With Autumn's Return (Westward Winds Book #3): A Novel (11 page)

“Looking for someone?” Harrison asked. The twinkle in his eye told Elizabeth he’d seen the way she had been scanning the crowds. It was silly to be so flustered, but Elizabeth felt color rise to her cheeks. She was as bad as Gwen, blushing like a schoolgirl. Gwen was looking for a husband; Elizabeth was not. Still, there was no reason to lie.

“I wonder where Jason is,” she admitted.

“Maybe at the depot. Some people like to watch the beginning of the parade.” Harrison pulled out his watch and snapped it open. “It should have started two minutes ago.”

Though she could not see the new building from here, Elizabeth turned in the direction of the depot and saw Jason round the corner from 15th Street. Although normally he walked quickly, today he strolled along the west side of Central, perhaps because that was the sunny side where most of the paradegoers were gathered, stopping to talk to people along the way. A few greeted him warmly, but Elizabeth’s heart sank when she saw that many were curt, and a few turned away from him in obvious shunning. Though she could
not hear any of the words that were exchanged, she had no trouble reading one woman’s lips. “I don’t trust him,” she said as she yanked her husband’s arm and drew him away from Jason. Elizabeth couldn’t let that continue.

“Excuse me for a moment,” she said to Gwen and Harrison as she rose. A second later, she was crossing the street toward Jason. When she reached him, she placed a hand on his arm, smiling when she saw that in addition to his tricolored hatband, Jason wore a red tie with his white shirt and dark blue suit. He was a walking patriot, a man anyone could trust, despite anything those women might say.

“We’ve been waiting for you,” Elizabeth said, making certain her voice carried to the women who’d turned their backs. “Did you forget that you were going to watch the parade with us?” There had been no such agreement, but Elizabeth refused to consider her statement a lie. She was helping a friend. She had been shunned enough to know that, no matter how brave a face you put on, it hurt. The only things that helped were friendly overtures. “Let’s go.” As Jason nodded briefly, Elizabeth added, “Afterwards, I hope you’ll join us for a picnic in the backyard at home.” It was odd to realize that the apartment where her sister had once lived had become home so quickly.

“Thank you, but . . .”

As they crossed the street, Elizabeth tightened her grip on his arm. “I wish you’d accept both invitations. I was feeling a bit like a third wheel. Gwen and Harrison don’t need me.” Especially today when they appeared so enamored of each other. If she were occupied with someone else, Gwen and Harrison could devote themselves to each other. “You’d be doing me a favor.”

Jason shook his head. “You’re the one who’s doing me a favor. I’m certain you saw that I was receiving a less than cordial reception.”

Elizabeth wouldn’t deny it, but she would clarify what she saw. “I noticed that it was women who gave you the cold shoulder. The men seemed more welcoming.”

Jason paused in the middle of the street as a boy rolled his hoop in front of them. “I noticed that too. I’m not sure why it was true, but it was.”

“It’s good news, since most of your clients are men. I suspect their wives don’t have a lot of influence when they’re choosing an attorney.”

Jason chuckled. “I can’t believe my ears. You—a woman who’s been outspoken about women’s abilities—are saying that?” When Elizabeth nodded, he grinned. “Not to change the subject too much, but I noticed several women leaving your office this week. I hope they were patients.”

“They were. It’s been slower than I’d hoped, but I am treating a few patients.”

“So you’re not planning to leave Cheyenne.”

Elizabeth looked up, startled by the suggestion. “I never considered that.”

“I’m glad.” His smile warmed her more than the July sun. “I wouldn’t want to lose my neighbor.” He paused. “And my friend.”

Pleasure welled up inside Elizabeth, threatening to overflow. It was amazing how good it felt to be with Jason. When they reached the others, while Jason shook Harrison’s hand and greeted Rose, Elizabeth told Gwen what she’d done.

Gwen’s smile was instantaneous. “What a good idea. Rose seems to like him.” She gestured with her head.

