Josephine

  On the surface, Libby seemed nice, which made Jo question the Dragon Lady’s claim that the two were related.

  As Jo began on Mrs. Waterman’s hair, Libby looked around and asked, “Is this your mama’s shop, Jo?”

  “No, it’s mine.”

  Libby appeared surprised by the answer. “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m impressed. I wish I could own my own business. Quite a few women in Chicago do, but I have neither the smarts nor the desire.”

  Jo set the cooled-off curling irons on the brazier to heat again before picking up one of the hot ones. “You can be whatever you want to be, Libby.”

  Libby shrugged. “Oh, I know, but all I want is to marry a man who won’t want me to do anything but look beautiful and grace his table.”

  Jo stared at her. “Really?”

  “Yes, I’m very traditional.”

  George came to Jo’s mind. She wondered if the two would hit it off. That Jo had considered fixing George up with someone else spoke volumes about her own commitment to him, but she chose not to admit the obvious to herself, at least not yet. Instead, she refocused her attention on Mrs. Waterman’s hair.

  While she worked, Jo wondered if Bert had informed his mother of his plans to move. She assumed not since she hadn’t arrived spitting fire. It was quite possible that after Bert went home, he had calmed down and changed his mind, Jo reasoned. She hoped he had, but she still wanted to talk with Trudy about him. Jo also wanted to see Trudy to make certain she was all right.

  Mrs. Waterman asked, “Josephine, how is Adam Morgan getting along?”

  “He’s well. He’s now walking with a stick instead of the crutches.”

  “I’m thinking of introducing Libby to him.”

  “Aunt Corinne says he’s very handsome,” Libby said, looking pleased. “Is he wealthy, as well?”

  Jo was so taken aback by the blunt question, she didn’t quite know how to respond. “Well, I’m not sure.”

  Libby replied, “It would be nice if he were. There’s nothing better than a handsome and wealthy young man, don’t you think?”

  Jo changed her mind. Libby was indeed related to the Dragon Lady.

  Jo closed the shop after Mrs. Waterman and Libby departed, then headed across the field for home. Libby Spenser was still on Jo’s mind, however, having replaced Bert for the moment. Would the Waterman niece really train her sights on Adam? Jo couldn’t see Adam being attracted to such a potentially predatory female, but Libby was very pretty, so who knew? Adam had never impressed her as being susceptible to shallow girls, though. He’d detested Francine, the wealthy, snobbish girl Dani had been sweet on before Belle came north. Libby reminded Jo of Francine quite a bit. Jo then chastised herself for even being concerned about whether Adam would like Libby or not; after all, Jo and Adam were nothing more than friends.

  After hastily consuming her dinner, Jo rode her mare over to Trudy’s house. Upon seeing Trudy sitting on the porch, Jo waved happily and Trudy waved in reply. Jo was glad to see that Trudy’s mama had decided to let Trudy live.

  Barbara Carr stepped out onto the porch just as Jo walked up. Mrs. Carr had never been a smiling woman, so Jo found it hard to gauge her mood. “Evening, Mrs. Carr,” Jo said politely. “I came by to see if Trudy can have company.”

  Mrs. Carr scanned her daughter’s face. Jo could see the hope in Trudy’s eyes. Apparently Mrs. Carr could, too. “I suppose. No more than an hour though.”

  “Yes, ma’am, and thank you.”

  Mrs. Carr stepped off the porch and walked slowly in the direction of the greenhouses. Watching her depart, Jo let out a sigh of relief.

  Jo joined Trudy on the porch and the two shared an enthusiastic hug before they each took a seat on the steps.

  “I’m glad you came,” Trudy said. “I’ve been so lonely cooped up here.”

  “How’s your mother treating you?”

  “Well, she’s not as mad as she was, but I’ve been walking on eggshells trying not to set her off again.”

  Jo nodded sympathetically. “I’ve been worried about you.”

  “Thanks, but if I had known this was going to happen, I never would have looked twice at Dred Reed.”

  Jo thought about Bert. “As my papa likes to say, you live and you learn.”

  “Oh, I’ve learned my lesson well. No more adventurous males for me. If I could turn back time, I’d take my bland, boring Bert Waterman and count myself blessed.”

