Victoria started to deny it but reminded herself that having Caleb’s sympathy would be to her advantage. Then another thought came to mind.
“It is. When Mother died, I sought comfort where I could. I had a friend whose mother was very understanding. She invited me over to their house often and she showed me all the love that I was missing. Grandmother, you see, was far too worried about Cora. Our family never recovered from Judith being taken, and that remained our grandmother’s concern, even after I lost my mother. My friend and her mother were all that got me through my grief. That’s why I long to go to them now. I know they would offer me great comfort in my time of loss.”
“I didn’t know that,” Caleb replied. He looked at her for a moment. “Do you believe they would take you in?”
She felt her heart beat a little faster. “I do. They now live in New York City, and I know they would have me. They’ve told me as much on many occasions.” It wasn’t a complete lie. She did have friends there, and with the right things said, she was certain they’d allow her to come stay for a time.
Caleb nodded. “Then perhaps we should consider it. Why don’t you write down their name and address? I’ll make some inquiries.”
“You would do that for me? What if Judith doesn’t approve?”
He smiled. “Judith wants you to be happy, Victoria. Despite whatever else you believe about her.”
Victoria rose and stood in front of him. “I don’t know what to believe about Judith, but I think you truly care about me. I shall try to put my trust in you.”
“Better you should put it in God, Victoria.”
He rose, and Victoria pretended to stumble. She swayed to the right as if she might fall. Caleb easily caught her, and Victoria grabbed on to his shirt.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to be so clumsy.”
“No harm done.” He released her, but she continued to hold on to him.
“Thank you, Caleb. You are wonderful. I can see why Judith loves you.” She stretched up on tiptoe and kissed his cheek before he could protest. “I think I could love you as well.”
CHAPTER
15
The next morning at breakfast, Caleb was caught up in his newspaper while Kenzie listened to Camri and Judith talk about their renewed wedding plans. Micah had once suggested Kenzie consider making the affair a triple wedding, but so far she hadn’t allowed herself even a sliver of a dream in that regard.
“I know it may sound silly,” Judith said, helping herself to a plate of biscuits, “but I’m content for our wedding to be very simple. After all we’ve been through this last year, having a big event with all sorts of frippery and finery isn’t important.”
“I agree,” Camri said, nodding. “It’s amazing how the earthquake and fire changed my perspective. When I see people digging in the ruins of their former lives—finding so little to rebuild on—it just doesn’t seem right to spend a fortune on a wedding.”
Victoria came into the dining room. She was dressed in a powder blue gown much nicer than the occasion called for. Kenzie could see she had attempted to dress up her hair. Without someone to do it up for her, however, all she had managed was weaving a ribbon through her blond locks and tying it in the back.
“Good morning, Victoria.” Judith gave her a smile. “I was beginning to think I’d have to come wake you again.”
Victoria suppressed a yawn and took a seat opposite Caleb. “I apologize, cousin. I’m afraid I was up rather late.” She smiled at Caleb. “I want to thank you for our time alone last night, Caleb. You certainly made me feel better.”
Judith wasn’t able to hide her surprise. Neither was Camri. Kenzie knew by the look in Victoria’s eyes that she enjoyed their shock.
“I very much enjoyed the fire and the quilt you insisted I have. It was much warmer than my nightgown.”
Caleb raised a brow and looked at Judith. “Victoria found me in my office quite late last night. She told me she wanted to know more about God. I thought perhaps if you ladies were going to start again on your Bible study, you might include her.”
Kenzie saw a mix of emotions cross Victoria’s face before she looked away. It was clear she wasn’t interested in a Bible study.
“I think that would be very nice,” Kenzie said, reaching for her tea. “What is it that the Bible says about training up a child when they’re young? Victoria could benefit greatly from such study.”
“I agree,” Camri said, nodding as she closed ranks around Judith. “It’s important for the older women to teach the younger. We’ll have to figure out a good time. Today won’t work, however. Patrick is coming for me soon. We’re going to take advantage of our Saturday and spend the entire day together. Caleb, you and Judith should join us. We can take the ferry to Oakland and get away from all the destruction and noise. I think we need to refresh ourselves in order to have strength to move ahead.”
“I think you should do exactly that,” Kenzie declared. “I’m going with Cousin George and Mrs. Andrews. They intend to be married today by Judge Winters.”
“What?” Camri cried. “Why didn’t they tell us? We might have planned a celebration!”
Kenzie laughed. “Because we might have planned a celebration. They just wanted a very quiet arrangement. Otherwise I should be here the entire day.”
