“We’ve arrived,” Josette said.
Alexandre looked out the cab’s window, unprepared for the grandeur of her childhood home.
Sitting on a little rise above the street, the tall redbrick house towered over the neighboring homes and stood like a gothic sentry.
“This is where you grew up?” The cab stopped in front of the house, and Alexandre’s head fell back as he looked up at the monstrosity.
Josette looked past him out the window, no trace of warmth in her eyes. “I lived most of my childhood at a boarding school and only returned here for a few weeks each summer. My stepmother often went into fits of jealousy when Papa showed me any special attention, so he and I spent a lot of time at the shipping office.”
Alexandre thought of his humble farmhouse in Louisiana. It was a cozy home with nothing ornate or ostentatious about it, but it was full of love and happy memories for him. He wished his wife could say the same.
The butler opened the door, his surprised face quickly masked with indifference. “Miss Josie, your mother will be eager to see you.”
Josette removed her gloves and hat and handed them to the butler. “Tell her I’ll be in the south parlor, Mr. Warren.”
“Very good.” Mr. Warren bowed and closed the door behind them without another word.
Alexandre followed Josette through a magnificent foyer and into a flamboyantly decorated parlor. Gaudy gold drapes hung at the massive windows, and intricately patterned rugs covered the floors. Oversized furniture filled the room to overflowing, yet nothing looked comfortable.
Josette stood in the middle of it all, looking as out of place as he felt. Her eyes met his, and he could see she was bracing herself for a battle.
“Will your brother be at the loading docks?” he asked, hoping to spare her from at least one unpleasant encounter.
Josette shook her head. “He never goes there. No doubt he’s on a steamboat, gambling away Papa’s money.”
She became silent then, so Alexandre did the same.
A clicking noise soon filled Alexandre’s ears, and he sensed Josette stiffen.
“Josie!” The woman who entered the room looked as if she could be Josette’s sister, not stepmother. Luxurious brown hair, with nary a gray streak in sight, was coiled in a large twist at the back of her head. Her smooth skin and slender body were no indications of her age.
But it was her eyes that made Alexandre take a protective step closer to Josette. She looked at him, running her icy blue gaze up and down his frame. An indecent smile tilted her lips, and she lifted a brow.
“Who is this handsome young man, Josie?”
Josette lifted her chin. “This is my husband.”
Her eyes darted to Josette, and she glared. “Husband?”
“Yes, Celeste.”
“Is that where you’ve been these past three weeks? Finding a husband?” She said the word as if it were tainted.
“That’s precisely where I’ve been.”
For a moment, Celeste was speechless—but then her tongue let loose, and she advanced toward Josette. “How dare you leave my home and not tell me where you went! I had to engage the police to help look for you. And where is Ruth?”
“She’s also married.”
Celeste narrowed her eyes, her breath seething out of her mouth. “And what, pray tell, caused this sudden move on your part?”
Josette’s face held no emotion, and Alexandre’s chest tightened at seeing her this way. Gone was the joyful young lady on the steamboat, who had danced with him and strolled under the starlight.
Had her laughter ever filled these rooms?
“I was informed that I would lose everything if I wasn’t married before Stephen turns twenty-one—but you knew that, didn’t you? It’s the reason you worked so hard to turn away the gentlemen who called on me.”
Celeste’s eyes grew wide, and for the first time since they arrived, she lost her bluster. “How dare you accuse me—”
“I’m here to collect my belongings,” Josie said, her spine stiff. “I expect to see Stephen at the office first thing tomorrow morning. I’m now co-owner of LeBlanc Shipping, and I intend to make immediate changes.”
Celeste only stared, her face frozen in shock.
Josette took Alexandre’s arm, and they left the parlor.
Josette was shaking.
“I’m proud of you,” he whispered into her ear.
“I’ve been waiting to stand up to her. Until now, I didn’t have the authority to do it.”
