Vivian Aytes Thomlinson Short Story - Non-NCTC Students, and/or Non-professional Writers Residing in Texas or Oklahoma ....................................pages

FIRST PRIZE

Edenbridge to Bath

Jenny Rea

Edenbridge, Kent October 1812

Amelia looked out the window, the leaves falling from the trees, scattered by the breeze landing on the ground below. They reminded her of life. Her parents wished her to marry the squire’s son, it was a good match, though not one that she thought of with any favor.

“Yes Amelia?” asked her mother

“I was wondering if I could visit grandmamma. She has urged me to visit in her letters.”

Lady Sprinton looked at Amelia, “I believe visiting your grandmamma for a few weeks would give you time to reflect on your situation and think of marrying as you ought. I will write to your grandmamma today.”

“Thank you” said Amelia, leaving the parlor and going to the gardens. Today was Saturday, perhaps she could leave on Monday or Tuesday, would that be soon enough? The Assembly Rooms and the Abbey would be lovely to see at this time of year. Perhaps time spent with grandmamma would help her to reconcile herself to a marriage with Harold. The lunch gong sounded and Amelia arose to go in and make herself tidy.

During lunch mother outlined the plan for Amelia to visit her mother in Bath for a few weeks, in preparation for settling down. Perhaps spending the month of November, then in early December both her mother and Amelia could repair to the Manor.

“Perhaps that would be a good idea. Amelia’s absence from the neighborhood might just spur that young Harold into making an offer. I don’t know why he is delaying, his father and I have been agreed for quite some time, years in fact, on the match.”

Amelia’s hope’s rose, perhaps Harold didn’t want the match either.

“Amelia will leave early Monday so that she can make the journey in two days” said mother, “I have already written ahead to make arrangements. John Coachman knows the route and Briggs can travel with Amelia as her maid, then return with the coach.”

Father looked over at Amelia, “As it is arranged, then so be it.” The meal concluded. Amelia went to pack a spring in her step.

Sunday the family attended services at Edenbridge Church. Sitting in the family pew, front and right. Amelia wondered about those coming before, sitting every Sunday in this very pew. Did their minds wander, like hers did? Did they listen intently? The service concluded, everyone filing out. Amelia spoke with Rev Mosely and then found Caroline Mosely so tell her of the trip to Bath.

“Oh Caro, I am beyond happy to be going to Bath. I will be gone six weeks. I hope in that time Harold forgets me completely and is married by my return” said Amelia.

Caroline laughed softly. “Oh Amelia, you do not know how lucky you are. Harold is a lovely young man, how can you be so adverse to him? You know the two of you have been intended for years.”

“Come Caro, anyone would think you liked Harold” said Amelia, noticing the blush that crept into Caroline’s cheeks. “You do, don’t you? Tell me? I certainly have no wish to marry Harold.”

“It’s not so easy, you are Baron Sprinton’s daughter, I am the daughter of a clergyman. I have tried to con-

vince Harold of this, however he can be quite stubborn.”

“I, for one, am glad he is stubborn. How could you wish Harold to marry where he does not have a shred of feeling? Who happens to be me, your dearest friend, are you wishing us both a life of misery?”

“No, of course not, though I see no other option. My father would agree to a match with Harold, only if the squire was agreeable” added Caroline. “The living my father holds is dependent on your father. I could not marry to see my parents and siblings turned from their home.”

“I had not thought of that, let me see what I can think of while I am in Bath” responded Amelia. “I must go, Mother is looking askance at me! We have been talking too seriously. I will write to you from Bath.”

The journey to Bath

Monday with the sky was still shaded in grey, the coach left Sprinton Manor. Amelia watched the scenery, read her book and dozed. The overnight stop in Reading was comfortable and they left very early Tuesday, John explaining they had a slightly longer travel day and needed all the daylight they could get. Amelia looked out and thought that as the sky was barely light on the horizon, it was hardly daylight stepping into the coach. Curled comfortably in the corner to sleep for a few more hours.

Amelia had a travel guide, following along as she saw towns and signs. They had stopped in Marlborough to change horses, exiting the Wessex Downs, passing through Devizes. Amelia thought that the next main town she would see was Melksham, where they would change horses, the last change before Bath.

