Handpicked Husband (Love Inspired Historical) (10 page)

Adam took her cue and made the appropriate “very impressive” noises.

Which seemed all the encouragement the banker needed. “I think you gentlemen will be wonderful additions to our community.”

Regina nodded solemnly. “My grandfather assures me that to him, they’re like part of the family.”

Adam bit back a smile at her dry observation. But the undercurrents seemed to sail right over the banker’s head.

Pierce nodded affably. “Well, that’s a good enough endorsement for me. A newspaper is just the thing our town needs. And the Blue Bottle Saloon has been closed down for far too long. It’ll be good to inject new blood, not to mention new businesses, into our town.”

“That’s very welcoming of you, sir,” Adam said, trying to stem the gentleman’s effusiveness, “but I’m afraid I’m just visiting, and none of the others have made up their minds to stay just yet.”

The older man clapped him on the back. “Just give us time, son. We’ll win you over, I’m certain of it.”

“And you’re the man to do it,” Regina said enthusiastically. “Mr. Barr just needs the right kind of encouragement.”

Adam shot her a warning look.

But she smiled and turned back to the banker. “Adam is also here as Grandfather’s agent.”

Surely she wasn’t planning to tell this man about the judge’s marriage scheme? Not after her repeated insistence that they all keep it secret.

“He’s going to be taking a look at how the construction on the schoolhouse is coming along,” Regina continued.

“Excellent.” Mr. Pierce gave Adam a beaming smile. “I’m confident you’ll like what you see. As a member of the town council, I had a hand in approving those plans myself.”

“I’m certain everything is in order.” Adam gave Regina a pointed look. “But as a businessman, you know how important it is to follow up on these things. Judge Madison didn’t want Miss Nash to have to bother trying to keep up with all the nagging little details.”

She took a sip from her cup. “Grandfather is so very thoughtful of my welfare.” She smiled at Mr. Pierce again. “I was thinking it might be a good idea for Mr. Barr to take a look at the books while he’s here. I’m sure Grandfather would rest easier if he had another man’s word for their soundness rather than just mine.”

Mr. Pierce’s smile stiffened a bit as he looked at Adam. “Does Judge Madison believe there’s some problem with my handling of the funds? If he’d prefer to have his own man come in and act in Jack’s stead—”

“No, no, nothing of the sort,” Adam reassured him. “Again, just good business practice.”

The man relaxed. “Of course. We’ll have to make an appointment for one day next week.”

Before Adam could respond, a young woman strolled up. She was pretty in a flashy sort of way, the type of woman Adam thought of as a socially acceptable Jezebel. While there was nothing overtly immodest about her, she dressed and moved in a way calculated to command the attention of every man there. And she had a pretty, pouty smile. Her artless appearance was likely the result of endless hours of practice.

No doubt her words would drip honey when she spoke. Emma, his former fiancée, had been just such a woman.

Too bad he hadn’t seen through her facade sooner.

“Thomas, dear,” she said, claiming the banker’s arm, “you mustn’t hog the company of one of Reggie’s honored guests.”

Yep, her voice was as sweetly pitched and the words as flirtatiously delivered as he had guessed.

The banker’s chest puffed out visibly as he patted the woman’s arm. “Sorry, my dear.” He turned to Adam. “Mr. Barr, allow me to introduce you to my wife, Eileen.”

This was Pierce’s
wife?
Why, she must be a good fifteen years younger than her husband. “Mrs. Pierce.” Adam bent over her proffered hand, as much to hide his reaction as to be polite.

“How do you do, Mr. Barr?” She flashed a coy smile. “I do hope my husband hasn’t bored you by extolling the virtues of our little backwash version of paradise.” Her gaze studied him like a cat eyeing a bowl of cream.

“Not at all. I find your husband’s enthusiasm quite refreshing.” Adam took Regina’s arm. “I hope the two of you will excuse us, but there’s a matter I need to discuss with Miss Nash.”

Mrs. Pierce’s eyes flashed with surprised displeasure. Apparently she was used to a very different reaction from the men in her circle.

Her husband, however, smiled and waved a hand. “Of course. But I insist on having you and your friends over to our home for supper soon.”

Adam bowed again. “I’m sure I speak for my friends as well as myself when I say it will be our pleasure.” With that he gave Regina’s arm a squeeze and turned her firmly toward a less crowded part of the lawn.

* * *

Reggie allowed Adam to lead her toward the large oak that shaded a quiet corner of her backyard. The determination in his expression hinted at some pent-up emotion. What was it? Irritation? Outright anger?

Deciding not to let him get in the first word, she stopped and turned to face him. “What was it you wished to discuss?”

His smile was polite, but his eyes conveyed a different emotion. “I wanted to make certain you fully understand I’m not one of your suitors.” He enunciated each word with a chisel-hard precision, echoed by the flinty glare in his eyes. “I am under
no
obligation to jump at your bidding.”

