Virginia's Vocation

by Zina Abbott

  “I should have known you would reduce everything to a balance sheet. You chose your pen name well, Virginia, for you are just as stubborn and headstrong as our Grandfather Wellington.”

  “If I was a man, I would be determined and fair-minded. Because I am a woman, I am…”

  “Stop it, Virginia. I said he was stubborn and headstrong.” Jefferson paused and shook his head. “You do not need to pay me back for those items. You more than earned them helping us prepare our new homes in Kansas Territory. I hope attending this college is what you truly want. If not, you will have spent a lot of money that could have gone towards a future home and family for you.”

  “I don’t see how receiving a college education can hurt me. Many women will disapprove—out of envy, if nothing else. Many men will despise me for it, because they will believe I am reaching beyond the bounds of what is proper for women. However, I know in my heart it is right for me, just as writing about the injustices in the world and twisted values some possess is my vocation. Even if there are those who look down on me for doing so, there can be no progress in our nation without knowledge and living by correct principles.”

  “A noble pursuit, Virginia, but it will be an uphill battle. I hope you are not too disappointed if you see little progress. With all the complaints you voice over women not receiving fair treatment before the law, I’m surprised you do not write about those issues.”

  “Perhaps I will someday, Jefferson. Right now, I’m established with this publisher writing about other issues. It is important to me to make the effort to right all wrongs. I hope once I arrive in Oberlin, I will find others of like mind.”

  Jefferson started walking again towards the house. “Do you honestly believe you will never consider marriage and family life?”

  In the growing darkness, Virginia stopped while she considered the question. “I might marry someday, Jefferson. It is not as though I am opposed to the idea of marriage. I only oppose a woman being forced to give up her legal freedoms when she marries. It will depend on the man. I could only respect a man who would accept me for who I am and not try to mold me into some preconceived notion of how all women should behave. Perhaps I should insist he sign a contract before two credible witnesses promising he will never try to stop me from writing.” Virginia grinned at her brother. “Of course, even if I find such a man, the problem might be finding two credible persons who will agree to witness such a document.”

  Jefferson shook his head and laughed. “You are definitely a caution, Virginia. No, I don’t believe you will find a man like that, let alone your two willing credible witnesses. You will have to change your expectations if you ever hope to marry. However, as your brother, never forget I do love you and want the best for you.”

  “Thank you, Jefferson. I hold a deep love and regard for you, also.” Virginia stepped up on the porch to enter the house. As much as she wished to make her family happy, she could not comply with their vision for her future.

  Would she always be confined by the constraints of society and their expectations for women? Would she never find a place where she fit in?

  Perhaps Jefferson was right. She might never find a man such as she described to him. If such was the case, she must find joy and purpose in her writing, for spinsterhood would be her lot.

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  Chapter 10

  ~o0o~

  Oberlin, Ohio – January, 1859

  M ixed feelings about her new landlady, Drusilla Chilton already plagued Virginia, and she had been in the woman’s home less than an hour. She saw no problem with the house. It appeared to be large—almost a mansion—which considering the collection of knick-knacks on display, it needed to be. The woman had decorated the walls and furniture in patterns of golds and blues. In spite of the fact that she would be the one living under the woman’s roof, and she would be paying for room and board with her own funds, the woman focused her attention on Jefferson.

  So far, the conversation consisted mainly of small talk about the weather and their travels. Mrs. Chilton pried for details of the difficulties she and Jefferson experienced that caused her to arrive in Oberlin after winter classes already started. The pair hired a driver who brought them directly from the train station to the college. Virginia notified the secretary of her arrival and picked up her class schedule. The secretary handled everything efficiently, and Virginia felt confident about beginning her classes on the morrow.

  Meeting and interacting with her new landlady proved to be a different manner. Instead of being shown to her room, she and Jefferson were guided to Mrs. Chilton’s private sitting room. Instead of being given a tour of the common areas of the house and receiving directions regarding the schedule, Mrs. Chilton brought out tea and began to visit. Virginia soon suspected the woman intended their conversation to be an interview.

  Virginia gritted her teeth as the woman ignored her and turned to Jefferson. “So, you say your family originally comes from Pennsylvania?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Hmm. I see.”

  Virginia smiled as she interjected a reminder. “Yes, Mrs. Chilton. I believe I mentioned that in one of my letters. I was born in Pennsylvania as were my brothers. However, our father moved to Boonville, Missouri, when I was a small child.” She gestured towards Jefferson. “My brother was newly married and chose to go, also. My next brother married within a few years after the move. His wife hails from Ohio.”

  “That’s lovely, dear.” Drusilla offered Virginia a weak smile and turned once again to Jefferson. “And what brought your family to Missouri, Mr. Atwell?”

  Jefferson glanced at the tightness on Virginia’s face before he turned his full attention on the woman. “The usual, ma’am. My father had been working with my uncle and his grandfather on the Pennsylvania farm. However, my uncle was oldest, so the farm was to go to him. Our parents stayed for a time, but the land did not support three growing families. My father accepted the land warrant our grandfather had earned for the second war with Britain and started a farm elsewhere.”