Melksham came into sight and they pulled into the Pig & Hen. John saw to the changing of horses. Amelia went into the Inn with Briggs and arranged for three parcels of food and drink. Walking back to the coach, Amelia had to step out of the way of a large steed that had just charged into the Inn yard. Miffed, she looked up at the rider “Sir, you nearly ran me down. Be more careful in the future”.

The gentleman, he was a gentleman by the cut of his clothes, raised an eyebrow “Miss, you walked across the entrance to the Inn without looking. You should take more care.” Doffing his hat, he moved his horse towards the stable.

“Well I never” huffed Briggs “that be no gentleman, to speak to a lady so.”

“He was correct, however, I did walk across the entrance without thought of horses or carriages. My mind was on reaching Bath.”

Back in the coach, they headed towards Bath. Amelia had ascertained from John which route he would take, South Wraxall, Monkton Farleigh, Bathampton before finally arriving in Bath. The road was slower going than earlier, heavy rain had fallen the last few days and the road, while not deep in mud, was soft and John had to slow the horses. The sun was already dipping when they were between South Wraxall and Monkton Farleigh. John opened the speaker panel “We may have to spend the night in Monkton Farleigh. I can send a rider on to let Mrs Giddons know. Tis only a small Inn in Monkton Farleigh, reasonable I believe.”

“I would rather not risk injury to the horses, or us for that matter, if we need to spend the night then we will. Thank you.”

Reaching the Pen & Quiver in Monkton Farleigh, John made arrangements. He went back to the coach. “I have a room for the two of you, you can eat in the side room off the tap. The Inn keeper’s wife said she will watch out for you. I have sent a rider with a message for Mrs Giddons.”

“Thank you John, I appreciate the care you show for both myself and Briggs”.

Amelia went into the Inn, Briggs carrying her overnight bag. Mrs Pullson, the Inn Keeper’s wife, showed them to a room at the top of the stairs. Mrs Pullson told Amelia to come down when ready to eat. Amelia washed her face and hands, combed her hair and went down to eat. She could smell the lamb stew and fresh

bread aroma wafting from the kitchen. She and Briggs sat at a table and a young girl came and placed bowls of stew in front of them along with thick slabs of fresh bread and a crock of butter. Returning with a pot of tea and two cups and saucers. The food was delicious. The tea very welcome. As they ate, the noise in the tap room grew louder.

“I don’t like it miss, that noise don’t sound too friendly.”

“It doesn’t?” said Amelia, now straining to look towards the tap room.

“Keep your head down and eat up, we need to get back upstairs quick like.” Briggs was looking worried.

Amelia was just draining her cup of tea when the unmistakable sound of breaking furniture reached them. Men were spilling out of the tap room and the door was blocked by men watching a brawl. Amelia was intrigued, never having seen a brawl, however Briggs bade her to move to the far corner of the room. Amelia did as asked. Briggs moved a large table across in front of them angled across the corner, giving some measure of protection. The brawl spilt into the room. At least ten men must be brawling or more. Amelia was somewhat worried as the fighting came in their direction. She looked around for any means of escape. The window, she pushed Briggs to the window and they opened the sash, Briggs climbed out first being closest and turned to help Amelia. Amelia was grabbed by one of the men.

“Now where do you think you’re going? Sneaking off, when you can enjoy our company.”

Amelia pushed at the man, he did not budge. She was still wearing her boots, so kicked his shin as hard as she could. He loosened his grip enough for her to swing away. With a growl he lurched towards her. Amelia grabbed a chair and placed it between her antagonist and her, it would not help much but she had no place to go and had to duck to avoid being hit by punches being thrown at her back. A head poked in the window, a gentleman in riding clothes came through the window in one swift movement. The man making a grab for her was lifted off his feet and sent across the room. The gentleman then grabbed her and placed her behind him, as the man, back on his feet came barreling across the room.

