The Vicky Series: Book 1: Chasing a Dream

Chapter 04

The big surprise took her breath away, but Abigail concealed her gasp with a hastily fabricated sneeze. A few people cast disparaging looks her way but she feigned embarrassment and wished she could get to Victoria.

The music of this dance faded people moved off the dance floor. To her chagrin, Abigail was led away with them. By the time the first strains of the next dance began, only Jeremy and Victoria remained. Abigail could not help but to admire them. They really did look handsome together.

He was taller by six inches. His broad shoulders and large hands made Victoria appear dainty as his long legs waltzed her flawlessly around the dance floor. Victoria's powder blue gown made her a vision of loveliness and she truly seemed to float. Her smile was so gay.

Victoria hadn't seemed to notice she and Jeremy were the only ones still dancing. As soon as the thought had crossed Abigail's mind she caught Victoria's eye. Victoria was not pleased. Abigail offered her most encouraging smile, sent up a prayer and wrung her gloves till her knuckles were white.

***

Victoria's heart was pounding. Not from the dancing and not from reaction to Jeremy. He was very kind and certainly handsome. He was level headed and would make some girl a good husband. She did not want to be that girl. Though he was the sort of man she could love, she had her own plans.

She could not fall in love!

As they danced alone Jeremy slowly drew her closer to him. Her heart was up in her throat and butterflies...no bigger...sparrows fluttered around in her stomach. Her mouth went dry and she was glad she wore gloves for her palms began to sweat.

What on earth was the matter with her? More importantly, how in heaven's name was she going to wiggle out of this one?

She sighed softly, desperately. She knew she was good and stuck this time. But there was still a way, perhaps? She continued to smile sweetly and decided two things.

First, she would most definitely put her plan into use sooner rather than later. Second, she decided with a tinge of guilt, that in order to set her plans in motion, she would need to go along with this charade until the time was right. Poor Jeremy.

She met his eyes. Such pride and gentleness was there. He flexed his hand on her back and his affection for her radiated from his tender smile. She dropped her gaze and felt her cheeks burn crimson.

The music stopped and he held her a few seconds more. Their audience clapped for them. Victoria looked past Jeremy to her father. He smiled boldly when their eyes met. He raised his bushy gray eyebrows and the corners of his mouth tugged down. Suddenly he nodded, clapped loudly, and broke into a wide grin.

I told you so. Her father had conveyed his triumphal gloating without words. Her mother was nearly in tears. She looked very pleased. Victoria smiled meekly and her eyes again met Jeremy's.

No one stepped out for the next dance. No one moved. It was as if they were waiting for something. She sought out and met Abigail's eyes. TROUBLE, they screamed in warning. Victoria turned to step away, but Jeremy gently held her there.

"Friends, may I have your attention please?" Jeremy said in a loud clear voice. It seemed deafening to Victoria in contrast to the hush that fell upon the eager spectators. She had seen faces like that before. On the Fourth of July as they waited for the fireworks display!

This was what her parents had been planning for. Victoria fought the urge to run. She held back the panic that swelled within her and threatened to make her explode. She surprised herself at how calm she remained. Victoria did not like this sort of attention.