Kent Ashton's Backstory (Prequel to Catching Kent)

by Ruth Ann Nordin

  Not if I can help it, Kent thought.

  “We’ll take our leave,” Mr. Dawson said and motioned for Alex to follow him and the tailor out of the parlor.

  Mr. Ashton followed them to the front door, once again commending Mr. Dawson and Alex for their kindness and generosity. Kent resisted the urge to roll his eyes. His father was only nice to them because of their wealth.

  After they left, his father returned to the parlor, his eyes lit up with excitement. “Do you know who Mr. Dawson is?”

  Kent shrugged as he poured himself some water from the pitcher on the table. “Alex’s father?”

  “Oh, he’s much more than that.” His father approached him and took the glass out of his hand before he could take a drink. “Mr. Dawson donates significant funds to your school.”

  “That’s why Alex is allowed to get away with his pranks,” he muttered.

  “Don’t begrudge a young man the need to laugh.”

  Kent couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Are you defending what Alex did?”

  “There was no sustaining harm in it. His father made amends, and you’re gaining three new suits.”

  “You weren’t so happy when you saw my clothes.”

  His father drank the water and set the empty glass on the table. “That was before I knew how influential Mr. Dawson is. Now that I know, we must act accordingly. You will be friends with Alex.”

  He grimaced.

  “You must do this for me, Kent. You are here to build connections and establish yourself in this community. You will do whatever it takes to do that. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes,” he forced out.

  “Good. Now, I will tell your mother the good news. The strain we’ve been under hasn’t been good for her health.”

  With a shake of his head, he picked up another glass and poured water into it. His mother with her endless headaches… Headaches that could only be cured with money. He drank the water and slammed the glass on the table. He didn’t care what his father wanted. He wouldn’t stoop to the level of pretending to like someone he didn’t. There was no way he was going to be like his father.

  Chapter Two

  Two weeks later, Kent waited by the oak tree in front of the school. Classes ended for the day, but he hesitated to go home. He shifted from one foot to the other and watched the campus lawn as students left the building. He wanted to see Ann Statesman. Maybe today she’d be alone. So far, she’d been with her friend Agnes Brothers. Sometimes Agnes’ older brother, Todd, was with them. Maybe no one would accompany her today. Ever since he met her in class, he hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind. He’d wanted to talk to her sooner but didn’t know what to say. This time he had planned some things he could say to her.

  “Hi, Kent.”

  He turned around and saw that Rebecca Johnson was standing behind him. Glancing back at the school where he didn’t see Ann, he said, “Hi,” and reluctantly turned his attention back to Rebecca. “Do you need something?”

  She shook her head. “No. I just wanted to see how things are going. Adjusting to a new place and all. It must be difficult.”

  “Not really. One place is as good as another.”

  “I’ve been to New York. It was a year ago, and I got to see the Statue of Liberty. Did you ever see it?”

  He looked back at the school entrance. “Yes. A couple of times.” Catching sight of Ann leaving the school, he said, “I have to go. I’m glad you enjoyed your trip to New York. Please excuse me.”

  He hurried over to Ann. She was alone today! If he didn’t act quick, he might not get another chance to talk to her for a long time. “Ann!” he called out.

  Ann turned to face him and smiled. “Good afternoon, Kent.”

  When he caught up to her, he gestured to her books. “I’d be happy to carry those home for you.”

  Blushing, she nodded and handed them to him. “Thank you.”

  “Which way do you live?”

  “I’m four blocks in that direction.” She pointed down the sidewalk.

  He fell in step beside her, his heart beating with excitement. As long as he didn’t say anything foolish, he might get a chance to court her. “That’s not far from where I am. I’m three blocks further away from here.”

  “Oh, your family is the one who moved into the Hubbards’ old residence.”

  “I suppose. I didn’t take note of who lived there before.”

  “They were an elderly couple. They moved to Boston to be closer to their son.”