“Stay directly behind me, if I move you move, understood”

“Yes” responded Amelia and she moved as he dodged left and tripped the man. Then moved a bit closer to the window. This happened twice before they were close enough to the window for John and Briggs to pull her through. Outside Mrs Pullson hugged her and apologized stating “Lord Brampton rode in and I appealed to him for help. The Finlay’s and the Grimson’s got into a brawl. His Lordship will put a stop to it.”

Briggs placed a blanket around Amelia as they waited for the kerfuffle inside to end.

“Miss Sprinton, I apologize for the distress you were caused. I wish I had arrived earlier and the brawl averted. I do not believe we have met before, allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Lord Brompton of Farleigh Hall.”

“It was not your Lordships fault that the men started a brawl. I do appreciate your arrival and getting me to safety, though we have met informally” said Amelia with a smile “I walked in front of your horse at the Inn in Melksham. I am Miss Amelia Sprinton of Sprinton Manor. I am on my way to Bath to visit my grandmother.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Sprinton. I too am on my way to Bath, perhaps I will see you at the Assemblies.” Lord Brompton bowed and left the Inn.

Henrietta Street, Bath

The golden sandstone of her grandmamma’s town house seemed to glow as the coach pulled up. A warm welcome from her grandmamma saw Amelia enveloped in a hug, the smell of lavender wafting around her.

“Was it a pleasant journey, if longer than expected?” asked grandmamma

“Very pleasant” said Amelia.

“Hodges will show you to your room, although I am sure you could find it yourself”. smiled grandmamma.

“Join me for tea once you have changed. Ellie will be your maid while you are here.”

Up in her room she washed and changed into a morning gown of serviceable cotton twill, with a pattern of flower’s embroidered on the hem, neck and sleeve cuffs.

“If you are not too tired, I thought we could go to the Assembly tonight. I have asked Major Adams if he would accompany me and a delightful young lady. Write to your mother of your safe arrival, the letter can go back with Briggs. Then rest this afternoon. The Major will dine with us at eight and we will go on to the Assembly.”

“Of course, I’ll write to Mother and Caroline so Briggs can take them back. A nap this afternoon will be in order after the early start, if I am not to fall asleep at the Assembly and embarrass you and the Major” laughed Amelia as she left to go write letters. Mother’s was easy enough, how to word a letter to Caroline in case it was read before being passed on.

The Major was genial good company, dinner passed quickly and they were handed into his coach for the short drive to the Assembly Rooms. Amelia was introduced to a number of people and a Mr. Crammer asked her to dance. He escorted her back to her grandmamma after the dance and Colonel Smythe requested the next dance. On returning once again, she was sipping lemonade while talking to her grandmamma and a Mrs. Templeton seated on the sofa.

“May I have this dance Miss Spinton” said a deep voice behind her.

“You may” said Amelia dipping into a curtsey. Lord Brompton led her into the set that was forming.

“How does your granddaughter know the Earl of Farleigh?” asked Mrs. Templeton.

“I do not know” said her grandmamma.

The set was a waltz and Amelia shivered as Lord Brompton placed his hand on her waist and she her hand on his shoulder.

“You are fully recovered from your ordeal at the Inn?” he enquired as they took their first steps in the dance.

“Yes, please however do not mention it to my grandmamma, she will worry and I would not wish that. Though how will I explain our knowing each other, you called me by name.”

“How indeed” he answered with a smile. They were then caught up in the dance, she glided in his arms around the floor and was most bereft when the dance ended. Lord Brompton escorted her back to her grandmamma.

“Lord Brompton, my grandmamma Mrs. Giddons and her friend Mrs. Templeton” said Amelia.

“Mrs. Giddons, Mrs. Templeton, a pleasure to meet you” turning to Amelia “can I get you a lemonade? Perhaps you would all join me in the Tea Room?” said Lord Brompton turning back to incorporate all of the ladies. At that moment the Major walked up “Ah Farleigh, good to see you again”.

Amelia noticed Lord Brompton wince, then wondered why the Major had called him Farleigh and not Brompton. A frown formed on her face.

“Allow me to explain” said Lord Brompton “I am Lord Brompton, it is one of my titles. I am also Farleigh. Please, just think of me as a gentleman of your acquaintance”.

