Skirting Tradition Page 15

  She stopped mid-accusation and, struggling to stop an inevitable yawn, massaged her head. “I can’t think about that now. I should have been downstairs an hour ago.”

  Fifteen minutes later, she hurried downstairs, neatly dressed but still sleepy headed.

  “Ah, Sarah, there you are,” Mr. Hayden called out to her. “Come join us in the dining room.”

  “I’m so sorry, Miss Victoria,” Sarah apologized the minute she saw Miss Victoria sitting at the table. “I don’t know what happened to me; I can’t remember one thing about last night after the guests left.”

  “You were exhausted, of course. We all were. Sit down, dear.” Miss Victoria pointed to the chair opposite her. “I’m concerned that Mother’s visit is preventing you from studying. I’m going to send a note to Lavinia inviting her here this afternoon so the two of you can get started on your presentation for the Ladies Literary Society. And from now on, you will not be available to Mother or anyone else in the morning hours. Your household duties will not begin until noon. Mother never comes downstairs before then anyway.”

  “But what about you? I can’t just desert you. Even if Mrs. Atkins doesn’t come downstairs, she still has to be waited on.”

  “That will be Delphie’s job, whether Mother Atkins likes it or not,” Mr. Hayden said. “Victoria will be working in the garden or painting or doing whatever she darn well pleases in the mornings. I insist! It’s the only way she will survive this situation.”

  “Hayden is right, Sarah. I was completely unnerved by the time I slipped into bed last night. I do want to reestablish a relationship with my mother and develop one with my sister—”

  “But not at the expense of your health!” Mr. Hayden finished her sentence. “Now that’s all settled, and we just have to enforce—”

  “Guess what?” Amelia called out as she bounded into the dining room. “Mother says Sarah and I may go shopping this morning. Isn’t that grand?” She plopped down at the dining room table. “How soon can you be ready to go, Sarah?”

  “Sarah has a full schedule this morning.”

  “Oh, Victoria, surely you can spare her for a few hours. Silly me, I left my small case at home, and I just must buy some stockings and other things. Why, I simply cannot go on without them.”

  “Then I’ll go with you,” Miss Victoria said.

  “No, you’re going to paint,” Mr. Hayden said.

  “Paint?” Amelia exclaimed. “Whatever for?”

  “Because your sister is a working artist. We all”—Mr. Hayden paused and pointed at the ceiling—“need to honor that fact.”

  “If you mean Mother, forget it,” Amelia retorted, then laughed.

  “I do mean Mother Atkins … and you,” Mr. Hayden said as he gave Amelia his sternest look. “Now here’s the plan. Sarah will accompany you downtown this morning, and the two of you will join me for lunch in the tearoom at the store. After which you and Sarah will come home so she can meet with Lavinia and pick up her studies again.”

  “Studies?” Amelia asked. “What studies?”

  “Sarah is preparing to enter the local college,” Miss Victoria answered.

  “Why?” Amelia laughed.

  “I want to be a teacher,” Sarah answered.

  “Why?”

  “She just does!” Miss Victoria slapped her napkin down on the table and rose suddenly. “Hayden’s plan is a good one since Sarah needs to study with Lavinia this afternoon anyway. You girls have some breakfast, then prepare to leave. I’ll expect you home by one o’clock.”

  ***

  When the girls settled into the carriage, Amelia startled Sarah by ordering Sam, “Take us to the college.”

  “But we’re going downtown,” Sarah protested.

  “Don’t be silly, Sarah. Why would we go downtown? The college is where the men are!”

  “But your stockings!”

  “Are safely tucked away in my room.”

  “But you said—”

  “Let’s go, Sam!” Amelia ordered. As the carriage jolted forward, she turned her attention back to Sarah. “Now, here’s my plan. We’ll visit the campus—you know—just waltz around and see the sights.” She winked at Sarah before continuing. “Then we’ll meet Hayden downtown for lunch, and no one will be the wiser.”

  “But we can’t! You told Miss Victoria—”

  “What I had to tell her. Oh, come on, Sarah. Can’t you see how Mother keeps me on a leash? She’s already picked out my husband and everything. Well, I plan to have some fun before I settle down. Besides, maybe I will meet someone wonderful and fall in love and never have to return to Galveston. I’ll be free like Victoria without all the fuss and bother of running away.”

