by Glynis Smy
Disappointed and shocked by her disappointment, Kitty agreed it was for the best.
‘You are right, James. Forgive me for being so forward. I do hope it has not given you the wrong impression of me.’
‘Not at all, Kitty. Not at all.’
Kitty longed to sit with him for a few more hours, to listen to more tales of the countryside and the life he led. He was right, they needed to follow rules, but she never wanted to sit with him in the company of others.
It was agreed he would arrive after two thirty. She closed for a half day on a Saturday. They would take a stroll around the local park. It would be busy and they could mingle without drawing attention to themselves. The park adjoined the cemetery where her mother was buried.
‘I wonder, James. Would you mind terribly if we visited my mother’s grave? It is beside the park. I would like to place fresh flowers.’
‘A splendid idea. We could take tea in one of the new tea rooms afterwards.’
***
The following afternoon was pleasant and James was an amusing companion. They talked about their past and how they saw their futures. James said he looked forward to taking over the family farm. The new updated methods of farming were making life simpler for the farmers and he wanted to implement them.
‘Why do you not do it now, James? If the farm benefits it would be wise to introduce the new methods, surely?’
‘My father, he is so old fashioned. He still believes the old ways are the best. I have tried talking to him, but we end each discussion with an argument. He is a force to be reckoned with, I can tell you.’
‘Mine is a bit that way. He does believe in educating women though, as you know. I have had opportunities to educate him into the modern ways of thinking. I think-hope, he will be modern enough to accept me out walking with you.’
She stopped to admire the small posies a young flower girl was holding out. She chose a small collection of wild flowers with white lace woven around them. James wanted to pay for them, but she declined his offer.
‘Independence as a woman can be taken too far, Kitty. Do not deprive yourself of life's pleasures. A few flowers will not make you dependant on me.’
Kitty paid the girl and walked away with no reply or acknowledgement. Bemused James followed.
‘Have I offended you? If so I am sorry, it was not intentional.’
Kitty bent to inhale the perfume of the posy. She did not want to ruin the day, but his assumption that she was being independent had slighted her a little bit.
‘It has nothing to do with me and my independence, James. Your offer was a generous one. The flowers are for my mother's grave and if you paid for them, they would not be a gift from me.’
‘Ah, I am so sorry. Foolish me. I had completely forgotten you were buying them for your mother. I do apologise, forgive me?’
Kitty looked up at him, his voice had been gentle, a genuine apology. She adored him for his thoughtful ways and for his manners. Putting aside all etiquette she placed her arm on his. They walked in silence to the cemetery gates.
James stood aside to allow her to pass through. He said he would wait by the gates while she had her private time.
‘Come James, come, and meet my mother. She would have approved of your good manners.’
They walked in silence, until they reached Lilly Harper’s grave
Kitty removed the dead flowers from the jam jar at the base of the headstone, and collected fresh water from a barrel close by. She rearranged the fresh posy and stood back to admire their colours.
‘Mother, this is James. He is a...good...friend of mine. He removes his hat in company.’
Kitty giggled.
‘Mother's pet hate was a man who never removed his cap in the company of a lady. Her employer had taught her so many rules and social graces, that she forgot the Dockers would rarely carry them out. My father did however, he dare not.’
James removed his hat, and made a small bowing gesture.
‘It is my pleasure Mrs Harper. Your daughter has grown into a beautiful, gracious young woman. You should be very proud of the work you did with her upbringing.’
‘Why James Lockwood, you are a flatterer and a tease.’
The pair strolled on along the pathways admiring the floral arrangements and statues around them. Both unaware they were being followed. They walked side by side, with Kitty resting her arm on James. Deep in conversation, the world was outside of theirs.
***
Arthur had followed them. He had seen James arrive at the shop. He knew Kitty closed early on a Saturday, and found a magazine about America as an excuse to visit her. When he saw them walking down the road together, he became curious. He watched the pair flirt and laugh with each other, and he was furious to watch them by the graveside. Kitty had never taken him to the cemetery. It was a personal place for her, not one she shared. Now he saw James had been beckoned in to join her and watched with contempt as the pair chatted together.
Jealous rage burned deep inside. He loathed the thought that James was breaking rules. He was furious that Kitty allowed him and broke several herself.
Arthur followed them to the tearooms. Through the window he stood back and watched them. He seethed when he saw their hands touch briefly as they both reached for the sugar bowl. The coy smile of Kitty and the encouraging grin of James did nothing to dampen Arthur's annoyance.
He would have to intervene, to stop James gaining an advantage over him. Kitty was not his. She belonged to Arthur. He had killed a man for her - nothing would stop him. Least of all a farmer's son. The only reason he held back from warning him away from the woman he loved, was their murderous partnership. The pleasure Arthur gained from those events, was a powerful bond with James. He had been surprised by how they had almost become one. When one cut, the other knew what to do next and vice versa, no words were necessary.
Neither man could exist without the other. Kitty was going to come between them if they were not careful. Arthur was not prepared for this to happen. He would have to find a way to make Kitty realise he was the man for her, not James.
