Josephine (15 page)

George had concern on his face as he helped Jo down. “Are you sure you’re well, Josephine?”

“Positive. It was nice of you to wait.”

“I couldn’t have slept tonight had you not returned. Do you do this kind of thing often?” He didn’t appear to be pleased.

Jo said simply, “I told you I was unconventional.”

“You told me the truth.”

As Adam got off the wagon, he and Jo waved goodbye to Mr. Bordeaux and his men.

A second later, a distraught Libby threw herself onto Adam. “Oh, Adam. I was so afraid for you.”

He said easily, “There was nothing to fear. As you can see, I’m still in one piece.”

“And it’s a handsome piece, if I may be so forward.”

He didn’t reply to that, but said instead, “How about we get you back to your aunt’s? I’m sure she’s beginning to wonder where you are.”

“She’ll know I’m safe with you.”

Jo thought she might be sick.

Belle said, “Since George is going to take us back, we can drop you by the Watermans’ on the way.”

“That sounds lovely,” Libby replied.

George went to get the wagon.

Jo sat up front with George, while Belle, Adam and Libby rode in the bed. Jo did her best to concentrate on what George was saying about the work he’d been trying to find nearby, but Adam’s kiss kept coming to mind.
Lord, what a kiss!

Adam’s voice broke into her reverie. “Jo?” he called out. “Are you listening to George?”

Shaking herself, she turned to Adam. “What?”

His eyes teased her. “George just asked you something. Is your head still up in the clouds?”

The secret in his smile was for her only. Unable to suppress the flutter of her heart, Jo turned away from him and back to George. “I’m sorry. What were you saying?”

“I said, I think I may have a job offer. One of the churches in Ypsilanti is in need of a sexton. I’m going over to see about it Monday morning.”

Jo could feel Adam’s eyes on her back. “That sounds very promising.”

“Yes, it does.”

“Will you let me know how it turns out?”

“You’ll be the first to know.”

The Watermans’ house was the first stop. Libby cajoled Adam into walking her to the door.

“I had a wonderful—if too short—time with you today,” she cooed as they stood on the porch. “Maybe we can have a longer time together soon? Bert said there’s a play in Detroit on Saturday.”

Adam thought it best he nip this in the bud now. Libby was lovely, but Libby was greedy. She also needed work on her punctuality. “Libby, you are a very beautiful young lady, but I won’t be seeing you again.”

Her expressive brown eyes widened. “Why not?”

“My heart belongs to someone else. I’ve tried to ignore my feelings for her, but I find I cannot.”

“So you never want to see me again?”

“I can’t. It wouldn’t be fair to you, or to her.”

“It’s Josephine, isn’t it?”

By revealing his feelings, Adam was attempting to be truthful with her; it wasn’t his plan to tell her all of his business. “The lady’s identity is of no matter to you.”

She did not appear pleased. “I suppose you’re right. Well, thanks for a lovely afternoon, anyway.” And she stormed into the house.

“You’re welcome.”

Adam walked back to the wagon. Libby was indeed beautiful but his days of going from flower to flower like a pollen-seeking bee were over. All he wanted was Jo. The Libbys of the world would simply have to understand.

When they reached home, Adam and Belle went up to the house while Jo hung back to say goodbye to George. She tried not to watch Adam’s progress to the door, but after the kiss they’d shared, she found it impossible not to. When she finally remembered that she was supposed to be talking with George, she turned back hastily. The tight set of his jaw let her know that he’d noticed her interest in Adam.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stare at Adam, but his ankle—”

He didn’t look any more pleased, so she dropped the subject and said, “Thanks for being our chauffeur today.”

“It was my pleasure.” He replied in the coolest tone she’d ever heard him employ. “You know, Josephine, if I get this job at the church, I hope to sit down with you and see what plans you and I might explore for the future.”

Tell him!
the voice in Jo urged, but she was chicken; she was also afraid he might not want to go and see about the job if she told him the truth. “How about we wait and see what Monday brings?”

He nodded. “I didn’t mean to rush you, but I care very deeply for you, Josephine. I think I may be the man you need to tone down some of that wildness you seem to have.”

It was the second time today he’d made reference to taming her and she didn’t appreciate it any more now than she had before. “George, I’m not a piece of wood to be whittled into something you find more favorable.”

He looked away. “I understand.”

She didn’t think he did. Not really. As she told her mother, maybe all he needed was to be around progressive women to see the errors in his thinking, but Jo doubted it would be that easy.

