Flight of Fancie

by Linda Rettstatt

  Uncle Avery folded his napkin and drew up to his full height, which was almost equal to his girth. “Dr. Wellington. I don’t believe you have any business here.”

  “If you don’t mind, I have something to say to Francine.”

  “It’s okay, Uncle Avery.” She motioned to a vacant chair. “Would you like to sit down, Graham?”

  “No, thank you.”

  “Fine.” She stood and faced him. “I’m through with having you look down on me. What do you want to say?”

  “I hope you’ve given things some thought and understand why I felt the need to stop our wedding. There’s no reason we can’t be friends.”

  “I had time to realize you did me a favor. As for being friends—I have better taste in friends than I have in potential husbands. When I imagine the rest of my life married to someone who doesn’t respect me or see me as an equal, it makes me shudder.”

  “Now wait a minute. I have never disrespected you.”

  “Oh, Graham. You wouldn’t know the truth if it bit you in the butt. Yes, that’s crudely put. I’m sure that phrasing offends you, but I don’t give a rat’s ass. I’m moving on with my life.” She glanced at Marianne Babbitt who sat across the room watching them intently. “Just as I see you’ve moved on with yours. And, when exactly did you move on? A month ago? Two? Or more? Was she the reason for those late nights at the hospital?”

  “How dare you suggest….”

  That did it. She poked an index finger into his chest to emphasize every word. “No. How. Dare. You. How dare you think I’m some stupid little, naïve fool so taken with the great Dr. Wellington that I’d set aside my pride and my dreams just for the honor of being a part of your life. There’s only one fool in this room, and I’m looking at him.”

  She hadn’t realized her volume had gone up until a few people at surrounding tables applauded. If standing up to Graham hadn’t felt so good, she’d have been embarrassed.

  Uncle Avery stepped closer to Graham. “I think you said what you needed to say.” He laughed. “I think she did, too. Seems you’re done here.”

  Graham headed toward the door, then turned and angrily waved at Marianne to follow him.

  “Guess he lost his appetite,” Uncle Avery said, sitting again.

  Fancie slunk down in her chair wishing she could become invisible. “I’m so sorry to have embarrassed you and ruined your lunch.”

  “Are you kidding? You were incredible. If I ever doubted your strength, I wouldn’t again. Since you were a little girl, I’ve never known you to take anything from anyone. I’m glad that girl is back.” He smiled at her with a twinkle in his eye. “And in case you didn’t notice, no one’s making a big deal out of it. Except, possibly, for the Widow Babbitt.”

  He pointed and Fancie looked through the windows to where Graham stood, taking a verbal bashing from an angry Marianne Babbitt, her arms flailing and mouth running.

  It should have made Fancie feel better, but it didn’t. She was never one to enjoy making a spectacle of herself. “This is the sort of thing I want to avoid. I can’t stay here in Columbus, Uncle Avery. I don’t want to live in the shadow of this embarrassment or always worry about running into Graham and Marianne. I don’t want to be ‘poor Fancie Hollensby.’”

  He sat back in his chair and stared at her for a moment. “That’s fair enough. What do you want?”

  His question took her off guard. “I—I don’t know.”

  “Don’t you think you should figure that out before you move more than a thousand miles from home?”

  She sighed. “I don’t know how to explain this, but I think I’ll know the answer to that question after I move away.”

  He pursed his lips. “Okay. The answer is somewhere else, then. What can I do to help?”

  “Seriously? You could help Daddy understand once I tell him and Mama what I plan to do. That is, if I get the job. I don’t exactly have it yet.”

  “You need a letter of reference?”

  “But I’ve never worked for you.”

  “A personal endorsement, then. I’m a business man and not a blood relative, so there’s no conflict there. Besides, remember that article I published of yours?”

  She laughed. “I was eleven years old.”

  “So what? You got a by line.”

  “A letter of reference would be much appreciated. I’ll send you Dr. Archer’s address.” She reached over and covered his beefy hand with hers. “Thank you, Uncle Avery.”