Again, Alexandre understood how important Josette’s inheritance was—not only to continue her father’s legacy but to give her control of her life for the very first time.
Chapter 14
Josie stood looking out the front window of her rented home. The narrow three-story brick house looked identical to the other homes standing next to it. An ornate wrought-iron fence encircled her small front yard, and just beyond it, Lafayette Boulevard teemed with fancy buggies as evening set in. People were driving about socializing, but she had no desire to join them.
The savory scent of gumbo filled the cozy rooms as she looked at the grandfather clock once again.
Alexandre was late.
The table was set, the meal prepared, and she was waiting to greet him in her pink gown.
Tonight had to be perfect—it was Alexandre’s last night in St. Louis. After two weeks of helping her organize LeBlanc Shipping, he would be leaving before the sun rose in the morning.
Having him close gave her an edge of confidence she had never felt on her own. He made her believe she could do what she set her mind to.
The sun sat low in the sky when the carriage finally pulled up to the house.
Josie opened the heavy front door as Alexandre walked slowly up the sidewalk, his brow crinkled and his gaze on the ground. He looked as if he carried a great burden on his shoulders.
If only she could rub the cares away.
Gone were the days when she thought she might convince him to stay. She knew, deep in her heart, that he didn’t belong in St. Louis. He belonged in Belle Prairie.
He lifted his head and she was rewarded with his smile, which erased all the cares from his face. “Josette, you look lovely—and what is that heavenly smell?”
She took his hat and gloves and closed the door behind him. “It’s gumbo, your favorite.”
He hadn’t taken his gaze off her, and she felt her cheeks warming under his appraisal. “For as long as I live, I’ll always remember the first moment I saw you in that gown.”
They faced each other for a long time, her arms aching to wrap around his waist. But she refrained, not wanting to make this parting harder than it should be.
“Are you ready to eat?” she asked.
“I’m famished.”
He followed her into the dark-paneled dining room. The table was set with fine china, crystal, and silver. Two tall candelabras were filled with white candles, flickering on either side of a fresh-cut bouquet of flowers.
They took their places and Alexandre offered grace. The cook, Mrs. Anderson, entered the room and quietly placed fresh bread and steaming bowls of gumbo in front of both of them.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I thought we’d keep the meal simple tonight,” Josie said.
“Mind? I wish I could eat like this every night. It reminds me of home.”
Warm pleasure filled Josie’s stomach as she dipped her spoon into the creole stew—but a thought soon made her grow sober. “Will you make your own meals when you return to Belle Prairie?”
“I’m sure the mission workers will provide my meals until I find my own place.” He stared at his bowl and then finally lifted his somber gaze. “After that, I’ll have to fend for myself.”
Josie tasted the gumbo, but the flavors fell flat on her tongue.
They sat in silence for a moment, and then Josie took a deep breath. She didn’t know how to broach the topic that had been niggling at her conscience. Maybe it was best to just say
what needed to be said. “What happens if you meet someone else?”
He lifted his brown eyes slowly, until his gaze settled firmly on her face—but he didn’t say a word.
Josie set down her spoon, suddenly unable to eat. “What happens if you want to marry someone else? Will you ask me for an annulment?”
Alexandre studied her for a moment and then slowly rose from his chair. He stepped over to her and took her hand in his, gently pulling her to her feet.
She looked up at him, her knees trembling.
Alexandre put his hands on either side of her face and placed his lips on hers. The kiss was tender, yet bold, and it took her breath away.
When he pulled back, his eyes were as serious as she’d ever seen them. “I want you to know, Josette Dugas, that as long as my body draws breath, I will never love another woman the way I love you. Even if I cannot be with you, I will honor our marriage vows every day of my life.”
Josie couldn’t move as she stared back at him. No one had ever looked at her the way he looked at her now.
He pulled her into an embrace and whispered into her ear, “Come with me, ma chérie. Let me love you the way I was born to love you.”
