Josephine (12 page)

“I know, Mama. I tried to explain that to him, but his thinking seems set on the matter.” Jo looked over at her mother to gauge how she might be taking the conversation. Jo didn’t put it past her mother to forbid her daughter from ever seeing the wrong-thinking George Brooks again.

Cecilia asked instead, “So, what do you want to discuss?”

“Do you think he’ll change, is what I’m asking, I guess.”

“A better question is, do
you
think he will change?” her mother replied. “You’ve always been a good judge of character, dear, but I believe all men can be put into two categories. There are the intelligent ones who have no quarrel with the free-thinking and free-acting women like the ones you’ve been raised around. Then there are the ones who will go to their grave still believing they’ve a God-given right to lord it over the so-called weaker sex.”

“Do you put George in that second category?”

“I have no way of knowing where George fits. That’s why men and women court, so you can have these thorny questions answered
before
you decide to embark on a life together.”

Jo understood. “Well, I like him very much, I think, but—”

“You have your doubts?”

“I do, but I’m hoping he might be one of the intelligent ones, Mama. Maybe being around you, me and Belle will change his views.”

“You may be right.” Mrs. Best smiled at her daughter. “If anyone can change his mind, you can, dear.”

“I hope so. Oh, and thanks for letting me go to the social with him.”

“I trust you two will behave yourselves.”

“You won’t have to worry. With half the town in attendance, I’m certainly not going to do something that will probably get back to you before I even get home.”

Mrs. Best chuckled. “You always were a smart girl.”

“I wonder if Trudy will be there,” Jo mused aloud.

Her mother shrugged. “No one has seen her mother.”

“I haven’t seen Trudy, either. Maybe I’ll drive over there after work tomorrow. It has been nearly a week since they were robbed, so maybe Trudy’s off punishment.”

“Well, go by and see. I hope everything is all right over there.”

“Me, too.”

Cecilia got up and walked to the door. “I’m going to bed now, dear. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night, Mama. Thanks for listening.”

“You’re welcome. Oh, have you and Adam made up?”

“I haven’t seen him. I’ve been too busy.”

“You’ve been too busy being mad, isn’t that what you mean?”

Sometimes, Jo hated having a mother who was so wise. She sighed. “He thinks I’m still twelve, Mama.”

“Then stop acting as if you are.”

Jo came to her own defense. “What do you mean?”

“A mature young woman accepts a sincere apology. She does not walk around the house holding her breath like a six-year-old. It’s neither Christian nor becoming, Josephine.”

Jo listened, but she didn’t want to, mainly because she knew her mother was right. Again. “I’ll talk to him.”

“Good. We’re supposed to be fighting the Rebs, not each other.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Mrs. Best smiled her love. “Get some sleep, sweetheart.”

Jo nodded.

Her mother slipped out and closed the door softly.

Alone now, Jo supposed she had been acting like a child. She’d been purposefully avoiding Adam simply because he’d accidentally called her a name she’d grown up under. In hindsight, she admitted that he had used the nickname affectionately, as always, but she certainly hadn’t responded in kind. She initially chalked up her tantrum to George’s presence; no woman wants a suitor to know she once answered to the name Pest! Now, however, she wasn’t sure what had triggered her reaction. Being angry at him certainly kept her other feelings for him buried and at bay. Maybe staying mad would be a perfect cure-all; not that her mama would allow it. The soft-spoken lecture her mother had just issued might have been a gentle one, but the meaning was clear. Cecilia Best expected Jo to make up with Adam, and soon.

Deciding she’d best get it over with, Jo left her room and knocked upon Adam’s partially opened door. “May I come in?”

He set aside his book. “Sure.”

“I…just stopped by to say hello.”

“Hello,” he said to her. Out of all the young women he’d met, he wondered why this one would affect him so. Just the sight of her made his insides grin. “I haven’t seen you in a few days. All the ladies must be after you to get them gussied up for the social.”

“Yes, I have been swamped, but…I’ve been mad at you, as well.”

“I know.”

“I’ve come to apologize for not accepting your apology in the spirit in which it was given. Mama says I’ve been acting like a six-year-old holding her breath.”

“There’s no way you’re going to get me to even discuss that, let alone agree with your mother.”

Jo smiled.

“But I accept your apology, and once again, I’m sorry.”

“Thanks.” Jo could feel herself getting all confused inside again, a common affliction when she was around him. “Well, I’m going to bed. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Good night, Jo.”

“Good night, Adam.”

As darkness fell, Adam and Jo crawled into their separate beds and they both slept soundlessly for the first time in many days.

twelve

It
was just past dawn when Jo quietly slipped out of the house and headed off to work. The air was fresh, the birds were singing and the sun was bright orange in the light gray sky. As a child, Jo had detested rising early. Had her mama allowed it, Jo would have slept in every day until noon. Older now, she’d begun to appreciate the peaceful serenity of a beautiful morning.

The sight of Bert Waterman sitting on the ground in front of the door of her shop brought her up short, though.

Bert nodded tersely. “Mornin’, Jo.”

Jo approached slowly. “Mornin’, Bert.” She wondered how long he’d been waiting and why he’d come.

“I need to talk with you, if I might.”

“Certainly.” Jo fit the key into the lock. “You want to come inside?”

“No. Having one compromised girl in town is enough. How about we talk out here?”

