Fiona: Phoebe James, #2

By C. G. Eppinette

"Everyone seems to be thinking about love when I'm the only one thinking about life."  -- Fiona O'Malley

 

The last thing Fiona wants is to make a proper match. But her recently married brother Thomas has other ideas. When he discovers his closest friend, Mr. Young, is smitten with Fiona, he secretly encourages him, only to find that Fiona is less than willing to be part of a matchmaking scheme. In the meantime, George and Jimmy are both struck by Phoebe's young friend Tillie Davies. Amidst this turmoil of young hearts, will Fiona be able to keep her sanity and remain an independent young woman?
Set sail on a voyage of self-discovery and life lessons with Fiona as she navigates her world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: C. G. Eppinette
• Release date: Mar 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215330487

Book preview

Fiona

- a journey -

C. G. EPPINETTE

Text copyright © 2023 by C. G. Eppinette

Cover art copyright © 2023 by C. G. Eppinette

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without permission from the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and events portrayed in this book are products of the author’s imagination. Any similarity to real persons living or dead is coincidental and unintentional.

Book design by C. G. Eppinette

SUMMARY: An independent young woman would rather sail the world than marry suitably.

ISBN: 9798375220550 (paperback)

ISBN: 9798215330487 (ebook)

Library of Congress Control Number:

2023901656

First edition March 2023

Independently published in the United States by C. G. Eppinette

Greenwood, AR

If you suspect this copy to have been subject to piracy, please discard and purchase another copy through a reputable vendor and report any suspicious activity to the publisher. Thank you!

For Hannah and Megan,

whose hard work and deep

love does not go unnoticed.

CONTENTS

Part I - Uncharted Territory

Chapter 1

The Picnic

Chapter 2

A Change

Chapter 3

Family Portrait

Chapter 4

Happiness

Chapter 5

A Christmas Present

Chapter 6

Strangers

Chapter 7

Jilted

Chapter 8

The Future

Chapter 9

Poor Jimmy

Chapter 10

An Adventure

Chapter 11

A Whisper

Chapter 12

Poetry and Castor Oil

Chapter 13

A Trade

Chapter 14

Terra Firma

Part II - Discovery

Chapter 15

A Journal of Letters

Chapter 16

Impossible!

Chapter 17

Be It Ever So Humble...

Chapter 18

The Heart of Fiona O’Malley

Chapter 19

May the Road Rise up to Meet You

Chapter 20

Bitter Rice

Chapter 21

Another Wedding, and Another

Chapter 22

Tryst of Friendship

Chapter 23

Fallen Hero

Chapter 24

Private Enterprise

Next Spring

Dear Reader,

Not every story has a fairytale ending. Sometimes the heroine is more practical-minded. With this story comes the most pertinacious of heroines, less willing to be molded than she is to be understood. I like to think of this story as the opposite of its forerunner. We can’t explore the times of proper Victorian courtship and marriage without considering the feelings of independent-minded young women who would rather conquer the world than let their hearts be conquered. Within these pages, you will meet a girl who is discovering herself along with the world around her. I hope it gives you a view through new eyes and the courage to dream big dreams. With love and appreciation,

C. G. E.

FIONA

Part I

Uncharted

Territory

Chapter 1

The Picnic

Fiona! called Mam from the cellar. What did you do with my strawberry preserves? They’re not on the shelf where I left them.

Coming, Mam, said Fiona, rising from where she knelt in the garden tending to the carrots. She tripped carelessly to the top of the cellar staircase and wiped her hands on her apron as Mam spoke again.

They can’t all have disappeared at once! It’s just not possible... said Mam, mostly to herself.

They can when the twins are around, said Fiona.

Mam looked at Fiona with dread. They couldn’t have.

Fiona’s expression frowned into uncertainty. She turned on her heel and ran to the porch, where she last saw George and Jimmy.

They weren’t there. Their books had long been left behind, only to have the pages turned lazily by the wind. The faint sound of laughter came from the direction of the pond, and Fiona chased it.