He asked then, “Are you angry with me?”

She shook her head, then said, “No, but I am who I am, George, and I make no apologies.”

He nodded his understanding once more. “I should be getting back.”

“You aren’t angry with me, are you?”

“Never. You’ve given me something to think about though.”

“Then I’ll hear from you about the outcome on the sexton job?”

“You sure will.”

“Good.”

He climbed into the rented buggy he’d left at the house this morning, and with a wave drove off. Jo watched him until he was out of sight, then went inside.

fifteen

Before
Jo could tell her mother about the fascinating balloon ride, Cecilia took one look at Adam’s slow movements and asked, “Are you all right?” Concern filled her face.

Adam couldn’t lie. “It’s a trifle sore from having to brace myself in the balloon, but I’ll be fine.”

Adam swore her ears perked up as she asked, “What balloon?”

Belle and Jo stiffened. Adam wondered if they were all about to get turned to stone, but he went ahead and told Mrs. Best about Mr. Bordeaux and the balloon ride.

“You and Josephine went up in a balloon?”

Jo wanted to run somewhere and hide.

Feeling very uneasy, Adam confessed, “Yes, ma’am. Mr. Bordeaux assured us it was safe, and he turned out to be correct.”

“Belle, you let my child go up in a balloon?”

Jo sprang to Belle’s defense. “Mama, she tried to forbid it, but—”

“You wouldn’t listen.”

“Something like that.”

“So you went up with her?” Mrs. Best asked Adam.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Where was George?”

Belle waded in slowly. “He took my side and tried to stop Jo, as well.”

“But she didn’t listen to him, either?”

“No, ma’am.”

Mrs. Best sighed. “I guess there’s no need to fuss since you’re both safe, but I’m too old to be worried about you doing something over-the-top every time you leave the house, Josephine Best.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Cecilia’s eyes then twinkled with excitement. “So what was it like?”

A happy Jo swooned. “It was fabulous, Mama! The view was spectacular.”

“Well, maybe I’ll get a chance to take a ride in one someday. Until then—Adam, to your room, and rest that ankle. If Bea finds out I let you go cavorting across the countryside and in a balloon, no less, she’ll have my hide. I’ll bring your dinner up shortly.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She turned to the ladies. “Jo and Belle, I need help in the kitchen.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Cecilia left them then and they all released sighs of relief. She hadn’t chopped off their heads.

Adam said, “I’ll see you ladies later.” As he limped up the steps, Jo watched him. When he turned and met her eyes, he threw her a bold wink. She tried not to smile but failed. She turned back and found Belle watching her closely. “What?” Jo asked.

“Did something happen on that balloon ride?”

The memories rose and Jo relived the sparkling kiss. She could feel herself soaring and gliding all over again.

“Jo?”

Jo shook herself. “What?”

“Did something happen in the balloon?”

“Nothing happened. We went up. We came down.”

Belle appeared skeptical.

“Nothing happened,” Jo echoed. Of course, that wasn’t the truth, but Jo wasn’t ready to reveal the truth, not to Belle and not even to herself. Doing so would make Jo have to acknowledge that she was falling for Adam Morgan, in spite of her protests to the contrary.

“Well, let’s go wash up and see what your mama wants us to do.”

Jo followed her out.

When supper was ready, Mrs. Best sent Jo upstairs with a tray for Adam. When she entered the room and saw him seated outside, the memories of the kiss they’d shared came roaring back, making her remember the soft pressure of his lips, the warmth of his hand when he caressed her cheek. “I…brought your dinner.”

He half rose from his seat. “Can you bring it out here, please?”

Jo did as he asked. In the awkward silence that followed she acknowledged how nervous she’d suddenly become. She wondered if the kiss had affected him as much as it had her. “How’s your ankle?”

It was early evening, but because of the season there was still plenty of daylight on the horizon.

“Sore. I did too much today.”

“I could have told you that,” she replied gently.

She stepped over to the edge of the wooden railing and looked out over the green, lush Michigan countryside. Up above, the sight of the clouds in the blue sky took her back to all she’d seen and felt on the balloon ride.

Adam voiced softly, “I don’t think I’ll ever view the sky the same way again.”

Jo agreed. “Neither will I. We shared something very special today.”

“Yes, we did.”

The tone of his voice made her turn to see his face. There were so many things that needed saying and clearing up, but neither seemed to know where to begin until Adam said quietly, “I meant what I said about my feelings for you, Jo.”