They rose and went to the Tea Room to partake of a late supper. The conversation flowed. Amelia observed Lord Brompton, he had easy manners and good conversation on a broad range of topics. He encouraged her to voice her opinion on a number of them, even when they did not agree entirely with his. It was a lovely evening and ended with Lord Brompton asking if he could escort her to Sydney Gardens the following afternoon. Back home grandmamma asked how she knew Lord Brompton. How to answer without telling a lie. “We happened to be travelling the same roads and I saw him once at Melksham on his horse and then at the Inn in Monkton Farleigh, where we were introduced. It was only a passing acquaintance so I was very surprised he recalled my name.” said Amelia.

“Good night Amelia, go to bed now. It is late and you have an interesting day tomorrow.”

Amelia fled upstairs to her room, eager to avoid any further questions. Her grandmamma however had many questions running in her head. Should she tell Amelia he was the Earl of Farleigh or let her continue to think he was a more minor Lord? On the morrow, Amelia slept later than normal, not used to nights that went into the early morning hours. After breakfasting in her room, she dressed carefully for her excursion to Sydney Gardens. Lord Brompton was punctual arriving at two to collect her and her maid. He was all politeness, including bringing flowers that contained box hedge as greenery. Grandmamma was puzzled at the strange choice of greenery, however Amelia smiled and thanked him prettily.

An hour walking in the gardens, her maid trailing behind. Close enough to be proper, not so close as to overhear the conversation. Though he must be ten years her senior, they seemed to get along very well. They had some similar interest, a similar sense of wit and he was not horrified that she enjoyed reading the newspapers and not just the gossip and social columns. They talked of horse riding, commitment to helping the poor and bettering conditions for those working in factories and mines, the Peninsula War and the war in the colonies. By the end of the hour they both seemed well pleased.

“Amelia, would you object to my asking your father permission to court you? “

Amelia’s face fell, then frowning she said “I am not sure that he will give permission, he is set on my marrying the Squire’s son. I came to Bath to visit my grandmamma so I was not able to receive a proposal. That however, may not have stopped my father from entering into one on my behalf”.

“I take it you do not wish to marry the squire’s son. Would you wish to marry me if that were possible?”

Amelia shyly looked up at this face, all serious and lacking his light banter of the previous hour, “yes, I do believe I would” she said.

“Leave it to me. I will go to Edenbridge tomorrow and speak with your father. I may be gone for a week. Do not give up on me in my absence.”

“I will not”

Amelia was returned to her grandmamma’s house. Lord Brompton came inside and they repaired to the drawing room. A tea tray appeared. Brompton outlined his plan to grandmamma, who smiled happily.

“You need to tell Amelia you are also Farleigh, she needs to be aware.”

Lord Brompton turned to Amelia. “Will you forgive me for not telling you of my other titles? I wanted to get to know you when you thought I was a lesser personage than I really am.” He looked at her face, she was all confusion. She must be one of the few young misses not having Debretts memorized.

“I am the Earl of Farleigh, also Lord Brompton and one day, in the distant future, I will be the Duke of Clives.” He was watching Amelia carefully and saw her blanch.

“I, ah, I have no idea about being a Countess and even less about being a Duchess. I am not sure if I am capable or qualified to be either.”

He smiled, “these things can be learned. You can be yourself and everyone will adore you.” Amelia gave a wan smile.

“Can I still ask your father?”

“Yes” Amelia answered on a gulp, “I do believe he will give his permission”

He turned to grandmamma, “Please consider that we are betrothed, but do not announce it to anyone. I wish Amelia to be comfortable with being courted and with me before an announcement is made.”

Amelia smiled, he was so kind, so considerate. How could she not love him? Did she love him on such a short acquaintance? Amelia thought that she started liking him from when he spoke back to her in Melksham, for rescuing her in Monkton Farleigh and for wanting someone who liked him for himself. Perhaps she was

just a little bit in love with him already.

Six days later, the Earl returned, special license in hand. He hoped Amelia would be content with a small ceremony in the chapel at Farleigh Hall. He had sent flowers every day. Each day a different complementing flower. He had written updates as he progressed, a small breach of propriety.

