Because of Rebecca(13)

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.