***
The lovers continued to meet for several days before they gave into their true feelings. James teased Kitty and she giggled with flirtatious responses.
‘You do make me laugh, James. I have not had so much fun for a long time.’
‘You bring out the best in me Kitty. I relax when I am with you. Work on the farm is hard, so to visit and enjoy London with you is,--did you feel that?’
‘Rain, James it is raining. Quickly under the tree.’
The rain fell, and drenched their clothing. The tree was no protection.
‘What a dreadful nuisance. Such a shame our walk has ended like this. James look at you, your jacket will be ruined.’
‘Look at me? Look at your gown it is soaking. Come along, we must get you home.’
They moved quickly along the park pathway to the entrance. James flagged down a passing carriage. The rain ran onto the cab floor when they sat down.
‘Good gracious, where on earth did that downpour come from? This is supposed to be summer; the weather is so unpredictable at the moment.’
‘So true. Although we are grateful for rain on the farm, we do cannot afford it raining upon the hay. We lost hundreds of pounds in one year during a poor harvest. Ah, here we are. Come on, into the dry.’
He jumped out onto the pavement and indicated to the cabbie to stay in his seat. He helped Kitty down. She stepped into the smallest puddle she could see; knowing her satin shoes would need tender loving care to restore them. The pavements flowed with dirty water, collecting debris along the way. James moved to release her hand, but she gripped hold. He turned to look at her and an unspoken agreement passed between them. James paid and dismissed the cabbie. They entered the shop through the front door. The tension was high as they walked into the kitchen. She touched his arm, and then moved behind him to remove his jacket. As she touched his shoulders she could fe
el him tense. She slid his jacket from him, he still did not move.
‘Could you help me, James? A section of my hair has caught in my necklace clasp.’
She lifted the loose hair and exposed her neck. As his fingers touched her while he released the hair, she felt new sensations sweep through her body. The woman in her was guiding her, letting her know it was time; time that this man learned she was ready to become a woman.
Her hair was released and she reached out for his hand. He gave no fight, and moved with her upstairs.
At first she hesitated, then moved into the bedroom. She lit a candle on the bedside table. Still there were no words between them. Then social manners left the room. All that they had been taught about behaviour in front of the opposite sex went out of Kitty’s mind.
***
James looked at Kitty, her red hair shone in the candlelight. The girl before him was all woman and he wanted her. She gave him no resistance. The desire to kiss and be kissed was powerful. The room was alive with passion.
James struggled with inner emotions; he knew he should stop the path he was travelling. A tendril of hair had fallen across her face, in the past he had refrained from reaching out and putting it back into place. Now there was no need to hold back. He reached out and moved it, as he did so Kitty placed her lips onto the back of his hand. They had both longed for this moment.
He ran his hand down the side of her face; he traced the contours of her neck. His hand slipped inside her bodice, and touched the soft lines of her chemise. The warmth of her body, surged like flames through his fingers, he was on fire and wanted more. Desire made him bolder, and he traced the line of her breast, then her nipple. He caressed the tip, there was a sharp intake of breath, James knew then she was untouched, a virgin. There was innocence beneath her skirts and it was his for the taking. Kitty murmured her pleasure. She allowed his hand to continue its journey of discovery.
He swept her off her feet and carried her to the bed. For both of them it was too late to turn back.
***
After James had slipped away, Kitty reflected on the past two hours, of lovemaking she had experienced.
The tenderness James bestowed upon her, his words of endearment that sent tingles around her body. Her body ached for more.
Thankfully no one can read my mind. Did James feel the same?
She could still smell him on her skin, a masculine soap, and citrus mix. With reluctance she poured cold water into a bowl, and washed her body. The room was cool, and the water made her shiver. She slid her nightgown quickly over her head. How she wished it was James touching her body and not yards of fabric.
A new chapter in her life had begun and she hoped it would never end. The bedclothes still felt warm from their bodies; again she could smell his personal scent. Kitty inhaled deeply and curled up to embrace a most welcomed night's sleep.
Chapter 23
Mystery
Reading was still one of Kitty's greatest pleasures; she had improved so much over the years. Thanks to her friends at the bookshops, she had collected a wide variety of reading material and William had built her a bookcase to house her small library. Her favourite book was still Little Women; she had read it more than once. She often stroked the cover and remembered how it brought her and James together. Even if she never read it again she would not part with it. It had become a sentimental keepsake. She had written a few lines of her feelings of love towards James and tucked it into the pages. She usually chose her books by their cover, the colours attracted her. She loved to look at them in their rows, pretty friends just waiting for her to choose one to release its knowledge. Once the evening chores and sewing were done, she would settle in her chair by the fire and read by candle light. Arthur still gave her lessons; geography was the latest subject they covered. He had given her instructions on Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Tonight he was going to teach her and Patrick about the Americas and the story of the Pilgrim Fathers who had ventured across the waters. How brave the men and women were. Kitty admired those who had courage and followed their dreams. Her dream of Buttons and Bows had been fulfilled. She adored her shop and she was proud of her achievements.