Elizabeth turned in the direction Gwen had indicated and saw Jason kneeling next to Rose. He whispered something in her ear, and when she giggled her assent, he lifted her into his arms and placed her on his shoulders.

“Horsey!” Rose cried, tugging at imaginary reins. “Horsey.”

Though Elizabeth smiled, she heard Harrison snort and saw that he was glaring at Jason’s back. “I wonder what’s bothering him.”

Gwen shrugged. “I have no idea. I don’t think I’ll ever understand how that man’s mind works. One day he’s friendly, the next he’s aloof.” She gave Elizabeth a crooked smile. “And they call us flighty. Men are worse. I tell you, Elizabeth, sometimes I think we’d be better off without them.”

She was beautiful. Jason took a deep breath, trying to calm the sudden racing of his pulse. It was ridiculous. He was a grown man, not a schoolboy. This was not the first time he’d seen a beautiful woman. And it certainly wasn’t the first time he’d seen Elizabeth. But the sight of her descending the steps took his breath away. Perhaps it was the sky blue dress she was wearing and the knowledge that it was the same shade as her eyes. Perhaps it was the way the skirt draped, hinting at slender legs and ankles. Perhaps it was nothing more than the way the sun highlighted her hair, making it appear as if she had a halo. Jason didn’t know the cause. All he knew was the effect. He was standing beside his carriage, feeling as awkward as a boy sparking his first girl.

“I could have walked,” Elizabeth said when she’d arranged her skirts on the seat. “It’s less than four blocks.”

But then he wouldn’t have had the pleasure of holding
her hand as he helped her into the carriage. Jason shook his head. “Richard would have had me drummed out of town. When he invited me, he insisted I accompany you.”

It hadn’t taken much persuasion. At the time Richard had issued the invitation to the Cheyenne Club’s annual reception, Jason had found it ironic that he, whose role in exonerating Adam Bennett had caused the city’s residents to reconsider his standing as an attorney, was being asked to escort the woman who’d yet to be accepted as a physician. They’d be two pariahs, he’d thought. But after the kindness she’d showered on him during the Independence Day parade and afterwards, when she’d treated him like part of her family, Jason realized he didn’t care what others thought. He enjoyed Elizabeth’s company and looked forward to their time together.

“I thank you, and so does Harrison. He was so miffed that Gwen wasn’t invited that he announced he wouldn’t darken the doors of the Cheyenne Club if he were paid to go. But I know that if you hadn’t offered to drive me, he would have swallowed his pride and accepted the invitation, just so I’d have an escort.”

Elizabeth leaned forward slightly as they approached the club that many in the city considered to be the epitome of the social ladder. Situated on the northwest corner of 17th Street and Warren Avenue, it was an imposing building, and its members included the wealthiest and most prominent citizens of not only Cheyenne itself but the surrounding territory.

With its mansard roof, wraparound porch, and the large central tower that loomed over 17th Street, the Cheyenne Club was one of the dominant buildings in this part of the city. Elizabeth had probably walked by it numerous times as she’d explored her new home, but Jason was certain she had
never seen it looking like this. The porches were draped with large U.S. flags, creating a sheltered verandah, and the sparkle of incandescent lights beckoned visitors to stroll around the perimeter of the club for a few minutes before they entered the building itself.

“I’m curious to see the inside,” Elizabeth admitted as they took their second turn around the verandah, greeting and being greeted by members and other guests. “Charlotte told me so many stories about it.”

One more circuit, and then he’d take her indoors. Though he wouldn’t tell her, Jason didn’t share Elizabeth’s enthusiasm for the interior. Oh, it was an impressive building all right. But once they were inside, there would be no reason for her to keep her hand on his arm. Most likely, they’d be separated, at least until dinner was served. No matter how elegant the interior, without Elizabeth at his side, it would lose its luster.

“Charlotte probably told you that this is the most exclusive place in the city,” Jason said as they rounded the corner. “Even though many of its members have fallen on hard times, the annual reception is the biggest social event of the summer.”

