“Happy New Year!” Booth blew a horn to celebrate the beginning of the year 1923. “This will be the best year of our lives.”
Hestia blew a horn, too. She wasn’t sure she could agree with Booth. The year promised to be interesting, but it also possessed the potential for much heartbreak. Now that she’d been in Maiden awhile, she had become attached to the town and its people. The town felt more like home than Haw River.
Booth tapped her on the shoulder with his horn. “A penny for your thoughts.”
“They’re not worth a penny.”
He nudged her. “What are you thinking about? Really?”
She hesitated. “Maiden. And Haw River.”
“You want to go back, don’t you?”
She looked into his blue eyes. “No. Not anymore.”
Sitting up in bed, Selene placed her hand on her expanding belly. Since her fall, the doctor had insisted on complete bed rest. On the one hand, she welcomed the excuse not to do chores. On the other, her boredom had only increased with lack of mobility. At least she could anticipate the birth. The baby kicked and moved most days, and she felt love for the little life growing inside her. She wished she didn’t have to give up her baby, even to a nice family. A family with a husband. A family with a father.
She read yet another letter from Flora. She skimmed over the news, skipping to the only part that mattered:
Ned and his wife have been scarce lately. They don’t show up at any parties. I ran into her at Macy’s the other day. Can you believe she’s already in a family way? I’ll bet that’s the only reason he married her.
The skunk.
Hestia entered. “What’s wrong, Selene? You look upset. Did Flora’s letter vex you? If it did, I’ll tell her to stop writing.”
“No, don’t do that. I have to keep up with the news if I hope to resume my life once I get back to New York.” Though she said that, she noticed her stomach didn’t jump with anticipation at the thought of returning to the city. Not like it used to.
“Artie’s here.”
One of the reasons why New York no longer seemed as appealing. “Oh?” She glanced at the clock on the nightstand table. “Oh. It’s already seven? He’s right on time.”
“Are you up to seeing him?”
“Of course. I always am.”
Since she and Artie had agreed to read the Bible together, Selene considered his visits the highlight of each evening. They talked about the passage they read that day. Artie had read many books and commentaries on the Bible, and he understood family lines better than she ever could. He also came prepared with maps and could show her locations of events. He made her readings come alive. Without him, she wasn’t sure she could have stuck with it. They always left the door to her room open so Artie’s lessons could be heard by Aunt Louisa and Hestia. Sometimes they would enter and listen to the lesson.
After Artie left that night, Selene took out her stationery.
Dear Flora:
Thank you for the news.
Artie and I are still studying the Bible. I know you think that’s silly and I’m just doing it because I’m bored. I admit, it might have started that way. But now I really look forward to studying the Word. I think you should try it, too.
She doubted Flora would listen, but she could at least try.
On February 14 Hestia woke up depressed. At first she didn’t know why, but she remembered all too soon. Not only was it Valentine’s Day, but she should have been married today. She didn’t long for Luther, but to be married. Then she realized all the more that marrying Luther would not have worked. She let out a sigh.
Selene rolled in the bed and sat up.
Hestia looked over at her sleepy-eyed cousin. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“It’s time to get up anyway. At least, getting up as much as is possible for me in this sorry state.” Her belly grew larger each day. Even blankets and the quilt couldn’t hide Selene’s new shape. “Ouch!”
“Is that a pain?”
“Not this time. The baby kicked again. I wish he’d be more careful.” Selene had gotten far enough along that everyone had taken to calling the baby he rather than it.
“Oh, he doesn’t know better.”
“I know, but that doesn’t change the fact that it hurts.” Selene rubbed her belly. “Things could have been so much different. I should be celebrating Valentine’s Day with Ned now. We should be husband and wife, and he should be bringing me breakfast in bed.”
“Somehow he doesn’t sound like the type to bring anyone breakfast in bed.”
Selene rolled her eyes. “I suppose not.”