  Drusilla considered the matter. “I see. They did a lot of that back then, didn’t they?” Her eyes narrowed. “Why Missouri?”

  Refusing to be completely shoved aside, Virginia interjected once more. “Mrs. Chilton. I’m sure you remember that grants for bounty land for those who fought in the War of 1812 were available in Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas. Much of the property that might have interested our father in Illinois was taken by the time he exercised the land warrant, so he found good farm land in Missouri.”

  With her eyebrow raised, Drusilla turned back to Virginia. “That is interesting—even more so that you are able to remember those details from when you were such a young age.”

  Virginia forced a smile. “At the time we moved, I was too young to be aware of those details. I have made a point to learn since.” Virginia hesitated. “Mrs. Chilton, in case you are wondering, we do not own slaves. Our family does not favor slavery. We all wish to remove ourselves from the hotbed of contention over the slavery issue that exists in Missouri. My brothers have sold their farm and are preparing to move to Kansas Territory where they can buy larger parcels of land to support their growing families. I chose to come here.” She ignored Jefferson clearing his throat as she steadily focused her gaze on Drusilla while the woman’s eyebrows shot towards her hairline.

  “I see. I’m surprised you assumed I am wondering.” She turned back to Jefferson. “What about you, Mr. Atwell? Do you also assume I am wondering about your political leanings?”

  Jefferson offered Mrs. Chilton a pleasant smile. “Ma’am, although our family originally came from the north, we have been in Missouri long enough that, when we talk, we sound much like our neighbors who have lived there for generations. As my sister and I have traveled up north, I’ve noticed as soon as we open our mouths to say something, everyone seems to wonder about our political leanings.”

  Drusilla smi
led and appeared to relax. The thought came to Virginia that her brother, Sidney, was known for turning on the charm. Yet, no-nonsense Jefferson handled Mrs. Chilton’s questioning with finesse.

  “Interesting observation, Mr. Atwell. So, tell me. What is your true purpose for moving to Kansas Territory? I understand many from Missouri are moving there for the specific purpose of eventually voting it in as a slave state.”

  Had the woman not listened when she explained her family’s position on the topic? Or, like usual, did she dismiss her because of her sex? Virginia almost blurted out that many abolitionist families from Massachusetts were doing the same thing, only to vote Kansas in as a free state. She knew; she wrote the article on the topic that spurred intense debate back in Boonville and possibly other cities. At the last minute, she clamped her lips together and stayed quiet. After Jefferson’s warning on the day he decided to travel north with her, she knew she needed to be more cautious. If people in Ohio with abolitionist sentiments figured out that she wrote that particular article in the Heartland Monthly, they might react toward her just as violently as people from Missouri, only motivated by opposite political views.

  After all, Oberlin was a college city. Possibly, several people here subscribed to the magazine.

  Jefferson spoke openly about his stand. “I also understand many from Missouri settle in Kansas Territory for that purpose. Most live in the eastern border counties where they are not far from their families and support back in Missouri. My brother and I have our opinions, but we are not interested in getting in the middle of that conflict. The land we plan to settle is farther west. When the time comes, my brother and I will vote against slavery. Until then, we prefer to focus on taking care of our families and neighbors.” He settled deeper in his chair and openly grinned. “We’ll probably be too busy fighting hostile Indians to worry about fighting for or against slavery.”

  Wide-eyed, Virginia stared at her brother. What? After all his assurances to her the family would be safe in Salina, he tells her landlady an outrageous tale such as that?

  Mrs. Chilton’s forehead wrinkled with consternation. “I see. I appreciate you sharing that with me.”

  It was Virginia’s turned to be surprised when Drusilla turned to face her. “And you, Miss Atwell. What are your feelings on slavery?”

  Virginia blinked and turned to Drusilla. “I abhor slavery. However, since I cannot vote, my opinions carry little weight. I am here to gain an education, Mrs. Chilton.” Virginia flashed a look of annoyance at Jefferson when he laughed in response.

  Mrs. Chilton turned towards him, an indulgent smile on her face. “What do you find so humorous, Mr. Atwell?”

  “Virginia may not be able to vote, but she has a way of making her views known.”

  Virginia glared at her brother. Was he trying to give her away? Startled by Mrs. Chilton’s full-throated laugh, she jerked her head towards her once more. Virginia fumed over what the woman said next.

  “Sorry for all the questions. You two will be pleased to know you’ve passed the test. Miss Atwell, I think you will fit in here quite nicely. More importantly, I have confidence you will hold your own against my other residents who are all males.”

  Test? Virginia knew if she did not force her lips to remain pressed shut, she might say something she would later regret. How dare the woman turn their meeting into a parlor game?

  “Wait a minute!” At the suspicious tone in Jefferson’s voice, both women turned to him. “What do you mean your other tenants are male?” He turned to Virginia. “I thought you said the college sent you a list of boardinghouses appropriate for women students. I assumed that meant all the students renting rooms are female.”