  “For what? You barely touched your lunch.” He removed a credit card and handed it to the waitress with their bill.

  “For being so understanding.” She cocked her head. “How is it a man as nice as you never got married and had a family? You’d have been a wonderful father.”

  “I only ever found one woman I thought might put up with me but she married someone else.”

  “Was she from around here?”

  He nodded and stood.

  “Oh, come on. You have to tell me who.”

  “Doesn’t matter. She’s happy and I’m, well, I’m content. And I have you and your brother in my life. It’s like having my own kids, but I don’t have to send them to college.”

  They walked back to the newspaper. At the door, Uncle Avery paused. “You sure you want to turn down this chance of a lifetime job?” He grinned, showing her was teasing.

  “Working with you would be a lot of fun and an education. But….”

  “But you have to listen to your own heart and your instincts. You’re gonna need a winter wardrobe, you know.”

  “If I get the job.”

  “When you get the job.” He kissed her forehead. “I won’t say a word until you tell your folks. If they ask me, I’m behind you on this. I got your back.”

  “You always do. And some day you’re going to tell me who that woman was that got away.”

  “Some day.” He pushed through the door into the newspaper.

  Fancie walked back to her car and sat, taking in a deep breath. The scene with Graham had unnerved her and she was sure some version of it was spinning out of control all over Columbus by now. It had also sparked something in her, a memory of the dignity she once valued and protected. Damage control would be impossible. She had bigger problems. She had to book a flight to New Hampshire and then tell her parents about her plans.

  Chapter Nine

  “Luke, it’s Fancie.”

  “Hey, how’s it going?”

  “Great. I have an interview with Dr. Archer on Tuesday.”

  “What time? Do you need a place to stay? I’m still on Tybee, but I can make arrangements.”

  “No. I already booked a room at the hotel at the airport. I’ll rent a car for the day. I’m flying later Monday and staying at the airport hotel in Manchester, meeting him Tuesday morning, and then flying back that evening. I know it won’t give me much time to see the town.”

  He chuckled. “Sure it will. The college is the town, pretty much.”

  The town really is that small? “That’s good, then, I suppose.”

  “I have an idea. Don’t rent a car. I have a good friend who also works at the college. I’ll call and have her meet you. She can take you to your interview, show you around and get you back in plenty of time for your flight.”

  “I don’t want to put anyone out.”

  “Let me call her. I’ll get back to you.” He paused. “I’m glad this could work out. You’ll be a breath of fresh air for the English Department. I’ll call you back once I reach Kate.”

  “Okay, but….”

  “Talk to you soon.”

  He was gone before she could finish her protest. An hour later, Luke called back with all the arrangements made. Kate Jordan would call her and get the details of the hotel and of her return flight and was looking forward to meeting her. “You’ll like Kate. She teaches in the math department.”

  Fancie wondered, but wouldn’t dare ask, about Luke’s relationship with Kate. He made it sound like they were friends.
Perhaps they were. And what if they were more than friends? How should that matter? He had said Kate taught math. Fancie constructed the image of a geeky woman wearing plain clothing and a pair of oversized glasses.

  ~

  The flight went smoothly and she took a shuttle to the hotel. She was able to get a light dinner at the bar before settling in for the night. Her mind whirled as she attempted to sleep and morning came far too early. Kate had told her to go ahead and check out of her room and bring her bag with her. After a continental breakfast, she stood outside in air so much cooler and less humid than what she’d left in Mississippi. At 9:00 a.m. on the dot, a dark blue Subaru Outback pulled up to the curb. The woman who got out looked nothing like the image Fancie had conjured of Kate Jordan. This woman was young, probably Fancie’s age, with long chestnut brown hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. She was slender and graceful and bore a wide smile as she approached.

  “Are you Francine? I’m Kate.”