It pleased her to know he still had his dry sense of humor. “All right.” She smoothed her skirts beneath her, then sat on the ground in front of him.

“Do you think she still loves me?”

Jo didn’t have to ask to whom he was referring. “I do,” Jo confessed because deep down in her heart she knew it to be true. Trudy loved Bert; always had, always would.

“Why would she do such a thing?”

Jo shrugged, then said softly, “I don’t know. Sometimes people don’t think, and this seems to be one of those times.”

“But we were engaged to be married,” he pointed out emotionally.

“I know.”

He stayed quiet for a few moments. The soft singing of the birds was the only sound. “I doubt I’ll ever love anyone as much.”

That gave Jo hope. “Have you talked with her?”

“No.”

“Do you plan to?”

“I don’t know. One minute I want to ride over and tell her I forgive her, but the next minute I want to leave town and never see her again.”

He met Jo’s eyes. “And I know you’ve heard all the gossip.”

She had.

“I’m a laughingstock, Jo. If folks aren’t laughing, they’re looking at me with pity.”

Jo reached out and put a hand on his arm. “Maybe you and Trudy need to talk this out. I’m sure she’s as miserable as you seem to be.”

“I’m not miserable. I’m angry, dammit! Sorry.”

Jo smiled softly. She’d never seen Bert riled up.

He told Jo tightly, “I know I’m not the handsomest man around. I know that I’m not terribly exciting or glib, but Trudy knew that when I gave her my heart. She’s always looking to get swept off her feet by some mythical daredevil, and I was willing to put up with it because that’s Trudy—it’s how she is. But for her to actually act on something as hare-brained as this? She could have been hurt, Jo. Very badly.”

“I know, Bert.”

“But does
she
know? Should I go out and slay a bunch of bears to make her believe I’m exciting enough to be her husband? Do I have to go and find Dred Reed myself to prove to her and the town that I don’t have oatmeal for a spine?”

Jo didn’t like the sound of that. “Now, Bert. I—”

“My mother is already planning who I’m going to marry next. Can you believe that?” He rubbed his hands over his short hair. “Lord, I should have gone to the war. Fighting Rebs has to be easier than this.”

Jo’s heart went out to him. “So what are you going to do?”

“I’ve been asking myself the same question for the past few days, and I’ve decided to do two things. First, I’m going to move out of my mother’s house. I love her very much, but I can’t stomach it one more hour.”

Jo fought to keep the smile from showing on her face. “And the second? You’re going to talk with Trudy?”

“No, I’m going to find Dred Reed.”

Her eyes widened with alarm. “You can’t be serious.”

He stood. “I’ve been tied to my mother’s apron strings all of my life. I’m twenty-one years old—it’s time I started walking on my own. Part of being a man is protecting the ones you love.”

Jo scrambled to her feet. “But, Bert—”

“Look, Jo. The sheriff has men watching the train stations, and so far Reed hasn’t shown himself, nor has he been spotted on any of the main roads. The sheriff is pretty certain Reed’s still in the area.”

Jo didn’t like the idea of this at all. “Cutting your mama’s apron strings and confronting a criminal are two different things, Bert Waterman.”

“I know, but Trudy is my intended and it’s my job to protect her, especially with her father away fighting.”

“You should let the sheriff handle this.”

“No. It’s my responsibility.”

“That doesn’t make sense, Bert.”

“Do you think your father and brother would stand around if Dred had done to you what he did to Trudy?”

She had to answer truthfully, “No.”

“Well, neither will I.”

Jo could not believe this. “You are not to go after Dred Reed.”

“I’m going, Jo, and I’m going to find him and bring him back to face the law, and when I do, you tell Trudy I expect her to have on her wedding dress. We’re getting married and I’m having no more of her foolishness.”

That said, he mounted his horse and rode away. Jo was so astonished she couldn’t move.

Jo worried about Bert for the remainder of the day. What if he really did stumble across Dred? Jo applauded Bert for wanting to free himself from his mother’s yoke, but this mess with Trudy was having repercussions no one had foreseen. Jo had known Bert her whole life and she could never remember him being this upset. She knew that people could be changed by events in their lives, but she never imagined it would happen to someone like Bert. Bert seemed to have been transformed by the firestorm surrounding Trudy’s actions, and in place of the agreeable, boring old Bert stood a confident and assertive Bertram Waterman. She saw this new version giving Trudy fits. She smiled to herself at the idea of Trudy being given a run for her money, but Jo’s amusement was tempered by her worries over Bert’s safety. Jo had to talk with Trudy as soon as possible—maybe she could make him see reason—but Jo had so many customers, it was impossible for her to get away until the last head was done.

And that last head belonged to Mrs. Corinne Waterman. Accompanying her was a tall and beautiful dark-skinned young woman Jo had never met.

Mrs. Waterman made the introductions. “Josephine Best, this is my niece, Libby Spenser. Libby, Josephine.”

Libby looked to be about Jo’s age.

Mrs. Waterman continued, “Libby will be staying with us for several weeks. Her parents thought she might find the country air pleasing.”

“Welcome to Whittaker, Libby,” Jo said genuinely. “And country air is about all we have around here, so be warned.”

Libby looked amused. “Thanks. I’m from Chicago. A place this small will take some getting accustomed to.”

“Well, if you need any help adjusting just let me know.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

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?”