Hestia lifted her arms, stretching her body. “Just think. Only one more month and you can go back to New York.”
“It might be a little more than that. The doctor isn’t exactly sure.”
“Is anyone ever exactly sure?” Hestia hugged her knees.
“Plus, I’ll have to stay awhile and recover.”
“That shouldn’t take you too long. You’re young and healthy.”
“Some days I don’t feel so young or healthy.” Selene frowned. “And I’m not sure about New York anymore. There was a time when I wanted nothing more than to go back. I longed for it every day. But now, I don’t know. Flora’s letters have changed. They don’t seem as friendly anymore.”
“I know what you mean. I don’t feel as much a part of Haw River as I once did. I don’t miss it as much, either.”
“I don’t miss some of the things about New York now, either. My outlook has changed. I don’t think I can go back to living the same way I did, now that I’ve been reading the Bible and seeing what it really has to say.”
Hestia’s heart warmed, but she had to caution her cousin. “I know you mean that, but do you think it will be easy to live this way once you go back to your old surroundings? Temptations await you in New York, temptations you don’t have here. And there’s no Aunt Louisa to hold you back.”
“Or Hestia.”
Hestia smiled. “I’m keeping you out of trouble, you think? How about Artie?”
“He helps. He does inspire me to do better. You know, when this happened, I was afraid no other man would ever look at me again. I’m not saying there’s anything romantic with Artie and me.” She stared ahead.
“I have a feeling you would like that if it happened.”
“Don’t tell anyone, least of all Artie. But yes. Yes, I would. And it’s not because of the baby, but because of Artie. And who he is.” She paused. “So what about you and Booth? Would you like him to be romantic with you?”
Hestia didn’t answer right away. She remembered that day when they had looked up in the sky, lying on a cushion of raked leaves. She could have sworn Booth came within a snail’s tooth of kissing her that day, and in her heart, she hoped another opportunity would arise. But nothing happened, so they simply remained friends.
“Well?” Selene prodded.
“I don’t harbor any hopes, since I’m still supposed to go back to Haw River.” Hestia couldn’t help but think her imminent departure held Booth back from expressing any strong romantic feelings. Whenever she was near him, she sensed his love.
“Supposed to go back? You mean it’s not definite any longer?”
“I’m sure Aunt Louisa would love me to stay with her. In fact, she’d love for both of us to stay indefinitely.”
“You, maybe, but Aunt Lou thinks I’m a handful.”
Hestia laughed. “I think you’ve changed quite a bit in actions and in heart.”
“Yes, I have. So you think you’ll end up being Aunt Louisa’s companion?”
“I don’t really think so. She’s not in the position to require a full-time companion here at home, and she has no desire to travel, so I wouldn’t be needed there. No, it’s Haw River for me.”
Later that day, the mail arrived. The idea depressed Hestia. She wouldn’t be getting any Valentine’s Day cards. She wished she could have cooked a meal for Booth, but since he hadn’t made romantic moves toward her, she didn’t want to ask him to dinner on Valentine’s Day.
Aunt Louisa beat her to the door to gather the mail. She riffled through the stack.
Hestia couldn’t resist teasing her aunt. “You seem anxious. Are you expecting greetings from a secret admirer?”
“Secret? I have many admirers, and some are not so secret.” Aunt Louisa gave her a mischievous smile as she held up an envelope that obviously contained a card. “See?” She handed her the rest of the mail.
“I hope there’s something in here for Selene.”
“I’m not so sure I am. She needs to have her baby and then put all this behind her.”
Hestia looked through the mail and took a couple of cards addressed to Selene. The feminine handwriting on both told they were from her friends, most likely sent out of compassion.
Hestia pulled out three cards for her. Her group had remembered her after all. She and her women friends sent each other Valentine’s Day cards every year so no matter if they had beaux or not, they wouldn’t be forgotten. The cards would be bittersweet this year. Surely they would include notes about how things should be so different today.
