Alexandre stood, and Josie followed, her stomach queasy. Dozens of questions raced through her mind.
“I apologize for the inconvenience,” Alexandre said to the Greenfields. “Thank you for understanding.”
Mr. Greenfield smiled. “We’ll look forward to seeing you in about a month’s time.”
“Do you have a few moments to meet some of the students?” Mrs. Greenfield turned her hopeful eyes on Josie. “I know they’d love to meet you. They’ve been waiting eagerly for the new reverend.”
The last thing Josie wanted to do was postpone her conversation with Alexandre. “I think it best if we go back to town and get our affairs in order. We’ll be leaving on the stagecoach first thing in the morning.”
“Oh, what a pity,” Mrs. Greenfield said.
Alexandre touched Josie’s hand. “We could spare a few moments, non? After all, the Greenfields have been very understanding.”
If she denied his request, it would make a scene—and she didn’t want to embarrass her new husband. “Of course.” She tried to smile, though her lips trembled. “What was I thinking?”
Mr. Greenfield excused himself to tend to his chores.
They followed Mrs. Greenfield out of the house and across the rutted road to the school and church building. The day had grown hot, and the humming of the locusts buzzed from the prairie.
Mrs. Greenfield opened the thick oak door and led the way to the front of the stuffy classroom. At least three dozen students lifted their heads, their curious eyes assessing Alexandre and Josie. Many of the students looked to be children of local farmers and fur traders with their fair coloring, but the other half were Chippewa, with their dark hair and eyes.
A lump grew in Josie’s throat. She hadn’t spoken Chippewa since she was a child. Would she have a chance now?
A woman stood at the front of the room. Her eyes blinked behind spectacles, and her blond hair was pulled tight at the back of her head.
“Reverend and Mrs. Dugas, this is Miss Hazel Smith, our lead teacher at the mission.” Mrs. Greenfield indicated the severe woman. “Miss Smith, this is the new reverend and his wife.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Miss Smith said with a curt nod of her head.
Josie nodded a greeting but cringed at the words new reverend.
“The reverend will be leaving but will be back in one month’s time to take up his duties,” Mrs. Greenfield continued.
If Miss Smith was surprised at the change in plans, her stoic face didn’t show it.
“I was wondering if the reverend and Mrs. Dugas might meet the children.”
“Of course.” Miss Smith indicated the classroom. “The children have been waiting for the reverend’s arrival.”
Josie’s temples began to pound. She just wanted to leave and explain the mistake to Alexandre. Surely, once he realized she needed him to help manage her father’s business in St. Louis, he would clear up the misunderstanding with the Greenfields. They would continue to support Belle Prairie financially, but the mission would have to find another preacher.
The students stood and introduced themselves. The girls gave a curtsy and the boys a bow. They all wore gray uniforms, with brass buttons and black boots.
When they were finished with introductions, Mrs. Greenfield encouraged Josie and Alexandre to walk among the students and look at their schoolwork.
Alexandre moved to the boys’ side of the room, where he immediately engaged with a young boy about the sums on his slate.
Josie looked down at the first little girl. She sat with her legs dangling over the seat and no desk in front of her. She held a primer in her hands, but she couldn’t keep her eyes on the book. She glanced up at Josie, her large brown eyes filled with curiosity. When she saw Josie looking at her, she dropped her gaze.
Mrs. Greenfield put her gentle hand on top of the girl’s shiny black hair. “This is Claire. We’ve guessed her age to be around four or five, but we’re not sure. Both of her parents died of the fever, so she was sent here.”
Claire lifted her eyes again, and it was as if Josie was looking at herself, twenty-two years ago. The little girl was adorable, and all alone in the world. Josie suddenly felt overcome with the need to cry—but she put a smile on her face instead.
“Will she live here permanently?” she asked.
“Unless someone comes along to adopt her.” Mrs. Greenfield smiled down at the child. “But we love having Claire here. She brightens up even the dreariest days.”