She clung to him. “Oh, Alexandre—if it were only that simple.”
“What is simpler than a man loving a woman?”
“But my father’s legacy …”
She could hear the frustration in his voice. “And what of your mother’s legacy?” He took a deep breath and pulled back, his eyes no longer frustrated, but probing into the recesses of her soul. “And what of our legacy, Josette?”
Josie clutched the back of his coat, never wanting to let go. But then she thought of Stephen and Celeste, and how they would destroy everything if she left.
She couldn’t let them win. Josie finally had the control she’d always wanted. It might mean she would have to sacrifice her own happiness to protect her father’s business—but she was the only one willing to do it.
She stepped away from Alexandre, putting space between them. She held on to the back of her chair and couldn’t look him in the eyes. “I’m sorry. I can’t give up on my father. He was a miserable man, and the only thing that brought him happiness was his business. If I hand that over to Celeste, it will be the final nail in his coffin.”
Alexandre took several deep breaths before he spoke. “Then I will not ask you again. I’ll leave the house in the morning—but please don’t see me off. I don’t think I’ll have the power to say good-bye.”
And with that, Alexandre left Josie alone in the dining room.
Chapter 15
Josie sat behind her father’s massive oak desk and stared absently out the window overlooking the bustling docks along the Mississippi. Her forefinger traced the edge of a stack of invoices, while her mind traced the memories from the past couple of months. Always, she returned to the image of Alexandre, preaching from the pulpit on the Northern Star.
It had been three weeks since Alexandre had left, and Josie had done nothing but work. She had mistakenly thought she could bury herself in her work to forget about him, but she soon realized there was nothing that could distract her from the aching void left in his wake.
Her father’s business was running smoothly, though she left most of the daily interactions in the hands of her general manager, Mr. Thompkins. She stayed in the office for hours on end, telling herself she was exactly where she had wanted to be.
A knock at the door startled Josie from her reverie. “Come in.”
“I never thought you’d actually do it.”
Josie stared at the blond-haired lady who poked her head into the office.
“Ruth!” Josie rose from her chair, incredulous. “What are you doing here?”
Ruth entered the office, a grin on her familiar face. “Mr. Ashcroft and I are on our way to the goldfields in California.”
“The goldfields?”
“We’re going to take our chances out west. Since we’re in St. Louis for a few days gathering supplies, I thought I’d say hello.”
Josie came around her desk and embraced her old friend. “I’m so glad you did.”
Ruth hugged her back but pulled away to frown at Josie. “What are you doing in St. Louis?”
“What do you mean? You knew I was going to manage my father’s business.”
“I didn’t think you’d actually go through with your plans after marrying Mr. Dugas. Why didn’t you go back to Belle Prairie with him?” Ruth took a seat and set her reticule in her lap. “Mr. Ashcroft and I crossed his path the day he arrived in Little Falls. I was shocked to see him alone.”
“It’s actually quite simple.” Josie sat and rested her hands on top of the desk, trying to convince herself. “Alexandre was called to preach at Belle Prairie and I was called to manage my father’s business.”
“But you’re still married?” Ruth’s brows came together, clearly confused.
“Yes.”
“I don’t understand. Aren’t you concerned about what God thinks?”
God? Josie blinked several times before she spoke. “What about God?”
“Marriage is a sacred trust, between a man, a woman, and God. He intended marriage to bring a couple together, to make them one—not to live separate lives.”
Josie was silent as she contemplated Ruth’s words.
“Why did you stay here?” Ruth asked quietly.
“To honor my father’s legacy.”
Ruth tilted a brow. “I mean no disrespect, Miss Josie—but your father is in glory, singing with the angels and dancing with your mama—but Mr. Dugas is still very much here on earth—and he’s not singing or dancing with anyone.” She leaned forward. “Last time I saw him, I said to Mr. Ashcroft, ‘I’ve never seen a more miserable soul.’”