  “But we said—”

  “You want to be a teacher—why, I’ll never understand—so you’re just like me. You want to chart your own course. Well, that’s all I’m doing. If you and Victoria can do it, why can’t I?”

  “Miss Victoria worked hard and took risks—”

  “I’m taking risks. Mother will kill me if she finds out, so you must never, never tell anyone!”

  “Amelia, you can’t just lie your way into a new life. If you want to be free, you have to work to make that happen.”

  “Oh pooh! Why should I work? I’m pretty, and, thanks to Mother’s incessant training, I’m the belle of every ball. It should be easy to attract a handsome student, hopefully a senior. You know, someone from a prominent family who will graduate this year, marry his sweetheart—me—and join the family business.”

  “Aren’t you rushing things?”

  “I plan to be married by June, Sarah, and to the man of my choice—not Mother’s! Good, here’s the college. Stop here, Sam!”

  “Amelia, this is a terrible idea. If your mother finds out—”

  “Hurry up, Sam, and help me out!” Amelia scolded. “Classes are changing. Don’t you see all the students milling around? Sarah, remember to act like my personal maid. No respectable lady goes to a strange place without a chaperone, and today that’s you. Sam, you wait over under that tree. We’ll need you to rush us to town later. Come on, Sarah!”

  Amelia rushed to the campus gate, paused to smooth her skirts, opened her parasol, and changed her pace to a saunter. “Now, how am I going to get the men’s attention?” she mused as she glided under the old oaks with a pretty smile plastered on her face. “I know! We’ll ask for directions to the library.”

  “Do they have a library?” Sarah’s heart thumped faster. “A real library?”

  “Of course they do! It’s a college, Sarah. Remember?”

  “I’d love to see the library. I mean, if you’re determined to do this.”

  “We’re not actually going to a library, silly. Honestly, you are so inexperienced! We’re just going to ask for directions and give the men a chance to chat with us.”

  “But if you ask for directions—”

  “You’re going to ask.”

  “Me? I can’t do that!”

  “Yes, you can and you must. It will look totally improper for me to approach a strange man. You’ll have to ask for me.”

  “But—”

  “Ohhh! Look at those two! Aren’t they just the handsomest things you’ve ever seen? Go ask them where the library is. Tell them your mistress wants to know, and point to me.”

  “Amelia, I don’t think—”

  “Just do it, Sarah!”

  “What is your mother going to say when she finds out? What is Miss Victoria going to say?”

  “They’re not going to find out unless you tell.”

  “What about Sam?”

  “I’m going to give him some money to keep quiet. People like that always need money.”

  “Amelia! You can’t—”

  “Shhh! We’ve been spotted. We’re in luck; those two are coming over.”

  Sarah turned to look at the men and was sickened by the sight of Walter Logan and another young man striding toward them.

  “Good morning, lad
ies.” Walter ignored Sarah but smiled appreciatively at Amelia. “You seem to be lost. Can we help?”

  Amelia cast her eyes to the ground in a perfect simulation of shyness. “Well, sir, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble ...” She lifted her eyes and batted her lashes before continuing, “Could you possibly tell us where the library is?”

  “Of course I can. It’s right in the middle of campus in the large red-bricked building with the white pillars.”

  “Thank you very much!” Sarah broke in. “I’m sure we can find it.” She grabbed Amelia’s arm and pulled her along the walk.

  “Good job, Sarah!” Amelia whispered. “They’re sure to follow us since we seem reluctant to chat with them.”

  “We’re not going to chat with them,” Sarah hissed. “We’re going to circle around, go back to the carriage and go downtown. That’s what we’re going to do.”

  “I don’t think so,” Amelia muttered as she stepped off the walk. “Oh!” she cried out. “Oh dear!” She intentionally stumbled. “I’ve stepped right into some mud, and my ankle ... I’m afraid I’ve turned it.”

  Walter rushed forward. “Can I be of assistance?”

  “Oh, I’ve done a dreadfully silly thing. I seem to have turned my ankle. Perhaps you could just direct us to a place to sit for a moment?”