It was a beautiful day. The breeze greeted its visitors warmly, the trees stood like old friends with open arms, and the birds called sweetly to any who wished to share in their happiness. But Fiona frowned upon it all as she flew down the hillside toward her brothers’ voices. The laughter grew louder in the idea it had no audience, but it was soon to be disturbed by an angry sister with a mane of flaming red hair.

A scene like the one she expected met her eyes, yet it made her stop with a gasp.

Open jam jars lay upon the grass and against tree roots, the suspects each held a jar in hand, wearing smiles from residual laughter, and a four-hoofed stranger stared at her with wary brown eyes.

What is that? asked Fiona.

Haven’t you ever seen a deer before? asked Jimmy, who sat cross-legged before the creature. He turned to look incredulously at his sister.

The creature snorted.

"Technically, it is an odocoileus virginianus, said George, standing before the scene with a scholarly air, also known as the white-tailed deer."

The creature smacked at Jimmy’s fingers.

But—those horns!

Antlers, corrected Jimmy.

"Those antlers are dangerous! What are you thinking? And Mam’s jam of all things!"

We’ve tried other things, but jam is his favorite, said George.

Fiona grunted in frustration.

The buck rose abruptly and turned away.

Now you’ve done it! said Jimmy, rising as well. "Two weeks’ work trying to tame him, and then you appear."

You shouldn’t be trying to tame a wild animal! What’s Mam going to say when she finds out?

She won’t find out if you just keep our secret a little longer, said George. We planned on telling everyone after we trained him. Then he could give little Rosie rides through the orchard in the fall.

"You’re not putting any child on that beast if I can help it, Georgie O’Malley, not as long as I live!"

Now, come on, Effie— said Jimmy.

Don’t call me that!

Fiona, he corrected. Didn’t you ever dream of riding anything besides Bob when you were her age? This is perfect! He’s nearly as tame as a housecat.

"I’ll tell Da you said that, and he’ll make certain Rose doesn’t get anywhere near that animal too."

Now, Fiona, said George, "you of all people should understand. You love animals!"

Not wild ones who eat jam and endanger my niece and brothers, I don’t!

You’re sweet, sister. But think about it from our side. Have we ever been able to study anything like a deer outside of a book? Here we have a real-life specimen right before our very eyes!

‘Specimen’?

Purely scientific, of course, said Jimmy. "His family wandered over to Farmer John’s a few weeks ago—you know how Old Johnny Brown feels about his oat crops. I’m sure you can guess the rest. Poor thing has no family now, except for us two coldhearted scientists, and, once we’ve exhausted our research, there’s naught left for him but to wander the woods alone, only to find another oat crop that leads to the happy land of Tír na nÓg..."

You’re awful! said Fiona, breaking away from her brothers and stepping towards the animal.

George and Jimmy winked at each other behind her back.

The buck considered Fiona from a safe distance and lipped at a blade of grass.

Fiona sighed and turned to her brothers.

He needs a name, she said.

The twins broke out in smiles and nudged each other in silent victory. Fiona walked past them.

But I’m telling Mam, she said over her shoulder.

––––––––

"Mam!" said Fiona, reentering the house.

What, dear? Mam stood packing a picnic basket.

George and Jimmy stole your preserves!

I’m not surprised.

Do you know what they’ve been doing with it?

Eating it? guessed Mam.

Feeding it to a deer!

Buck, corrected Jimmy, coming in behind Fiona.

"Odocoileus virginianus, to be precise," added George behind his brother.

Why? asked Mam incredulously.

Well, strictly speaking, Mam—

They want to study it for scientific purposes, and when they’re finished, they want to tame it for Rose to ride around the farm, summarized Fiona.

After a moment, Mam broke out laughing.

Fiona looked at her brothers, who wore smug expressions, then back at her mother.

That sounds just like your father, said Mam.

Mam, don’t you think it’s dangerous?

Your brothers have done far more dangerous things than that, Fiona.

What about Rose?