The words thrilled Jo, but she still found it hard to take him seriously. “Do you need Mrs. Meldrum to come tomorrow and look at your ankle?”

“Stop changing the subject,” he challenged softly.

To keep herself from succumbing to emotions she seemed unable to control or banish, she thought about George instead. “If George gets the job at the church, I think he’s going to ask Mama if he can court me in earnest.”

Adam couldn’t believe she was still clinging to George. Forcing himself to speak calmly, he asked, “What do you see in him?”

“George is very nice. I wasn’t really looking for a beau when we first met, but he’s very special in his own way.” Jo had no plans to marry him, but Adam didn’t need to know that.

Adam didn’t want to hear about George’s so-called attributes. Brooks was not the man for her. “So, you think you may eventually marry him?”

Jo shrugged.

Adam couldn’t take it any longer. “You’re not going to marry him. You know it. I know it. Poor George doesn’t, though, but that’s his problem. The only person you’re going to marry is me.”

Jo turned on him slowly. Never mind that her heart was beating fast in reaction to his statement, never mind she could still feel his kiss. Her independent spirit—and the parts of herself afraid of Adam’s penchant for heart breaking—tossed out, “You’re awfully sure of yourself.”

“Yes, I am.”

“Arrogant, too, I might add.”

“Look at the pot calling the kettle black.”

Jo didn’t appreciate that. Her hands went to her hips. “I wouldn’t marry you if you were the last man on earth.”

“If I kiss you again, you’d marry me
tomorrow!
”

The words pierced her so sweetly, Jo thought she’d melt right then and there, but to keep from swooning, she snapped, “It wasn’t that monumental.”

Their voices were rising.

“As if you have something to compare it with, brat.”

“How dare you call me a brat! You—you
Casanova!
”

“Let me amend that—
spoiled
brat!”

Jo didn’t believe him!

“Your precious George couldn’t even keep you from getting in a balloon!” Adam threw back. “Some husband he’ll be for you!”

“As if you’d be better!”

“Yes, I would!”

“Only if you drop dead first!”

Suddenly Belle and Mrs. Best appeared in the doorway, and Cecilia demanded to know, “What on earth are you two yelling about? Folks can hear you in Chicago!”

Adam groused, “Jo is under the impression that she’s not going to marry me.”

Mrs. Best’s and Belle’s eyes widened as if they couldn’t believe their ears.

Jo couldn’t believe her ears, either, and told Adam so angrily. “How dare you toss that out as if we were discussing the weather.”

“Were you going to tell them?”

“Tell them what? That you’re an arrogant, wooden-headed—”

“Josephine!” her mother snapped.

Jo’s eyes were on fire. “Make him move out, Mama. Now!”

Before her mother could respond, Adam drawled, “Why? So you can make more time with that lapdog George?”

Jo drew up with indignation. “He is not a lapdog!”

“Yip-yip!” countered Adam, mimicking the high-pitched yap of a small, pampered dog.

Mrs. Best shook her head. “Stop this!” Both she and Belle were hiding grins.

Jo cried, “He called George a lapdog, Mama!”

“I heard him, dear. Now, settle down.”

Jo wanted to sock Adam. How dare he have lips that could call George a lapdog one moment, and kiss her until she was left weak as water the next.

Cecilia said then, “Now, Adam, what is this all about?”

Jo spoke instead. “Why are you asking him first?”

Her mother glared. Jo dropped her head and grumbled to herself about the injustice of it all.

Adam looked over at Jo, but directed his words to Mrs. Best. “I want to court Jo, Mrs. B.”

Mother turned to daughter. “And you don’t want to be courted, I take it.”

Parts of Josephine wanted to tell the truth, but other parts were afraid of being hurt. “No, Mama, I don’t.”

Adam said coolly, “Lightning is going to strike you for lying, Pest.”

“Stop calling me that!” she yelled.

“All right, you two,” Mrs. Best said. She directed her next words at her daughter. “Jo, would you wait for me in your room, please?”

Jo shot Adam a look. If she got into trouble because of him, she didn’t know what she’d do to him, but she’d do something. “Yes, ma’am.”

Cecilia then turned to Belle. “Would you give me and Adam a moment alone?”

“Sure.”

So Belle and Jojo left Adam alone with Mrs. Best.

“Well,” she opened.

He sighed. “I know. It wasn’t my intent to start an argument.”

“But you did.”

“Well,
we
did. She got mad first.”