On arriving, she greeted him smiling, and led him to the drawing room. Grandmamma and the Major were both taking tea. He asked if he could speak to Amelia privately. They went to the library, where he asked on bended knee for her hand. “Yes” she whispered. He slipped the sapphire and diamond ring on her finger.

They married two weeks later in the chapel at Farleigh Hall, a week after attending the wedding of Caroline and Harold at the church in Edenbridge.

Henry vs Edgar

Christian Torres

Sunday July 16, 1987. One day unlike any other day, there was a person who was very poor, and his name was Henry. He never had many friends; he only had one very good friend and that was his best friend since he was little and that was Edgar Shakespeare. They both grew up poor in the same neighborhood. But, one day something interesting happened after they earned some money and went to a gas station.

Monday July 17, 1987. So, they had earned some cash after doing a little side job mowing a lawn. After they received it, they decided they would split it and go to a gas station and buy some groceries. Then Edgar realized he had a little more than he thought and decided he would buy a lottery ticket each and test their luck with it. So, they each scratched their ticket at the same time. As soon as Edgar Shakespeare finished scratching it, he had no luck and lost. So then Henry, as soon as he finished scratching, thought he had no luck either, but then Edgar told him,

“look you forgot a number in the bottom left corner,” then as soon as Henry saw it he noticed it was one of the winning numbers and he realized he had won the lottery. He couldn’t believe he had won one million five hundred thousand dollars! He and Edgar were so happy that they started crying with joy. They were so excited, then they realized that they weren’t going to be poor anymore.

Tuesday July 18, 1987. Then the next day later Edgar had called him and said,

“can you even believe we won the lottery yesterday.”

“Then Henry said, “yeah, we’re going to be rich.” The both were so excited that they were going to be rich they couldn’t wait for what the future had for them. Then the next day they had managed to get another job cutting another lawn. They had planned to go on Tuesday but due to rain they were forced to go on Wednesday

Wednesday July 19, 1987. This was the day something happened that just tore the two friends’ friendship apart. So, there they were ready to go cut the lawn, all day they were talking about what they were going to do with the money and what they were going to spend it on. When they started cutting the grass, they talked nonstop about what each person was going to do with their share of the money. That’s exactly when conflict arose between the both. So, Henry who had won the lottery said,

“What do you mean you’re going to spend it on this Edgar I won the lottery not you.”

“That’s when Edgar said,” Yeah but I thought we were going to split it. Since I bought it for you. You at least need to give me part of the cash.” That is when things got really intense between the both of them. Then Henry said

“no I’m not giving you nothing, go buy another one if you want to win the lottery.” They bickered for minutes straight; they didn’t even care about the lawn they were mowing anymore. So, after they stopped, they just left and didn’t finish their job. From that day they just went their opposite ways.

Saturday July 29,1987. It has been a week since they fought over the money. Every time they would see each other in public they didn’t talk, say hi to each other, or nothing. When they saw each other they just started arguing and eventually finished. Ever since that day they hated each other more than ever, they were pretty much rivals now. Ever since Henry won the lottery, he would buy whatever he saw at all costs. Eventually Edgar started getting kind of jealous and mad at Henry. So then one-night Edgar thought Henry wasn’t home and he did something very unexpected. That same night Edgar thought Henry wasn’t home and tried

to steal the money that he had won. But then Henry came out and caught him red handed with some of his money. Henry got so mad at him that he eventually called the cops on him ten minutes later. That same night they took him to jail, but then he felt kind of guilty, but then thought he deserved it.

Monday November 21,1990. It had been three years since Edgar, who went to jail, was twice as mad at Henry for calling the cops at him. But when Edgar saw that Henry was way richer now, he had given up his grudge. So, then he decided to go apologize to Henry, but when Henry saw him, he didn’t accept it he was still mad at him since then.

Edgar really thought to himself that night and decided that Henry could still be mad at him; he thought to himself that he deserved it after what he had done to him. He had felt so guilty that eventually he just didn’t care about Henry. Henry had decided that he would just start his own life as a successful man hoping for the best.