"We’ll discuss her safety when, and if, the boys can ever tame that Odocoli-whatever-it-is. But I doubt they could get past Thomas."

Oh, we’re planning to get his help taming it! said Jimmy.

It was Fiona’s turn to laugh.

That way, if he has a hand in it, Rose can have all the fun she wants without him spoiling it by worrying about her safety! explained George.

Well, said Mam, if you two can manage to tame a wild animal, get your brother’s help with it, and persuade him to let his baby girl bob about on it like a pony, then I will never doubt anything again as long as I live.

May we hold you to those words, Mam?

No, you may not. Now, go and see if your father needs help on the farm. You’ve dawdled long enough for one day.

Yes, ma’am, said the twins in unison.

When can we start the picnic, Mam? asked Jimmy before following his brother out the door.

As soon as Thomas and Phoebe arrive. They shouldn’t be long.

Jimmy nodded and sprinted after George.

George and Jimmy were hungry, as always, so they helped their father in record time, allowing him to spend the rest of his afternoon in the cool of the sitting room.

Fiona helped her mother finish assembling the picnic basket.

Jack! called Mam when the sun indicated it was afternoon.

Jack came running into the kitchen with a smile, holding a book, a bespectacled boy of eleven, the only one of the O’Malley children who inherited his mother’s dark hair.

Yes, Mamma? he answered.

Go and keep a lookout for your brother and sister, would you? They should be here soon. Let me know the minute they’re here. I want to make sure Phoebe’s comfortable.

Do you think they’ll bring Alphaeus?

I don’t know, dear, but you’ll find out when they get here.

Yes, ma’am. He ran out to the garden with his book.

Do you think Betsy needs help with the picnic cloth? asked Fiona.

No, I think she’s fine, answered Mam.

She’s been gone a while.

Yes. She wanted to take a walk while she was out.

Is she all right? She’s been a bit quiet lately. I mean, more than usual.

Yes. She’ll be fine.

Fiona knew by her mother’s tone that further questions would be useless, so she finished packing the basket and untied her apron.

The sound of voices reached their ears through the front door, and Mam and Fiona went outside to greet Thomas and Phoebe.

They found Thomas clapping George and Jimmy on the shoulders in greeting, asking them about their recent interests. The twins gave him plenty of information, carefully avoiding the subject of the deer in the south meadow.

How are you, Mam? said Thomas, embracing his mother as soon as he saw her.

Fine, son. How are you? said Mam.

Couldn’t be better. How are you, Effie? he asked, tousling his sister’s curls as a matter of habit.

Fine, returned Fiona as she tidied her hair. Where’s Phoebe? she asked, looking towards the carriage.

Oh, said Thomas in a nonchalant voice, she’ll probably be along presently.

‘Presently’? repeated Mam. Don’t you know where she is?

Of course I do. She’s—Oh, did I forget her again? Well, don’t worry. She probably walked here after she realized what happened.

What do you mean she probably walked? shouted Fiona.

Well, you know Phoebe. She’s not likely to let an ignorant husband get in the way of visiting her family. He smiled.

Fiona couldn’t believe her ears. Of all the things Thomas had ever done, this was the worst!

Oh, Thomas! said Mam. "You ought to be ashamed of yourself! A grown man of—Now, be serious and tell us, where is she?"

She’s probably walking on her way here now.

Some husband you are! said Fiona, getting angry to the point of tears. "You won’t even turn back to get her! Imagine she did decide to walk! By now, she’s probably hungry and tired and—and in her condition too!"

Yes, came a voice from behind Mam, but I made excellent time, didn’t I?

Oh, Phoebe! said Mam in startled relief as she embraced her.

Oh, you! said Fiona to her brother before turning to welcome Phoebe, who stood looking like an angel, smiling at Thomas as if she had been in on the joke.

Where did you come from? asked Mam.

I came in through the garden, answered Phoebe as she embraced Fiona fondly.

They’re here, Mamma, said Jack a little too late, but still fulfilling his duty.

Yes, thank you, dear, said Mam.

