A Love Restored Read online

  “I don’t think so.”

  Benjamin eyed the dog then handed the string of fish to her anyway. “Hold these, please.” Unfolding the blanket, he draped it around her shoulders. “Name’s Benjamin Coulter, Miss.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Coulter.” She grasped the blanket with her free hand. A smug grin crossed her lips as she lifted the string of trout. “Looks like my caterwauling didn’t scare away all the fish.”

  Benjamin pushed his hat back from his forehead. “Begging your pardon, Miss, but I caught these before your serenade began.”

  “Here.” She extended the fish in his direction. “I should be getting home.” She grabbed her boots and stockings. “Come on, boy. Let’s go.”

  “I’m heading back to town myself. May I escort you?”

  “No, thank you.” She pointed to her sodden clothes. “You’ve done more than enough already. Besides, I don’t know you.”

  He should just let her go. Those fancy boots spelled trouble in his book, yet something about her captivated him. Benjamin grabbed his pole and followed her. “But I did come to your rescue. Surely, that must count in my favor.”

  She glanced over her shoulder. “True. But, if it weren’t for you, I’d never have fallen in the creek in the first place. So that is a mark against you.”

  A mark against him? He wasn’t some errant school boy. “Wait, please.”

  When she reached the edge of the clearing, she paused and removed the blanket from her shoulders. “Please, don’t follow me. I can’t be seen, like this, in the company of a stranger.”

  He tore his gaze away from the wet fabric determined to cling to her curvaceous figure. What was she thinking? She shouldn’t be seen like that by anyone, including him. “All right, but you’d better keep the blanket. You’ll be…indecent without it.”

  A dash of pink graced her cheeks. “Thank you.”

  Resisting the urge to admire her curves, he focused his attention on the storm clouds drifting toward town. Not nearly as interesting, but much safer. “Are you covered?”

  “Yes.”

  He corroborated her statement from the corner of his eye before allowing himself to look her direction again. Even wet, she was fetching.

  “But how will I return the blanket to you?”

  “Just keep it.”

  “You won’t need it?”

  “Not unless fate requires me to rescue another obstinate woman from the creek.”

  A spark flashed in her eyes. “Fortunately for you, I’m the most stubborn woman in town.”

  “No doubt.”

  “Good day, Mr. Coulter.”

  Her pace quickened as she followed the dusty road toward town. Just his luck. He would’ve enjoyed walking Miss Fancy Boots home. Benjamin stopped in his tracks. Miss Fancy Boots? He smacked his palm against his forehead.

  Doggone it.

  Why hadn’t he asked her name?

  2

  Ruth Ann tiptoed across the veranda. Clutching the green wool blanket, she peered past yellow toile curtains into the kitchen.

  Where was Myra?

  The scent of rain lingered in the air. Dark clouds hovered in the distance. Relieved she’d arrived home before the impending downpour, she hurried toward the door. A loose board creaked beneath her muddy feet. She cringed. A low throaty bark crept from Buddy’s mouth. Bringing her finger to her lips, she glared at the snarling little scoundrel. “Shh, that’s just me, boy.”

  His barking intensified.

  “Traitor.”

  She stiffened at the faint click of the latch. Oh well, she shouldn’t be skulking around the porch in the middle of the day anyway. She was a grown woman for goodness’ sake—soaking wet or not.

  The door handle slipped from her grasp.

  “Lordy child, what happened to you? You’s a mess.”

  Ruth Ann sucked in a breath, as her fist flew to her chest.

  Myra’s coffee-colored hands grasped Ruth Ann’s. “Its fine, Missy. It just me.”

  “Oh, thank heaven.” She glanced past the older woman. “Is Mama home?”

  “Mmmhmm, and she on a tear about somethin’ Mrs. Hirst told her followin’ services this mornin’.”

  Ruth Ann could well imagine. Why hadn’t she told Mama about Mr. Janney’s offer to extend her teaching contract before now? Hearing the news from Mrs. Hirst would only inflame the situation. “Can you help me clean up before Mama sees me like this?”

  Myra shook her head. “Mercy, child, I not sure we has that much time. Let’s get you out that wet dress and put it to soak.” She tugged the blanket from Ruth Ann’s shoulders. Pinching it between her index finger and thumb, she inspected the covering. “Where’d you find this ol’ scrap of a blanket?”

