Page 150 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

Warmth spread over her at the mention of the beds. She turned away least he noticed her unwarranted reaction. She worried that the rest of the day would feel awkward, but she needn’t have been concerned, for it seemed Jake was keen to put her at her ease; the rest of the day passed by pleasantly. Verity couldn’t help glancing over at Jake Calhoun surreptitiously. Whenever she thought he wasn’t looking, she glanced his way. He was a fine-looking specimen of manhood. Every time he caught her eye, he gave her that grin and her insides tightened. Surely, she must be mistaken about him? This man couldn’t possibly be a killer. He was a kind and gentle father. She decided to let go of her prejudice against him and shove her memories to the back of her mind.

Later, Jake drove her back to Mrs. Campbell’s, arriving promptly at six o’ clock. After helping her to the ground and escorting her to the door he left, tipping his hat at her as he turned the buggy away. She stood on the porch and waved goodbye. The twins returned her gesture frantically waving with all the exuberance of youth. She grinned and entered the house buoyed up with happiness.

Church followed by lunch at the Aspen Ranch soon became a regular Sunday feature for Verity.

She discovered Jake was an engaging companion. It was after one of these Sunday lunches some six weeks later that she returned to the guest house to find Mrs. Campbell waiting for her, along with three other much older ladies. As she entered, Mrs. Campbell called to her from the parlour where the seated ladies arose and nodded to her as she joined them. The atmosphere felt decidedly chilly. Verity realized that these women were no friends of her landlady.

“Miss Lasse, good afternoon. I am Mrs. Hale, may I introduce Mrs. Smith and Miss Thomas. Our reason for visiting you today is that it has come to the school board’s attention that you are frequenting the house of an unmarried man, un-chaperoned.”

“Visiting him on a regular basis,” Miss Thomas added in a nasally whine.

“How I spend my day off is surely of no concern of yours. However, I will tell you that I am attending church with a bereaved family each Sunday. They are kind enough to invite me for luncheon afterwards. I spend time with the family, particularly with the two children who are pupils at my school.”

The woman bristled but it was Mrs. Smith who interjected. “It is not your school, Miss Lasse. You are merely an employee of the school-board.”

Verity noticed Mrs. Campbell fidget; her lips tightly compressed.

“Surely you see how scandalous this liaison is, my dear?” Mrs. Hale boomed. The other two women twittered their agreement.

“I can assure you that Miss Lasse is a most chaste and polite young lady. Your slur upon her character is wholly unfounded!” Mrs. Campbell interjected vehemently.

“Nevertheless, we have decided to remove you from your position as teacher here. We have found a far more suitable applicant for the position and he can begin on Monday, tomorrow. Your services are no longer required, Miss Lasse. I bid you good afternoon!” Mrs. Hale stated pompously and with that the women stood, preparing to leave.

Verity trembled with outrage. So that was what all this was about; they preferred to have a man in the post as teacher, but since no male candidate had originally applied, they’d hired her to fill in until they found a male teacher. She guessed a later applicant, a man, now wished to take up the post and so the board had decided to find the means to push her out.

“One moment please, ladies. My contract states quite clearly that I will receive a months’ notice upon dismissal.”

“If you read on, dear, it also states that no notice will be given for poor conduct, or character or theft. I believe loose morals cover the poor character clause quite adequately.”

Verity was struck dumb by the sheer animosity of these women. She could think of nothing else to say in order to convince them to change their narrow-minded views and watched silently fuming as they swept from the room. Mrs. Campbell made no move to show them out, but stayed put. Leaning over, she patted Verity’s arm and murmured encouraging platitudes.

What on earth I am I supposed to do now? With no home to return to and no income, beyond the little she had managed to save over the past six weeks, she was homeless. Those nasty, vicious old tabbies! Reaction set in, trembling violently she dropped her head onto her chest in defeat.

“I’ll fetch some coffee and then we can figure out what to do next.” Mrs. Campbell scurried off. Verity was grateful to her for using the word ‘we.’

Chapter Three

After giving the matter a great deal of thought, Verity decided that even though she hated the idea, she must return to her aunt’s house, however unwelcome she would be. Perhaps she’d be able to find employment in a larger, less parochial school? Somewhere within the city maybe, where people were more cosmopolitan, and less likely to be so judgemental. The thought was not a happy one. Her aunt would not be pleased to see her but Verity felt she was left with little choice.

On Monday morning she walked over to the stage office to find out if she could meet the cost of a single stage ticket to Buena Vista and then another ticket onto Kansas. Luckily, she had just enough money to cover the journey, but no more. Her heart sank at the thought of the horribly long haul that lay before her. With no further funds she may well have to go hungry for duration of the trip. When she had travelled to St. Elmo a couple of months previous, her journey had been one of adventure and excitement. She’d found the discomfort and hardship of the long trip out West nothing more than a fascinating experience. The idea of a return trip amidst the heat and dust which would lead ultimately to facing the wrathful ridicule of her aunt, soul destroying.

That evening she helped Mrs. Campbell to prepare supper. While she stood peeling the vegetables there was an almighty hammering at the front door. Mrs. Campbell hurried to answer the caller. Verity heard a demanding male voice stridently shout her name. She hastened into the hallway wiping her hands on her apron and saw Mrs. Campbell holding the open door.

“Why weren’t you in school today? I have had the most awful time getting Mercy to stay put there, and then to top it all, she ran away. I have been searching for her up until an hour ago! What have you got to say for yourself, young lady, eh?”

“Mr. Calhoun, how dare you take that tone with Miss Lasse! She has been dismissed from the school by the board, all because of her association with you! She has been accused of lacking in moral fiber!”

Verity was touched that Mrs. Campbell leapt to her defence so vehemently.

“Land’s sakes, is this true?” Jake looked incredulous. He took a step in her direction.

She stepped back. “Yes. I shouldn’t have gone to your ranch alone without another female as chaperone. I’m returning to the city. I leave this Thursday for Kansas City.” She watched as Jake snatched his hat from his head and ran a large hand through his unruly hair.

“Miss Lasse, will you step outside with me for a moment? I have to speak with you.”

Mrs. Campbell bristled. “I don’t believe that to be a good idea, Mr. Calhoun, someone might see you and make matters worse for Miss Lasse. However, I am happy to make my parlour available to you, just for a moment or two, you understand?”

“Thank you kindly, ma’am. I’ll take you up on that offer, Miss Lasse... after you.” He pointed his hat toward the open parlour. She walked stiffly before him, leading the way into the room. Jake followed shutting the door firmly behind him. She turned to confront him, but before she could even open her mouth, Jake pulled her into his arms and brought his lips down on hers.

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