Unseemly Ambition

Chapter 2-2

Peace and quiet were not to be had at Willow Cottage, however. After nearly three years of living and teaching at the school, Concordia should know not to expect that. She and Ruby returned to a cottage filled with chattering girls. They had made a banner: Congratulations, Ruby! decorated in Valentine’s Day style, with pink and white lacy hearts around the border. The students greeted the matron with hugs and an avalanche of questions:

“How much money did they give you?”

“Were you nervous?”

“Let’s see the plaque...did they spell your name right?”

“Ooh, what a pretty skirt you’re wearing today!”

“What did the newspaper man ask you?”

“What sort of food was there?”

Ruby turned a flustered red and held up both hands in surrender. “Enough!” she cried. “You’d think I was the blinkin’ President of America, the way you all are carrying on.” Her expression softened at the sight of the banner. “I’m real grateful for the trouble, lambs, but there’s work to be done around here, and this parlor i’n’t going to clean itself.” She gave one of the freshmen a meaningful look, and the girl hurried to get the duster.

“You heard Ruby,” Concordia said. “You all have chores and other things to do, so go on, let the poor woman catch her breath. Anna, take the broom out to the porch and clear off the snow. Has anyone seen Miss Lovelace or Miss Smedley?”

“I haven’t seen Alison,” one young lady volunteered, “but Maisie came in to change and then left again. She said she was going coasting on Rook’s Hill with a couple of the other girls.”

Concordia looked through the window. With the snow coming down at this rate, she did not intend to chase after Miss Lovelace.

Ruby frowned at Concordia. “Somethin’ going on with those two again?”

Concordia pulled her away from the girls. “They left the reception much earlier than they were supposed to,” she murmured. “The dean was the one who pointed it out.”

Ruby sighed. “Land sakes, of all people to notice. I think some extra chores are in order, once they show up.”

Concordia nodded.

“When will we get to read the valentines?” one girl asked, motioning to the hall basket, filled to overflowing with homemade cards and small, tissue-wrapped packets.

“You know we distribute them after dinner, and not before,” Concordia said firmly. “Go on, now.”

The girls pouted but shuffled off to their tasks.

At that moment, Alison Smedley walked in. She hesitated at the sight of Concordia and Ruby.

“Oh. Miss Wells…” she began.

Concordia gestured to the girl’s sodden boots and coat. “Hang up your things to dry, then join me in my quarters.” She looked over at Ruby. “I’ll take care of it. Why don’t you rest for a while?”

Ruby gave her a grateful look as she headed for the kitchen.