  “A man at the creek loaned it to me. He said I’d be indecent without it.”

  Myra’s mouth fell agape. “Some man you don’t know seen you like this?”

  Ruth Ann nodded. “He sort of caused my fall in the first place then he waded in to assist me.”

  “I bet he’s one of them railroad men?” She shook her finger at Ruth Ann. “You heard your Mama. They not to be trusted.”

  “I remember and his disheveled appearance had me fearful at first, but there was something about his eyes.”

  “His eyes?”

  Ruth Ann nodded and grasped her confidant’s arm. “They were a delicious shade of amber.” She sighed. “Like honey drizzling on a warm biscuit.”

  Myra quirked a brow. “What ’bout Mr. Thornton?”

  “You know I’ve never fancied him.”

  “Makes no never mind. You practically engaged to the man.”

  Ruth Ann rolled her eyes. “Don’t remind me.”

  Myra opened the larder and retrieved the metal wash tub. Yellowing teeth split her grin. “And what your mama gonna say ’bout this railroad man with the fine eyes?”

  “Nothing. It’s our secret.”

  ~*~

  Ruth Ann forced a breath, steeling her nerves before sliding open the mahogany pocket doors. Mama sat in her wing back chair in the corner of the parlor, her fingers strumming its velvet upholstered arm.

  “Myra said you wanted to speak—”

  Mama sprung from her chair. “Is it true, Ruth? You agreed to another term at the Freedmen’s School?”

  She kissed her mother’s cheek. “I take it the gossip mill of the Women’s Benevolent Aid Society is working fine?”

  “Don’t get sassy with me, Ruth. I spoke with Genevieve Hirst this morning. Imagine my embarrassment when I learned this news from her. She is none too pleased either.”

  “I had planned to tell you earlier, but it slipped my mind. Mr. Janney offered the contract Friday afternoon.”

  “I thought we agreed this would only be temporary.”

  Thunder rumbled, shaking the thinly-paned glass.

  Ruth Ann hurried to the parlor window and lowered the sash as the first droplets of rain splattered against the glass. She glanced at the darkening sky. A storm brewed—inside and out.

  Taking a deep breath, she faced her mother. “Mr. Janney said my performance is exemplary and asked me to remain for the winter term while they continue their search for a qualified Negro teacher to replace me. I accepted. I don’t see the problem.”

  Mama returned to her seat then adjusted her skirts to cover the thick sole of her left shoe. “You don’t see the problem?”

  Ruth Ann shook her head.

  “Since you accepted the temporary position, Governor Walker has appointed James’ father to fill the vacant state Senate seat. He’s been courting you for nearly a year. You must realize by now that you are under perpetual scrutiny.”

  How could she not be aware of the scrutiny she was under? Constantly being told how to dress, what to say, and when to speak. Though he’d made his intentions clear, much to her relief, James hadn’t proposed. She intended to retain her new teaching position as long as possible.

  “Perhaps James can use my position at the Freedmen’s Schoo
l to his advantage.”

  Her mother’s eyes narrowed.

  “Aren’t politicians expected to help those less fortunate and improve the lot of the poor?”

  “Of course they aim to be seen as benevolent but not by teaching illiterate Negroes.”

  Ruth Ann crouched beside her mother’s chair, resting her hand on the plush velvet arm. “Maybe it won’t be quite as big of a problem as you think. James behaves rather... indifferent toward me.”

  The grandfather clock in the corner chimed four times. Ruth Ann’s attention shifted to the pendulum as it swung inside its ornately carved walnut cabinet. “Mama, you should consider the possibility that my future may not include James Thornton.”

  “Nonsense.”

  Ruth Ann’s gaze flitted from the grandfather clock to the delicate rose-papered walls of the parlor, anywhere but her mother’s face. She didn’t want to see the disappointment in her eyes—again.

  “Look at me, Ruth.” Mama placed her fingers underneath Ruth Ann’s chin, guiding her head until their eyes met. “He could have any girl in Virginia, and whatever his reasons, he has chosen you.”

