by Carolyn Bond
“Lily?” she heard Bettie calling with a strained voice.
“Bettie? Bettie, are you alright?”
Bettie bustled around the corner, “There you are! I’ve been calling for you. Are you alright?”
“Oh! Yes, sorry! I was just deep in thought and didn’t hear you.”
“Oh, good. Poor dear. You must be worried about your people. I understand.” Bettie took her by the hand, “Darlin, come upstairs and I’ll show you your room.”
She followed Bettie up the stairs and tried to reel her thoughts into order. They walked the length of the hallway and turned into the last door on the back side of the house. A chill tingled her arms under her sleeves. The room was cool as though it had been closed up for months.
“This is an extra room we keep for guests. It hasn’t been used in a while so it will take a few hours to warm.”
Lily noticed a small glow of fire in the fireplace. Despite the room being closed up for a while, Lily didn’t see any dust. She wondered if Bettie had just cleaned the room from top to bottom and decided the woman must be lightning fast.
“It’s lovely. Are you sure you don’t mind me staying here?”
“Oh, no, darlin’. You’re family. This is your home too. I’m certain you would draw me in to your home if ever I was to come to your neck of the woods.”
Lily tried to imagine Bettie in 2018. “Of course! I couldn’t imagine anything else.”
“Well, then. It’s all good. You make yourself at home. We have an outhouse but in the winter months, we use a chamber pot under the bed. I’m sorry, but I don’t have servants. We just haven’t been able to afford them. If you would just dump it in the outhouse after breakfast in the mornings, then you don’t have to go outside during the night to do your business.”
“Oh sure! I can do that.”
“When I get up I put on a pot of water to boil and I’ll bring you a pitcher of wash water.”
“Thank you. What can I do to help you?”
“I appreciate that, honeycakes. You can help me when I need it. Now, I need to tend to the wash. I’ll let you have a minute to get your bearings.” Bettie closed the door behind her as she left.
Lily wrapped her arms around herself. It felt safe to be tucked into a bedroom where she belonged despite not belonging in this time at all. She was an intruder. An alien. She had no idea how it really happened and even worse, she had no idea how to get home. The comfort she felt of being taken in by her ancestors covered the deep knowledge that she was a fraud. She couldn’t reciprocate Bettie’s offer if her life depended on it. Her home in Frankfort wasn’t even built yet.
She crossed to the windows. Dark green wool curtains framed the south-facing window where the light shown through and made a quartered square that stretched across a woven grass rug on the floor. Small bubbles of air were trapped in the glass panes. As her focus shifted to the landscape behind the house, her breath caught as a zing of pleasure scorched her abdomen. Evan was swinging the ax above his head. His body strained to control the movement and she could make out the tense muscles of his thighs under the cloth of his breeches. His determined look gave her a zeal of delight as she imagined him focusing on loving her with such tenacity. Despite the cool weather, a film of perspiration glistened on his brow.
Who was this man, she wondered. Could she let herself be caught up in her feelings of attraction for a man old enough to be her grandfather’s grandfather? Of course, she thought, he sure doesn’t look like anyone’s grandfather right now. But, she wondered, what would a life with him be like? Is he just looking for someone to have his babies and keep his house? After all, being born in the 20th century makes her a different kind of woman than he could imagine.
Her thoughts drifted into disjointed feelings and her eyes focused on the landscape before her again. The barren trees formed a protective barrier around a small field for a garden and beyond that forests and fields spread as far as the horizon. The dull brown December landscape echoed her feelings exactly. Dense thickets and spent fields mirrored her heart.
She realized the sounds had changed. The cracking of splitting wood was replaced by a serene whistle of a breeze through the gaps in the window. The sensation of someone watching her made the hairs on her scalp tingle. He was standing with his feet spread in a casual stance, his hands clasped over the handle of the ax, and a pleased grin had spread across his face. When he had her attention, he bowed and rose, and blew her a kiss.
Her first thought was shock and she nearly bolted from the window, but catching herself with a hand on the curtain, she laughed. His comfortable charm enveloped her. She shook her head, smiling, and waved him away as she turned. She couldn’t help but find him incredibly intoxicating.
Chapter 4 – One-Room Schoolhouse
William Black strode through the front door, closing it with his left hand without looking back. His dark brown eyes were searching. Jet black hair lay in tamed curly locks across the crown of his head held in place with shiny pomade. As he passed through the foyer, the light of the oil wall sconce reflected in the tumbled waves. A strong jawline that ended with long black sideburns, lanky arms and legs, and his tall, strong physique all gave him a subtle imposing presence. He wore a practical brown wool suit with a white shirt showing at the neck and cuffs and brown boots that had a softened look of age but impeccable polish.
“Bettie?” he called out gently as crossed the room. He craned his neck looking around He was a contradiction of gentleness and persistence.