  An image of his parents moving closer to be near him made his skin crawl. His hope was to return to New York and send them money as they needed it. He hoped they had the same idea.

  “We talked briefly before, shortly after your arrival here,” she began, her cheeks a lovely shade of pink.

  “Yes, I remember.” Like he could ever forget the moment she walked into the classroom and everything else around him had faded so she became his focal point. Recalling Todd, whom she’d been talking to in a friendly manner, he said, “I wasn’t too forward in introducing myself, was I? I didn’t think anything of it at the time, but I did interrupt the conversation you were having with Todd.”

  “No, you didn’t interrupt anything. I’ve known Todd for as long as I can remember.” After a moment of silence, she added, “I’ve also known Alex for almost that long. I hope you don’t think we’re all the same way he is, pulling pranks that aren’t as funny as he thinks they are.”

  He grimaced. The afternoon when Alex ruined his pants still bothered him. “I didn’t think anyone else was the same as him.”

  “Good. Because we’re not.”

  “He doesn’t seem to bother most people.”

  She shook her head and adjusted her hat to better shield her eyes from the sun. “I think it’s because his father is a prominent member of society. Plus, many students have respect for Todd, and he’s close friends with him.”

  Since she’d brought up Todd again, he wondered if she harbored romantic feelings toward him. “So,” he began, wondering how he could best word his question, “has Todd asked to court you?”

  Her eyes grew wide and she gasped. “No! My family is well acquainted with his, but that’s all there is to it. I have no desire to marry him.”

  Relieved, he relaxed his hold on her books. That was the best news he’d received since he came here. His parents wanted to see him marry a young woman from a wealthy family, and she caught his interest. Perhaps he could marry her and satisfy his parents.

  “I hear there’s much to do in New York.”

  “There is. Theatre, art, music… It’s a place filled with culture. I’d like to return there once I find a job after we graduate.”

  “Oh.”

  Noting the slight disappointment in her voice, he ventured, “And of course, I’d take the lady I marry with me.”

  Her cheeks grew a brighter shade of pink and her smile widened. “Oh?”

  Sensing her interest, he grinned. “I can tell you more about New York sometime.”

  “I’d love to learn more about it. I only know what a friend told me, and she made it sound fascinating.”

  “It is. There’s always something exciting to do.” They reached her house, and his steps slowed. “Thank you for letting me walk you home.” He waited until they reached her front door before he handed her the books. “May I walk you home tomorrow?”

  “Yes, you may.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  He waited until she entered her house before he headed home, feeling much better about his future than he had since he moved to Virginia.

  ***

  “I’m afraid I can’t grant your request,” Mr. Statesman replied from where he sat in his chair.

  Kent stared at Ann’s father, wondering what he said or did that upset the older gentleman. But he couldn’t come up with anything. Adjusting his tie, Kent sat up straighter in the chair, unwilling to leave the parlor until he got his next answer. “Si
r, if you don’t mind my asking, why do you deny me the privilege of courting your daughter?”

  Mr. Statesman let out a long sigh. “There are some things I can’t adequately explain.”

  He furrowed his eyebrows. “I’ve walked your daughter home from school for a month now, and I confessed my admiration and respect for her. She seems to share the same sentiment toward me.” He paused before continuing, “I’m aware that you are seeking a young man to court your daughter. Why am I not suitable?”

  Her father shook his head. “These matters are complicated.”

  “I don’t understand how complicated they can be when you were trying to arrange something with Alex Dawson and Ann has stated her disapproval of Alex many times.” As soon as he spoke the words, he wished he could take them back. Ann had told him that in confidence.

  He narrowed his eyes at him. “I don’t believe I have to explain what I do or don’t do to you. The answer to your earlier question is no. You do not have my permission to court my daughter.”

  Kent knew that was all he’d get from her father. Reluctant, he rose from the chair and managed a stiff bow. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Statesman.”

