Victoria

by Cheryl Wright

She held up her copy of the book she’d handed out earlier. “I want you to copy the letters in the left-hand column. They are the lowercase letters.”

  Once again, she wandered around the room. This was one of the smallest classes she’d taught, but because few of them knew how to write, it was proving difficult.

  Perhaps even beyond her capabilities.

  Victoria shook herself. She couldn’t think like that – these children needed her help.

  She flinched as she heard the sound of something smashing. “Maude O’Gorman, you pick up that broken slate. Don’t you ever treat your school equipment like that again!” She admonished herself for using such a tone with a child, but knew she was at the end of her tether.

  “Yes, Miss. Sorry, Miss.”

  Victoria turned her back to fetch another slate, and was startled by screaming. Suddenly it was like a gaggle of geese – everyone was talking at once.

  The girls were crying, the boys were shouting. Young Maude was bleeding everywhere.

  “Oh, Lordy be,” she said under her breath. “Johnny, can you fetch Mr Pendleberry please? Tell him it’s urgent, and we need bandages.”

  “Mr Pendleberry?”

  “At the new Apothecary. Do you know where that is?”

  “Yes, Miss.” And with that he was gone.

  This was all her fault. She’d pushed the children far too much, and they weren’t ready. Victoria looked around for something to use to stem the bleeding. There was nothing.

  She lifted her gown and ripped one of her skirts. There was no other choice, she had to try and stop the flow of blood, or the little girl could die.

  She quickly wrapped the makeshift bandage around the child’s hand. No matter what she did, blood seeped all the way through.

  “Miss, I feel dizzy,” Maude said quietly.

  She glanced about. “Walter, you and Roy push some of those chairs together for a makeshift bed. We need to lay her down.”

  The boys did exactly as they were told.

  She spun around as the door opened. “Oh, Mr Pendleberry, thank goodness you’re here.”

  “It’s Dr Pendleberry,” Johnny told her gently.

  “Of course. I apologize…”

  He waved her words aside. “No matter.” He glanced at the pool of blood on the floor, and then to Victoria. He rushed to his patient, and began to check her injury. “Mr Ambrewster,” he said firmly. “Please remove one of the smaller bandages from my bag, and a packet of gauze dressing, and take them out of the packaging. Do you know what that is?” he asked as he removed the makeshift bandage.

  “Yes, Sir.” He began to unwrap them.

  “This is going to hurt, little one, but I have to do it.” He gently opened her hand to better see the cut, then winced. The bleeding began again. “I will need that gauze dressing first, if you don’t mind.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Everyone stood around watching his every movement. “We need a little space, children.” They all took a few steps back. “What is your name, Sweetheart?”

  She sniffled. “Maude.”

  “Miss Maude, I’m going to put pour some liquid on your cut, and then this dressing.” She nodded.

  “Mr Ambrewster, please pass the witch hazel water. It’s not the best thing for cuts, but it’s the best I have at such short notice.”

  “Yes, Sir. Is this it?”

  “It most certainly is. Thank you.” He opened the bottle and poured the liquid over the cut.

  Maude screamed the moment the liquid hit her skin, and Dr Pendleberry tried to soothe her. “It’s alright, Miss Maude,” he said gently. “I will only sting for a tiny moment. See?” He said as she stopped her screaming.

  Victoria watched captivated by his ministrations.

  “I’m adding the dressing now, Miss Maude, and then the bandage.” He watched her until she nodded her agreement.

  Blood seeped through the dressing. “Mr Ambrewster, another gauze dressing if you will.” He held Maude’s hand up in the air and Victoria watched as the blood flow slowed. “There should be some paper bags in there for the rubbish.” He nodded toward the bag.

  One thing Victoria had learned today – Jesse Pendleberry was good at his job. In fact, he was more than good, he was brilliant.

  Tears ran down Maude’s face, but she said not a word. “You will be alright, Miss Maude, I promise. Don’t you concern yourself.” He gently brushed her tears away with the back of his hand.