To her surprise, she noticed a card with no return address and handwriting she didn’t recognize, addressed to her. “Wonder who sent this?”
Aunt Louisa looked as curious as Hestia. “Open it and find out.”
She didn’t have to be asked twice. Taking the silver letter opener from Aunt Louisa, she slit open the missive. Inside was a card with a charming couple on it, nostalgia from a bygone era. “Hoping a sweet lady has a sweet Valentine’s Day.” It was signed, “Will you be my valentine?”
Hestia looked for a signature. “He didn’t sign his name.”
“I reckon it’s Booth, don’t you?”
Hestia’s heart jumped at the thought. “I don’t know. I hadn’t expected him to send me a card.”
“Did you expect any men from Haw River to send you one?”
“No, and I don’t recognize the handwriting. Can’t say I’ve seen much of Booth’s handwriting, though.”
“All things considered, I’d say it’s definitely Booth.”
“Is that wishful thinking?” Hestia didn’t want to admit Booth’s love was her wish, too.
“Wishful thinking?”
“You do want me to stay here, don’t you?”
“I could think of worse things.” Aunt Louisa smiled.
“Well, unless the secret admirer makes himself known, I won’t be able to give him an answer either way. Besides, it can’t be Booth. Why would he put the card in the mail when he could just bring it over here and give it to me directly?”
Aunt Louisa’s posture deflated. “That’s true. Maybe it is someone from Haw River, then.”
“Whoever it is, I hope he makes himself known very soon.”
Booth felt nervous as he got ready to go to Miss Louisa’s. Did Hestia know the card was from him? Maybe he should have put a return address on it. Maybe he should have just carried it over himself.
He had made a special trip to Lincolnton to buy an extravagant gift—a half-dozen red roses for Hestia. Maybe he shouldn’t make such a bold gesture. She hadn’t committed to staying in Maiden. Then again, she talked about Haw River less and less. He sniffed the roses, taking in their sweet scent. At least while she was here she could enjoy a nice Valentine’s Day.
Feeling like an awkward teenager instead of a confident man, he took tentative steps onto the veranda and knocked on the front door. His hopes that Hestia would answer were realized when she appeared and invited him to step into the parlor. She looked lovely in a new fuchsia dress fashioned in a linear style. The bold color looked good on her. “You must be dressed for Valentine’s Day.”
She looked down at her frock. “I hadn’t even thought of that, but you’re right—I do look as though I dressed for the day.” She smiled. “Do you like it? I ordered it out of the Wish Book.”
“It does.” He remembered his gift, which Hestia had been kind enough to pretend not to notice. “I brought you something.” He handed her the roses.
“They’re beautiful. You didn’t have to, but I love them.” She chose an especially pretty bloom and sniffed it with a dainty motion. She reminded him of a gentle portrait. “They smell wonderful. Thank you.”
He couldn’t wait to ask his next question. “Did you get any cards today?”
“You mean, any from someone who wouldn’t sign his?”
He cleared his throat. “Did you get more than one?”
“Ah, that’s my secret.” She smiled coyly but turned serious. “No, just one that wasn’t signed. The rest were from my women friends.”
“I’m surprised I don’t have competition.” Though he joked, he felt relieved. “I feel silly. I’ve never asked a girl to be my valentine before. At least, not since I was in grade school. And she turned me down.”
“Silly her.”
“So what will it be? Will you be my valentine?”
She hesitated.
He drew close enough that he could inhale the scent of the perfume she’d gotten for Christmas. The scent always smelled nice on her. “I know the offer is only good for the next couple of months, but at least we will have a wonderful memory.”
“I would like that. I would like that very much.” She looked at the pine floor and back. “You know, your card made me realize something. I really and truly have gotten over Luther.”
Even the mention of his name sent jealousy through Booth. “Was there a doubt?”
“No. And yes. You see, today was supposed to be our wedding day.”
“Oh.” His heart hurt for her.
