Victoria

by Cheryl Wright

  Her biggest hope was the children all turned up again.

  Approaching the diner, she watched as a number of customers entered the building. Until now, she hadn’t realized how popular the diner was. Her biggest fear now, was taking away space for a paying customer.

  Oh! Perhaps she should offer to pay, but Victoria already knew Mrs Baker would be offended if she did.

  She moved toward the diner door and slowly opened it. Mrs Baker was there to greet her. “Ah, Victoria! I was beginning to worry.” She glanced about as she spoke. “Did you have a good day?”

  “It was rather eventful,” she said truthfully.

  Mrs Baker looked taken aback. “In a good way, I hope.” She waited expectantly for an answer.

  Victoria shrugged her shoulders. “Sort of.”

  “Oh dear. Let’s get you seated.” She led Victoria to a seat at the back by a window. It was the only small table still available.

  “Is it always this busy?”

  “Not always.” She handed over a menu, and left Victoria to herself. It was a bit of an eyeopener, as she wasn’t aware the town was this large. Or perhaps some of these customers were from out of town. Either way, there were surely far more children in the area than the seven who had attended school that day.

  It was more than a little disappointing, but knowing what she knew now, perhaps it was the best outcome at this time.

  She read through the menu without really absorbing it, and Mrs Baker returned before she’d made a decision. “Have you decided yet?” she asked gently.

  Victoria sunk down in her chair. “I think my brain is taking a vacation. What do you suggest?”

  The older lady’s eyebrows rose. “Our hearty soup with bread is always popular, so is the steak.”

  “I’ll have the hearty soup, thank you.” It did sound delicious.

  She glanced up as the door to the diner opened. Mrs Baker left her to see to her new customer. She craned her neck to see if it was anyone she knew. Not that she knew many people.

  Victoria groaned as she saw Mrs Baker heading her way. She slunk back down in her chair as she recognized Mr Pendleberry trailing behind her.

  “You don’t mind, do you, my dear? We are rather busy tonight.”

  She plastered a smile on her face. “Of course not. Hello again Mr Pendleberry.”

  “Good evening to you, Miss Hudson,” he said cordially. She was certain he was forcing his greeting as much as she had done.

  He was handed a menu and quickly made a decision. “Steak, if you don’t mind, Mrs Baker.”

  She grinned. “Men do like their steak.” She chuckled as she walked toward the kitchen. It was only a short time later when a waitress returned with a plate of bread and some butter.

  “How was your opening day, Mr Pendleberry?”

  “Very good,” he said, grinning. “Far better than I’d expected, to be honest, Miss Hudson.” He offered her the bread first, then took a piece for himself. He leaned in closer. “I’ve been told by several customers the food here is wonderful.”

  “I’ve experienced Mrs Baker’s food at home. It is rather special,” she whispered.

  He grinned. “Tell me, Miss Hudson, how was your first day?”

  She knew it shouldn’t, but it made Victoria feel rather deflated, and she sighed.

  “Oh dear,” he said before she even had a chance to respond. “Was it that bad?”

  “Seven children turned up, so that was a blessing,” she said quietly. “But they informed me they’ve never attended school before. Only two of them can write their name, Mr Pendleberry!”

  He looked astounded. “Seriously?”

  “It was devastating. They also don’t know the alphabet.” She shook her head sadly. “It is heartbreaking,” she told him.

  The waitress arrived with their food before he had a chance to respond, but Victoria knew from his expression he was equally as concerned as she was.

  “The food looks delicious,” he said, then leaned it. “It smells delicious too.”

  “It certainly does.” She lifted her cutlery, and Mr Pendleberry followed suit.

  “Oh, wait,” he said quickly. “Shall we give thanks for our food before we start?”

  She nodded her acceptance, and he reached over and gently held her hands. Warmth shot through her, and Victoria admonished herself for her body’s unwanted reaction.

  “We give thanks for this food, Dear Lord, and for our present company. We would also like to pray for the children, that you guide Miss Hudson in her endeavors to teach them, and mold them into productive adults. Amen.”

  When he let go of her hand, a chill crept through her. As much as she didn’t want to admit it, just a touch from Mr Pendleberry had sent a shiver scurrying through her.

  She glanced across at him. “That was very kind of you,” she said, then once again picked up her cutlery, this time taking a mouthful of the soup. “It’s wonderful,” she said, putting her spoon down in the bowl.

  He waved his hand about as he chewed. “This is literally melting in my mouth. I can see I will go broke eating here most nights.”

  They both laughed. It was then Victoria realized Mr Pendleberry wasn’t the brute she’d first thought he was.

  After dessert, they enjoyed a coffee together, and he offered to take a stroll with his eating companion. Perhaps they could see a little more of the town and he could then accompany her home?

  Mrs Baker told them she would finish up in about an hour, which gave them time to carry out their plans, and perhaps arrive home around the same time as their hostess.

  As they left, he went to pay for both their meals, but Mrs Baker would have none of it. “You have been most generous with your time and your money in getting Miss Hudson’s luggage delivered.” He scowled. “Consider it a gift just this once.”

