Until Their Hearts Desire: A Jules Vanderzeit novel, #2

Other Works by Tricia Linden

The Ellers Family Time Travel Trilogy

Return In Time

Somewhere To Belong

Away Over Yonder

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Dreaming In Moonlight

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Until We Meet Again -  A Jules Vanderzeit novel

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Dedicated to my dear friend, Eileen.

I wish you well.

CHAPTER 1

April 18, 1892 – Santa Cruz, California

Tessa returned from a stroll down to the beach and took a seat on the front porch of her newly built cottage. The beauty of the setting sun spread out before her, turning the thick, fluffy clouds into vivid bursts of color. She gazed out over the Pacific Ocean to the far horizon and a feeling of home washed over her. The little house held no furniture other than a couple of rocking chairs on the western facing front porch, but it already held her heart and a future of grand possibilities, hopefully one filled with peace, beauty, and love. Yes, she thought, lots of love.

Tessa, she heard her aunt calling to her, pulling her from her daydreams. Tessadori, a letter has come for you.

Aunt Sarah, please, come and enjoy the sunset with me. Tessa went to greet her aunt at the garden gate that fronted her property and walked arm in arm with her back to the rocking chairs where they could sit together and look out over the ocean.

News from home, Aunt Sarah said as she handed over the letter.

You mean from New York, Tessa corrected her aunt with a smile. Though the rest of her family still lived in New York, she had begun to think of Santa Cruz as her home. Her Uncle Alfred, a real estate developer, had encouraged her to buy the empty plot of land next to his with the inheritance she had received from her grandfather and had the cottage built as an investment for her future.

It’s from your mother. I received one too, her aunt said, patting the pocket of her skirt.

Excited as always to receive news from her family, Tessa broke the seal on the letter and began to read it aloud while swaying gently back and forth in her chair. Abruptly, she stopped rocking, astonished by what she was reading. Her initial excitement over receiving news from her family plummeted in an emotional whirlwind, and her words trailed off into silence. Just when she was beginning to think of Santa Cruz as her home, her mother was asking her to return to New York. The news was not only unexpected, it was unwelcomed.

Her first reaction was stunned silence, but perched on the limb, right beside that quiet little sparrow of restraint and dutiful obedience, sat a dark raven of anger and defiant frustration, that after four years of heartache and disappointment, she was being asked to leave her newly built home in California and return to New York. She kept the chirping bird of resentment at bay by trying to focus on reasons why she should go and not on the years that had passed since she left the gilded island of Manhattan.

Four years ago, Tessadori Delafield had moved with her Aunt Sarah and Uncle Alfred, at their request, to live with them in California, and yet, in all those years, this was the first time her parents had asked her to return home. At first, Tessa had felt abandoned by her parents, but, as the years crept by, she had eventually stopped believing she would ever return. Her saving grace, her one true lifeline, had been the love and care she received from her aunt and uncle. Over the years, they had become the loving parents she had always wished for. Even so, and although she loved them dearly, it still wasn’t enough to completely erase her desire to be loved and accepted by her own family.

Tessa’s mother wanted her to return to New York with Aunt Sarah and Uncle Alfred for her sister Caroline’s tenth wedding anniversary celebration. Sarah and Alfred Chesterton were Caroline’s godparents, and she doubted they would ignore the invitation, nor would Tessa ever suggest such a thing—not that the thought hadn’t crossed her mind. But why this event? Other holidays had come and gone, and each had passed without a summons. She sensed there was some deeper meaning behind her mother’s request. Even if it was Caroline’s tenth wedding anniversary, why did her mother need to summon her and Aunt Sarah from the other side of the country for this particular party?

Silently, Tessa read over the letter again, as if it would yield up some additional clue, but there was nothing to be gained from a second reading. Her mother requested her presence in anticipation of Caroline’s tenth wedding anniversary to be held on Friday, May 20, 1892. Please come at your soonest, it said. Her mother had even gone so far as to mention how much her sisters were looking forward to Tessa’s return.