Josie sank down to the girl’s level. “Hello, Claire. I’m Miss—Mrs. Dugas.”
The little girl dipped her head bashfully and didn’t answer.
“She can understand English,” said Miss Smith, “but she hasn’t spoken a word of it. Shall I interpret for you?”
Claire blinked, and her large eyes drew Josie’s heart. She wanted the little girl to know she understood what it felt like to lose her mama and papa.
“That won’t be necessary,” Josie said.
She reached back into the recesses of her mind for a simple phrase. Hello, I’m Mrs. Dugas. “Aaniin. Niin Mrs. Dugas nindizhinikaa.”
Claire’s eyes lit with joy, and she bounced in her seat. Her words spilled out in Chippewa, and Josie tried desperately to keep up. She caught little snatches that she understood. “Hello! I’m Claire … pretty lady … pretty dress … new teacher? … you sing?”
Josie’s smile grew until she was fairly laughing. She lifted her hands to slow the child. “Slower, please.”
The other children laughed with Josie, and for the first time in a long time, she felt real joy.
Chapter 10
Around of giggles brought Alexandre’s head up from the conversation with the boy named Thomas.
Sunshine poured in through the windows, illuminating Josette’s dark hair as she sat among the little girls. Her cheeks were pink and her eyes shining as she spoke in a language foreign to him. She said something, and all the girls laughed again. Clearly, she was mispronouncing her words, and the girls thought it great fun.
Alexandre couldn’t help but smile himself.
Mrs. Greenfield stood off to the side with Miss Smith, but Alexandre couldn’t take his eyes off his wife.
Wife. It was still a strange and wonderful word to him.
Mrs. Greenfield walked over to Alexandre, a bit of wonder in her eyes. “Your wife is a natural with the children, Reverend Dugas. The Lord knew what He was doing when He brought you together.”
Josette laughed, and Alexandre realized it was the first time he’d heard her laughter. He liked the way it made him feel—warm and content, like a heavy quilt on a cold winter night.
He could hardly believe he would be blessed enough to hear that sound every day, for the rest of his life.
“God never makes mistakes,” Mrs. Greenfield said, laying her hand on his arm. “Don’t lose sight of that truth, no matter how hard life may get.”
Alexandre looked at the older lady, seeing the years of hardship behind her wise words.
He hated to interrupt Josette, but they needed to let the children get back to their work. He crossed the room and touched her shoulder. “It’s time to leave.”
Her smile fell, but then the little girl named Claire wrapped her arms around Josette’s neck. “Baamaapii.” She looked at Josette, her brown eyes enormous. “Until later, Mrs. Dugas.”
Josette’s eyes shimmered with tears, but she managed to smile at the child’s broken English. “Good-bye, Claire.”
They said farewell and stepped outside. He helped her into the buggy, and then he climbed inside and snapped the reins. The horse trotted off across the prairie.
The nerves Alexandre had been feeling earlier in the day had dissipated. There were so many things they hadn’t had time to discuss, but when he saw Josette with the children, he knew she was meant to be here.
The sun beat down on the prairie, reminding him that it was close to lunchtime. He pulled the horse off the road and parked the buggy under
the shade of a large willow tree, along the banks of the Mississippi.
Josette hadn’t spoken a word, and he could see she was still overcome with emotion. “Shall we eat?”
“There is something we must discuss.” Her grave voice surprised him.
His mind raced with all the possible things she might tell him, and his heart thudded hard within his chest. “Très bien. Shall we walk along the riverbank?” He didn’t wait for her to answer but stepped out of the buggy and helped her down.
A flock of ducks landed nearby, their wings splashing the sparkling water as they found their resting place.
She finally spoke. “There’s been a terrible misunderstanding.”
Was that all? “It can’t be that bad.”
She swallowed and looked down at her hands. “Last night—before you agreed to marry me—I thought you understood that we would stay in St. Louis.”
Stay in St. Louis? What—?
“I have my father’s business to run.” She looked at him, desperation in her eyes. “Didn’t you realize this?”