Elizabeth shot him a mischievous smile. “Even bigger than our Independence Day picnic?”

Jason returned the smile as memories of the second meal they’d shared rushed back, flooding him with pleasure. “Bigger, but not necessarily better.” The backyard of Elizabeth’s home had been decorated with a single flag, not the dozens that lined the club’s verandah, and the food had been simple picnic fare: fried chicken legs, biscuits with strawberry preserves, dried apple pie. But, though less ostentatious, Jason knew that the picnic he had shared with her would prove to be far more memorable than tonight’s banquet.

She chuckled. “Spoken like a lawyer. You choose your words carefully.”

“That’s true. I do. So consider this.” He lowered his voice so that he was practically whispering. “I’d rather be back in your yard.”

Her chuckle turned into a full-fledged laugh.

When they entered the building itself, Jason’s concern that he and Elizabeth would be separated was realized. Once Miriam and Richard greeted them, two of Jason’s most important clients approached him, asking to speak with him. He turned to Elizabeth, hoping she understood that he couldn’t offend the men. “I have a couple things to attend to.”

She nodded. “Don’t worry. I can keep myself occupied until dinner is served.”

The conversation with his clients took longer than he’d expected, and it was a full half hour later when Jason reentered the hallway and heard the booming voice.

“I tell you, the world is changing and not for the better.”

Jason frowned as he recognized the speaker. Doc Worland. What was the old windbag talking about now? Jason moved to the doorway and looked around. There, on the opposite side of the room, surrounded by a group of men, Doc Worland was holding court. He continued to speak, his words slightly slurred as if he’d imbibed a bit too much whiskey. “What kind of world is it where women think they can be doctors?” he demanded. “I tell you, they don’t have what it takes.”

Though the parlor had been filled with conversation, a sudden silence greeted the doctor’s words. Jason heard the sound of heels tapping on the floor. Feminine heels. He entered the parlor and watched as Elizabeth approached the
older doctor. The crowd parted, much as Jason imagined the Red Sea had parted, allowing her to face her adversary.

“That’s a very provocative assertion you’ve made, Dr. Worland.” Elizabeth’s voice was cool but clear enough to be heard in every corner of the room. “Would you mind explaining why you believe that to be true?”

“Look, missy. I don’t have to answer to you or anyone.” Doc waved a finger under her nose. If it was supposed to intimidate her, it didn’t succeed. If anything, it caused Elizabeth to stiffen her spine. That and the heels on her shoes brought her to almost the same height as Doc.

“So what you alleged before, that women don’t have—I believe your term was ‘what it takes’—is simply your opinion and not a proven fact.”

The man’s face flushed, although whether with anger or the effects of whiskey, Jason wasn’t certain. “I didn’t say that. Everyone knows it’s true.”

“Not everyone,” Elizabeth retorted, her voice as sweet as the strawberry preserves she’d served three days ago. “I don’t know that to be a fact. Please explain it to me.”

Guests moved closer, circling the two physicians like vultures over a carcass.

“All right, missy. You asked for it.” Doc thrust his shoulders back, as if trying to increase his height. “Women aren’t smart enough and they’re not strong enough to be doctors.”

Jason bit the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling as he remembered his first encounter with Elizabeth. He’d been as belligerent as Doc, but it hadn’t stopped Elizabeth from pointing out the errors in his logic. There was no reason to think she’d be kinder to Doc merely because he was her elder.

“Those are interesting claims, but I’m afraid they’re not
based on facts.” When Doc glared at her, Elizabeth continued. “Let’s start with intelligence. Would you agree that if a man were accepted at one of the country’s most illustrious medical schools, that would be proof of his intellect?”

“Of course.” When Doc began to relax, Jason felt a twinge of sympathy for the man. Doc didn’t know Elizabeth or he would have realized she was only beginning.

“Did you know that a woman needs to be in the top 10 percent of all applicants just to be accepted in the same school?” she demanded. “Wouldn’t that seem to indicate that a woman has to be smarter than 90 percent of her male colleagues?”