  James was kind and rich, to be sure, but he didn’t love her. She had no illusions about that. He wanted the Sutton name and the connections that came with it, but she longed for a man to love and accept her, as she was. Did such a man exist? One who would share her love of literature and history? One who didn’t mind fuller curves on a woman? “James rarely posts letters from Richmond, and when he does, little is of a personal nature. He’s quite…dull.”

  Mama placed her hands on Ruth Ann’s shoulders. “It doesn’t matter if you find him dull, Ruth.” The soft glint in her mother’s eyes vanished along with her smile. “The point is he has not eliminated you as a prospect in spite of your obvious flaws.”

  “My obvious flaws?” Ruth Ann jerked to her feet, the timbre of her voice gaining intensity.

  “Well-bred young ladies do not raise their voices.”

  Unbelievable. Pivoting on her heel, she stormed through the dining room, shoving the swinging door open to the kitchen.

  “Where do you think you’re going? We are not finished.” Mama shuffled through the dining room in pursuit. “And well-bred young ladies do not stomp.”

  Ruth Ann held her hand a few inches above the stove. The surface had cooled considerably since the noon meal. She grabbed a stick from the kindling box, opened the cast iron door, and stoked the embers into a steady fire. Satisfied, she tossed the make-shift poker inside, closing the door with more vigor than she ought. Tea would calm her nerves.

  She whirled to face her mother, fists lodged on her hips. “And what obvious flaws should I be so thankful James Thornton is willing to overlook?”

  “There are those weaknesses that can be managed until after marriage, such as your stubborn, opinionated nature or your obsession with politics. However, the fact James continues to seek your company in spite of your robust figure speaks volumes.”

  Wind gusted through the open window, frantically blowing the curtains hanging in its path. Mama flinched as thunder rattled the china in the corner cupboard.

  Ruth Ann reached over the dry sink and closed the window. Facing her mother once more, she leaned against the wooden cabinet, arms folded, studying her. How could she understand? With brilliant blue eyes and delicate features, Hannah Sutton was stunning. Her complexion rivaled the creamy white magnolia flowers that bloomed in April. She had been the belle of her hometown in Caroline County until the summer of her eighteenth year. The summer disease struck, rendering her left leg nearly useless.

  “You must make a better effort to control your unruly curls, and tightening your corset strings will make your waist look thinner.” Mama made a slight tsking sound before continuing. “It is a shame you are not slender and petite like Sarah and myself. Oh, and what I would not give for you to have just an ounce of your sister’s acquiescent nature. However, your pretty face and lovely smile are no doubt assets. At least we have that to work with.”

  Ruth Ann tugged her lip between her teeth. She wouldn’t cry.

  Mama drew near and took hold of Ruth Ann’s folded arms. “Because I love you, I will tell you what you refuse to admit to yourself. Gentlemen do not court and marry women who are plump and opinionated. They desire a woman who is a reflection of themselves and the image they wish to convey to their contemporaries.”

  Ruth Ann pursed her lips as her mother’s words reverberated in her mind. The hurtful phrases seeped into her wounded heart, festering into a marinade of insecurity and self-doubt. Why was it so hard to believe a man might love someone like her? No matter the exact phrasing, it all boiled down to the same thing in her mind—she was undesirable and unlovable.

  Forcing down the swell of emotion, she retrieved the whistling teakettle from the stove, and poured hot water into the porcelain teapot. A whoosh of air and the thud of the swinging door against the icebox announced her niece’s arrival.

  Chloe flung her small arms around Ruth Ann’s skirts. “Aunt Roofie, you’re home!”

  “Chloe.”

  The child lifted her head before addressing her grandmother. “Yes, Mimi.”

  “You are not a baby any longer. You must act like a little lady and call your Aunt Ruth by her proper name.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Ruth Ann stroked Chloe’s soft, dark curls as a gentle smile graced her niece’s face. She was in no hurry to hear the end of the child’s precious endearment for her. Chloe stretched her hands and Ruth Ann hoisted her niece onto her hip. “You promised we would use your pastels to color my paper dolls. Remember?”

  “I remember.” She drew Chloe snug against her and squeezed. A slight sigh passed her lips. She did want children of her own someday—but with James? If her mother was right, he might be her only choice.