Alexandre stared at her. “Stay in St. Louis? It took me a year to get here—I’m not going to move to St. Louis and run a business—I left all of that behind—”
“What did you think I was going to do with my half of the business?”
Alexandre opened his mouth to respond, but what could he say? He hadn’t thought about what she would do with her inheritance.
He ran his hand down his face to try to clear his thoughts. “Everything happened so quickly last night. I just assumed you were willing to come back to Belle Prairie with me.”
“And I assumed you were willing to stay in St. Louis with me.” She looked like she might cry. “I can’t leave my father’s business in the hands of my brother—I just can’t.”
Alexandre fumbled for his clean handkerchief and put it in her hand. “Don’t cry, Josette.”
Surely, after spending the afternoon with the children at the mission, she couldn’t deny that she belonged there. He’d seen it in her eyes, sensed it with every fiber of his being.
The water flowed by, moving driftwood and dead leaves with it. Hadn’t he fought against this very river, pushing himself northward for over a year? How easily it could take him back to a life he didn’t want to live.
He tore his eyes from the river. “I’ll return long enough for you to secure your inheritance.”
She swallowed. “But you will not stay?”
He had married her with every intention to live as man and wife—but he couldn’t give up his calling, no matter how great the misunderstanding. “I will not stay in St. Louis, Josette.”
She was silent for a moment, but when she looked at him, there was resolve in her face. “And I cannot return to Belle Prairie.”
Frustration welled up in his chest. A part of him wanted to remind her that she was his wife and that she must go where he led. But the other part of him, the more rational part, knew that he could never force her—or anyone else—to do something against their will.
They watched the water flow by, each deep in thought. Alexandre had stayed awake most of the night and allowed himself to imagine his life with Josette. He had counted himself a blessed man when he said his vows. Josette carried herself with elegance and grace, and she exhibited a gentle spirit, which he prized far above other qualities. Seeing her with the children had been the final confirmation that he had made the right choice.
He wanted to share his life with her.
He picked up a stick and tossed it into the water. The current grabbed it and pulled it away, and out of sight. He couldn’t let the same thing happen to his calling.
He wouldn’t force Josette to return … but maybe he could persuade her. They had a week’s journey ahead of them—perhaps in that amount of time, he could convince his wife to return with him to Belle Prairie.
The ride back to Little Falls was painfully quiet for Josie. Alexandre didn’t speak until they had finally stopped in front of the Northern Hotel.
“I imagine you and your maid have things to attend to this afternoon.” He alighted from the buggy and tied the horse to the hitching post. He came to her side and offered his hand. She placed her hand inside his and felt it drown in the immensity of his palm.
His touch did strange things inside her stomach. Somehow, in less than a day, she had grown fond of the idea of having him in her life. There had to be a way to convince him to stay in St. Louis. She had a week with him on the steamboat—anything could happen.…
With renewed determination she stepped out of the buggy, and even managed to smile. If she was going to convince him to stay with her, she would need to muster all the charm she possessed.
She put her arm through his and they walked into the hotel lobby.
Ruth sat on the floral sofa near the potted ferns. She wore her hat and gloves, and her valise was at her side. She stood when Josie and Alexandre entered, her cheeks flushed. “Oh, I didn’t think you’d arrive in time, Miss Josie.”
“In time for what?” It was then that Josie noticed the man who had been sitting near Ruth. He looked vaguely familiar. Had he been in the ballroom the night before? He rose by her side.
Ruth’s movements were awkward. She took a step forward but then stopped abruptly. “Miss Josie, th–things have transpired since you left this morning—things I didn’t anticipate.”
Josie still held Alexandre’s arm, thankful for his steady presence.
“What’s happened?” Josie eyed the strange man. He was pale and painfully thin, but he wore a well-pressed suit and a top hat.
“After you left, I came downstairs for breakfast, and this gentleman, Mr. Ashcroft, approached me. H–he made an offer I couldn’t refuse.” She lifted her hand and showed Josie a beautiful ruby ring. “He works at the land office, and owns a new house. We were married just an hour ago.” Her lips quivered as she smiled. “I’m married now.”
