The Vicky Series: Book 1: Chasing a Dream

Chapter 07

When Victoria returned home, her mother was waiting at the station. Concerned that something dreadful had happened she plied Victoria with questions.

"Naturally we were beside ourselves with worry when we received a wire from Jeremy that you hadn't arrived. We hoped you had missed the train, but any number of awful things could have happened to a young girl traveling alone..."

Naturally, I could not have wired him ahead of time about my plans to skip the stop in Philadelphia and come straight home. Life is so complicated these days. Victoria thought grimly.

Warming up to her subject, her mother continued scolding her for her inconsideration all the way home. All Victoria wanted was a hot bath and some quiet time alone in her room. She'd begun to feel poorly on the ride home. It was just fatigue and a headache caused by her mother's endless prattle.

As the coach pulled up to the front steps of her home Victoria thought she'd never been so pleased to be anywhere. She was very travel weary and looking forward to her bath. It caught her completely by surprise when Jeremy came bounding down the front steps to help her from the carriage.

Of course! Philadelphia was closer to Rosewood than Baltimore was; He'd come by rail and had actually beaten her here. The idea that he would do so had never even occurred to her. Underneath her weariness and surprise, she was truly glad to see him again.

As she climbed the front stairs she suddenly felt very ill. The fatigue she'd been ignoring made her head swirl. She swayed slightly and gripped Jeremy's arm just as her knees failed her. Jeremy, and slipped his strong arm around her waist. Not waiting for permission, he helped her to the parlor.

He eased her down on the settee then helped her out of her duster and shoulder cape. Her muff and bonnet disappeared as well. Victoria's head was throbbing. She was so very tired. Her travel weary body ached to the very marrow of her bones! It was nothing a hot bath and a good night's sleep wouldn't cure.

A dark cloud crept into her vision, black fingers threatening to cover her eyes. She shook her head and realized her mistake. Her head spun, and she shivered. What was mother making such a fuss over now? And what could have Jeremy suddenly looking so worried?

He crossed to the cabinet and poured from a decanter into a glass. If he and father were going to start smoking cigars and drinking Brandy, she was just going to excuse herself and ...He handed her the glass of brandy.

Her hands were shaky and the glass felt too heavy to lift. She held the glass and rested it on her lap. She was far more tired than she realized. Perhaps she had pushed herself too far? She tried again to take a drink and nearly spilled. She felt her face burn with her embarrassment.

As he had outside on the steps, Jeremy again came to her assist. He touched her face as he brushed back a stray lock of hair. She shivered again. Though she really didn't care for brandy Jeremy was urging her to drink it, steadying the bottom of the glass while still allowing her to hold it.

She swallowed, scrunching her face in distaste. She was feeling poorly, and she wondered how drinking this awful liquid was supposed to help. She sipped again and shivered, revolted by the foul smelling drink. Jeremy took off his jacket, placing it gently around her shoulders.

She tried to smile and say thank you, but her face felt numb. She felt like she was ... well, she'd never felt this way before. It was really most strange. The room still swirled about a bit, and she was still feeling poorly, but somewhere deep inside a warm feeling was seeping its way through her veins. She realized Jeremy was saying something and tried to focus.