  “I reluctantly accept,” he said. “But only this one time, and only because you insist.”

  She grinned at him.

  “Thank you, Mrs Baker. We are off for our stroll now. Anything we should avoid?”

  “Not really. Grand Falls is generally very safe.” He nodded and they began to walk away. “Oh, Mr Pendleberry!”

  He turned back. “I did mean to say that ointment you sold me today is excellent. I’ve already used it on a burn and it was the best I’ve ever used. Thank you.”

  He beamed. “I am very pleased to hear it,” he said, then crooked his arm for Victoria to escort him through the door.

  “Sounds like your concoctions are popular already,” she told him, then winced the moment the words were out. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it to sound so awful.”

  He chuckled. “Don’t apologize. I’ve heard far worse.” He patted her hand and continued along the boardwalk.

  “Oh?”

  “Apparently I’m a witch doctor.”

  Victoria stared at him open-mouthed. “You’re kidding, right?” He shook his head and she stared in disbelief. “People can be cruel. And stupid. That doesn’t even make sense.”

  He looked to the ground. “No, it doesn’t. I studied for five years to get my degree. Five whole years. Before that, I studied under my uncle as his apprentice.” He kicked at the ground with his shoe. “I can do nearly everything a regular doctor can do. Heck, I have a certificate that says I am a doctor!”

  Her heart ached for him. They were alike in so many ways. “I have similar problems, but not like yours,” she said. Then stopped. What she encountered was nowhere near as bad as being called a witch doctor.

  It was as though he read her mind. “Please tell me.”

  She shook her head. “I spoke out of turn. Your situation is far worse.”

  He led her to a wooden bench and they sat down. “Please?”

  He seemed sincere in every way. Had she misjudged the man? She truly hoped she had, because she’d had him pegged to be far worse than what he now seemed. Victoria sighed. “Women teachers cannot get permanent appointments. We also can’t get long-term contracts –
preference is always given to men.”

  “Well, that’s not fair!” He said aggressively and frowned.

  “If we marry, we have to resign.”

  “Who makes these stupid rules?” He was far from happy, and let it be known. “How long are you here for? I never did ask.”

  Victoria stared at him. He hadn’t asked, but neither had she offered. “I have a one-year contract, but if a male teacher wants my job, I have to leave quietly.”

  Shock was apparent in his expression. “Truly?”

  This was not a conversation she’d expected to have with Mr Pendleberry. Not tonight and not ever. “It’s true – I wouldn’t lie about something like that.”

  His words were soft, gentle. “You wouldn’t lie about anything, I’m absolutely certain.”

  He patted her hand again, then began to stand, taking her with him. “Shall we take another stroll?”

  She nodded her agreement, and they set off again. Without her consent, Victoria was beginning to like Mr Jesse Pendleberry. When she first met him on the train, she considered him a scoundrel of sorts. He was proving to be far different.

  Victoria was certain she needed to protect her heart or risk losing it to the man standing beside her.

  Chapter Four

  Jesse knew from the moment he laid eyes on her that Miss Victoria Hudson was special.

  She was often funny, but could also be very serious. He listened very carefully as she explained her predicament, just as she’d listened to him.

  He’d liked her from the moment he’d seen her. It had come to a head when she began pulling faces as she sat opposite him in the carriage.

  He had to admit, he’d never met anyone like her before.

  Not that he’d met many women socially. Of course he’d come across hundreds as he worked in his uncle’s apothecary – spanning several years.

  Uncle Joshua had encouraged him to date, but his studies were far more important. He knew the work he did was important, and put all his efforts into his work and his training.

  He didn’t expect anything less of himself. Nor did his uncle.

  Much to cousin Samson’s disgust, his uncle had paid upfront for Jesse’s tuition. It wasn’t cheap by any means, but he was determined to pay every cent back, and had done so well before his uncle’s untimely death.

  If nothing else, he was a man of honor. Far too much for his own good. He had almost married Melanie Wingate, even after she’d blatantly lied to him – and everyone else. They were happily engaged, at least he thought they were until he discovered she was also stepping out with Horace Bligh.

  The day she accused him of causing her pregnancy was the day he found out she’d been cheating on him. Since he knew she was lying, but couldn’t prove it, he felt compelled to marry her, despite it leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

  For once in his life, Horace had owned up and walked her down the aisle. Last he heard they were still together. Their baby would have to be at least two now. It seemed to have been the making of Horace, so that had to be a good thing.

  Jesse knew he’d had a lucky escape. There was no way he could trust Melanie after such an atrocious lie.

  He shook himself. He didn’t want to think of such dreadful things, especially after a most pleasant evening with Miss Hudson.

  As they approached the house, it was obvious Mrs Baker was now home. Light from the lanterns showed in the window, and he could see her silhouette through the drapes as she wandered about.

  It was time to say goodnight to his dining companion, but he really didn’t want to. He’d enjoyed her company far too much, and wondered if she had enjoyed spending her evening with him.

  “Thank you for a lovely evening, Mr, oh, Dr Pendleberry,” she said quietly as they reached the front door.

  He stared at her momentarily. Her eyes were every bit as pretty in the moonlight, if not more, than during the daylight hours.