Alexandre was miserable? Josie’s own pain increased at the knowledge. Her father had been miserable because of Celeste.… Was Josie now responsible for inflicting misery upon her own husband? How had she not realized?
She looked about the office, her eyes trailing over the things her father had collected as a fur trader. He had been happiest in Minnesota, with her birth mother, and had only come to St. Louis when he thought it a better life for Josie. But it hadn’t been a better life—for either of them. Wouldn’t Father want her to be with the man she loved, free from Celeste and the life that had brought both of them so much heartache?
Josie’s eyes wandered back to Ruth, and it was as if she could see clearly for the first time in her life. “I’ve wanted so desperately to prevent Celeste from having control, that I sacrificed everything to become a slave to my father’s business.” She waved her hand around the room. “My father wouldn’t want me stuck here in this stuffy office, fighting to keep Celeste away from LeBlanc Shipping. He would be happy knowing I was with the man I loved.” She stood, her heart beating rapidly. “Celeste and Stephen may come in here and take over if I’m not here to stop them, but they can no longer hurt my papa. He’s long done with this earthly life—but I’m not.”
In giving up control of the business, she would be gaining control of her life.
Ruth scooted to the edge of her seat. “What will you do?”
Josie picked up her hat and put it on her head. “I’m going to Belle Prairie, to be with my husband.”
Ruth jumped to her feet. “You’ll need a companion to travel with.”
Josie stuck her hat pin in place and stopped. It would be foolish to travel alone—but who would go with her?
“If you’re looking for a maid, my sister Roxanne is looking for a husband.…”
Josie laughed and threw her arms around Ruth. “Could she be ready to leave in the morning?”
“I can guarantee it.”
“Good! Have her meet me here tomorrow before sunrise.”
Ruth squeezed Josie’s hand. “I’m happy for you, Miss Josie.”
Josie stopped suddenly and felt a deep peace overwhelm her soul. “Ruth, have you ever felt like God was smiling
on you?”
Ruth grinned. “I have, indeed—and I think you have, too.”
It would be a long week aboard another steamboat, but the reward at the end of the journey would be worth the wait.
Josie was going home to Belle Prairie—and to Alexandre.
Chapter 16
It was good, on days like today, for Alexandre to have a place of his own. It had been a month since he had left Josette, and though he was on the prairie, surrounded by wide-open spaces and windswept grass, he still felt as if he couldn’t take a deep breath.
He sat on the front porch, his Bible in hand. It was Friday, which meant he only had two days to finish his sermon. He planned to speak about the prodigal son, but he couldn’t take his eyes off the second chapter in Genesis. He read the words aloud, knowing he would find no comfort, but reading them anyway.
“And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” He stopped, his voice cracking from the weight of his loneliness. “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
He closed the Bible and leaned his head back against the rocking chair. He could not stop thinking of Josette. Even in the pulpit, while his mouth spoke the sermon he had prepared, he thought of his wife. At least a dozen times, he had started to compose a letter to her—but he didn’t know what to say. He couldn’t bring himself to ask her to come to him—and he knew, with every fiber of his being, that he couldn’t go back to St. Louis.
Fragrant wildflowers blanketed the August prairie and butterflies flitted about, but the joy of the day was lost to Alexandre. He had tried to keep a happy face for the others living at the mission, but he failed. He’d told them Josette had stayed behind to manage her father’s business, and he was sure the Greenfields would ask him to leave, but Mrs. Greenfield only smiled and reassured Alexandre that God didn’t make mistakes. Her confidence was something he struggled to feel himself. He needed his own space to put his life back together, so shortly after his arrival he had bought a two-story clapboard house close to the mission and the Mississippi. A clothesline and chicken coop sat in the back and an oak tree sheltered the front, with a picket fence encircling the whole yard.
The Convenient Bride Collection: 9 Romances Grow from Marriage Partnerships Formed Out of Necessity Page 38