Josie blinked several times but couldn’t say a word.
“Congratulations.” Alexandre extended his hand to Mr. Ashcroft.
“Thank you kindly,” the gentleman said with a bob of his head. “Never hurts to ask, is what I always say.”
“I know this is a bit of a shock, and I apologize for the inconvenience,” Ruth said to Josie. “I realize this puts you in a bind—not having a lady’s maid for your return to St. Louis. But now that you’re married, I hoped Mr. Dugas would help you.”
Josie thought of all that Ruth did—everything from tying her corsets to styling her hair. How could Alexandre possibly help with those things? But none of that mattered—she’d find a way to manage. She was more dismayed about losing her friend. “I’ll miss you, Ruth. You’ve been the very dearest friend in the world.” She reached out and pulled her maid into an embrace.
Ruth hugged her back, and Josie could feel Ruth’s heart beating wildly in her chest.
“Are you nervous?” Josie whispered.
“Terribly.”
Josie pulled back and tried to offer some encouragement in her smile, though her voice shook with emotion. “Thank you, for everything. You’ll be sure to write?”
Ruth nodded as Mr. Ashcroft took her valise in hand.
“We must be off, Mrs. Ashcroft,” he said.
Ruth offered Josie one final smile. “Good-bye, Miss Josie.”
The pair left the Northern Hotel, and Josie stood motionless. “I can hardly believe it.”
Alexandre held his hat in hand and studied her. “It looks like we’re on our own.”
Josie tried to hide her sudden anxiety.
“I don’t think it’s safe for you to sleep alone tonight,” he said slowly. “This town is full of criminals who would do anything to take what they want. A small lock won’t stop them.”
Josie’s eyes grew large. She didn’t know what frightened her more: the criminals … or her attractive husband sleeping in her room.
Chapter 11
Josie stood on the Lower Landing in St. Paul, wat
ching for Alexandre to emerge out of the noisy crowd. The morning sun hadn’t yet crested the eastern horizon, and already there were dozens of steamboats lining the pier. Hundreds of passengers milled about the landing, with children running among the adults. Dockworkers walked up and down the gangplanks, loading and unloading cargo, while street peddlers hawked their wares. A whistle pierced the air as a steamboat backed out of the dock, on its way upriver.
Where was he? The Northern Star was scheduled to depart at first light. If they didn’t get passage, they would have to wait for the next boat. For two days, they had tried to book passage on an available boat, but every stateroom had been taken.
Josie stood on tiptoe, straining to find him and willing the panic to subside.
Finally, Alexandre pushed his way through the crowd.
“Did you find rooms?” she asked, searching his face. They only had eight days before Stephen’s birthday, and the trip would take at least six. If anything happened to stall their progress, they might not reach the judge in time.
Alexandre picked up her valise. “I was able to secure the last available stateroom, though it isn’t much to speak of. I had hoped to find a room with servant’s quarters for me, but there was nothing.”
She followed him through the crowd, toward the steamboat, feeling both disappointed and thrilled. For the past three nights they had shared a room, and she had come to enjoy his company.
The first night in Little Falls had been awkward—until he opened his Bible. The book was common ground for them, so she asked him to read aloud. Soon they were engaged in a lively conversation that had lasted for hours. The awkwardness had dissipated, and she had loved the way his insights had challenged her.
Every night they had followed the same routine. He read a passage of scripture, and then they discussed what he read. After their conversations, Josie had slept on the bed and Alexandre on the floor. It was an entirely new experience to fall asleep listening to the steady rise and fall of his breathing.
Now, as he led her onboard the Northern Star, she felt her stomach flutter at the idea of spending an entire week in the same room with him. They were reading through the book of Proverbs—would they finish?
The Convenient Bride Collection: 9 Romances Grow from Marriage Partnerships Formed Out of Necessity Page 36