  Ruth Ann peeled Chloe from her side and set her on the floor. “My pastels are in the middle drawer of my desk. You go get them, and your paper dolls, while Mimi and I finish our conversation.” She patted her niece gently on the bottom to send the child on her way.

  “Perhaps James will not be as angry with you over this business with the Freedmen’s School as we fear. Since he gave you his permission for the initial teaching assignment, it is only logical to assume he would approve an extension.”

  Ruth Ann grimaced. “As a matter of fact, Mama, I’ve never discussed my position at the Freedmen’s School with James.”

  Mama’s lips straightened into a thin line and a vein pulsated in her neck.

  “It was only a brief assignment, and we have no firm understanding between us.”

  Mama hobbled toward the table. “Well, it is a good thing I have not lost my focus. This could jeopardize everything.” She stopped mid-stride and faced her daughter. “You will write James today, explain what you have done, and tell him you will abide by his decision as to whether or not to continue teaching at the Freedmen’s School.”

  “But—”

  “You will thank me for this, Ruth, when you are Mrs. James Robert Thornton.”

  Ruth Ann nodded weakly, her chest tightening. Is that what she wanted? To be Mrs. James Robert Thornton?

  And why did Mama insist on calling her Ruth? No one else called her that.

  No one, except James.

  3

  Ruth Ann added the sum in her head. “Nice work, Sadie.”

  The girl smiled wide-eyed, exposing a dimple in her dark cheek.

  “I think you understand how to add double digits.” She opened her desk drawer and retrieved a peppermint stick from a small paper sack.

  Sadie’s eyes flitted from the candy to her teacher’s face.

  “Go on. Take it. Make sure to tell your mother you got all the sums right on the first try.”

  “Yes’m. I will. Soon as I gets home.” Sadie stuck the red and white candy between her lips then gathered her things and left without looking back.

  Ruth Ann surveyed the child’s slate again, warmth spreadi
ng throughout her body. Two years at the Catoctin Creek Graded School hadn’t compared to the satisfaction she experienced teaching these children who were so eager to learn. Humming, she recorded the child’s mark in the grade book.

  Her gaze rose at the heavy clop of a man’s boots on the wooden floor. She glanced at her watch pin—three o’clock. Why wasn’t her brother-in-law at the livery?

  “I’ve come to bring you home.”

  On a beautiful day like this, she normally walked home. Her pulse quickened as she shot to her feet. “Is everything all right?”

  Joseph rubbed the back of his neck while his eyes scanned the lesson on the chalkboard. “James is at the house.”

  “James? What’s he doing here?” She twisted sideways, blocking her face from his view while she erased the blackboard. “I didn’t expect to see him for a few weeks.”

  “Yes, and he didn’t expect to hear you were teaching at a Negro school in a wire from Tilly Hirst sent to his sister either.”

  She blew out a breath and returned the eraser to the chalk tray before facing him again.

  “You promised your mother you would write him.” Joseph skimmed the brim of his hat through his fingers.

  She had tried but found it difficult to put her enthusiasm for her new position into words, especially to someone with so little passion of his own. “I preferred to discuss it with him when he came home for his sister’s wedding.”

  “He’s not pleased.”

  “I guess not if it brought him all the way from Richmond.”

  “He’s not alone either.”

  Ruth Ann pressed her eyes closed and forced herself to swallow the lump in her throat. “Mr. Thornton?”

  Joseph picked up her satchel. “Mrs. Thornton, too. Let’s get this over with.”

  Her stomach clenched at the mere thought of meeting with James and his parents. While both families were more liberal toward the Negroes than most of their acquaintance, the Thorntons swift rise in Virginia politics meant compromises were necessary.

  “Let’s not make matters worse by dawdling.”

  “Coming.”

  Joseph waited beside the Thornton’s conveyance. As always, James insisted they use it whenever he called on her. The Rockaway was a beautiful carriage, with its glass doors and windows and two gas lamps to illuminate its path. The plush red interior and trim on the wheels made a striking contrast against its black exterior. She slipped her hand in Joseph’s and stepped inside. He sat beside her, closed the door, then rapped once, signaling the Thornton’s driver they were ready.