Because of Rebecca Read online

  Mary gave him a worry-filled glance. “And what about you?”

  “I’ll be fine,” he assured her. Heading for the walk, he added. “I’ve worked on much less sleep before.”

  He was halfway down the stone path when Mary called, “I’ll have breakfast waiting when you return to the house.”

  “Thank you.” Heading toward the field, Jared figured he could work for at least two or three hours on the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He found most of the hands preparing their tools and water buckets for the long day ahead.

  “Good news, men. Mrs. Paxton delivered a healthy boy this morning,” he announced.

  Cheers erupted, and gratitude at the men’s loyalty for their foreman surged through Jared.

  “It’s about time he got a son,” Simpson shouted, and the other men called varying agreements.

  “I don’t expect you’ll be seeing Paxton today. It was a long night of waiting and worrying. Simpson, I’m putting you in charge,” Jared said, and they nodded in understanding. “I want all men in the fields today. I’ll see to the stables. That should make the work go faster.”

  When he reached the stables, Higgins was already grooming the horses. The man looked up and stopped mid-brush when Jared entered.

  “Everything all right, sir?” Higgins asked.

  “Yes. It’s a boy.” Jared grabbed a rake and went to muck out the stalls before using the pitchfork to line them with fresh hay. They worked in silence until Mary rang the bell, calling them in for breakfast.

  Wiping sweat from his brow, Jared left Higgins to go wash up. As he approached the main house, a briskly moving carriage entered the driveway and surprise halted his steps. Rebecca and Josephine Davis were sitting in the back of the hired hack. Grabbing his handkerchief, he quickly wiped his hands and stuffed it back into his pocket. The vehicle pulled to a stop by the front steps and he lengthened his stride.

  “Rebecca! Miss Davis. What brings you out here?”

  She gave him a shy smile. “I hope you don’t mind our showing up uninvited, but I was so worried about Isabella. I sent Charlotte to check at Doctor Gordon’s this morning, but he hadn’t returned. This news didn’t set well with me. How is she?”

  “In the doctor’s capable hands. You’ll be happy to know I was wrong. They have a son after all.”

  “Marvelous!” Her smile broadened, and Jared’s weariness vanished.

  “Mary has just put breakfast on the table. Won’t you both join me?” he asked, offering Miss Davis his hand.

  “Thank you, Mr. Hollingsworth.” Her smile was as wide as Rebecca’s

  Jared looked up at the sky to see if it was falling. Josephine Davis had not been pleased with him since their first meeting. Even their last meeting had been strained, and he wondered what had changed.

  “We’ve already had breakfast,” Rebecca explained.

  “But coffee would be nice,” Josephine added.

  “Certainly,” he agreed, offering her his hand again.

  After Jared had helped them both descend, Rebecca fished in her purse for some coins and paid the driver. “Can you return for us in a few hours?”

  “That isn’t necessary,” Jared said. “I can have Higgins drive you and your aunt back to town.”

  “We wouldn’t want to impose,” Josephine interjected.

  “I insist.” Jared offered Rebecca his arm.

  “Thank you, Mr. Hollingsworth,” her aunt said and followed them up the walk to the verandah.

  Mary appeared at the front door as they approached. Despite her smile, she looked flustered. “I began to wonder where you got off to, Mr. Hollingsworth. Your guests are waiting.”

  Jared nodded. “Please set two more places, Mary. Miss Davis and her aunt will be joining us. If you’ll excuse me ladies, I must wash up.”

  “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Miss Davis,” Mary said, and showed them into the dining room. “Girls, Doctor Gordon, we’ve got two more additions to breakfast. Miss Davis and her aunt.”

  “Good morning, Doctor Gordon,” Rebecca greeted. She glanced at her aunt who had stopped in the doorway and just stared. Slowly Josephine reached up and touched the back of her neck before coming into the room. Twin patches of color bloomed in her cheeks.

  “Miss Davis, Miss Davis.” Doctor Gordon stood and bowed to them both. “How is Lucas fairing today?”