  As he left Ann’s house, his face burned with anger. If her father had just explained why he refused his request, then the sting wouldn’t be so great. But there was no reason for it. And the fact that Kent knew her father had said yes to so many other men and tried to arrange something with other fathers added additional insult to the rejection. What was wrong with him? He’d taken care to be respectful when he talked to Ann, and he honestly cared for her. So why had her father said no? And was there anything he could do to get into his good graces?

  ***

  “You tell the most amusing stories,” Kent’s mother gushed after Mr. Johnson finished telling everyone his experience at the billiard room.

  Kent’s father, Mrs. Johnson, and Rebecca all chuckled along with his mother. Kent forced a polite smile, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t forget Ann. It’d been two weeks since Mr. Statesman refused to let him court her. He’d told Ann her father’s answer and saw the disappointment in her eyes. But what could he do? He was bound by the rules of polite society, and if her father didn’t want him to be with her, there was nothing he could do about it.

  Swallowing the lump in his throat, he lifted the steak to his mouth and forced himself to eat it. For all the flavoring the Johnsons’ cook used, it was tasteless to him. He couldn’t enjoy anything without Ann. It was like losing Wilma all over again, except worse because he loved Ann more. She was vibrant and full of life. She was the kind of lady who could make a gentleman forget everything but her, and she gave him a reason to believe in the best life had to offer.

  “Kent?”

  Blinking, he directed his attention to his father. He cleared his throat. “Yes, Father?”

  “Perhaps you’d be willing to entertain everyone after this fine dinner?” Turning to Mr. Johnson, he added, “My son has been playing the piano since he was five. He can play some of the masterpieces written by famous composers, Beethoven being one of them.”

  “He can?” Mrs. Johnson asked, her smile widening with pleasure. “Rebecca has a lovely voice. Perhaps your son could play while she sings?”

  “That would be delightful!” Kent’s mother replied. “Wouldn’t that be delightful, Kent?”

  Kent’s gaze went from his mother to his father who indicated he’d better agree to it. Ever since he told his parents that Mr. Statesman had refused to let him court Ann, he’d been afraid they would try to pair him up with Rebecca, and now they were doing it. He glanced at Rebecca. She gave him a shy smile, which he returned only because he was expected to. The last thing he wanted to do was encourage her.

  “Excellent!” his father said, nodding his approval at Kent.

  After the meal was over, Mr. Johnson escorted everyone to the parlor. He gestured toward the grand piano. “There she is, Kent. Thumb through the music book and see if there’s anything you know.”

  “Oh, he can play anything as soon as he sees it,” Kent’s father replied, patting Kent on the shoulder. “Perhaps we ought to let Rebecca pick the song.” Looking at her, he asked, “What would you like to sing?”

  Rebecca approached the piano and opened the book. “I hope no one minds if I sing ‘All Things Love Thee So Do I’?”

  “It’s her favorite song,” Mrs. Johnson said, sitting next to Kent’s mother on the settee. “I just love to hear her sing it. She has the voice of an angel.”

  “Then we must hear it,” Kent’s father agreed, motioning for Kent to play for them.

  Glancing at the grandfather clock, Kent settled onto the bench and scanned the music. It looked like a simple enough tune. He tested out the scale on the piano and played a portion of the melody. When he had a good feel for the music, he began the song. Rebecca soon joined in with the lyrics, and to his surprise, she had a beautiful voice. In some ways, it was hypnotic. It pulled him in and made him feel the emotion in the song, a deep abiding love, a deep longing. His thoughts went to Ann. Why did her father refuse to let him court her? He saw no reason for the gentleman’s refusal, and as much as he tried to push it aside, it continued to bother him.

  When he finished the song, everyone clapped and called for another one. He glanced at Rebecca to see if she had another piece she’d like to sing, but she encouraged him to pick one. After sorting through the book, he showed her “The Sailor Boy’s Grave” and asked if she knew the lyrics.

  “No, I don’t. Are you familiar with the music?” she asked him.