“Darlin!” her melodic voice sang out from the kitchen just before the swishing of her skirts could be heard. William’s head riveted to the sound and the two of them nearly collided in the hallway between the rooms. Lights danced in his eyes as the smile spread across his face. His arm laced under her arm and around her tiny waist pulling her into him as it went. She let him gather her in and melted into his side.
“Sweet man,” her tiny fingers caressed his ear, “I’m so glad you’re home.”
He bent his head down to her and tenderly kissed her mouth. Then said, “My love, you are my home.”
He hugged her to his chest and inhaled the sweet scent of her rose water perfume.
Pulling back to share the news, she said, “Darlin, did you get the message that our cousin is here and she is a teacher?”
“Yes, I did. I’m anxious to become acquainted. Where is she?”
They walked into the parlor arm and arm. “Here she is! I would like you to meet our cousin Lily Wallingsford of Frankfort.” Turning to Lily, “Lily, this is my dear husband, William Black.”
Lily had been looking at a dried star fish with a magnifying glass when they came in. She set them down and held her breath as she turned. It wasn’t every day you meet your grandfather four generations back. She had heard stories about the two of them. They were a legend. Now, staring at the two of them standing before her with their arms around each other, she was not disappointed. William stood over six feet tall, towering above Bettie. Of course, she’d always heard of her as Sarah Elizabeth but in the years between, the nick-name had gotten lost. An unmistakable aura surrounded them and permeated into the room. Love defined them.
He released Bettie and stepped forward to Lily, reaching for her hand. She let him take it. She expected a shock wave of electricity when he first touched her, but she only felt the warmth of his calloused strong hand.
“My cousin, it’s a pleasure. Welcome to our home.”
By some compulsion ingrained into her, she curtsied and bobbed her head, saying, “Thank you.”
“Please have a seat,” he gestured to a red velvet sofa. “I don’t believe I have had the pleasure of meeting you. I do apologize.”
“Oh no! Please don’t apologize. We keep to ourselves.”
“So what business brings you to Stephensport? Is your father with you?”
“Uh, no. I traveled with another woman but she went on to Owensboro. I don’t seem to recall what happened next, but I ended up in
the creek. Mr. McEwen found me. All we can assume is the carriage was robbed and they fled with it and my things.”
“I see.” He stared at her as though sizing up the story. Lily held her breath. “I will send word to your parents first thing in the morning. They will want to know, of course.”
Panic seized her. She could give him the real names of her parents and then maybe the telegram would just get lost. But, what if it didn’t? What if word came back that no one by that name existed? It would make them suspicious. She would have to send the letter. Only then could she have control over her story.
“Oh, let me. I would like to send it. I’ll let them know how kind you have been to let me stay.”
William looked concerned. It occurred to her the responsibility he would feel for her. As a woman, she had to constantly be looked after by a male relative. She tried not to roll her eyes at her own revelation.
“I’m not sure. I would feel better sending it myself. If I were your father, I would feel better hearing from the man of the house.”
“I’m sure you’re right, sir. However, I know this will scare them, so, perhaps a message in my own words would allay their fears.”
He considered her suggestion before answering, “I understand your sentiment, however, I cannot shirk my responsibility. If you would like to include a note, that would be fine, but I will be sending out a letter first thing tomorrow.”
Lily tried not to show the panic she felt. There was no way around him. Apparently, men in this time were not so easily persuaded.
“Bettie said you might be available to teach at our school until we find a new teacher, but I’m sure you will want to get back to your family, won’t you?”
“Oh. Well. I came here to spend some time getting to know you all. If you don’t mind me around for a while, I would be happy to fill in at your school.”
“I see. Of course we would welcome time to get acquainted. I also can’t deny what a help it would be to have a qualified teacher. The last three we had were useless ninnies.”
“What made them useless?” She was fishing to see what not to do.
“They were young. Barely children themselves. They could not handle the boys. Therefore, there was no order. No discipline.”
“I see.”
“How long have you been teaching?”
“Fourt—I mean four years,” she corrected.
“What would you say is your strongest talent in teaching?”
She thought a moment. It had been a long time since she had been through an interview. “Differentiating instruction to the individual needs of each student.” She said it with confidence, certain that this was the most important quality in a teacher. At least a teacher in 2018. She wasn’t at all sure what a teacher in 1889 would be prized for.
He sat in the occasional chair closest to Bettie who was listening intently. He pinched the ends of his handle bar mustache. “Did you say ‘different aiding’?”
She realized he didn’t know what the word was. It was probably a new concept made up in her time. “It’s like that, ‘different aiding’. It’s where you teach to each child’s needs rather than teaching one lesson for all kids.”
“How else would you teach students in multiple grades?”
Her mind locked up. She had always complained to other teachers that she had at least seven different levels of reading ability in her 4th grade class. At least they were all about ten years old. She tried to wrap her head around the idea of having a class that ranged in age from six to fourteen. A first grader sitting with a high school freshman. Yes, that would be differentiating.
“Right, well, that tells you I can do it.” She tried to sound confident.