How do you tolerate him, Phoebe? asked Fiona, indicating her oldest brother. He doesn’t deserve you.

No, I don’t, said Thomas.

"I only wish I deserved him." Phoebe smiled.

Fiona felt ill.

When can we eat? asked Jack.

Right now, said Thomas, offering a piggyback ride to his youngest brother.

He raced down the hill with Jack to where the picnic grounds awaited them. The others followed behind. Rose was running in circles, followed by Alphaeus, Thomas’s shepherd dog. Jack ran to catch up with them. Betsy greeted Thomas and Phoebe when she saw them and inquired after Phoebe’s health, then after her father’s health. To each, Phoebe replied favorably, and Betsy smiled in response.

Gramma! shouted Rose upon seeing Mam.

Oh! How’s my darling? Mam replied as she caught Rose in her arms.

Mamma fixed my hair today, explained the child tragically, whose curls complained about any means of constraint whatsoever.

Well, it looks beautiful! said Mam, kissing Rose’s cheek.

Rose sighed.

Fiona and the twins were the first to the picnic basket, but Mam cautioned them against their eagerness in order to make sure Phoebe and the children had plenty to eat.

But, Mam, we’re still growing! protested George.

Hardly, and that’s no reason to be discourteous.

Thomas made sure Phoebe was comfortable and saw to her and Rose’s provision himself. Fiona watched in amusement as Thomas behaved like a faithful servant attending a live porcelain doll and was even more amused to see Phoebe’s expression heighten into mild annoyance as she looked at Mam.

Mam took the hint. You know, son, she said, an expectant mother can handle much more than you think. What do you suppose Phoebe does all day while you’re at the office? A child like Rose doesn’t raise herself, you know.

Thomas paid no attention to his mother’s reassurance.

Which reminds me, Mam, he said. I was going to ask if you could spare Fiona for the time being. I’d like Phoebe to have some help around the house while I am gone.

Fiona couldn’t believe her ears and could hardly utter her words fast enough.

Oh, I’d love to! she said. Could I, Mam?

Yes, you may, said Mam.

Won’t it be fun? Rosie, how would you like for me to come and stay with you?

Rose bounced up and down, giggling in response, and Fiona ran to start packing as soon as she ate enough to be considered nourishment.

"Make sure it’s all right with your Da," called Mam behind her.

Yes, ma’am!

Fiona and her father shared a special bond. Fiona was the most Irish of all his children. He had called her his little faerie from the day she was born. She shared his humor better than anyone else, and he also enjoyed any opportunity to spoil her. It was only a short matter of time between the moment she knelt beside the arm of his chair, asking if she could stay with Phoebe and Thomas for a while, and the moment he surrendered to her wishes.

"Thank you, Da!" she said, running up the stairs after kissing his balding head.

I’ll miss her, he said quietly, resuming his pipe.

Fiona packed her things in an instant. Life at home had grown boring. Not that she would have said anything of the sort to Mam or Da, but she had been longing for a change for months, years even. At twenty-two, Fiona felt the need for something different, even if it was to stay in the same house with her annoying brother, but Phoebe’s presence would amend for that.

Fiona loved Phoebe. They were like sisters from the moment Mam brought Phoebe home when they believed she was an orphan, and now, the thought of spending nearly every moment with her far outweighed the dread of all the teasing she would receive from Thomas.

Fiona trudged downstairs with a bulging carpetbag and sought the whereabouts of her family. Da was no longer in his chair. He must have gone outside. She made her way back to the picnic grounds, where all was quiet except for the droning sound of Thomas’s voice.

He was lying on the ground, telling a story to Rose, who sat listening intently with her chin propped upon her hands, her elbows resting upon his chest. It was Phoebe’s story, her favorite, and she was all ears as her father lingered upon the details that made her happiest.

...Bob soared away from the picnic grounds to the surprise of all, especially Gramma.

Daddy! said Rose in childish exasperation.

What?

In the story she’s Mrs. O’Malley.

Mam chuckled, and Thomas indulged his daughter.

