A Headstrong Woman(104)

“That’s what matters isn’t it? That you’d do it again? ‘Thy fate is the common fate of all, into each life some rain must fall’,” she quoted.

Jonathon smiled. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

“I doubt anyone could have,” Alexandria agreed. “His poems are full of wisdom.”

“Do you think people will still be reading his poetry a hundred years from now?” Jonathon mused.

“I think so,” she smiled up at him.

Jonathon smiled back at her. He hesitated to change the subject and break the peace of the evening.

“Alexandria, I’ve been thinking. In light of the fact that word is spreading about your advertisement, I think we should marry tomorrow. If Moody gets word of this you’re in trouble,” Jonathon pointed out and watched her nod.

“You have a point,” she admitted.

“Are you okay with that?” he asked her and watched her closely.

“I’m fine,” she assured him.

***





Alexandria fidgeted restlessly as she waited for Jonathon to come to the house. This was it, her wedding day. A knock sounded at the door and, knowing it would be Jonathon, Alexandria hurried to answer it. Without a word, they stepped into her office. Jonathon took in her pale face and took her hand. He knew this wasn’t easy for her.

“We can wait a few more days,” he offered.

“No, I think we should go ahead as planned,” she told him.

He nodded and noticed for the first time what she was wearing. She had chosen one of the new dresses her mother-in-law had slipped into her trunk. It was an off white creamy color with mint green leaves, and mauve colored flowers scattered across it. She looked beautiful, her rich dark hair contrasting with the creamy color of the dress. Her hair too was done more stylishly than she had been wearing it, with several curls trailing down her back and over her shoulder. Her green eyes seemed to jump out against the contrasts she had created in her appearance. Jonathon swallowed hard

“I think you’re right,” he nodded. He too had dressed for the occasion and cut an impressive figure in his suit. “The buggy’s ready,” he told her. She nodded and followed him from the room. “I’m going to town,” she called to her sister and Millie. Once outside, Jonathon helped her into the buggy and turned to Sparky.

“Remember, in an hour deliver the note I gave you,” Jonathon reminded him.

“Will do,” Sparky nodded. Alexandria tucked her shaking hands into her lap and mentally planned the morning’s activities out in her head. It would be simple, she told herself again, nothing to it. All she had to do was give the appropriate response when it was expected and it would be over.

“You okay?” Jonathon’s question caused her to jump.

“Nervous,” she admitted.

Jonathon took her hand in his and squeezed it gently. “It’ll all work out, Alexandria.”

She tried smiling but suspected that it came out resembling a grimace more than a smile.

Their first stop in town was the courthouse, a stop for rings, and then the town minister. After a few questions and a brief explanation to the minister, they were married. Alexandria stepped into the afternoon sunlight and felt her head began to swim. She was married! Jonathon grabbed her arm and steadied her.

“Sorry,” she mumbled; her face was pale.

“I should have come up with a better plan than this,” Jonathon led her down the sidewalk.

Alexandria followed him; she wanted things seen to with Moody.

“Mrs. Morris, I’ve been expecting to see you soon,” Simon claimed her hand and pressed a kiss to it. “I knew you would come around to my point of view.”

Alexandria gently extricated her hand and stepped back from him.

“You’re right; there was nothing to be done but to marry,” Alexandria admitted defeat.

“You’re a wise woman, Mrs. Morris,” Simon’s smile put her in mind of the cat that had swallowed the canary. She could almost see a yellow feather hanging from his mouth.

“It’s Mrs. Stewart now, Mr. Moody. I’m no longer single and my husband is waiting to see you. That should satisfy your clause and any judge in the land according to my lawyer. I can send for him as well if you’d like to speak with him,” her voice was steady and cool as hard steel. She was quite proud of herself.

“Husband?” Simon’s face had gone red.