knuckles paled white holding herself steady.
“Good grief, Victoria are you all right?” The ever alert Thomas by her side already took charge and lead her from the room.
“Maybe some air. Mother, the smelling salts.” Thomas barked while aiding his love out onto the porch.
***
As nights go the night before Victoria's wedding was the worse night she ever remembered. Every time she tried to get comfortable she's sling out a leg or an arm and jerk back remembering Thomas was there and she connect with his body. When she hit nothing except the bedding she sit up confused. She refused to admit to herself she had grown used to Thomas being by her side as if he was her protector.
Then the dreams came. Wild ones. Thomas married little Mary and they mooed, oinked, and meowed during their vows. The next dream Thomas refused to say I do. She begged and pleaded while promising she'd be the prefect schoolmarm the town ever seen. She cried out, “For the good of the town agree to marry me. For the good of the town. For the good of the town...
The last nightmare had Victoria decked in all her wedding finery except instead of pale cream the bridal gown was black and she was locked in a stagecoach with bars on the doors and windows. It moved slowly out of town while she screamed “I don't want to go. Help me. Thomas help!”
The bride woke drenched in sweat and wrapped in a cocoon of bed sheets. Once freed she sat in one of the room's chairs to afraid to sleep until the maid come to wake her.
The hours flew to be minutes as Victoria now stood before the same mirror as a few days ago. Mother Emily walked into the room carrying a box. Placing it on the bed she opened it. There could be no denying as the older woman shook out the most beautiful veil. The color matched the dress Victoria wore.
The tulle fabric light and airy trimmed with small pieces of the same rosepoint lace. With the last pin in place the older woman stepped back. The veil hung to her waist in the back and to her elbows on her sides. The front top gathered to form waves of tulle that draped just below her nose.
There were not time for reflection nor words as Emily scooted Victoria down a back stairwell.
Pushing open a door Emily ushered the bride inside. “This is my morning room the quests are gathered in the main garden. This entryway takes you to my private garden. No one but me spends time here as I am the one who designed and keeps it groomed.”
“Listen for the music to begin. The gate is behind the flower bed on the right. When Mozart’s Sussex Waltz ends flee out the gate someone will be there to help you.”
Victoria wanted to say something the tears in Thomas's mother's eye stopped help.
“Shhh. Say nothing for some day you will understand a mothers love for her children. Remember, I do this because it needs to be this way. Now go I need to take my place in the other garden.” She kissed Victoria's forehead and left her standing there. Left her more dazed than ever. Left her wanting to cry. Left her wanting to laugh. Left her wanting.
Musical notes floated into the room. In a minute or so she'd be free. Victoria moved to the gate and placed her hand on it readying herself to push it open. The last note held for a second then faded into nothingness.
Victoria shoved with all her might the gate and stumbled into the opening. Immediately someone caught her and prevented her from landing on her face. Whoever held her didn't let go. She wanted to thank him. The dress night be gorgeous but moving quickly in it was proving challenging.
Someone said, “Here hold on to these.
Finding her balance Victoria looked up at the person holding her.
“Phillip!”
The pianist began a new song.
“I was asked to escort you. A duty I look forward to with extreme pleasure, my dear. Shall we?”
Phillip hooked her arm through his and edged Victoria down the path. Disoriented she wondered if she inadvertently opened the wrong gate. Her mu
ddled brain cleared enough for her to realize she somehow stumbled into the garden where the wedding was to take place.
The inhale of breath by those in attendance brought Victoria's head up. She smelled roses. Breaking with tradition Thomas had left his position in front of the bridal arch covered with ribbons and flowers. With purpose he advanced up the aisle to meet Phillip and his bride half way. All three people stopped. If someone dropped the proverbial pin it would definitely have been heard by all.
Thomas extended his arm and held an open hand for Victoria to accept. “Marry me, You know you want this as much as I do.”
There was no rhyme or reason for it, but she knew to deny it would be a lie. She placed her hand gently on top of his. Together they walked the balance of the walkway to the man waiting to join the groom to his bride.
***
“When can I expect payment, Keith?”
“Really, Mother, you'd take money from your own son?”
“When he wagers against me, of course.” Emily grinned.
“I still don't know how you pulled it off.” Keith tugged at the heavy starched collar irritating his neck.
The older woman's laughter rang out. “You don't need to know how. The wager was if and I give you Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Edison Kincaid. ” Her hand flipped open to point to the couple about to cut into the wedding cake. “Oh, do excuse your mother. I do want to get a piece with a rose on it.”
Chapter Eight
Most people expected to find newly weds well in to the middle of the night warped in each others in slumber exhausted from the expended passion shared earlier in the evening. Not so in the Kincaid household.
There was one more thing the town's newest couple needed to set straight.
“Thomas stroked his wife's arm. “So my mother is forgiven?”
“Yes. Completely, however, I don't think it's a good idea to let her know just yet. I can't have her controlling everything in our lives.” Victoria snickered.
Thomas winced and wondered how he was suppose to survive with two devious women in his life.
Victoria snuggled closer. “Thomas, I need to ask you, about the town's search for a teacher.”
“Hmmm?” The instinct was to hold his breath. He tried to keep his breathing light and normal. The women in the family didn't hold the patent on devious. Thomas knew he was about to get the town its schoolmarm.