"All right then...Bob soared away from the picnic grounds to the surprise of all, especially Mrs. O’Malley. After many anxious minutes, the sound of hoofbeats brought Phoebe back into view, and everyone cheered to see her, for, not only had she returned safely, but, for the first time since they had known her, her face was radiant with happiness. Thomas smiled at Phoebe, and Phoebe blushed. Thomas helped her down and clapped her on the shoulder. ‘Handled that like a champ, didn’t she, Mam?’ said Thomas.

"But Mrs. O’Malley didn’t answer. She was concerned about Phoebe, and rightly so, for after the excitement had worn off, Phoebe fell into her arms, crying and laughing all at once. Mrs. O’Malley looked at Thomas with tears in her own eyes. Phoebe was home."

Rose applauded, and Mam dabbed the corners of her eyes.

I can’t believe how long ago that was, said Mam. It seems only yesterday.

And yet it seems ages, said Betsy quietly as Fiona made her presence known. Something was wrong with Betsy, and Fiona hated going away when it seemed like she needed a friend. She sat next to her confidingly, and Betsy put an arm around her. Betsy would have to be all right until she returned.

Are you ready, Fiona? asked Mam.

Yes, ma’am.

I suppose it is getting late, said Thomas, surveying the waning light behind the trees. Are you ready, love? he asked Phoebe.

I guess so, said Phoebe reluctantly, gathering her things. Rosie dear, would you get Mamma’s yarn over there? It rolled away from me.

I got it! shouted Rose, flying down the hill at an impressive speed.

It was only a moment later when Phoebe sought her daughter.

Come along, Rosie, she called. We can play outside again tomorrow.

No answer came.

Rose?

Rose! shouted Thomas.

She was nowhere in sight.

At once, Thomas sprinted towards the woods. Fiona gave a panicked look in the twins’ direction. They smiled knowingly. Fiona scolded George and Jimmy furiously with her eyes as she breezed past them and caught up with Thomas, who stood like a statue near an opening in the trees that led to the pond.

He held up a hand and shushed her as she approached. One by one, the rest of the family caught up to her.

Bubbly, childish laughter made its way to Fiona’s ears, and she sought what Thomas saw.

Rose had found the buck. That much was certain, but Fiona feared her eyes betrayed her as she stared at an impossible sight.

The buck’s head was lowered to the ground as Rose reached forward and grabbed hold of his antlers. Fiona nearly screamed at what happened next. The buck nudged Rose up into the air, losing contact with her for a moment before lowering her gently to the ground.

Again, again! shouted Rose.

The buck snorted in the negative.

She began climbing his left antler, and he tilted his head towards the ground. She slid off with a plop.

Rose, said Thomas cautiously.

Yes, Daddy?

Rose, it’s time to go home.

Can we take Penny with us?

Fiona and the twins exchanged glances.

Penny? asked Thomas.

Yes. She’s my puppy!

Rose, that isn’t a puppy.

"I don’t think it’s a she either," added Da quietly.

Yes she is, insisted Rose. Come feel her fur!

You’d better go get her now, said Phoebe, for the buck was no longer in danger of hurting Rose if he bolted away.

Thomas walked towards her. Rose, he said, do as I say. It’s time to go home.

No, Daddy, she said, returning to the animal.

Thomas was on the point of repeating his orders when the buck nudged Rose toward him.

Again! she cried, holding on to the buck’s antlers.

Once more, the buck shifted her onto his nose, and instead of tossing her into the air, he walked to Thomas, stopped, and slid her down at his feet.

Thomas was dumbfounded as he picked up Rose and looked into the creature’s eyes. He uttered a quiet, Thank you, before the buck turned away and bounded through the trees.

See! said Rose in her father’s arms. She’s my puppy!

Chapter 2

A Change

A what?

"A púca, said Thomas. According to Da, it’s a mischievous spirit that takes the form of an animal. It’s said to bring good luck to those it visits."

"Oh, please!" said Fiona.

Is that why he was acting so strangely? asked