  She had not introduced herself to the woman as Fancie, thinking she needed to leave the childish nickname behind and present herself as a professional. “I am.” She accepted Kate’s outstretched hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “Same here.”

  “I hope I’m not putting you out. I was fine with renting a car, but Luke was insistent.”

  “Luke can be persuasive. But, no, you’re not putting me out at all.”

  Kate was friendly and happy to tell Fancie a bit about the area during the short drive to Henniker. “You’re probably not used to temperatures below freezing and snow up to your knees—or higher.”

  “We get low temperatures at times in the winter, but not much in the way of snow. An ice storm now and then that’s usually gone in a day or two. If I move up here, I’ll definitely have to go shopping for a winter wardrobe.”

  Kate smiled. “I’ll be happy to help. Shopping is one of my favorite pastimes.”

  When they passed a sign announcing their arrival in Henniker, Fancie’s heart sped up with anticipation. “We’re here?”

  “This is it.” Kate pointed out a few of the restaurants and shops along the main street. “How does this compare to your home town?”

  “It’s a bit smaller. Where do people shop?”

  “Concord. That’s the nearest mall. Or at the general store here in town.”

  “I’d never have imagined a place more rural than Mississippi. Did you grow up here?”

  Kate shook her head. “No. I’m from Connecticut. I came here two years ago, right after I got my Master’s Degree. It takes some getting used to, but I’ve come to love it here.” She crossed a stone bridge and started up a hill. “We have some time. I thought I’d show you the campus.”

  Off to the right, a covered bridge nestled amid the foliage. Everything was so lush and green. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Wait a few months. Henniker will look like a watercolor painting. And the air will be cool and crisp. Do you ski?”

  “Not on purpose. We don’t have many mountains in my part of Mississippi. I did slide down our driveway once during an ice storm, but that was an accident.”

  Laughing, Kate said, “You have a sense of humor. I can see why Luke likes you.”

  “Oh, I don’t really know Luke that well. We only met briefly and he was kind enough to tell me about the job opening up here.”

  “How, exactly, did the two of you meet?”

  Fancie thought it odd that Luke hadn’t shared that with Kate. “I was vacationing on Tybee Island in Georgia, near Savannah, and Luke had rented the cottage next door. Our water was out and he was generous enough to let us use his facilities until the plumber could get to us.”

  “You and your boyfriend?”

  “No, my two cousins and our friends. Five of us.”

  Kate pulled into the front of a building identified as Administration. “Surely you have a boyfriend.”

  “Had. We broke up recently. That’s why I was so happy for this opportunity.”

  “You mean the job?”

  “Yes. I’d quit my teaching position in anticipation of getting married, but then he…uh…we broke things off.”

  “I’m sorry.” Kate opened her door. “I’ll come in with you and introduce you to Dr. Archer. Then I’ll wait and get you back for your flight.”

  “Thank you. You’re very kind. I can see why Luke likes you, too.”

  Kate led the way down a long, brightly lit hallway.

  A receptionist welcomed them, alerted Dr. Archer to the arrival of Miss Hollensby, and then chatted with Kate. Dr. Archer was a tall man who appeared to be in his early sixties with neatly groomed silver white hair and a broad smile.

  “I’m Dr. Trevor Archer, Miss Hollensby. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I trust Kate has given you the ten cent tour of our town?”

  “She did. She’s been very gracious.”

  “Good. Well, come inside and let’s chat.” He glanced at Kate. “What time to you need to leave to get Miss Hollensby back to her flight?”

  “About an hour? Is that good?”

  He nodded. “That will be fine.”

  The office was bright and sparsely furnished with sleek, modern furnishings. An expanse of windows let in ample light.

  Dr. Archer directed her to a sitting area in the corner of the room where he sat across from her in a stuffed armchair. “I have to say your recommendations were high and I’m impressed with your experience.”

  She relaxed with the informal setting and his friendly demeanor. “Thank you.”

  “Have you published?”

  “Published?”