  Warmth flooded Victoria at his gentle touch and the way he cared for this young child who was obviously distressed.

  “I’m ready for the bandage now,” he told Johnny, and Victoria breathed a sigh of relief. If he needed the bandage, it must mean the bleeding had stopped.

  Once the bandage was in place, he tied Maude’s hand up against her chest. “This will stop it bleeding again,” he told her gently. “You can take it off before you go to bed. Understand?”

  The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes. “Yes, Sir.”

  Now the emergency was over, he squatted down to her level and pulled the child close, rubbing her back, trying to comfort her.

  “Thank you, Dr Pendleberry. I don’t know what we would have done without you.”

  He turned to her and smiled. “Anytime.” Then he turned to Johnny. “Mr Ambrewster,” he said, and the boy stood to attention. “How old are you?”

  “Thirteen, Sir. I’ll be fourteen at the end of the year.”

  Dr Pendleberry looked thoughtful. “You were a great help just now. I could use someone like you to assist me in the store, and with deliveries and such. But there’s a problem, I need someone who can read and write.”

  “I can read and write some, and Miss Hudson is teaching us.” He grinned across at her.

  Victoria watched the exchange between the pair. What a wonderful opportunity for the boy, and a huge incentive to learn.

  Dr Pendleberry nodded. “You come and visit me after school today, and we’ll have a chat.” Johnny grinned broadly. “I need someone who can read labels, and read them well. One other thing, your parents have to agree.”

  “Yes, Sir!” Johnny said proudly.

  What a wonderful thing Dr Pendleberry was doing for this boy. She couldn’t be prouder – of them both.

  Chapter Five

  “You’ll need to study hard, Johnny. What I’m offering you is not like working at the Mercantile.”

  Johnny nodded.

  “It’s an important job, people rely on accuracy for their medications.”

  The boy frowned. “What if I kill someone, Sir?”

  He looked totally serious. Jesse hadn’t killed anyone yet, and doubted he ever would.

  “Follow me.” He took the boy behind the counter. “See this huge tome? This was passed to me by my uncle. He taught me everything I know – along with the formal training, of course.”

  Johnny stared at the book in his hands.

  “This book contains recipes for all the lotions and potions you see around this room.”

  Johnny’s eyes opened wide in astonishment. “Can I see?”

  “No, I can’t do that. You’re not qualified. What if you tried to make one of the potions and got the ingredients wrong?”

  He nodded his agreement. “I’m sorry, Sir.”

  “Don’t be sorry. Here’s the plan. You study hard at school, and learn to read and write well. You can’t do this job otherwise.”

  “I promise to work hard, Sir.”

  “In the meantime, if your parents agree, I’d like you here for an hour after school every day.” Again the boy’s eyes opened wide. “There will be some deliveries, but when there’s time, you can sweep the floor and learn where everything goes – in preparation for when you become my apprentice.”

  Johnny’s jaw dropped open. “Your apprentice? Thank you, Sir.” His eyes filled with tears, but he did a good job of fighting them back.

  It was funny how things turned out. If it hadn’t been for the disaster at the schoo
l today, Jesse would likely have never met this young lad. He’d have never seen the potential in him, and wouldn’t have seen how calm he was under pressure. Above all, he wouldn’t have found a future apprentice.

  “Johnny,” Jesse said firmly. “You didn’t ask what I will be paying you.”

  “You’re going to pay me?” The boy looked surprised.

  Jesse couldn’t help but grin. “Since you’ll only be here for one hour a day, it won’t be much. How does three dollars a week sound?”

  The boy flew at him and wrapped his arms tightly around him. “Thank you, Sir. You don’t know what this means to me.”

  He glanced down at the young boy who held on as though his life depended on it. “Believe me, I do, Johnny. Someone did the same thing for me once.”

  ~*~

  “What you did today was remarkable.”

  Jesse brushed her words aside. “Anyone would have done the same.”

  “I’m sure they wouldn’t have. Doc Spencer is too far out of town, and you are far more convenient to the school. Maude could have bled to death by the time the Doc arrived.”