Tessa had come to believe she would be perfectly happy to live out her life in California without ever returning to New York. But it wouldn’t be right to ignore her mother’s invitation, and she couldn’t very well expect Aunt Sarah to miss her goddaughter’s momentous occasion. She supposed she had to go.

This is wonderful news. Aunt Sarah seemed much more excited than Tessa by the news. I’ll have Alfred make arrangements for our travel as soon as possible, she said.

Yes, Auntie, that would be splendid, Tessa said without conviction. Unable to hide her disappointment, she let her hand holding the letter drop to her lap even as her heart began to pound in her chest.

Tessa, darling, what’s wrong? I can see this news doesn’t sit well with you. Her aunt reached out to hold her hand.

It’s just that . . . Oh, Auntie . . . It’s just I fear, once I’m back in New York, my mother will campaign to keep me there. She’ll want me to marry and settle down like my sisters. But I love it here. I have no desire to move back to New York.

Tessa, dear, you’re worrying about something that hasn’t even happened. I’m certain you won’t be required to stay in New York unless that’s what you really want. Don’t you think it’s best for you to go home, at least for a while, before you decide? You’ll still have this cottage, should choose to return.

Tessa didn’t actually live in the cottage; she still occupied her rooms in the big house next door with her aunt and uncle. The cottage and the land it sat on were more of an investment for her future, purchased with the money she received when her grandfather passed away. She’d been advised that someday it would serve as an excellent dowry for her future husband, at least that was what was expected. On that issue, she supposed Uncle Alfred’s expectations were not so different from her father’s; both men hoped to see her well married. Where her parents and Uncle Alfred differed―and, to Tessa, this was quite significant―was that Uncle Alfred indicated he would allow her to do the choosing. It seemed he trusted her ability to choose wisely, and if the beachside cottage was any clue, he also believed she would continue to reside on the West Coast.

Are you thinking of declining the invitation? Tessa asked with a small measure of hope.

Oh no, Tessa, that would never do. We must go, and then we will return, if you’re certain that’s what you want, her aunt stated with pragmatic assurance.

Of course, Auntie, I’m sure you’re right.

Tessa sighed. Of course she would go. Her family depended on her to do as she was asked, regardless of whether she liked it or not. It was the reason why, at seventeen years old, she had been sent to accompany her aunt and uncle to the West Coast. Though, at the time, it had nearly broken her heart.

Now, after spending four years in California as a companion to her elder aunt, Tessa had overcome her bout of homesickness, and she found she no longer wished to live in New York. She saw the strict social structure of New York’s elite ruling families as ridged and unappealing, to say the least. Such thoughts put her firmly outside the accepted circle of single young ladies vying for marriageable young men to secure their futures. Her parents were much too rich and too well established to allow her to marry below their standard, but she was certain she would hold no affection or appreciation for the type of man whom they deemed appropriate.

Aunt Sarah patted her hand. You read the letter. Caroline and your mother need our help with the arrangements for her party. I expect your mother claimed she was too overwhelmed to handle it by herself. I’m not surprised. She couldn’t plan a decent wedding without my help. How could she possibly be expected to manage a tenth wedding anniversary. And you do want your sister to have a nice celebration, don’t you?

When you put it that way, I’m sure you’re right. Tessa wasn’t about to disagree with her aunt. What good would that do? Once Aunt Sarah had her mind made up, there was no stopping her.

Of course, I am, Aunt Sarah said with conviction, squeezing Tessa’s hand; her grip was still strong. Your sister needs our help. Dear Caroline has been married for ten years—God bless Matthew’s soul—and has two beautiful, heathy children. We have much to celebrate and be thankful for. Of course, we’ll go.

Her aunt was right. Caroline and her mother probably couldn’t plan the event properly without her aunt’s assistance, and everyone knew Aunt Sarah would never refuse her goddaughter’s request.

Aunt Sarah and Uncle Alfred had been nothing but kind and generous to Tessa, and she loved them for it. But it wasn’t their money or social standing she admired, it was their independent and adventurous spirits, and their determination to never give up.