  “There’s a bench right over here. Please, take my arm. You mustn’t put any weight on your ankle. These things can be quite serious.”

  “I’ll help her.” Sarah tried to intercede.

  “No, Sarah, I’m afraid you’re not strong enough. Here take my parasol.” Amelia thrust it at Sarah. “And run tell Sam that we may need to hurry home. In fact, he may need to come carry me to the carriage.”

  “No need for that.” The second young man stepped up. “We’ll carry you to your carriage.”

  “I don’t think that will be necessary,” Sarah insisted.

  “First, let’s help her over to that swing under the old oak,” Walter suggested. “She may recover if she elevates her foot.”

  “I’m sure she will,” Sarah quipped.

  “You are entirely too impertinent—” Walter accused her, then stopped as he examined her face. “I know you. You’re that farm girl with the honey.”

  “My ankle,” Amelia cried. “Oh, I must sit down some place, or I’ll faint! Won’t one of you please help me?”

  “I will,” the second student volunteered. “If I may be so bold as to ask you to put your arm around my neck, I’ll carry you to the swing.”

  “Oh, you are too kind.” Amelia sighed as she allowed the young man to lift her off the ground.

  “Hey, wait a minute!” Walter complained. “I’ll carry her.”

  “Too late.” His friend grinned as he headed to the swing with Amelia in his arms.

  Sarah hurried after them and watched in amazement as Amelia allowed the two young men to settle her in the swing and stretch her leg out across its planks.

  Walter knelt down before her. “With your permission, Miss ... Miss?”

  “Atkins.”

  “With your permission, Miss Atkins, I would like to examine your ankle,” Walter said.

  “Oh, I don’t know ...”

  “I assure you it won’t take more than a few seconds, and I’ll protect your modesty at all costs.”

  “Wait a minute, Walter,” the other young man objected. “I’m the guy who’s going to be a doctor. I should examine her ankle.”

  “But I don’t even know your name!” Amelia protested.

  “Charles Sanders, Miss Atkins. I apologize for presenting myself so boldly, but dire circumstances force me to cast gracious manners aside.”

  “Indeed they do,” Amelia agreed, “and how fortunate I am to have a future doctor to aid me.”

  “And I’m Walter Logan, Miss Atkins, a future banker.”

  “Oh my! How impressive!”

  “I must examine your ankle right away,” Charles Sanders insisted, “and I’m afraid it may hurt, but I’ll be as gentle as possible.”

  “Well ... perhaps if Mr. Logan holds my hand, I can bear it.”

  “Amelia, I mean, Miss Amelia, are you sure this is proper?” Sarah asked.

  “Sometimes propriety has to be cast aside in favor of health,” Mr. Sanders gravely instructed Sarah. “You may attend me in my examination.”

  “Thank you. It’s a privilege, I’m sure,” Sarah retorted.

  “Oh!” Amelia cried out. “I’m afraid you must proceed immediately, Mr. Sanders, or I won’t be able to continue. My nerves are quite shattered.”

  “Of course.” He solemnly knelt before Amelia’s extended legs. “You may lift Miss Atkins’ skirt,” he informed Sarah.

  “But not very far!” Amelia insisted before demurely casting her eyes to the ground. “This is so embarrassing.”

  Sarah leaned over Charles Sanders’ shoulder and jerked Amelia’s skirt and petticoat up to her knees, revealing two graceful ankles clad in white silk stockings. Amelia clung desperately to Walter’s hand while Charles Sanders reverently pressed on her left ankle.

  “There’s no sign of a broken bone,” he announced gravely. “A slight swelling, I think.” He took Amelia’s other hand in his. “I think we may safely say that you will recover.”

  “I guarantee it!” Sarah quipped.

  Amelia glared at her. “Go get me a glass of water, Sarah! I feel faint.”

  “I couldn’t possibly leave your side, Miss Amelia. What would your mother say?”

  Charles Sanders patted his patient’s hand. “I’ll bring you some water. You just rest here.” As he hurried off, Walter leaned closer to Amelia. “I’m afraid I don’t know any Atkins family in Riverford. Perhaps you’re visiting someone? I only ask in case I need to contact your family, of course.”

  “Oh, you are too kind! I’m visiting my sister, Mrs. Hayden Hodges. Perhaps you know her?”

