A Headstrong Woman(84)
“How good?” he asked; she frowned. “Never mind, I was hoping that after this song you might be persuaded to accompany me on a walk?”
“That’s kind of you but I’m enjoying dancing,” she responded politely. “I failed to thank you for your assistance in Jasper. It was appreciated.”
“I’d be glad to help any time I’m needed,” he assured her.
He had been shocked to see her in his establishment, but had managed to hide his ire that a lady like herself would go to such a place. When he won her hand in marriage he would see to it that she never set foot near a brothel again. It was a men’s establishment and irritated the ladies when their territory was invaded by the marrying kind. They spent the remainder of the dance silent; neither was certain what to say. She thanked him politely as he handed her off to the next partner.
“Hi, Sparky,” she smiled.
“Hi, Alex…Mrs. Morris.”
“Alex is fine. Are you having a nice time?”
“Yeah, realized from the first bid that I couldn’t afford your basket,” his cheeks were as red as his hair.
“Who did you eat with?”
“Nancy Holston.”
“She’s nice.”
“She is,” he agreed. They continued to talk comfortably, Sparky relaxing more and more as the dance continued until Alexandria turned to face her next partner.
She found herself face to face with a tense Lane.
“Hello, Lane.”
“Hello, Alexandria, what’s going on you with you and your foreman?”
“Nothing,” she answered, though her mind automatically flickered to the kiss she had shared with Jonathon.
“I’ve got a better question. What is he after?”
“Excuse me?” Alexandria’s tone was clipped.
“Why would a man hang around and do your bidding if he wasn’t after something?”
“Maybe because he promised Elijah he would look after me,” she was growing angry.
“Or maybe he thinks he can get himself a ranch through you,” Lane countered.
“He already owns a successful farm, besides; Jonathon isn’t that kind of person.”
“You don’t know him, Alexandria, not really.”
“Actually, I do know him pretty well, Lane. We work together daily, we’re friends, and I’ve watched him in his dealings with other people.”
“You see what he wants you to see,” Lane predicted.
“That could be applied to everyone, Lane; you included,” she pointed out and watched him color.
“People think…some people think that there are…inappropriate things going on between you two,” Lane all but whispered in her ear. Alexandria was saddened but not surprised by Lane’s news. “There will always be people who talk, Lane. I know the truth, he knows the truth, but most importantly God knows the truth.”
“That’s all you have to say about it?” Lane demanded.
“What else do you want me to say? Jonathon is my foreman that means we’ll continue to work together. But more than that Lane, Jonathon is my friend and I choose not to let vicious gossip change that!” Alexandria said without apology.
“You are ruining your reputation,” Lane informed her rather loudly before he turned and stormed off and left her alone in the middle of the dance floor. Alexandria was aware that several people had stopped to stare.
“There you are, Alexandria; your Mom asked me to fetch you,” Jonathon said as he appeared from nowhere and claimed her by her elbow to escort her from the floor. Alexandria knew that her mom hadn’t really asked for her and she could have hugged Jonathon right there for rescuing her from an embarrassing situation.
***
Anna scanned the crowded dance floor and looked for Jonathon. She had seen him dance with three women so far: her sister, her mother, and Millie. It was infuriating, especially in light of the fact that he had bid an outrageous amount on Alexandria’s basket. Anna had been hearing about it ever since she rejoined the crowd. Not to mention the scene Lane had made and then Jonathon swooping in to play hero to her sister again. Anna left the dance floor in disgust. She had been dancing all night and her feet were aching. She approached her parents’ blanket and blew out a frustrated sigh when she found Jonathon, with her sister of course.
“I’m exhausted,” she commented as she plopped down between Jonathon and Alexandria.