“This was one of the hardest days of my life. And your card helped me get through it. Thank you.”
Hestia didn’t know it, but he’d thought often about that day they’d lain together in the leaves, looking at clouds floating in the sky. Often he’d thought about kissing her. If only Miss Olive hadn’t stopped him, he would have kissed her then. He’d fantasized about kissing her on Valentine’s Day, thinking the occasion would be perfect for a romantic gesture. But as soon as she said that was supposed to be her wedding day, the idea no longer felt right to him. He’d wait just a bit longer.
But if Haw River was her ultimate destination, perhaps it would be better if their lips never met. He bid her a good-bye much less loving than he’d planned, forcing himself to be content with her gratitude. Touching his arm, she looked at him with longing in her eyes. Yet he couldn’t linger.
Leaving Miss Louisa’s yard, his walk must have made him appear dejected, but he didn’t care. He felt dejected. What should have been a superlative Valentine’s Day had turned out to be a dud.
“Booth!” a male voice called.
Booth saw Artie in the distance. He waved and walked toward his friend. Though in no mood to talk to anyone, he couldn’t very well change directions.
Artie was soon upon him. “What’s the matter? You look like you lost your best friend.”
“I’ll be fine.”
Booth felt grateful when Artie didn’t press for details. “I don’t mind telling you I’m nervous as a cat. I’ve decided to ask Selene to be my valentine.”
“She’s not available, Artie.” Booth’s sour mood made his warning sound harsh.
“That might be true, but not for the reason you’re thinking. I can forgive her past, but I have to be sure she’s right with the Lord. I can’t be unequally yoked. At this point, I think if we joined our lives in marriage, we would be. I can’t let that happen. I’ve made too many mistakes in my weak state already.”
For Artie to brook the notion of marriage shocked Booth. “You–you’re going to propose?”
“Not yet. I’ll just tell her how I feel.”
Booth had no doubt Selene would respond with warmth. If only he had been so lucky.
Sitting up in the bed that had become her prison, Selene looked at the card that arrived in the mail. She hadn’t expected to receive any. Flora sent and signed one, and Mildred, another. Hers included a note:
Selene dear:
Still miss you terribly. Nothing is the same without you.
I have to say, things here have calmed down since you left and Ned married that girl. We haven’t been going to as many hooch parties. I’m not as impressed by the fellows there as I once was. Not that you’ll find me in church, mind you, but I don’t have the heart to go to the parties anymore. Flora’s chasing after Ethan now, and you know what a creep he is. A charming creep, but a creep. As for me, I’m keeping time with Timothy. He’s a straight arrow. I think maybe he won’t mind a flapper even though he’s not as dapper as our usual fellows. Of course, if we wed, I won’t be much of a flapper any more. It will be a baby carriage for me, but a respectable amount of time after our wedding day.
Oh, I wish we could be talking instead of me getting writer’s cramp from penning this long letter. When will you come home, Selene? We need you.
Mildred
Her friend’s plea consoled Selene, even as her eyes misted. The letter told her all the more how nothing would ever be the same. The carefree time of parties and fun had passed, and her friends were getting serious. She realized it was for the best. No need for them to find themselves in her position.
Hestia stuck her head in the door. “You have a visitor.”
“Me?”
“I don’t see anyone else in here. You’d better wipe those tears away. Artie won’t want to see you like that. Did someone write something that upset you?”
She stared at the letter in her lap. “I—I miss my friends.”
“You’ll be going home soon enough. Just thank God for the friends you have here to get you through. Now dry those eyes.”
“Okay. Give me a minute before you send him in, will you?”
“Of course.”
Selene made certain her white bed jacket was buttoned to the top, and she wiped her eyes with the handkerchief she kept in her nightstand drawer.
After a few moments, Artie came in, bearing a single pink rose in a bud vase. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
She gasped at the rose. “For me?”
He nodded. “Can I set it on the table beside you?”
“I’d like that.”