  “I regret to say I’ve not had the pleasure, but I do know Mr. Hayden Hodges. Indeed, my family are longtime friends of the Hodges family.”

  “How fortunate!” Amelia said. “Isn’t it a small world?”

  “Perhaps you would allow me to call on you ... just to check on your health, of course.”

  “Well, I don’t know if Mother would approve ...”

  “Oh, but I must know that you are recovering. Why, I couldn’t sleep, my anxiety would be so great.”

  Charles Sanders raced forward with a glass of water. “Sip this slowly,” he ordered in his most professional tone. “You have had a most frightening experience, and your nerves are fraught.”

  “Thank you.” Amelia batted her lashes at him as she accepted the glass. “You have saved the day, Mr. Sanders.”

  “All in the line of duty, I assure you; however, I must admit that it’s a most pleasant duty.”

  “Don’t you gentlemen need to go to class now?” Sarah interposed.

  “And leave my patient?” Charles Sanders’ shocked tone brought a broad smile to Amelia’s face.

  “When will you enter medical school, Mr. Sanders?” Amelia asked as she daintily sipped her water.

  “Next fall, Miss Atkins.”

  “Oh, then you are a senior!”

  “I’m also a senior,” Walter offered. “I’ll join my family’s banking business in June before Charles goes to medical school.”

  “Will you? And where is your family’s bank? Here in Riverford?”

  “No indeed.” Walter dismissed the idea. “My family owns a bank in Fort Worth.”

  “How exciting!”

  “But your mother lives here, I believe,” Sarah interposed. “Your mother and your sister both.”

  “They do. My father died two years ago”—Walter paused as he formed his face into a mask of tragedy—“and Mother and dear Lavinia could not bear to remain in Fort Worth. Mother could only find comfort by returning here to Riverford, her family’s home.”

  “How sad!” Amelia allowed tears to pool in her eyes as she gazed at Walter. “Please a
ccept my condolences.”

  Walter recovered far too quickly, Sarah noted, and smiled adoringly into Amelia’s face.

  “My uncle runs the family bank.”

  “And your brother, Lee, assists in some way, I believe,” Sarah added.

  “He holds a minor position.”

  “I’ll be going to medical school in Galveston.” Mr. Sanders attempted to snatch Amelia’s attention.

  “Galveston? Oh!”

  “Do you know Galveston, Miss Atkins?”

  “She should,” Sarah said. “She lives there.”

  “How fortunate for me,” Charles Sanders replied. “Perhaps we shall be able to visit on occasion.”

  “That would be lovely, I’m sure.”

  “I hope I may call on you before then, however. Perhaps here in Riverford?”

  “As I told Mr. Logan, I’m not sure my mother would approve.”

  “I’m certain she wouldn’t approve of either one of you!” Sarah declared as she stepped in front of the two men. “Don’t you think, Miss Amelia, that you can walk now?” She glared into Amelia’s eyes. “I’m sure you can if you lean on me.”

  “I can’t allow such a course of action!” Charles protested.

  “Certainly not!” Walter agreed. “A farm girl like you has more strength and resilience, but you can’t expect a lady like Miss Atkins to bounce around as if she’d spent her life plowing fields.”

  “Remember your mother!” Sarah insisted.

  “Yes, yes,” Amelia sighed. “Sarah is right. Mother will be furious if she hears I’ve been carried across this campus.”

  “We’re barely inside the gate, Amelia,” Sarah reminded her. “I’m sure you can walk, can’t you?”

  “Well … if these gallant gentlemen would be so kind as to assist, I suppose I could try. No! I must do more than try. I must succeed. Otherwise ... Mother ...”

  “Exactly,” Sarah said. “Now swing your feet to the ground, and let’s get on with it.” She took Amelia’s arm and tugged.

  “Careful!” Charles exclaimed.

  “Allow me to support you.” Walter grabbed Amelia’s elbow.

  Slowly, with a slight whimper, Amelia rose from the swing and gingerly touched her “swollen” ankle to the ground. Pausing for dramatic effect, she leaned toward Walter, and Charles hastened to support her other elbow. “Please, Miss Amelia, take your time,” he cautioned his patient.