Tuesday November 22,1990. Henry thought to himself about what he had done to him the last three years and eventually decided to go apologize to him, he had felt so bad. So, the next day he went, and Edgar happily accepted his apology.

So, since that day the both went their opposite ways. Edgar became a successful businessman and Henry just became richer and eventually owned his own company. Since that day they went their opposite ways and they were no longer best friends.

The Black SUV

Da Davis

“I didn’t see him coming until he was right in my lane”. Evan was only 16 years old and had just received his license when he was driving home from a basketball game. It was dark and rainy, and he could barely see, even with his windshield wipers going as fast as they could and his bright lights on. Evan was thinking about his 30-point triple double he had just scored at his game just about 30 minutes ago; they had won against his school rivals The Blue Devils, but he was also thinking about the girl he was trying to win over, Morgan. He was thinking about ways to ask her to homecoming and about what car to take: his 1966 Ford F100 or his dad’s 1968 Ford Mustang. He wasn’t at all paying attention to the road. In fact, he constantly thought about Morgan and it seemed he could never get her off his mind. Evan suddenly awoke from his day/night dreaming when he got a text from Morgan stating “Hey, u did rlly good at ur game tonight. I came to watch ;)”, Evan immediately got butterflies and texted back, “Oh really, I needed to work on my field goal percentage but other than that it was good. I’m real glad you came and how about i even the odds and come to one of your volleyball games;)”. He was fairly certain that it was a good allaround text and didn’t give too much of his feelings out. But yet again he wasn’t paying attention to the road when an 18-wheeler came speeding by, which woke him though. As Evan drove on Highway 180 North, he realized he had passed his turnoff! He was pulling into Rivers End where his uncle and dad had run a multibillion-dollar company before it went under. The company had released a migraine pill that had killed some who had taken it. He quickly remembered that this is also where Morgan lived; he was grappling with himself whether to go see her or turn around and go back to Little Field. He finally decided to turn around and head back to his house in the pouring rain. He pulled back onto Highway 180 North when a familiar white Mercedes Benz drove by, he quickly realized it was his dad going to visit his uncle’s death spot. So as he drove back he wondered if his dad would be alright by himself at a very known suicide site. His uncle had committed suicide about five years ago. Again, Evan wasn’t paying attention to the road when suddenly, he saw headlights right in front of his car! He slammed on his brakes, and all like a gush of 100 mile an hour wind a car hit him head on. His car started rolling from the impact and Evan was out cold, when he awoke, he was in a hospital bed laid up. Once he was able to have visitors everyone kept asking him what he remembered. He didn’t want to tell them what he really remembered so he just told them a black SUV. What he really remembered would haunt him for the rest of his life. He thought he saw his Uncle Doyle driving the SUV. That is impossible, he thought to himself his uncle had died years ago from jumping off a waterfall. The next visitor he got was Morgan, he felt a little better once she had walked through the door. “How do you feel, do you need anything?” Morgan asked. He responded by saying, “I’m fine, thank you.” Morgan came and sat by his side and asked him what had happened, but this time he needed to tell someone, and he wanted it to be her because he felt as if he could trust her. Evan told her about seeing Doyle and about seeing his father, Darren, heading to his uncle’s death site. Her family had been high valued staff in his family’s company. Morgan wondered about any way someone could survive a 70-foot drop onto rocks and speeding water. As Morgan thought Evan interrupted asking her, “Are you alright?” Morgan responded by stating, “Yes, I’m fine. I just don’t know how someone could survive

that drop. You must feel betrayed Evan.” She pulled him into a desperate hug, and they held each other for several minutes.

Two weeks later Evan was released from the hospital and he drove home by himself. On the way home he thought he saw the black SUV drive past him. So Evan made an illegal U turn in the middle of a highway! He followed the car back to a huge mansion on a hill. He called a buddy of his father’s down at the police station and asked him who owned the property. The cop responded with a company named DD networks. Evan had never heard of the company in his life, then he saw it. A little girl being thrown out of the second story window. He rushed back home in the pouring rain again and it was pitch black just like that night one month ago. As he sped on the wet highway at 80 miles an hour, a black SUV hit Evan again sending him off the side of a cliff.