After they lost all four of their children to a fever within one year, they had taken it upon themselves to leave New York, and all the sorrow it held for them, and move to the West Coast. They had quickly fallen in love with its raw and rugged beauty. Aunt Sarah had once said, the first time she saw the sun set into the Pacific Ocean, she knew this was the place where she would live out her life. Uncle Alfred became a land developer and built homes for them in both San Francisco and the seaside town of Santa Cruz. Even before the Santa Cruz house was finished, Aunt Sarah had asked that Tessa be allowed to come and live with them, to keep her company.

Hopefully we can leave within a week, Aunt Sarah continued. From the distracted but determined look on her aunt’s face, Tessa could tell she was already busy mentally mapping out their journey. I’ll speak to Alfred tonight.

Resigned to the fact they would be making the long cross-country trip, Tessa began to make a few plans of her own. There were some things she wanted to do before they left.

If we have the time, I’d like to make an overnight visit to San Francisco to see my friend Victoria Stevenson. Hopefully, I’ll be able to pick up something from her bookstore for the long train ride back east. And I want to let her know I’ll be gone for a while.

I would say at least a month, if not more, Aunt Sarah interjected.

Why so long?

If we’re going to make the trip across country for your sister’s party, we may as well make it worth our while.

Tessa wondered what she could possibly find in New York that would make it worth her time and effort.

At least the trip gave her a reason to go into the city. She enjoyed staying at their spacious townhouse on Nob Hill, and a visit with Victoria Stevenson would do her good. She had met Mrs. Stevenson on the train coming from New York. Victoria had been traveling with her husband, daughter, and several servants, moving their entire household to the West Coast. Along the way, the two women had become close friends.

She also hoped to have an opportunity to see Mr. Vanderzeit while she was in San Francisco.

Ever since the day he had saved her from that runaway delivery wagon, he had become not only her savior and trusted friend, but somewhat of a spiritual advisor. He was older and wiser, and yet, despite the gray salting his full head of dark hair, he had a youthful appearance of health and vitality that seemed to belie his true age.

Although she still attended regular Sunday services with her aunt and uncle at the local Episcopal Church, it was Mr. Vanderzeit’s views on God, life, afterlife, and spirituality that truly intrigued her. Mr. Vanderzeit was one of the new transformational spiritualists, and she suspected his views differed greatly from her Aunt Sarah and Uncle Alfred, not that she had ever really discussed such things with them. Once, when she had attempted to broach the subject of an afterlife, she had sensed their deep discomfort and had resolved to avoid such topics as death and reincarnation. She often wondered if the loss of their four children within such a short span of time had shaken their faith too deeply for such things to be discussed.

Her friendship with Mr. Vanderzeit was a secret she didn’t share with anyone, not even Victoria. It was as if their encounters existed in an altered world, separate from her daily routine life, and she preferred to keep their lofty discussions private.

Once, during a conversation on reincarnation, Tessa had asked Mr. Vanderzeit whom, or what, he expected to be if he returned in another life.

A better version of me, had been his sensible answer. If all of my past lives have led me to this life, I can only expect my next life will be even better.

When he said it like that, it made perfect sense.

Aunt Sarah gave Tessa a comforting pat on her hand and said, You needn’t look so worried. I’m sure it will all work out well. Showing a bit of her age, she gingerly rose from the rocking chair. I best be getting back. Alfred will be getting home soon. Don’t linger here too long, Tessa. You’ll need time to dress for dinner. With that parting comment, Sarah retraced her steps back to the big house next door, leaving Tessa alone in the fading light of the setting sun to contemplate what a return to New York might entail.

Later that evening, after a lengthy discussion at dinner about train schedules and her uncle’s business plans, it was agreed Tessa could accompany her uncle on his next business trip into San Francisco early the next morning. He was working to close another real estate transaction, and there were documents to sign and deeds to file before he could leave for New York. It would delay their trip by a few days, but he really couldn’t leave until the deal was closed.

I’ll look into booking the Friday train out of Oakland. That should give me enough time to complete my transaction. Will that work for you, Sarah? Uncle Alfred asked his wife.

I will make it work, my dear. I know this seems rather sudden. So like my sister to leave informing us to the last minute, Aunt Sarah said, looking a little nervous.