“You have a point there. The last girl gave one lesson and the little ones cried and the older ones got bored and ran roughshod over her.” He paused to gauge her reaction. He must have determined she was worth a shot because he then told her, “Then if you are sure, let’s have you start tomorrow. Understand you will have to be a substitute until the town council can meet and agree. They may stop by the school to observe your methods.”
“That will be fine. What time does school begin?”
“Eight o’clock.”
***
The next morning Lily stood next to Mr. Black in the front of the classroom. She scanned the faces of the young pupils. It was mid-year and the fresh excitement of returning to school was long gone. They looked at her from head to toe as though sizing her up.
“Students,” Mr. Black began, “I would like to introduce Miss Wallingsford. She will be your teacher for a while as we continue to look for a permanent teacher. Please give her your best behavior.”
With a short bow to her, he turned and practically darted from the classroom.
Some people just aren’t comfortable in a classroom, she thought. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves and set the tone. She knew the best way to begin with a new group of students was to practice classroom behavior drills and team building exercises.
With her smoothest teacher voice and a big smile, she started, “Good morning, class. I’m so glad to be your teacher. I know we are going to have a great time learning—“
She stopped mid-sentence when the door opened and a tall, lanky young man stepped into the classroom. She sucked in a breath as her eyes opened wide. She wondered if he had seen her come into the school and followed her. Surely he was not planning to try to assault her in front of the children.
Gaining her strength, “Excuse me! What are you doing here?”
He stopped when he saw her and an oily grin spread across his face. “Well I was coming t’ school,” he said with a snarky tone, “but I’d come sooner if I’d known we had a saucy new teacher.” He slid into a seat without taking his eyes off her.
Her heart was pounding. She gripped the edge of her desk behind her trying to collect her thoughts. Not twenty-four hours earlier, this boy tried to assault her. She forced herself to look away and her eyes landed on a tiny little girl in the front row. Her long brown braids lay over the shoulders of her dark blue dress. The girl’s blue eyes watched her with such an innocent gaze. Lily wondered how different this girl was than little girls her age in 2018. She knew that little girls she taught looked at her as though she were a super hero.
That was all Lily needed. The faith of this little girl welled up in her. She determined that the tall boy needed her as much as the little girl. She just had to figure out how to reach him.
“Students, let’s go over a few rules to make it easier for everyone to have fun learning.” A stillness crept through the room. She noticed a few students looking at her confused. “Surely you have had rules in this school. Why the confused looks?”
A hand shot up in the second row. A boy that looked to be about nine or ten squirmed in his seat before asking, “Ma’am, what does fun have to do with school?”
Her heart sank. “For a few days until I learn your names, please tell me your name when you are called on. What is your name?”
“I’m Thomas, ma’am.”
“Thank you. Help me understand what your routine has been so far this year, Thomas.”
“We sing hymns. Then we memorize scripture verses and come to you to be checked. Then we have lunch for an hour. Then we learn geography. Then the girls learn sewing or go home early while the boys practice writing and arithmetic. Then we go home at 3:00.”
Lily’s mind was reeling. “So you use the bible as your reading book? That’s how you learn to read?”
Thomas nodded.
“And the girls don’t learn to write or do math?”
“You mean arithmetic? No. They don’t need to.”
Lily glanced from one girl’s face to the next. Most were expressionless, but she noticed at least two that pursed their lips in displeasure of this system.
“You, you in the pink dress.” She had noticed her frown at the boy’s explanation. “Do you want to learn arithmetic?”
“My name is F
aith, ma’am. Yes. I want to learn arithmetic. I know I can understand it if someone taught me.”
“Yes. I agree, Faith.” She looked at them all trying to figure out how to proceed. “You, young man in the back,” she looked at the tall boy. “What do you want to learn about?”
He smirked and stared at her briefly, then said, “I don’t want to learn nothing. I only come here because my pop will beat me senseless if I cut school.”
“Well, what do you plan to do when you get done with school? How old are you?”
He swelled up as big as his chest would go, “I’m fourteen. I’m getting as far from this town as possible, as soon as I can. I got a job lined up on a steamboat.”
“I see. That sounds exciting.”
“Yeah. Well, a monkey’s elbow would probably excite you, too, then.”
Laughter broke out among the older boys who also watched to see how she would handle the disrespect.
“What did you say your name was,” she paused before adding, “sir?”
He stopped laughing with his buddies and turned. He looked down his nose at her but with parted lips of surprise. She knew he expected her to blast him. She had purposely tried to reach him in a different way. If he wanted to get far away from this town, it was possibly likely because he wasn’t getting any respect as a person in some part of his life. He didn’t feel valued.
“Uh, my name is Joseph,” pausing, “ma’am.”
She smiled at him in thanks for the respect reciprocated. “Joseph, I don’t know what job you have lined up on the steamboat, but if you knew how to read maps, factor speed and distance formulas, and calculate coal consumption, do you think you would have a better chance being successful in that career?”