  As she stood in the doorway, he felt compelled to lean in and kiss her full lips, but knew there was every possibility he would have his face slapped should he try.

  A smile curled his lips.

  “What’s so funny?” Her words came out of the darkness.

  He continued to stare, his heart thudding in his chest and his gut twisted in knots. “I’m thinking about kissing you,” he said softly, then lifted his hand and caressed her cheek.

  “I, I’m not sure if I should let you,” she said quietly, her voice slightly teasing.

  “In that case…” He leaned forward to take his prize when suddenly the front door opened.

  ~*~

  Victoria pulled the covers up under her chin. Not that she was cold, instead it was comforting.

  She was so close to being kissed by a man. It was the first time any man had ever felt compelled to kiss her. She would cherish that moment forever.

  She didn’t blame Mrs Baker for interrupting them. She wasn’t to know, and had no idea what was happening on the other side of the door.

  She sighed. Perhaps it was for the better. If she found herself romantically involved, she could lose her posting. Then what would she do?

  Closing her eyes, she pictured Dr Pendleberry leaning in toward her, his eyes sparkling in the moonlight. He was certainly a good looking man. Ruggedly handsome was a term she’d heard used in the past, and that suited him perfectly.

  She rolled over and tried to sleep, but sleep was elusive. Her heart beat wildly just thinking about what could have been.

  Would he try to kiss her again? The thought of his arms wrapped around her was exhilarating. She didn’t dare think what his lips on hers would feel like.

  Her mind was racing with the possibilities. If she wasn’t tucked up in bed, Victoria was certain she would swoon right about now.

  With a sliver of moonlight shining through the gap in the curtains, she rolled over and tried once more to sleep. The last thing she recalled before sleep claimed her was thinking of Dr Jesse Pendleberry and what the future might hold for two of them.

  ~*~

  Jesse stood outside the entrance to his store and waited.

  Miss Hudson would eventually have to walk past to get to the makeshift school. He only wanted to catch a glimpse of her, say hello, and then return to his store.

  He felt like a heartsick teenager. What was it about her that turned his brain to mush? When she literally fell into his arms on the train, he knew.

  Knew that she was the one. Except she’d taken a very distinct dislike to him. Jesse knew he was a bit of a prankster, and it did put some people off, but he liked to say things the way they were.

  It had gotten him into more than a bit of trouble over the years.

  Oh, he was never rude to people, that just wasn’t him. But telling Miss Hudson she’d pulled a gruesome face probably wasn’t the smartest thing he’d ever done.

  She had quite obviously taken offense at his words, and he wasn’t sure she’d forgiven him, even now.

  He glanced up – there she was. His whole body flooded with warmth.

  She stood tall and strolled along the boardwalk and headed right for him. Well, not for him exactly. She was on the other side of the street, and it was plain for all to see she was making her way to the church hall where classes were being held.

  She looked so pretty this morning. The gown she wore was made of a deep red material, velvet perhaps, and had long sleeves that ruffled at the wrist. Similar ruffles adorned the hem of the garment. The collar was high and there were small white buttons from the neckline to the waist, and what a tiny waist it was. Her head was adorned with a black bonnet and silk flowers of red that matched her outfit.

  He glanced up to see her staring at him. He waved, and was rewarded with a smile.

  Against his better judgement he continued to stare until she turned the corner toward the church. When she was finally out of sight, his heart rate began to calm down.

  “You’re not interested in our Miss Hudson, are you?”

  The question came
out of the blue, and so did the person saying it. “Why, of course not, Mrs Baker.” He near stuttered, reaffirming his assessment he was acting like a lovestruck teenager.

  “Hmph!” She glared at him for a few seconds, then her face softened. “She could do worse, but do you know how difficult it is to get a school teacher to these parts?”

  He shook his head.

  “Especially one as good as Miss Hudson.” She glared at him again, then leaned in and whispered. “Please leave her alone.”

  Jesse swallowed. Had he just been warned off? He thought perhaps he had. “I, uh…”

  “Enough of that. Inside with you, I need your help.”

  Mrs Baker was the last person he expected to want perfume, but she did indeed. “Why not?” she’d said, and he totally agreed.

  By the time she left Mrs Baker had a large brown paper bag full of perfume, skin lotion, and herbal teas. The latter for the diner, she’d told him. In the space of a few days, she’d become his best customer, so he threw in some lip salve for good measure.

  He knew that wouldn’t change her mind. She would likely hound him if he pursued the fascinating Miss Victoria Hudson.

  ~*~

  It was day four of school, and Victoria gave each child a copy of the Elementary Spelling Book, writing their name on the front inside page before handing it over.

  “Now children, I want you to copy your name onto the slate. Write it as many times as you can fit.”

  Repetition was going to be the key here. The more times they wrote their name, the easier it would become.

  She strolled around the room checking out each child’s handiwork. The more she checked, the more disheartened she became.

  This simply wasn’t working.

  “Alright children, you can clean your slates and we will try something else.” She waited until everyone had wiped their slate clean. “We’re going to practice the alphabet. Turn the pages of your book until you come to this page.”