  Drusilla answered for Virginia. “No, I also have male residents. They all have rooms upstairs. I have two bedrooms downstairs—one for me and one with two beds for two female students.” She turned to Virginia. “You will have a separate door you may use which the gentlemen are not allowed to go near. I also have very strict rules regarding the men respecting the privacy of my female residents.”

  His arms folded and his chest expanded, Jefferson growled his disagreement. “You may have your rules, Mrs. Chilton, but I understand young men. They see getting around rules as a challenge, one they accept with enthusiasm.”

  “And I know my residents, Mr. Atwell. They know better than to make a nuisance of themselves.” Drusilla turned towards Virginia. “Miss Atwell, I suspect you are a few years older than most of my other residents. I do house and board one instructor in his first year of teaching at Oberlin. He is quiet, holds himself aloof from the students, but his manners are impeccable. My guess is, he will make other arrangements before the next school year. About the only time you will come across anyone else besides me will be at meals served under my watchful eye.”

  Realizing the nature of the others who would share the table at mealtimes, Virginia began to appreciate Drusilla’s tactics. After being around her nieces and nephews, she had come to the conclusion young women might express thoughts and strong feelings about issues they considered important dramatically, but they did not tend to be as combative as some young men. The older woman wanted to make sure Virginia could stand up to any challenges young men enamored with themselves and their opinions might toss her direction. Her former state of residence might be the first issue with which they could confront her.

  Jefferson’s face still wore an expression of disapproval. “No offense, Mrs. Chilton, but your watchful eye cannot be everywhere at all times. It is in those moments some enterprising young man bent on making a nuisance of himself might create a problem for my sister.”

  Virginia brushed off her brother’s concern with a wave of her hand. “Honestly, Jefferson. In all my years since I have been out of short skirts, I have not been besieged with ‘enterprising young men making a nuisance of himself’ over me.”

  “I have my rules which have worked in the past, Mr. Atwell.” Drusilla turned to Virginia. “I’m sure any curiosity the others exhibit at first will quickly settle down.” She sighed with resignation as she stood, signaling her interview had ended. “I do admit, some of the young men are still no better than schoolboys when they first arrive each September. Another reason I am happy to have you, Miss Atwell, is you are not a green girl fresh out of finishing school where often the focus is on teaching young ladies how to attract a husband.”

  Virginia offered a smile, this one quite genuine. “No, I’m not.”

  Jefferson also stood. “I don’t know, Virginia…”

  Virginia rose to her feet and cut her brother off. “It’s my decision, Jefferson. I will be fine.” Out of habit, she reached to below her neck to finger the locket she no longer owned since she sold it in St. Joseph. Instead, her fingers caressed the raised design of a lovely detachable white lace collar. Jefferson bought it for her so she could dress up a shirtwaist or gown in her meager wardrobe for special occasions. It was made by the Irish wife of the same Bavarian jeweler who gave her a good price for the locket and promised to hold it a year before he put it up for sale. “Perhaps after Mrs. Chilton shows me my room, we should retrieve my trunk from the train station.”

  Jefferson pulled out his pocket watch—the one originally owned by their father. Upon learning the Bavarian jeweler in St. Joseph to whom she sold her locket and gold ring also repaired watches, he talked her into staying in the city an extra day for Mr. Mueller to fix it. Now it kept accurate time.

  “If you’re sure about this, Virginia, then I agree it’s best we get you settled in before it’s time to meet the others.”

  Virginia stepped over and placed her hand on his arm. “Jefferson, we also need to visit a bank so I can open an account.”

  Mrs. Chilton pointed in a southerly direction. “There’s a bank three blocks south of here. I’ll draw you a map. Before you leave, I’ll show you to the room. Miss Atwell, you may decide which bed you prefer.”

  Virginia walked next to her brother as they followed Mrs. Chilto
n through the kitchen to the room for female renters. Pleasantly surprised when Drusilla announced the garden on the south side was reserved for the women, she paused long enough to glance out the windows. Although currently buried in snow, she could imagine how peaceful it would be to sit outside in the box elder-enclosed space. Once in the room decorated in a cheerful yellow, Virginia chose the bed next to the desk placed under the window open to the back yard instead of the desk facing the interior wall. Although not spacious, the room did not feel crowded to her, even if a second student joined her. After all, she was accustomed to sharing a room with two nieces.

  Virginia expressed her satisfaction to her landlady regarding the room. She turned to Jefferson with a smile. “Let’s be off to the bank before it closes. Then we can bring my trunks from the rail station back here.”

  After Mrs. Chilton explained in detail where to find the bank, Virginia and Jefferson decided to walk. It pleased her she could easily reach the bank without hiring transportation. Once she opened her account, and they walked to the train station, Jefferson arranged for Virginia’s trunks to be hauled to Mrs. Chilton’s boardinghouse.

  Virginia smiled at the thought this was her second trip to a bank in two days to open a new account. The day before, she and Jefferson traveled straight through Oberlin the extra nine miles to Elyria where she opened her first account. There, she would deposit the earnings from her writing. She also advised the Elyria post office she would occasionally receive mail addressed to general delivery. With her banking and mailing set up, she could easily board the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway as needed to manage of her writing business.