“Oh, no. I’ll see you later.”
Lucky escape.
I finally arrived at work and was greeted by Mr. Young. He was in a tizzy because two of the staff hadn’t shown up for work. There were about six people already in the library, which was unusual so early in the morning so I could understand why he was so upset.
I followed him to the staff room and stashed my jacket and purse, then turned around and practically bumped into him. “Mr. Young, please calm down,” I told him, safe in the fact that he wouldn’t fire me today since I was the only one there.
“Rose, there are a lot of people out there this morning and only you here to help them. What are we going to do?”
What an idiot. “Mr. Young. I’m quite capable of helping whoever needs help. There aren’t that many people in there.”
We walked out to the main library floor, and I headed over to the front desk to check some books out for four of the people. “Mr. Young, I’m just going to place these books back on the shelves. Are you capable of looking after the remaining two?” I asked, getting the evil look from him.
He ushered me away with his hands. I quickly grabbed the books that needed to be returned to the shelves and headed to the geography section first, then, with the last remaining book, the history section.
I’d placed the last book on the shelf when I heard a throat being cleared behind me. I turned and, to my delight, I discovered it was Jacob. I quickly glanced around to make sure there was no one close before I took his hand and pulled him into the storage closet next to where he was standing.
“Are you all right?” he asked, caressing my face.
I smiled up at him. “Oh, Jacob. I am more than all right. Please kiss me.”
He placed small kisses over my eyes, nose, and cheeks before sealing his mouth to mine in a beautiful kiss.
“I really want to go to Boston with you.” He frowned down at me. “I love you and want to be with you all the time.”
“Your parents wouldn’t let you come away with me, and you know that.”
I grinned at him. “I’m not planning on telling them. I’m going to sneak away with you.”
“Now, Rose. I really don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Don’t worry, it will be fine, and probably after a week or two, they’ll forget all about me.” I realized what I’d said was more likely the truth. It caused me to frown sadly for a moment, but that sadness was chased away when I took in Jacob’s beautiful face.
“I’ll try and pop in again one day. I’m on nights for now and won’t be able to meet you, but I had better go before I get you into trouble. This conversation isn’t over.” He kissed me quickly before I could argue with him.
We both slipped out of the closet, and I stood watching Jacob walk away just as Mr. Young walked around the corner heading in my direction.
“Rose, I’ve been looking for you. Where have you been?” he asked, looking back and forth between me and Jacob’s departing form.
“I’ve been placing books back on the shelves like I said.” I walked toward the desk again and tried not to laugh at Mr. Young, who was huffing and puffing behind me.
March 28, 1947
Why me…
I was walking along the cliffs with Richard, who seemed to have developed a nervous twitch. “Richard, is something wrong?”
He took a deep breath. “Rose, I have to ask your father’s permission to marry you.”
I was stunned and just stared at him. Not this again. I really thought this had all ended.
“My father has been talking to yours, which has set this whole thing off again.” He paused and stared at me. “Rose? You know I’m awfully fond of you and I know that you are fond of me. We could grow to love each other.” He offered me a wry smile.
I sat down rather heavily on a large rock and just looked at him, not knowing what to say. Richard crouched down in front of me and took my hands into his. I was still in shock and just left them there.
“Richard, I can’t marry you. I’m sorry our parents are putting you in this position, but please, don’t ask my father for my hand. My life will be unbearable at home if you do.”
He sighed heavily. “I’ll tell my father something to put him off for a short while, but Rose, you’re actually the only woman I would consider marrying.”