  “Better, the rash is almost gone. He’s also stopped fretting so much,” Rebecca said, taking the chair the doctor pulled out for her. “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure,” he said, pulling out a chair for Josephine.

  She quickened her pace to the table, allowing him to seat her. “Thank you,” she murmured.

  “You’re welcome,” he said, returning to his seat. “I’m glad to hear Lucas is doing so well. I’ll drop by this afternoon to see him if you don’t mind.”

  “Certainly,” Rebecca agreed. “How’s Isabella doing?”

  “I left her resting.” He turned his attention to Josephine. “How’s the ladies’ auxiliary work going?”

  “Very well. I’ve almost finished the front panel of one quilt. Mrs. Thackeray is doing the back.”

  Rebecca watched the interchange between her aunt and the doctor. Josephine was actually smiling at the man.

  Oh my goodness. She’s flirting with him.

  Fascinated, Rebecca watched the exchange between the two. Awareness dawned and she understood the many subtle changes in her aunt’s appearance. The new hairstyle, the new dresses and even the softening of her posture was because of Doctor Gordon. She hid her smile for fear they’d notice her observing them. She couldn’t wait to tell their maid.

  Chapter Seven

  Ancil Gordon found himself enthralled with the bewitching woman sitting across from him at the breakfast table. His first impression of Josephine Davis had not been favorable when he rushed to the Bakersfield hotel when they met. He’d found her prim and extremely tense. In fact, looking back, he’d have to say his behavior toward her had been downright rude. Yet, something he’d said must have made an impression to cause such a remarkable transformation in her.

  He now saw a beguiling creature he couldn’t take his eyes off. The tension around her mouth was no longer evident and her harsh expressions had softened. She smiled and her violet eyes twinkled. She laughed and his weary heart beat with a new passion.

  He found his reaction to her startling. Instead of putting distance between them, he wanted to draw her near. He wanted to learn what had made her frosty cocoon melt away.

  “I’m glad you’re enjoying your service to the ladies’ auxiliary,” he said, lifting the coffee cup. He took a slow sip and watched her over the rim.

  She poured cream and sugar in her cup. “A finer group of ladies I haven’t met. They’ve taken me in as one of their own. You don’t often find that kind of acceptance. It’s a true testament to southern hospitality.”

  “I’m sure Constance would enjoy hearing your opinion. She’s devoted many years to the group.”

  “I can tell the organization would fall apart without her instruction,” Josephine said.

  He noted a forced smile on her lips as she spoke. He’d seen that smile before whenever he’d mentioned Constance to her. Could Josephine be jealous of Constance?

  Ancil pondered the notion, reaching for another biscuit. Surely he was wrong.

  “Sorry to have taken so long.” Jared stopped before his chair and shot the Paxton girls a look of disappointment. “You started without me?”

  A peal of giggles rippled from them. Each sported a milk mustache above their upper lips. Their blond heads bobbed.

  Ancil half-grinned. They were quite adorable. He’d missed out on the chance to have a family, devoting himself to his profession. Being a doctor didn’t give much time for a man to pursue a personal life. He’d learned that the hard way almost fifteen years ago. No woman wanted to play second fiddle to the sick. She wanted a man who’d be home every night, all night, to warm her bed
. A man who wouldn’t miss their engagement party because he attended an ailing widow’s deathbed.

  He looked back at Josephine, wondering if she’d tolerate the demands on a doctor’s life. She appeared too practical with her charity work to not understand the call of his profession, but could he take the chance to find out for himself?

  He slowly breathed in the aroma of fresh coffee and lemon verbena. He’d noticed both Miss Davises favored the fragrance. Looking up, he admired how the color of Josephine’s dress complemented her beauty. His gaze locked with hers. He expected her to look away. Instead, her eyes twinkled over her cup, her mouth’s curve suggested a smile.

  Unexpected heat crept up his neck and the collar of his shirt felt tight. Unsettled, he set his cup down rather hard, spilling the liquid on his hand and the tablecloth.

  “Doctor Gordon, hold still and I’ll get that for you.” Mary pulled a dishtowel from her apron band as she brought in Jared’s hot plate of food.

