- The only characters I own are Samuel Challenger, Dr. Alfred Kingsbridge, Jessie Kingsbridge, Robert Alderman and Sir Leslie Harding. The rest belong to J&G, OTHG, you know the deal.
The story takes place between Trapped and HOTS.
1- July 19-20, 1848: Woman's Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls, New York.
The Life He Left Behind
"John, really, I have work to do" she kept slapping his hands away, but he kept pulling her away from the table.
"You, work?" he teased.
"Yes, work. Don't you have hunting to do?" she teased.
"Why hunt when the prey is right in front of me?" the collective laughter echoed throughout the tree house.
In his laboratory, Challenger sighed. Since returning from the cave, their relationship and
the atmosphere in the house had changed. It was nice to see them finally admitting their feelings for one another.
"Hey Challenger, here's the plants you asked for" Veronica and Finn walked into the lab carrying the plants they spent the morning collecting.
"Are you ok?" Veronica asked, noticing the far away look in his eyes.
"Oh fine, I just need to take a break, these fumes are getting to my head".
"Good idea, we'll be in the garden if you need us" the two blondes left the room.
"Jessie, if you could see me now" Marguerite and Roxton's laughter disappeared toward the bedrooms.
30 Years Earlier
George felt his heart beating a mile a minute. He stood nervously in front of the door of Dr. Alfred Kingsbridge, the most prolific and difficult professor at Oxford. Who knew that a poor gunsmith's son from Lincolnshire would end up as a student in one of the most prestigious universities in the world? His fascination with science started when he was a boy eagerly watching his father turn cold steel into works of art.
When he was twelve, Samuel allowed his son to the join at the town square, where people peddled their goods for the local gentry. One of these was a decorated veteran of His Majesty's Navy, Sir Leslie Harding. Upon hearing young George's rapid-fire questions, Sir Leslie bought several guns and offered Samuel the chance for his son to be educated as the son of the wealthy. Sir Harding had lost his wife many years
ago and with no children of his own, George was given opportunities that many boys of his class would never have.
George knew that many had failed or never attempted Dr. Kingsbridge's class. But he relished the challenge, knowing that even a mention of his name would open doors for him, doors that his father would never imagine. Inside the office, Dr. Kingsbridge was not ready to receive students of any kind. His only child, his daughter, Jessie, was again causing a ruckus.
1-"Papa, the world is changing. If the women in New York did it forty four years ago, why not do it here?"
"The Americans are a loose sort; their morals are clearly different from ours. Go home; Helga must be worried sick by now" Father and daughter were equally frustrated. Alfred didn't understand his daughter anymore; it was as if she has been replaced by someone else. To Jessie, her father was an old stodgy. The world was changing, women were being granted more opportunities than before. But her father saw her as a little girl, still needing care by her long time Prussian nursemaid, Helga.
"Pardon me, Dr. Kingsbridge?" George was about to knock as the door opened.
"May I help you, young man?".
"My name is George Challenger; Sir Harding sent you a letter regarding entry into your class".
"I remember the letter; Leslie thinks you're quite brilliant".
"I was hoping to talk to you about the class…".
"I have already spoken to the dean; you will be on roster Monday morning".
"Thank you, I won't let you down".
"I'm sure you won't".
Jessie felt her anger brewing as the watched the conversation. While her father eagerly opened his expertise to young men he barely knew, he refused to share the same knowledge with his own child.
"Jessie, go home" Alfred's focus returned to his daughter.
"But Papa…".
"Go home".
"Perhaps I should go" George offered.
"I would like to hear your theories, young man. Jessie, for the last time, go home".
Jessie walked out of her father's office, angrier than she had ever been. Young men like George Challenger were treated as prize bulls while she was treated as the cow, brought out as a thing only when her presence was considered proper. Instead of going to the carriage as she was supposed to, Jessie hid, letting her tears out. If he only knew how he hurt her. But he was too dam stubborn, forgetting that she was no longer a little girl.
Walking out of the office, George felt satisfied. Dr. Kingsbridge seemed more than pleased with his theories. If only his father could see him now.
"Miss Kingsbridge?" he noticed her hiding away in the corner, her face red.
"Mr. Challenger".
"Is something wrong?".
"No, my father is…".
"Just any other father, blissfully unaware that his daughter is no longer a young girl" he handed her his handkerchief.
Like any other young man, George had his share of infatuations, but Jessie Kingsbridge was not an infatuation. It was as if a light bulb had been turned on in his head.
"May I walk you to your carriage" he offered his arm.
"Thank you" Jessie had met many men in her life, who used her to get to her father. Or they saw her fortune. But George Challenger was different that he seemed and Jessie liked that.
"May I call on you sometime?" he asked.
"I would like that".
-This is my first Challenger centered fic. Please be nice and send a review, please?