  Mrs Baker sidled up beside them. “The whole town is talking about how you saved Maude’s life,” she said, handing them each a menu.

  Victoria watched as he blushed.

  “It wasn’t like that,” he objected.

  “It absolutely was like that,” she said. “I was terrified. I was convinced she would bleed out before help arrived.” She reached across and covered his hand, then squeezed it.

  He glanced up at Mrs Baker, then swiftly pulled his hand away. “It’s what I’ve been trained to do,” he said.

  “Oh, and did you hear what he’s doing for Johnny?” she asked Mrs Baker.

  The woman shook her head. “No, but do tell.”

  “Promised him an apprenticeship if he learns to read and write properly.”

  “How wonderful!”

  “It truly is,” Victoria said. “It’s a wonderful incentive for the boy to learn. I am so proud of the both of them.”

  “It’s not that big of a deal, Miss Hudson,” he said quietly.

  “It is in this town,” Mrs Baker said. “Do either of you know what you’re having?” she said.

  “I’ll have the hearty soup again if you don’t mind.” Victoria said.

  “Steak for me, thanks.”

  Mrs Baker rolled her eyes and walked away.

  “I really do appreciate everything you did today, Dr Pendleberry. I was in a right panic before you arrived. And so were the children, especially the younger ones.”

  “Could we change the subject? I feel uncomfortable getting all this praise for simply doing my job.”

  She watched him carefully and he squirmed in his chair. He didn’t want this kind of attention for simply doing his job. “Since you insist. Tell me what you require of Johnny. What level of competence does he need?”

  He frowned. “He needs to be completely fluent in the English language, and needs to able to read effortlessly.”

  “That makes sense. I will work with him, and ensure he works hard toward his goal.”

  Their food arrived and they said a prayer of thanks for the food as they had the previous night. Tonight though, Jesse added a prayer for a quick recovery for young Maude.

  It was nice not having to eat alone, and to spend time with Victoria was an added bonus.

  He hoped they would once again go for a stroll after supper tonight.

  “I enjoy your company,” Jesse said. “And wonder if you would accompany me on a stroll earlier in the evening sometime.”

  Victoria glanced across at him. “You don’t like strolling around a strange place at night?” She grinned at him.

  “I will go with you anytime, and anywhere,” he told her truthfully. “I just thought it would be nice to go in the daylight for a change. We would get to know the place better.”

  She nodded. “Perhaps one Sunday, after church?”

  “That sounds wonderful,” he told her. “Shall we make it a date? After church next Sunday?” Excitement rushed through him and it made him pause. Was he so deprived of things to do in this town that taking a stroll with a woman who was practically a stranger excited him more than anything else he’d ever done?

  He already knew the answer. It was not the stroll that excited him, but spending time with the charming Miss Hudson.

  Just the thought of it made his heart beat wildly. He took in a slow breath trying to calm himself.

  “A date, Dr Pendleberry?” She quirked an eyebrow at him.

  Mrs Baker’s words came back to him full force. “Ah, perhaps not a date as such, but a chance to get to know the town better.”

  “That does sound wonderful, Dr Pendleberry.”

  He glanced down at her and sighed. “Do you think we can dispense with the Dr Pendleberry business? I find it rather tiresome. You may call me Jesse.” She smiled. “In that case, you may call me Victoria.”

  They soon finished their first course, then ordered dessert. Mrs Baker bought out Cherry Cobbler, Jesse’s favorite. It was even topped with clotted cream.

  “That looks amazing,” he said before tucking in. He glanced up to see Victoria grinning. “What? It’s delicious.”

  She chuckled and he put his spoon down momentarily. “You look like you’ve been starved, and I’m certain that isn’t true.” She grinned, so at least he knew she was joking.

  “It’s been a long time since I’ve eaten. Today was rather eventful, in case you hadn’t noticed, and I forgot to eat lunch.”

  She did not look amused. “You need to eat. We need you to be strong and healthy.”