  “Did you burn yourself, Ancil?” Josephine asked, using his Christian name. Was it a slip? Or did she do it on purpose?

  “No, I’m fine, thank you.” Annoyed at his clumsiness, he shooed Mary away and stood. “Thank you for breakfast, Jared. Ladies, I’ve enjoyed your company.” He looked at Josephine again and held her gaze longer than he should before speaking. “Perhaps I’ll see you at Midday service again, Josephine. If you’ll excuse me, I need to go check on Isabella and the babe before heading back to town.”

  Nodding, Josephine watched the doctor leave, and silently exhaled. He’d called her by her Christian name. Never had she found the sound of her name more lyrical than when he spoke it.

  “Would you like more coffee, Miss Davis?” Mary asked, drawing her attention away from her thoughts.

  “No, thank you. I believe I’ve had enough.” Josephine sat back in her chair, clasped her hands in her lap and relaxed. She watched the young girls enjoy their breakfast. The oldest, Harmony, reminded her of Mariah at that age.

  She sighed, and continued to watch the girls until Mary shooed them off to the kitchen to help make cookies, leaving the adults alone. Emptiness filled Josephine when they left and she realized she missed Mariah dearly. The poor girl had lost her life too young without learning the truth. A truth Josephine wasn’t certain she could ever confess.

  Shaking her head, she turned her attention where Rebecca and Mr. Hollingsworth were exchanging quiet conversation on the other end of the table.

  “Mr. Hollingsworth, I noticed you have a lovely flower garden. Would you mind terribly if I leave you and Rebecca to finish your breakfast and go for a walk?”

  Jared looked up and smiled. “Please feel free to enjoy the garden to your heart’s content, Miss Davis. We’ll join you shortly.”

  “Thank you.” Josephine stood and touched Rebecca on the shoulder before she left them.

  Once her aunt was out of the room, Rebecca covered her sudden laugh with her hand.

  “What’s so funny?” Jared asked.

  “I think my aunt is smitten,” she said in a low voice.

  “Smitten?” He frowned.

  “With Doctor Gordon.”

  “Ancil Gordon?”

  “Yes.” Rebecca held in her exasperation. “Haven’t you noticed a difference in her since you first met her?”

  He nodded. “Yes, but I thought it was because her headaches had gone away. I never would have imagined she fancied Doctor Gordon.”

  “I know. Isn’t it miraculous?”

  He furrowed his brows. “Do you think the feeling is mutual?”

  Rebecca toyed with her napkin. “I’m not sure. Didn’t you see him watching her over his coffee cup?”

  “You mean to say you were spying on them?” Jared’s warm smile was infectious and she returned it with one of her own.

  “Of course,” she admitted. “She is my aunt. She’s lived a guarded life for far too long. I’d hate to see her feelings hurt the first time she’s ever allowed herself to show interest in a male companion that I know.”

  “As would I.” He covered her hand with his own. The heat from his touch radiated up her arm and filled her chest with warmth. Their eyes met and he held her gaze with his own far longer than he should.

  Rebecca felt her cheeks flush warm and she looked away lest he see the effect his touch, both physical and visual, had on her. She didn’t understand the perplexing effect he had on her either. Sometimes she felt as if she’d burn to an ember on the inside from an innocent touch or glance.

  Jared pushed his chair away from the table. “Would you like to have a tour of the house?”

  “Yes,” she said far too eagerly, but she...they...needed a distraction, if he felt anything like she did when they were alone.

  She waited as he stood, pulled back her chair, and offered her his arm before leading her into the foyer. His golden hair still hung in wet curls around the collar of his crisp white shirt. Standing this close she could not help but inhale the clean, spiced soap scent and heat threatened to flame her cheeks once more as she imagined him in his bath.

  “Let’s start upstairs. I’d like to show you the library. It was my mother’s favorite room in the house. She loved to read. The shelves are stocked with all her first editions of the classics.”