  “That’s one of the reasons I had to see you. Bert stopped by my shop this morning.”

  Trudy asked quietly, “How is he?”

  “Angry.”

  Trudy dropped her head.

  “He said he would never love anyone as much.”

  Trudy’s head shot up. “He said what?”

  Jo repeated herself.

  Trudy fell back against the porch post and said in a dreamy voice, “He said that?”

  “He did.”

  “I don’t deserve him, Jo. I’d be miserable for the rest of my life if he never spoke to me again, but I’d understand why he wouldn’t want to.”

  “The two of you need to talk, but I’ve no idea how you’ll arrange to with you being on punishment and all.”

  “Neither can I.”

  “Well, I want you to think on it because you’re probably the only person I know who might be able to talk him out of going after Dred Reed.”

  “What!”

  “Yes, Trudy. He believes it is his job to avenge your honor and his. He’s planning on finding Dred and bringing him to justice.”

  “That’s ridiculous. He could be hurt.”

  Jo didn’t reply.

  “This is all my fault.”

  “I hate to agree with you, but you’re right.”

  Trudy crossed her arms and sat back again. “I’ve done some silly things in my life, Jojo, but this is the silliest. What if Bert is killed?”

  “I doubt it will come to that,” Jo countered, “but somehow, you need to speak with him.”

  “I’ll work on it,” Trudy vowed. “If I have to sneak out and ride my horse in the middle of the night, Bert has to be made to see reason.”

  “Oh, I almost forgot. He said to tell you that after he hands Dred over to the sheriff, he expects you to have on your wedding dress.”

  Trudy’s mouth dropped.

  “He said you two are getting married and he wants no more of your foolishness.”

  Trudy squealed with glee. She threw her arms around Jo and did a seated version of a jig.

  The two friends jumped and laughed and Trudy had tears in her eyes. She said seriously, “If he’s willing to forgive me, I plan on being the best wife anyone has ever seen. Oh, I love him so!”

  Jo smiled. “I should hope so.” Jo then told her about Bert’s pledge to move out of the Dragon Lady’s house.

  For a moment Trudy could only stare. She finally said, “My goodness. What has come over him?”

  Jo shook her head. “I’ve no idea, but it looks like the Dragon Lady might not be going on your honeymoon after all.”

  They both keeled over with laughter. When they finally came up for air, Trudy gushed, “Jo, this is all so exciting.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “Well, I’m going to find a way to see Bert. Don’t worry about him anymore.”

  Jo nodded but knew she would anyway, at least until the sheriff caught Dred and tossed him in the town jail.

  They spent a few more moments talking about Bert, then Jo said, “Oh, I almost forgot. I met Bert’s cousin Libby this morning.”

  Trudy made a face. “I met her once last year. Didn’t care for her at all.”

  “Why not?”

  “A bit fast for me.”

  Jo gave her a look.

  “I know, I know. Who am I to be calling the kettle black after the mess I caused, but she’s really fast, Jo. Bert thought she might be coming to stay here for a while because her parents can’t control her. They’re hopin
g Bert’s mama might be able to put reins on her. I guess Libby was seeing a man her parents didn’t approve of. Bert mentioned something about the man being old but quite well off, but Bert and I never discussed the full story.”

  Jo was impressed. “My.”

  “I know.”

  “Well, the Dragon Lady said Libby would be here through July.”

  “Lord, she’ll have driven poor Bert around the bend by then.”

  “Maybe she’s changed.”

  “Maybe Dred Reed’s going to return the things he stole.”

  Jo chuckled. “Fine, I understand. At least now I’ll know to avoid Libby as much as possible.” Jo suddenly remembered something else. “Add this to the pot. Mrs. Waterman wants to introduce Libby to Adam.”

  “What on earth for?”

  “Because he’s handsome and may have money, and according to Libby, Adam is just the type of husband she’s on the hunt for.”

  “I don’t see Adam being fooled by her, no matter how pretty she is.”

  “Neither do I, but stranger things have happened.”

  “And how do you feel about that?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “How do you feel about another girl tossing her hat in the ring for Adam?”

  “Why should I care?” Jo shrugged her shoulders but wouldn’t look Trudy in the eye.