Auntie, the event is still over a month away, Tessa said, trying to calm her aunt’s anxiety. I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to fix whatever needs fixing.

"An event in Manhattan can take months to properly plan. Your mother is cutting this awfully short. I do hope there’s nothing amiss with Matthew and Caroline."

I’m sure everything’s fine. There was nothing in her letter to indicate they are having problems.

If it will help, I can send you and Tessa on ahead without me, Uncle Alfred offered.

No, my dear, we can wait for you, if you’re sure we can leave by Friday, as you say. I’ll need that much time to make arrangements to close up the house while we’re gone, Sarah assured her husband. It’s important we all travel together; cross-country trips are too tiresome to make alone.

Would it help any if you went into the city with us? Alfred asked his wife.

I really can’t. I have things I need to tend to before we leave. However, I would like you to post a letter to my sister. I want to write a few detailed instructions so she can prepare for our arrival. If I don’t, she will leave everything to the last minute without any clue of how it should all get done. I hope to have a look at her guest list as soon as we arrive. Lord only knows whom my sister may see fit to welcome into her home.

Though she tried not to show it, Tessa was rather grateful her aunt would not be going with them into the city. If her aunt was there, it would be much harder to break away to see Mr. Vanderzeit. Not because Aunt Sarah didn’t trust her to be off on her own, but because, if they were in the city together, she knew her aunt preferred to keep Tessa at her side, and as her aunt’s companion, it was only fitting she would accommodate her wishes. With only Uncle Alfred at the townhouse, it would be much easier to visit both Victoria’s book shop and the Golden Gate Tea House where she usually met with Mr. Vanderzeit.

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Tessa quickened her steps as she neared Victoria’s bookstore. Its name, A Fine Place For Books, was painted in beautifully scripted letters over the front door of the red brick building. The small brass bell hanging on the door jingled cheerfully, announcing her arrival, as she burst into the shop.

Victoria, did you get my note? Tessa greeted her friend in a rush before taking notice of the customer she was assisting. Oh, I’m sorry. Please, excuse my interruption.

It’s quite all right. Mrs. Philpot and I are nearly finished. She was telling me about a new author she’s fond of and was hoping I would carry her books. Victoria turned back to her customer. I will inquire with my booksellers and see if I can order some copies for the store. I’ll let you know when they arrive.

Perfect. I know they will sell well. Miss Sharla Ewing is a splendid storyteller. I greatly enjoy her books, and I’ll be sure to tell all my friends when they’re available.

I appreciate that. Thank you for the recommendation.

Mrs. Philpot leaned in and touched Mrs. Stevenson’s arm. I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate having a bookseller in the city who understands the reading preferences of women.

"I couldn’t do it without customers like you. You, Mrs. Philpot, make it all worthwhile."

Mrs. Philpot beamed. Well, then, I’ll bid you good day, Mrs. Stevenson. She gathered up her purchases then gave a slight nod of acknowledgement to Tessa before she turned and headed for the door.

Good day to you, Mrs. Philpot.

Tessa could hardly wait until the door closed behind the departing woman before she spoke. Victoria, I am so glad to see you. She reached out and greeted her friend with a hug. Did you get my note? Did you know I was coming?

Yes, Tessa, I got your note. So tell me, what has you so worked up?

I received a letter from my mother. Caroline’s tenth wedding anniversary is coming soon, and Mother has asked, no requested, very strongly, that Aunt Sarah and I must attend. It means a trip back to New York. I can hardly believe I once prayed for Mother to send for me, and now it’s the last thing I want.

What’s so bad about New York? It should be nice there this time of year. At least it’s not the dead of winter or the heat of summer.

It’s not the weather I’m worried about. I’m worried Mother will try to convince me to stay. I’m sure she thinks I should be married by now, like Caroline and Lillian, but the whole idea is so . . . so . . . unappealing.

Come, sit and relax. I’ll brew some tea, and you can tell me all about it. Victoria led Tessa to the small sitting area set aside to give her customers a place to gather, relax, and read while choosing their purchases.

