Priscilla's Pride

Priscilla's

Pride

Historical Romance Novelette

Journeys of the Heart

Book Two

Verna Clay

"I've got the key to my castle in the air,

but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen."

Louisa May Alcott (Little Women)

Priscilla's Pride

Historical Romance Novelette

Journeys of the Heart Book Two

Copyright © 2019 by Verna Clay

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

vernaclay@vernaclay.com

www.vernaclay.com

Publisher: Verna Clay

Cover Design: Verna Clay

Picture: alenalihacheva (canstock.com)

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Preface

Writing Priscilla Johansson's story has been a joy. When she was introduced as Violet Hailey's daughter, at the age of six, in Violet's Vindication, her personality began forming in my mind. I envisioned her growing into a woman of character and strength, yet also vulnerable to her emotions; which is reflected in this story.

As for Brentley Stratford, the hero of this tale, his character ran the gamut of arrogant, confident, high-minded, and sophisticated, but also fair-minded and honorable.

His stepmother, Olivia Stratford, however, was a mystery until I finally realized her history. After that, everything just fell into place.

The stories in this series, Journeys of the Heart, are considered novelettes, or perhaps I should call them snacks. Sometimes—speaking for myself—I like to read a story that can be completed in a short time, yet satisfy my desire for escape. I hope these stories do that for you.

Table of Contents

Preface

1: Steam Travel

2: St. Louis, Missouri

3: Stratford Girls Academy

4: Olivia Stratford

5: Staff

6: Students

7: Infirmary

8: Dinner

9: Routine

10: Elocution

11: Heart-to-Heart

12: Visitor

13: Christmas

14: End-of-the-Trail

15: Quashed

16: Decision

17: Truth

18: Sewing Room

19: Heart's Journey

20: Permission

Epilogue

Healing Woman of the Red Rocks (excerpt)

Red Rocks Series

Novels and Novellas by Verna Clay

1: Steam Travel

The acrid smell of smoke puffing from the steam engine wafted back to the occupants in the second of three passenger cars. The smoke, however, was seen as a minor annoyance. The fact that the rails mostly replaced long distance wagon travel was, to most, the beginning of a new and exciting American era.

In the sixteen years since Priscilla Johansson, at the age of six, had made the two month wagon train journey from Independence, Missouri, to Santa Fe in New Mexico Territory, much had changed. The modern era of innovations had transformed almost every aspect of life in America and abroad. And although the trek had been long and fraught with danger, it was one of her most precious memories.

After the breakdown of the schooner her mother had been driving, with no repair possible, her mother had been given an ultimatum by the train master—either continue the journey under the care of TJ Johansson—or depart the wagon train in the next town.

Without other options, Violet Hailey had acquiesced and defied the strict norms of convention by traveling the remainder of their journey with an unmarried man, even though she was a widow with a small child. And during that journey her mother and TJ had fallen in love.

And when Priscilla was fourteen, Violet had taken her daughter aside to reveal the fact that she had never been married to Priscilla's father, and that he had abandoned them. To most folk, being born illegitimate was an unpardonable sin, but it hadn't affected Priscilla's relationship with her mother one jot or tittle.

Rubbish! thought Priscilla, nicknamed Punkin' by her family. My mother is the most upstanding and principled woman I know. And so is my stepfather.

Now, as the train rolled toward Saint Louis Station, fond memories of how her mother and stepfather had been thrown together by the wagon master's ultimatum, brought a secret smile to Priscilla. TJ and Violet had been like oil and water in the beginning, but by the end of their journey they had established a lasting relationship and married in Santa Fe. Now, after years, and twin boys, they were still crazy in love.

Priscilla sighed and wondered if she would be fortunate enough to meet a man as good and decent as her stepfather.

2: St. Louis, Missouri

The butterflies in Priscilla stomach refused to cease their activity as the train slowed. Her new position as teacher at Stratford Girls Academy would soon begin. The opportunity had arrived via letter only three months previous, and had been unexpected, since Priscilla hadn't applied. For two years she had been one of two teachers at Lincoln Road School located in a rural community outside of Santa Fe named Cielo Azul. She had taught grades four through eight, while her dear friend who had traveled on the same wagon train in 1867, Sally Sue Dirkson, taught the younger children.

Priscilla and Sally's friendship had never wavered over the years and their love of learning had led them to pursue teaching credentials in Santa Fe. Both women loved their jobs, their students, spoke Spanish fluently, and had expected to remain in Cielo Azul for years, possibly the remainder of their lives. And although most women their ages were already married and starting families, neither had met a man who made their hearts race. Once, Priscilla had been courted by Franklin Fritz, a bank executive in Santa Fe who was ten years older, very wealthy, and considered the best catch in the area, but Priscilla knew neither money nor prestige were reasons for marriage and gently broke off the relationship. She'd seen first hand what love between spouses should be and was determined to follow her mother and stepfather's example.

The train finally came to a loud, screeching stop. Priscilla smoothed the wrinkles of her fashionable skirt and