  “Because you do, Josephine Best.”

  “I do not.”

  Trudy looked skeptical. “Fine.”

  “I don’t.”

  Trudy remained silent.

  “You don’t believe me?”

  “I’m the Sphinx.”

  Jo smiled. “All right, Miss Sphinx, it’s about time for me to be getting home.”

  “I’ll walk with you to the road.”

  While walking, the two friends spent a few moments talking about Mrs. Oswald’s social tomorrow. Jo asked, “Is your mama going to let you go?”

  “I really don’t have the nerve to ask her.”

  Jo climbed up into the saddle. “Ask her, Trudy. Everyone in town will be there. I’d so like for you to be there, as well.”

  “Me, too. Maybe I can catch her in a good mood. If she says yes, I’ll look for you when I arrive.”

  “Okay.” Jo picked up the reins. “Bye, Tru. I hope you can come.”

  “Bye, Jo. Keep your fingers crossed, and I’ll see Bert somehow.”

  They both waved goodbye, then Jo kicked the mare into a gallop toward home.

  On the ride back to her house, Jo went over the conversation she and Trudy had shared about Adam and decided her friend’s assessment wasn’t worthy of even contemplating. If Libby Spenser wanted to throw herself at Adam’s feet, it was none of Jo’s concern. Yes, Jo was honest enough to admit she still had a tiny crush on Adam, but that didn’t mean she intended to spend the rest of her life waiting to see if her feelings were returned. She and Adam had already settled the matter, so Trudy’s idea that Jo might be bothered by Libby’s quest didn’t hold water. Or at least that’s what Jo told herself.

  Jo made herself conjure up George in hopes of keeping thoughts of Adam at bay, and it worked, but not in the way she’d imagined. Thinking about George only served to bring up all the doubts she’d been having about him lately. Yes, George was a decent young man. Yes, he was good company and a true gentleman. The woman he married wouldn’t have to worry about him wandering off to pick flowers; George Brooks didn’t appear to have a deceitful bone in his body, but in her heart of hearts, Jo knew George would never be more than a friend. Even if she had been looking to measure him for beau material, he would be found lacking. Growing up around her parents had shown Jo just how passionate and loving a marriage could be. There was no question that William and Cecilia Best loved each other deeply, and if Jo ever married she wanted that depth of commitment, too. There seemed to be no fire in George, however; no passion. Even though he was the very first male company she’d ever had over to the house, and the first man to bring her flowers, she didn’t see herself arguing with George over substantive issues like politics the way her parents sometimes did. In his world such discussions probably weren’t encouraged; women had a distinct place that a man defined. Jo had no desire to live in such a rigid world where she couldn’t have her own place of business. Nor did she want any children she might have growing up with a parent unwilling to let them be who they wished to be. So when are you going to tell him? the tiny voice in her head asked. As soon as I figure out how to do it without hurting him, she answered herself, all the while knowing it might be easier said than done.

  thirteen

  When Jo rode up to the house, she was surprised to see the Waterman buggy parked out front. Jo thought Mrs. Waterman had gone home after her hair appointment, so why had she returned? It wasn’t as if Corinne Waterman and Jo’s mother were friends; the two never visited back and forth. Jo assumed the answer would be revealed once she went inside.

  After putting the horse in the barn, Jo entered the house through the back door and heard voices coming from the front room. She passed through the deserted kitchen and came out into the parlor where sat her mother, Belle, Adam, Mrs. Waterman and Libby. The cow eyes Libby had fixed on Adam solved the mystery as to why the Waterman buggy was parked outside; Libby was on the hunt. “Good evening, everyone.”

  Jo’s mother said, “Well, welcome home, dear. How was your visit?”

  “Fine.” Jo was glad her mother hadn’t mentioned whom she’d visited. Jo had no desire to hear Mrs. Waterman attack Trudy.

  Mrs. Best added, “Corinne says you’ve met her niece, Libby?”

  “Yes, this afternoon.”

  Jo nodded a greeting to Belle, then said, “Evening, Adam.”

  “Jo.” He inclined his head politely, but his eyes upon her were so potent with intent, she had to focus her vision elsewhere in order to keep herself on an even keel.