Tessa perched on the edge of one of the overstuffed reading chairs and twisted in her seat to watch Victoria retrieve a tea kettle from the potbellied stove warming the room. Aunt Sarah said we’ll be there for at least a month, maybe more. I can only hope it won’t be any longer. Even a month will be more than enough time for Mother to campaign for me to stay in New York. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was already lining up men to present as possible suitors and hoping one of them might convince me to marry and settle down.

Victoria brought two sturdy mugs from behind the sales counter, set them on the table, and then poured the tea. She had once told Tessa a bookstore was not a place for dainty cups and saucers that were prone to chip, break, or spill. Although Victoria was the picture of elegant femininity, there was nothing dainty about her. She was as pragmatic as the day was long, and Tessa admired that about her. Mrs. Stevenson was married to one of the richest men in San Francisco, and yet, unlike any other society matron Tessa had ever known, Victoria insisted on owning and operating a bookstore. She said it served to occupy her time far better than staying at home to plan menus for tea parties or guest lists for charity balls.

A selection of handsome, eligible men to choose from doesn’t sound so awful to me, Victoria said with a sly smile. She tended to say the most outlandish things, but Tessa knew she was only joking; at least, she hoped she was.

What about living in Manhattan? Do you have any desire to move back there?

No, of course not. The weather is unbearable nine months of the year, and I certainly don’t miss New York’s staunch upper class. One of my happiest days was when Robert agreed to move to San Francisco. Victoria’s eyes glazed over for a moment, as if she were recalling something from her past. Only one of many. She shook her head as if coming down from the clouds. He’s doing better than ever with his investments here in the city.

Yes, and I’ve come to love it here, too. I want to stay and decorate my new, little cottage. It’s all finished now, you know. There’s no furniture yet, except for two rocking chairs Aunt Sarah let me bring over for the sun porch. I am so looking forward to decorating it and making it my own. There’s a lovely space for a garden out front that gets lots of sun, and I’ve discovered these wonderful plants called succulents that look like thick, leafy roses. After you plant them, they spread out like a carpet across the ground. My little garden will be a perfect place to plant succulents.

Succulents in your garden! That does sound appealing. Victoria chuckled. But really, Tessa, has your Aunt Sarah said anything to indicate you wouldn’t be allowed to return?

No, not really. In fact, she insisted that we must go, and then we would both return.

Then I don’t see what has you so upset. From what you’ve told me, your aunt will not be bullied by your mother. If she wants you to return to California, then you shall.

Yes, I suppose you’re right. But this idea of returning to Manhattan has brought up such dreadful memories for me. I shudder to remember how close Mother came to arranging a marriage for me to old Mr. Dunkle before I had even had my coming out. Really, can you just imagine me being Tessadori Dunkle? Thank goodness Aunt Sarah stepped in and requested I come and stay with her, or who knows where I’d be right now. Actually, her mother had only mentioned Mr. Dunkle a few times, stating how he was in search of a new bride and would welcome an opportunity to see Tessa again when she made her debut. It was Tessa who had read between the lines for her mother’s true intent. She was probably overstating the importance of the incident, but believed it helped to illustrate her concerns.

Aunt Sarah had also known about Samuel Jones, a young man who had shown an interest in Tessa, and Tessa had returned his affections. Her aunt had managed to convince her that Mr. Jones had too little money, wealth, or family pedigree to be considered acceptable by the older generation of Manhattan’s elite gatekeepers. At the time, she had been too young to disagree, and so she had come to California as requested.

Dunkle. Really. You can’t be serious. I can’t picture you as a Dunkle, Victoria said with a teasing grin.

Tease if you must, but the thought of going back to New York grips my insides, as if I’m being squished. Tessa brought her hands together in a squeezing motion. It’s difficult to breathe or even think straight. The logical side of me knows I should go and see my family—it’s been far too long—but there’s this feeling of dread I just can’t shake. I can’t pretend I’m happy about this.

Victoria’s expression turned serious. "Feelings are important. I won’t try to talk you out of yours. I’ve always believed in premonitions and hunches, but, in this case, I