“I would have gotten a full bouquet, but I knew you didn’t have much room in here.”
“It’s perfect.” Selene didn’t exaggerate. She’d never seen a more beautiful flower.
“But why?”
He deflated. “Oh. I overstepped, didn’t I?”
“No,” she blurted. “I—I mean, I don’t want you to give me this because you feel sorry for me.”
“I wanted you to have this rose as a gift from me.” He sat in the chair he always used when they studied together. “I don’t feel sorry for you. I can see you’ve repented. I really can’t see you going back to a fast life, even once you return to New York. And when you do, my prayers will follow you.” He paused. “But feel sorry for you? No.”
“Really?”
“Why are you so surprised? You’re the new type of woman, a member of the first generation born after the year 1900. You’ve been granted the right to vote. You’re the envy of the world, not a victim.”
She took a moment to think about his words. He was right. If she didn’t waste her life, she’d be a success. Still, she couldn’t resist a wry comment. “And just look at me now.”
“That’s right. Just look at you now.” He bent toward her and gave her a kiss on the lips. She hadn’t kissed anyone since Ned. Artie’s lips felt soft yet strong. His mood wasn’t one of insistence but gentleness. So different from Ned. And so much better.
She hadn’t expected him to kiss her—or that she’d be so moved by him. She didn’t want him to break away, but when he did, she had a question. “What was that for?”
“To show you how fond I am of you. Are you sorry? If I offended you, I’ll respect you enough never to do that again.”
“Respect me?” No man had ever said such a thing to her.
“Yes. Respect you. I do have respect for you as a person, and as a woman.”
She remembered Ned. He was the first man she’d ever loved. She never thought of herself as fast. Unlike some of her acquaintances, she hadn’t enjoyed the attentions of several men. At first Ned had been sweet, attentive. Then his kisses became more urgent, and he became demanding. If only she hadn’t felt she needed to prove her love for him. She wanted to blame her father, but she couldn’t. She knew right from wrong, and she was paying dearly for compromising herself. Ned had even promised marriage, so she hadn’t felt compromised. Only after he made sport of her and their secret engagement did she realize she had made the mistake of her life.
“I really mean it. I respect you, Selene.” Artie’s words made images of Ned dissolve.
“You won’t believe this, but that’s the most romantic thing anybody’s ever said to me.”
He didn’t laugh as she expected. Instead, he gave her a serious look. “You know what? I believe you.”
Selene thought about her past. “I don’t deserve your respect. I don’t deserve anyone’s respect.”
“Yes, you do. You’ve been very brave to leave your home to come here to wait out this pregnancy. I know you’re not the first and you won’t be the last girl in such a situation, but that was a brave thing to do. You have kept your head up even after the man you loved left you. And best of all, you have pursued a relationship with the Lord since you’ve been here.”
“Because of you. Aunt Louisa and Hestia encourage me to read the Bible. Aunt Louisa preaches at me once in a while.” She grinned. “But you took the time to sit with me and help me understand what the Bible really says. Thank you. But why did you kiss me?”
“Because, I—I love you.”
Selene gasped. “How can you love me? I’m a fallen woman.”
“I don’t see you as a fallen woman. I see you as a beautiful woman. Don’t let the fact that I’m not bold and brash fool you. I have never been a man of convention. I have never lived in fear of what others think. If anything, you should be questioning your judgment in being involved with me, a reformed drinker and gambler. What respectable woman would want to hitch herself to the likes of me?”
“Do you think you can’t do any better than to be involved with me?”
“I know I can’t do any better than to be involved with you.”
She had meant to ask if he spent time with her because no respectable woman would have anything to do with him, but his answer told her something else: that he really wanted to keep company with her. That she was his first choice. She couldn’t remember feeling more special. Tears flowed down her cheeks.
“Now, you’re much too pretty to cry. Especially on Valentine’s Day.” He took his handkerchief from his trousers pocket and wiped away the tears.