Cecilia studied him. “Do you really care for her, Adam?”

“I do, and I really did try to take your advice about not meddling, but—” Adam wanted to tell her about kissing Jo, but he knew better and so said instead, “My feelings for her refused to listen. I want to court her with the intent of marrying her.”

“But she’s refusing your suit, Adam.”

“I know.” And he didn’t know what to do about it, short of pulling Miss Sassy Mouth into his arms and kissing her until she agreed. “I plan to court her anyway.”

Mrs. Best chuckled. “Oh, really?”

“Yes, ma’am, that is, if it’s all right with you.”

“I already told you I have no problems with the idea. Josephine’s the one you have to convince.”

Adam sighed with resignation. “I’ve never had a young lady throw my interest back in my face.”

“A little humbling, is it?”

“Yes.”

“It’s good for the soul.”

He replied grudgingly, “If you say so.”

She came over and patted him on the back. “Just give her time. You and George are the only beaux she ever had. This is all new.” She added then, “One more item, then I’m going to talk to Josephine.”

“Yes?”

“If you’re intent upon courting Jo, that changes your status here. You’re no longer just Adam Morgan, family friend.”

“I realize that, and based on that friendship, I would never do anything to bring disgrace upon Jo, or compromise her in any way, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“I am, but when you’re young and in love, sometimes your thinking can be muddled. Do you remember Belle and Daniel sneaking out at night to meet behind the barn?”

Adam did.

“If there’s any of that, you will follow your belongings right out of the front door. Do we understand one another?” Mrs. Best asked pointedly.

“Oh, yes, ma’am.”

She smiled. “Good. Well, I’m going to talk with Josephine now. Do you need anything?”

“No. I’m in for the remainder of the evening.”

“All right, then.”

And she was gone.

Adam let out a breath he hadn’t been aware he was holding.

When Jo heard the soft knock on her closed door, she called, “Come on in, Mama.”

Mrs. Best stepped in and found Jo lying on the bed on her stomach with her chin in her hands. Cecilia closed the door behind her. “Still mad?”

Jo slowly sat up. “No, but why must life be so complicated? Here I am thinking I have the world by the tail and then—”

Mrs. Best came and sat beside her daughter. “And then—what?”

“Oh, Mama, I don’t know.”

Mrs. Best bent over and peered into her daughter’s unhappy face. “Talk to me, Josephine. Are you really so opposed to Adam courting you?”

“I don’t know. In a lot of ways, I’m ecstatic. I mean, who wouldn’t be? He’s handsome, intelligent, funny, and he says he wants to court me,” she said, pointing at herself. “Me!”

“But?”

“But it’s Adam, Mama. Who knows if he’ll be singing the same tune tomorrow, or even an hour from now.”

“You don’t think he’s being honest with you about how he feels?”

“I think he thinks he is, but—” Jo looked into the kind brown eyes of the woman who’d been giving her sound advice all of her life. “How can I be sure? And then there’s George, of course. I’ve gone from having no one interested in me to too many.”

Mrs. Best put an arm around her daughter’s shoulder and hugged her affectionately. “Welcome to the world of love, dear.”

“So what should I do?”

“I’ve no idea. This is your problem to solve, in your own way.”

Jo looked perplexed. “You don’t have
any
advice? That has to be historic.”

Mrs. Best grinned. “I’m sure it is, but although you are still my daughter, you are now your own woman, as well. And it is that person who has to decide on George or Adam, or maybe even someone else.”

“No more beaux, please. Two are more than enough.” Jo then asked, “How did you know Papa was the one?”

“The day he took me for a drive and showed me the house he was building for me.”

Jo’s eyes widened. “This house?”

Her mother nodded. “Yes. Up until that moment, I felt a lot like you feel about Adam. Your father was a very handsome, well-to-do,
free
man from a good family. I couldn’t imagine why he wanted to court me—a runaway living from hand to mouth cleaning houses and taking in laundry. I just knew his intentions weren’t honorable.”

“But they were?”

“Oh yes, and when he asked me if I would live with him as his wife in this house and raise a family and grow old together, I bawled like a baby.”

“That’s very romantic, Mama.”

“Yes, it was. He’s still quite the romantic, your papa is.” Mrs. Best quieted then, and Jo knew her mother was thinking about her father being so far away.

Jo spoke softly, hoping to distract her. “If I ever marry, that’s what I want. Someone who’ll love me just as much and as proudly as Papa loves you.”