The hotpot aroma wafted around the kitchen and she busied herself waiting for the arrival of her two friends. Several weeks previous, Patrick had expressed an interest in Geography. Arthur discussed the idea of Patrick joining them for lessons at Kitty's home and Kitty agreed. Patrick could read, thanks to the education law. He told Kitty he was determined not to waste the chance he had been given. He had watched her work towards her business. He admired her independence and wanted the same for himself. He did not want to remain a dockworker.
The two men knocked and entered at the agreed time. They seemed to fill the small kitchen. Kitty laughed as they jostled and bumped into each other. She looked forward to the evening ahead.
‘My, supper smells good, Kitty. To what are we being treated to tonight?’
‘Oh Arthur, you know exactly what it is. Do I not always cook you your favourite; hotpot?’
Kitty laughed and passed a plate full of steaming vegetables to Arthur.
‘Do you know Patrick, every time he visits, Arthur says the same thing. Help yourself to the meat?’
Arthur grinned as he accepted the plate and pretended to be indignant.
‘I do not.’
‘Yes you do, now eat.’
Throughout the banter, Patrick had eaten his meal.
‘If this is food to learn by, I hope you serve it again, it is delicious. You are a wise man, and have good taste Arthur.’
Once the dishes were cleared, Kitty prepared the table for the lesson. They were soon in deep discussion about the adventures of the Pilgrim Fathers.
‘I think I would very much like to travel to America. My only quandary would be the long sea journey.’ Kitty looked at the map Arthur had brought with him.
Patrick nodded with agreement.
‘I too would like to go. They said it took sixty-five days for the Pilgrims to cross the sea. Not sure I would like to be seasick that long.’
’ I would not last a day without feeling queasy. Papa took me on a riverboat one summer. It is said I looked green around the gills by the time we arrived at Greenwich.’
‘A pretty green I am sure.’ Chuckled Arthur.
He turned and addressed Patrick.
‘Do you remember your journey from Ireland, Patrick?’
Patrick traced his finger around an embroidered flower on the tablecloth.
‘I remember certain things. Such as smells from the boat. And seeing London for the first time. Ma was so pleased we had landed safely, she cried. William looked so big next to my da’ he had lost so much weight during the trip. I really cannot remember that much, Arthur to be honest.’
Arthur smiled and turned to Kitty as he spoke.
‘Yes, William is a big man with a kind heart. His daughter has the same goodness in her.’
‘Away with you Arthur. Now let us hear more about the pilgrims and less about me and my father.’
An hour of interesting chat and discovery passed. Arthur excused himself and went out to the yard. Patrick sat puffing on his pipe.
‘You are aware someone in this room tonight is fond of you, are you not Kitty?’
Kitty turned to him in shock. His forward manner was most uncalled for and she spoke in a hushed whisper.
‘Patrick. Stop it please. Arthur proposed and I turned him down. We have moved forward from that day. Do not ruin this evening with quips such as that.’
‘But-‘Patrick stopped talking. Kitty had swung her arm in a playful gesture and knocked the papers from the table. They bent down to retrieve them. One or two had floated further under the table and Kitty reached out for them.
Arthur's bag lay by one of the table legs, and a paper had settled across the top of it. Kitty snatched it up and as she did so she noticed something shining in the top corner of the opening. She peeped inside, curios
ity getting the better or her.
The contents puzzled her. Instead of his usual array of books and papers, Arthur normally brought with him, the bag contained an unusual collection of items. Knives, rags and several metal objects she did not recognise.
Saying nothing to Patrick, she pushed the bag shut. He would tease her for being nosey. Plus it had been wrong to touch Arthur's private property. However, they were strange objects for him to carry. Maybe they were to do with the hospital.
Yes. That is what they look like, hospital instruments.
Arthur returned to the table and the lesson continued but Kitty was distracted. She could not stop thinking about the contents of the bag that lay near her feet. She was bursting to ask Arthur why he carried such strange equipment.
Arthur is a journalist, what is he doing with knives?
She tried hard to concentrate on his voice, but her thoughts drifted along an imaginary path.
Maybe they belonged to a friend. One of the doctors at the hospital or a butcher. Yes they could belong to old Tennant and Arthur had them sharpened for him.
‘That was a splendid lesson, Arthur. You are a library of knowledge. Thank you.’ Patrick shook Arthur’s hand and Kitty was shaken out of her daydream.
‘I agree. Thank you, Arthur. Before you go, I have a small treat for you both. I have been experimenting with new embroidery ideas. Here is yours, Arthur, and this is yours, Patrick.’
She handed them a handkerchief with their initials embroidered in one corner.
‘I have one extra gift for you, Arthur. Patrick will benefit from it eventually if he keeps up with our lessons.’
She handed him a small pocket book, The Evolution of Man.
‘What an excellent gift, Kitty. Thank you. It is extremely generous of you.’
Kitty smiled. ‘It is a token of our friendship, Arthur. A thank you gift from a pupil to her tutor.’
Kitty had decided to buy Arthur the gift when she last visited the market. She still felt guilty about turning his proposal of marriage down. His lessons were valuable to her, and she wanted to find a way to balance their friendship again.