“If they haven't found any one. I'd like to take the position.”
“Why?”
Victoria pushed against Thomas' chest and sat up. “If you must know I gave your words a lot of thought and maybe you're right.”
“Victoria, the real reason.” By his tone she knew his wasn't going to her get away without making her explain herself completely.
“Well, it was Mary. Her plight and fears touched my heart somehow. Maybe the next person wouldn't understand and take them in to account.”
“There lots of Marys out there and each one has a unique story to tell. So tell me, Victoria, what do you really mean to say?”
“I know what you want me to say and I won't. I'm hungry and am going downstairs for a snack”
Sliced apples and few chucks of cheese sat on the plate. Victoria brought out a pitcher of chilled butter milk from the cold larder.
“Really, Thomas you did needn't have followed me.”
Before sitting down he placed a second glass on the table. Victoria filled both glasses and reached for the salt and pepper shakers. “You're the only person I know who adds salt and pepper to buttermilk. Which should have warned me that you sir aren't normal.”
“I'll have you know I didn't follow you. I sought you out. I missed you. I wondered if you'd ever return to me.” His eyes swept over her nightdress. He made no attempt to hide the hunger. Thomas's tongue dragged across his top lip as if Victoria was the snack. She couldn't hide her response from him and blushed.
“Say it.” He popped a small chuck of cheese into his mouth. Did you not just hours ago agree to honor and obey me, Darling.” He was toying with her.
To say what he wanted to hear from her would be exposing her soul to him.
She pushing the remaining food on the plate toward him. Here enjoy the rest. Good night.”
Victoria went to move passed him and let out a squeal. He entrapped her and pulled her on to his lap. She fidgeted until she became aware of his condition.
“Oh, dear. Oh, Thomas.”
His laugh sounded husky and full of promised passion. Victoria's arm wrapped around his neck and she placed her lips on his. She began to squirm her bottom against his lap.
Thomas asked, “Shall we return upstairs to appease our discomfort?”
“Yes please.”
He voice changed. “Then, tell me the words I want to here. Why have you reconsidered the teaching position?”
He pulled open the top lace tie on her nightgown. A second tug and the next tie opened. His hand slipped in between her skin and the fabric. He fondled her breast. Victoria groaned. She wiggled against him. She wanted more and moaned softly in response to the things his touch was doing to her.
Thomas whispered, “Say it”
“All right.. I want the position ... for the good of town. And I'll be a damned good one too.”
“I think, sweetheart, for the good of Thomas... I need to take my wife back upstairs so we can......
The End
Notes from the author
Thank you for choosing to read To Want the School Teacher. I hope you enjoyed it. I like the Historical Romance genre. Researching the historical events or facts help create ideas that bring realism to the story. It also can add a plot twist or to.
While researching this tale I had Victoria cleaning the desks in the schoolroom. I wondered what that did people in the nineteenth century really clean their wood furniture with.
I discovered a company that is still in business today. How could I not incorporate it into the story. After a few emails back and forth the Manning family gave me permission to name their product.
Here's the company's link. Manning Antique Charm Furniture Polish Do check out some of their great reviews and request a sample of the product if you like.
An Invitation
Lisa Day invites you to check out her other books on Amazon
or Smashwords.
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Wolfkeeper's fights traditions and himself when he discovers how deeply he cares for Cassie. He now fights Cassie herself in hopes of convincing her that she cares about him.
Follow Wolfkeeper's battle plan to win Cassie over. Until... She surrenders her heart.
Love and Betrayal on the Santa Fe :
Tasa: had only hate and revenge on his mind since the slaughter of his family by the white deserters. Once completed, his mission left him a man alone and without a heart.
Calico: realized being the downstairs maid had no security or future. In 1859 the opportunities for women are rare, and one didn't miss an opportunity for security. Even if it meant traveling across the wilderness to marry a man she never met.
Calico and five other women set out on the Santa Fe Trail wagontrain hoping to find love waiting for them at the end of the trail. They expected the dust, the bad food, the Indians, and harsh dangerous conditions. What they didn't expect was the worse betrayal imaginable. Share their journey in “Love and Betrayal on the Santa Fe”
The Stepbrothers:
From the day George's father brought his new wife and her son home Clint's life would be filled with jealousy and hate. The situation grew worse as th
e years passed. Clint Hawks waited years for the day he'd take his revenge. He watched Samantha, George's sweet and innocent fiance, step off the train. Today, would be that day...
More tid-bits
1**The book Victoria was reading when Thomas approached her for the first time is still in print today.
Madame George Sand, exemplifying romanticism in its most individualistic form, in Lelia (1833; Eng. trans., 1978) championed the ultimate moral claim of passion over convention, though her novels of country life, such as “The Country Waif”
2**Institutes of higher learning could be found in the 1800's ,but were still far and few between.
Bradford College operated in the part of Haverhill, Massachusettsthat was once the town of Bradford. Founded in 1803, Bradford College began as Bradford Academy, one of New England's earliest coeducational institutions. In 1836 Bradford chose to devote itself exclusively to the education of women. HERE
3**Adding citrus to water was a valid cure for a headaches in the Victoria day. HERE
4**Some times a writer need inspiration. To see my inspiration for the wedding dress go HERE.