  Libby said to Jo, “We were just discussing tomorrow’s ice-cream social. Are you planning to attend?”

  “Yes, I am.” Jo knew that Adam’s eyes were upon her, so she forced herself not to look his way.

  “Alone?”

  Jo wondered why Libby wanted to know. “Uh, no. I’m going with a friend. His name is George Brooks. Belle’s also going with us.”

  Libby turned to Adam and pouted prettily, “I wish I had someone to escort me.”

  Adam knew a fishhook when he saw one—or heard one. He saw no reason not to take the bait, though. He’d been cooped up in the house seemingly for weeks, and he welcomed any opportunity to get out of doors. Agreeing to escort the Waterman niece would also give him a legitimate reason to keep a discreet eye on Jo and her precious George.

  The bold Libby asked again, “Will you escort me, Adam?”

  “I’d be honored to,” he offered. “That is, if your aunt would approve.”

  Libby smiled like a pleased cat.

  Mrs. Best asked skeptically, “What about your ankle, Adam?”

  “Mrs. Meldrum declared me well enough to graduate to a walking stick.”

  “Then it’s settled,” Mrs. Waterman announced. “Adam, thank you for offering. Libby doesn’t know many young people here. I’m sure you’ll see that she gets off on the right foot.”

  “As I said, it would be my pleasure,” Adam replied, turning on the Morgan charm.

  “I’m betting we’ll have a wonderful time,” Libby purred.

  “I’m sure we will, too.”

  Jo could see Adam working his magic. She found the display so irritating, she longed to tell him all about Libby and then shake him until he came back to his senses. But since he was intent upon trying all the flowers in the field, Jo decided, she didn’t care what happened to him. A small voice inside her head countered, Yes, you do, and you’re jealous to boot! The voice surprised her. Was she jealous? Jo denied it vehemently, then announced, “Well, it’s been a long day for me. I’m going to head up to my room. Nice seeing you again, Libby.” Her eyes glanced toward Adam. His face was emot
ionless, but his presence touched her as if he’d spoken her name.

  “It’s been nice for me, as well,” Libby cooed. “I’ll be seeing you tomorrow.”

  Jo nodded. “Good evening, Mrs. Waterman.”

  “Good night, Jo. I’ll have Bert bring Libby by in the morning.”

  Jo longed to tell her that she might have to make different arrangements if Bert went through with his plans, but Jo kept that to herself.

  As Jo moved to leave, Belle stood hastily, and said, “Jo, let me go up with you. Wasn’t there a hem you wanted help mending?”

  There was no hem, of course, but Jo caught on immediately. “I pulled out the dress this morning. Come and take a look at it.”

  So the two sisters-in-law escaped, leaving Adam and Mrs. Best to deal with the Dragon Lady and her kin alone.

  Once Jo and Belle were safely behind Jo’s closed bedroom door, Jo asked, “How long have they been here?”

  “Only an hour or so, but it’s been an hour or so too long. The Dragon Lady said she just happened to be in the neighborhood and thought she’d stop by.”

  “Hogwash.” Jo snorted, then told Belle about Libby’s desire for a wealthy husband, and what Jo had learned about Libby from Trudy.

  Belle listened before saying, “Now that’s mighty interesting. An older man, huh?”

  “Trudy said Bert didn’t get the whole story.”

  “Well, she certainly seemed set upon Adam.”

  “Yes, she did, and I didn’t notice him trying to fend her off. Do you think he’s really taken with her?”

  Belle studied Jo for a moment before replying, “There’s no accounting for taste, but I believe Adam’s far too sensible to be hoodwinked by such a fawning twit. Why’d you ask?”

  Jo shrugged. “No reason.”

  Their eyes met.

  Belle asked gently, “Are you sure?”

  “Positive. Just curious is all.”

  Jo knew Belle didn’t believe her, but Jo also knew Belle wouldn’t pry.

  Belle then said, “Well, I’m going to my room. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “All right.”

  Belle slipped out.

  Downstairs, while Mrs. Best walked her guests to the door, Adam sat in the parlor awaiting her return. Libby was admittedly lovely. He didn’t know if his ankle would hold up under such an outing, but he supposed he would find out.