  “Yes. Articles, short stories, poetry?”

  “No. I mean, not yet. I will be working on a novel.”

  He smiled. “Good.”

  “You know—practice what I preach.”

  Fearing the joke had seemed inappropriate, she bit her lower lip.

  But Dr. Archer laughed. He told her about the college and was delighted when she filled in some of what she had read about its history. “You’ve done your homework, Miss Hollensby.”

  “Please, call me Francine.”

  “Thank you. So, what most interests you in teaching at our school?”

  “I want to experience something new. I’ve spent my entire life in Mississippi. I like the philosophy of the college and, well, just look around. The setting here is wonderful. I think I would bring a new dimension to your Creative Writing program and would stand to learn a lot here, as well.”

  He nodded as she spoke. “Are you looking for something long term, or is this a temporary move?”

  “I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “I’m sorry if that’s not what you want to hear, but I believe in being honest.”

  “I appreciate honesty.” He reached over and picked up a file on his desk. “You maintained an impressive GPA at the University of Mississippi—a fine school, I would add. You do realize this is a part-time position at present. Not that it can’t grow into something more. So the pay is commensurate with the required hours. In other words, it doesn’t pay much.”

  “I do understand. Luke—Mr. Campbell—is renting a room to me, as he does for students. That will make things affordable for at least the first semester or two. I suppose that would give both of us time to see how this works out.”

  “I suppose it would.” He glanced at his watch. “I can see our time is about up. Thank you so much for flying up here on such short notice to meet with me. I’ll be in touch with you by the middle of next week. I have two more interviews to complete.” He stood.

  Fancie stood as well and extended her hand. “Thank you, Dr. Archer, for your time. It was my pleasure to meet with you and to see your campus. It’s a lovely town.”

  “It is.” He walked with her to the door. “I’ll be in touch.”

  Fancie’s smile faded as she walked the long hallway with Kate.

  “How did it go?” Kate asked.

  “I don’t know. He was very nice and professional, but he s
till has a couple of other interviews. Just have to wait and see.”

  In the car, Kate popped a CD into the player and headed toward Manchester. When they reached the airport, Fancie said, “Thank you so much. Can I at least offer you something for gas?”

  “No, not at all. Any friend of Luke’s is a friend of mine. I’m glad to have helped.” She reached into the back seat and tugged Fancie’s bag out, handing it to her. “I hope you have a good flight.”

  “Thanks, again.”

  On the plane, Fancie closed her eyes, reviewing stored images of Henniker and her conversation with Dr. Archer. She weighed out the pros and cons. On the positive side, the move would give her distance from Graham and the wreckage of that relationship. She’d be teaching again and in a field she enjoyed. She would have time to work on the novel she wanted to write. She would have ample opportunities for new experiences and to meet new people. And there was a cozy feel to the town. She’d be lost alone in a big city. According to the maps she viewed, the ocean was a short drive. A definite plus. The advantage to knowing no one meant she could reinvent herself. Who knows? She might even rediscover the woman she’d been before Graham.

  When she started to tic off the cons, a wave of anxiety nearly overwhelmed her. She would be over thirteen hundred miles away from everyone she knew and loved. The job was part-time, so finances would be tight. Sure, she had money saved, but she didn’t want to blow through it all and have nothing to fall back on. She didn’t know a soul in New Hampshire—the entire state—much less in Henniker. Luke didn’t really count because she didn’t know him all that well and he wouldn’t be there much of the time. It snowed in New Hampshire. She could count on one hand the number of times she’d driven in snow. Real snow that fell and stuck.

  She questioned if this sudden urge to experience another part of the country was nothing more than a geographic cure. But, she reasoned, she wasn’t sick. Just hurt, angry, and embarrassed. And people got over those things all the time. Then she imagined coming face-to-face with Graham on a regular basis. Him and his smug, arrogant, condescending attitude. What the hell had she seen in that man? Perhaps a cold winter in New Hampshire would clear her head.