  Disappointment flooded him. Was that all she cared about? Did she not worry for his wellbeing for any other reason?

  He truly hoped he was wrong. Jesse had to admit to developing feelings for Victoria – far more than just being friends.

  ~*~

  The days seemed to fly by, and Sunday arrived before she knew it.

  Victoria was sitting at the kitchen table drinking her tea when there was a knock at the door.

  “Who on earth could that be?” Mrs Baker asked as she rushed around getting ready to leave.

  Having no idea either, Victoria shrugged her shoulders. “Would you like me to answer the door?”

  “Oh, thank you! That would be wonderful. Now where did I put my gloves?”

  Holding back a grin, she went to the front door. “Oh, it’s you!” She stared into the face of Jesse, and was not unhappy about it.

  “I didn’t expect to see you either,” he said, grinning from ear to ear. “I thought perhaps I could accompany you ladies to church this morning.”

  She looked back over her shoulder but couldn’t see Mrs Baker. “Wait a moment, if you will.” She began to walk away. “Oh, I do apologize – please come in.”

  His eyes were laughing but his smile was being held back she was certain. “I’ll wait here.”

  She wandered off to find Mrs Baker. “I’m almost ready, my dear,” she said when told Dr Pendleberry had arrived to escort them to church.

  For some reason, Mrs Baker did not seem too pleased at the news. Victoria had no idea why that would be. She and Jesse were no more than friends.

  It wasn’t long and they were on their way. As they turned the corner, Victoria had a sense of coming home. Whether or not that was because the school was operating out of the church hall, she wasn’t sure.

  One thing she did know, she couldn’t believe it had already been more than a week since she’d arrived.

  “Good morning, Miss Hudson!” Before she knew what was happening, Victoria was surrounded by her students.

  “Good morning, children,” she said, and was filled with warmth. “How is your hand, Maude?”

  Maude glanced across to Jesse. “It’s still sore, but Dr Pendleberry is looking after it.” She ran over to Jesse and wrapped her arms around his legs.

  He reached down and rubbed her back. “We’re checking it every day,
and it is far better than it was,” he told her.

  The child’s parents came up and thanked Jesse for everything he’d done. “You don’t have to keep thanking me,” he told them. “I’m always happy to help.”

  Just then Room at the Cross began to play, and everyone made their way inside. Mrs Baker, being the social person she was, chose a seat near the middle, but Victoria would have far preferred being right at the back.

  What choice did she have? She was under the guidance of Mrs Baker, so she and Jesse both followed her.

  The church was packed and therefore the seats were full. They were closely packed on the seats, pushed closely together. Jesse’s thigh touched hers, and she wasn’t unhappy about it. She stretched forward and reached for one of the bibles, dropping it as she did so.

  Luckily, Jesse caught it, so it wasn’t damaged. The heat from his hands brushing against hers sent warmth rushing through her body. Victoria was not happy about this situation, especially given they were in church.

  “Thank you,” she said quietly, and he grinned.

  Victoria loved it when he smiled. It always sent shivers down her spine. If she was certain she wouldn’t be leaving Grand Falls in a year or less, she might consider stepping out with Jesse, but given her circumstances, it was not possible.

  The service was nice. Pastor Devon welcomed all the visitors, and hoped everyone would join them after church for morning tea.

  Excitement went through Victoria. Perhaps some of the other parents would be there, and she’d be able to recruit them to bring their children along to school? As she glanced about, she noticed there weren’t a lot of children. The majority of those that were there, already attended.

  As they made their way outside, she shook the pastor’s hand. “It’s so good to see you here,” he said. “While I think of it, we found a large chalkboard in the back shed.”

  “Oh my goodness, that is marvelous,” she said excitedly. “I was going to see if one could be made.”

  Pastor Devon leaned in. “I’ll see if I can get a few of these strong young men to carry it to the hall for you.” He winked as he glanced across at Jesse.

  “I don’t mind at all, Pastor Devon,” he said, and Victoria was certain he didn’t.