“Go to Hell, Dr. Rudolph,” she whispers and leaps to her death.
Chapter 21
With the excitement of the journey ahead of them, Victor was able to push the horses over thirty miles in the first day. They stopped for bathroom breaks, to water the horses and eat, but for the most part, Victor drove while Summer kept Jonah occupied. She told him stories about her childhood and growing up in England. He talked to her about everything and finally fell asleep across the leather seat covered by her coat.
“We will stop soon, there is a lake ahead that I would like to make camp at. How are you feeling?” Victor asks with concern for her. The jarring of the carriage and horses is constant.
“I’m fine. I am tougher than I look, Mr. Yates,” she says climbing into the seat next to him.
“I don’t doubt that you are, Miss Denning. They assured me the new design of this carriage would allow for less bouncing, but even they can only do so much about rocks,” he grins.
“Victor, can I ask you a question?” She murmurs.
“Anything.”
“What did your wife pass from?” Summer knows she shouldn’t ask, but she is curious how a man this kind and considerate is unmarried.
He is quiet for a moment before he answers. “Mary was always frail. One would consider her fragile. She startled easy, broke bones often, the doctor had a name for it. We were advised against having children. The birth would be deadly for her. I thought we had an understanding, but she wanted a child. I was so angry with her, Summer. I was at sea, fighting in the war when I found out. For the first few months, I didn't write.”
“No,” she gasps.
“Yes, I was terrified. I thought any moment I was going to lose her, or worse, lose them both. I loved my wife, and I wanted our child desperately. Mary understood my feelings. She waited quietly for me to come home and when I did, I knew she would not survive. Each day the baby grew, she grew weaker. She was on bed rest the last four months, and when he came four weeks early, it was a blessing. Her heart stopped during delivery. She never even got to see our son.” Victor’s voice is laced with the pain of his memories and Summer leans her head on his shoulder.
Compassion for his loss fills her soul, and she links her arm through his and squeezes his hand tight. “I'm so sorry for your loss. For all of you. He deserved to know his mother. Sometimes I do not understand. I would think our creator would not allow such suffering.”
“I felt that way too, but if she had not made her choice, I would not have my son. I would not give him up for anything in this world.” Victor says with a strong voice. “I came home in time to watch my wife die, and I thought I'd lose my mind. Mrs. Evert helped take care of him and with my families help he has thrived. He is the biggest blessing. I kept the staff minimal to build our bond, and he is my greatest treasure.”
Summer sighs and nods off on his shoulder, yawning. “That’s as it should be, then. He is lucky to have you.”
She sleeps tucked in tight to Victor's side, and he sighs. “Just as we are lucky to have found you.”
They ride for another hour until the sun begins to drop. Victor stops the carriage and smiles at his sleeping passengers. He decides to let them sleep as he works. The horses are fed and watered, and he's setting up the tent when Jonah wakes up. He watches his dad work and puts Summer's coat on her sleeping form before jumping down.
“Dad, I need to go… you know,” he says jumping up and down holding himself. Victor laughs at him.
“You’re gonna love this son, come on.” They duck behind a tree and Summer wakes to the sound of delighted laughter.
They run back into camp, and she laughs at the look of excitement on Jonah’s face. “Guess what Summer? I saw a fish in the water!”
“Brilliant! You must show it to me soon, but first, we should help your father. What can we help with?” Summer asks.
“You should rest, I can handle this.” Victor struggles with the ropes of the large tan canvas tent while trying to reach for his mallet. Summer laughs and walks over.
“I see that, but I have rested.” She plucks up the mallet and insists on helping him. The two of them work while Jonah runs around gathering up sticks as ordered. Victor directs them, and soon they start on the bathroom tent. “This is for us to use for the night. It will be a tight space. You will need to change clothes in the sleeping tent.” Summer blushes and assures him that Mrs. Evert explained the necessaries. Victor looks relieved, and they both laugh at each other.
“Now then, I need to start a fire,” Victor says still smiling.
Summer looks confused. “We should put the other tent up first.”
Victor grins and says, “I only have the one tent, but it is plenty big enough for the three of us.”
“You must be joking? I thought you understood my feelings about that sort of… Victor!” She huffs and stamps her foot in frustration.
He moves closer to her before speaking low, so Jonah doesn't hear. “While we are traveling it is safer for all of us to be together.” Summer stares at him.
“I managed