  He nodded. “You can read them while I play.”

  “I’ll do so.”

  The arrangement was made and his fingers moved across the piano with ease. If nothing else, the evening was enjoyable simply because he was playing music. Sometimes it seemed that nothing could soothe the soul like a good melody. It was unfortunate his parents didn’t have a grand piano. He’d play it all the time.

  After an hour passed, his father stood up and announced that it was time to leave. While Rebecca’s parents and his talked about the lovely evening they had, Rebecca sat next to Kent.

  “Our parents get along remarkably well,” she said, leaning closer to him than he preferred.

  He glanced over his shoulder, but no one noticed them. Clearing his throat, he shifted away from her and closed the book. “Yes, they do.”

  “And we have so much talent. Few are as musically inclined as we are.”

  “Um…I suppose.”

  “My parents say you come from a noble bloodline. Do you really have an ancestor who was a prince?”

  “That was in the late eighteenth century, but I’m not a direct descendant.”

  He traced the white and black keys. He really missed spending time at the piano. Rebecca let out a high-pitch laugh, and he had to fight the urge to wince.

  “It doesn’t matter if you’re a direct descendant or not,” she said with a wave of her hand. “The fact that one is in your history is important. It means you’re better than other kinds of people.”

  He directed his gaze to her. “What kind of people?”

  “You know the kind. People who have nothing to commend themselves. You and I have much in common. We’re old money. We’re established. Some families in town aren’t.” She lowered her voice and leaned toward him. “You shouldn’t waste your time with such persons. After all, does a prince marry a nobody who managed to be adopted into a family who recently acquired their wealth because of a lucky investment?”

  Her meaning dawned on him. Ann had told him she’d been adopted. The matter hadn’t bothered him, neither had the fact that her father hadn’t been born rich. Apparently, it bothered some of the people in town, including the Johnsons. He glanced at Rebecca’s parents who were conversing with his parents as if they were old friends. He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. If her parents only knew the truth about his family, they wouldn’t have anything to do with them.

&nb
sp; “Come along, Kent,” his mother called out. “We must be going.”

  “Yes,” his father added. “Perhaps you and Rebecca might delight us with another performance in the future?”

  “We’d love to,” Rebecca said with another shrill laugh.

  “Wonderful.” His father shot Kent a meaningful look. “Isn’t that wonderful, Kent?”

  Swallowing the lump in his throat, Kent nodded. “Wonderful.” And he was already dreading it.

  Chapter Three

  “Kent?”

  He turned from the carriage in time to see Ann hurrying in his direction. His heart sped up at the sight of her. It always sped up when she was near. Turning to the driver, he said, “Take the carriage on home without me.”

  The driver nodded and Kent headed in her direction. “Ann, I don’t know if your father would approve of you talking to me.”

  She lifted the front of her hat up and tilted her head, showing him the most beautiful eyes he’d ever seen. “Won’t you ask him if you can court me? Please?”

  Making sure no one passing by on the street would hear them, he gestured for her to walk with him to a more vacant area. Once there, he lowered his voice. “I already did. He said no.”

  “I meant that I need you to ask him again.”

  “If he said no the first time, what makes you think he’ll say yes the second?”

  She clenched the purse in her hands and sighed. “If you don’t find a way to get him to say yes, he’ll arrange for me to marry Todd. I just know he will. My parents have been pushing me to marry him for months now and day by day, it only gets worse.”

  “But I thought your father promised that you could choose the man you marry.”

  “And I choose you. Kent, if you don’t do something, then I’ll be forced to marry someone I don’t love. Do you really want that?”

  “No, of course not. Ann, I…”

  With a sigh, his gaze met hers and he fought the urge to embrace her. He wanted nothing more than to hold her. If he had enough money, he’d suggest eloping and running off to a place where no one would find them. But he didn’t have more than a few coins to his name. Without her family’s money, he couldn’t give her the things she was accustomed to.