  Rebecca smiled, her heart beating faster with each step. She naughtily thought about him bathing, water glistening on his rock hard body. Even though he was dressed, she couldn’t stop sneaking a look at him. She imagined his skin was just as tanned underneath his clothing as above. He no doubt removed his shirt when working in the hot fields, letting the sun bake him. Her desire to touch him was strong. Her mouth felt dry and her heart beat a little faster.

  She missed her footing on the next step and stumbled forward, but he caught her, helping her right herself.

  “Are you all right?” he asked when they reached the landing.

  Embarrassed, she looked away and nodded. She didn’t understand what made her lose all propriety when she was around him. They’d just met, but she’d simply die if he didn’t feel anything for her. She felt like a silly goose allowing herself to hope that he did. She stepped closer to him and laid her hand on his chest.

  He blinked and she saw the surprise in his eyes that she’d touched him.

  “Do you like me, Jared?”

  Her unexpected touch seared his flesh and he hesitated a moment trying to read her thoughts before he answered. “Yes. I like you. Why do you ask?”

  He could feel the rise and fall of her breasts as she stood so close to him. Her emerald eyes were dark and her lips were pink, inviting him to taste them if he dared.

  My God yes, I like you. Inwardly he groaned, but did he dare to confess his desire to her?

  “Come with me.” He entwined his fingers with hers and led her quickly into the library past the many bookshelves of leather bound volumes. He walked over to an alcove for privacy. Turning around, he pulled her close until she was pressed against him. “I like you far more than I should for the time I’ve known you, Rebecca.”

  She swallowed. “You do?”

  With his free hand he cupped her cheek, caressing it gently. He rubbed the pad of his rough thumb over her lips. They trembled in response and he lowered his head, nibbling at her mouth with small kisses until she responded in kind. Without warning, he parted her lips with his tongue and captured her mouth, exploring its depths.

  Her hand crept up his arm to his neck, holding his head so he couldn’t pull away. Her fingers speared through his damp hair, sending shivers down his spine.

  His body hardened and he groaned, pulling away before he lost his head completely. He walked toward the French doors on the opposite side of the library afraid she might see what had started out as an innocent kiss had done to him. He didn’t want to frighten her, or make her think he was on the verge of losing control.

  Startled by her reckless behavior, Rebecca calmed her breathing and admired Jared as he stood facing the French doors. She didn’t
know what had gotten into her asking such a question. But she’d received her answer. It frightened—yet excited her—that he felt the same about her after only meeting a few days ago.

  She smiled and wondered if it could finally be happening for her. Had she met the man with whom she’d spend the rest of her life?

  Still staring at him, she noticed how nicely he filled out his clothes and her naughty mind went to wandering again. She recalled his kiss and her knees trembled. She never imagined a kiss could drain her of her strength. But then, she’d never kissed a man before, and not just any man, a man like Jared Hollingsworth.

  You’re supposed to be a widow. A widow with a child who has had experience kissing a husband, sharing his bed, making love to him and bearing him a child.

  Silently, she groaned at the thought of her lie to Jared and she worried that she’d revealed herself by her reaction to his kiss. Had that been the reason he’d pulled away? Had he suspected her inexperience?

  As if sensing she stared at him, he turned and held out his hand to her. She walked toward him, moistening her bruised lips with the tip of her tongue. He pulled her close against his chest, lifting her hand to his mouth. He brushed his lips across her knuckles and shut his eyes.

  Rebecca’s cheeks warmed. Was he as shaken by their kiss as she? Closing her eyes, she breathed in his manly scent. She wanted to stay in his arms for the rest of her life, but that was a dream. She couldn’t abandon Lucas.

  What about Ruth? Have you forgotten about her?

  Frustrated by the thought, she tensed. Why was getting this poor woman to her family becoming such a problem? Her attempts to complete the mission had been halted by one factor or another. He hadn’t even acknowledged her last missive. How much longer could she wait before pursuing the mission at hand?

  She took a deep breath. “Jared?” Her voice cracked as she spoke his name.

  “Yes?” He slowly opened his eyes. His warm smile of contentment nearly took her breath away.

  “I think it’s time we started discussing our plans for Ruth. I must get her out of Jackson soon.”