That’s what
he
thought. If he was trying to intimidate her, he had failed miserably. She lifted a hand to her heart. “Why Mr. Barr, is that what you were doing—jumping to my bidding? I had no idea.”

He didn’t seem amused by her light treatment of his attempted scold. It was fascinating to see how the dimple in his chin deepened when he clenched his jaw.

“Miss Nash, why do you insist on treating me like I’m the enemy? I assure you, I’m not.”

Reggie’s own amusement died. “On the contrary, sir,” she said grimly, “I consider any person who has both the power and the resolve to take Jack from me my enemy.”

He raked a hand through his hair. “You know perfectly well that isn’t the outcome either your grandfather or I wish for.”

“But I also know
you
, Mr. Barr, and I know that you’ll do what you believe to be your duty, whether you wish to or not.”

He stiffened and his face reflected some dark, bitter emotion. “You
know
me? I think not. Until two days ago we hadn’t even seen each other for seven years. Before that, you were barely out of the schoolroom and I was an adult. I doubt we spoke two words to each other during any of your many visits to Philadelphia.”

His jaw tightened. “And even if you had some inkling of who I was back then, that man no longer exists.” He turned his glower full on her. “No, Miss Nash, you might know something
of
me, but you don’t
know
me.”

She met his gaze levelly, her own emotions rising. “I may have been little more than a schoolgirl, but I spent many hours eavesdropping on the conversation in my grandfather’s parlor. You and your friends debated everything from law to politics to social issues.”

She saw he still didn’t believe her. Very well. “I know you are passionate about not just the law but about seeing justice done. I know you pride yourself on owing nothing to anyone. I know you set high standards for yourself and for those around you.”

She placed her hand on his arm again, looking straight ahead as they resumed their stroll. “You have a soft spot for strawberry teacakes, you show the same consideration to servants that you do to peers and you don’t really like Grandfather’s favorite port, though you drink it anyway to be polite.”

She felt him looking at her. Did he believe her now? “I know you place great store on loyalty, but like most men you set a different standard for women and can be taken in by a sweet face and honeyed words.”

She lifted her chin. “I also know you view things as either right or wrong, black or white. You don’t have much use for the middle ground. You would rather take a bullet than compromise your values or beliefs. And because I know all of this, I know you could not have committed the crime you were convicted of, because no amount of money would tempt you to break the law.”

His step faltered the merest bit at that, but he recovered quickly.

She turned and met his gaze once more. “And that, sir, is why I fear you. Because my world is filled with compromises and shades of gray, which you will never understand or accept. And also because I know with absolute certainty that you will take Jack from me if you feel you must in order to keep your word to my grandfather.”

Please tell me I’m wrong, that I have nothing to fear from you.

Chapter Eight

A
dam stepped through Regina’s front gate, the need to escape her perceptive gaze driving him forward.

He felt as if she’d stripped him bare and flayed him for good measure. His mind was spinning in an attempt to take in all she’d said. He only hoped whatever excuse he’d given before he made his exit had been coherent.

She had been
that
intuitive at fifteen?

She’d even figured out what a blind fool he’d been when it came to sweet-mannered, lovely, fickle Emma.

It wasn’t enough Regina had reduced him to a set of faults and virtues. Within a space of seconds she’d graced him with her belief in his innocence and cursed him with her fear of his intentions.

How in the world was he supposed to respond to such a speech?

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Adam turned left, toward Turnabout’s Main Street. Might as well do a bit of exploring, scout out whatever there was to see here.

Thirty minutes later he found himself on the edge of town, near the railroad depot. He had studied every storefront, explored every side street the town had to offer.

He shook his head at the sparseness of the offerings. For most people here, Turnabout was all they knew of the world. But Regina had spent a great deal of time in Philadelphia. She’d experienced theater, libraries, elegant shops, museums. How could she willingly choose to live here when she
knew
how much more the world had to offer?

Was the freedom to live her eccentric lifestyle so important to her? What about the cultural experiences she was denying Jack?

What had she meant when she said her life was filled with compromises?

Adam shook off his musings, not wanting to think about that conversation just yet.

What decision she made or why she made it wasn’t really his concern. He was just here to carry out Judge Madison’s wishes.

Adam rubbed the back of his neck. Now what? He was tempted to saddle Trib and head out for a good gallop. Might clear his head a bit. But he probably should return to the party, just to make certain everyone was still playing their parts properly.

Not to mention that he’d been one of the guests of honor.

Squaring his shoulders, Adam turned and retraced his steps. In much too short a time he had Regina’s house in sight again.

“Hello.” Eileen Pierce, her arm linked through her husband’s, stepped through the front gate. “We wondered where you’d gotten off to.”

Adam assumed the easy smile that had once been second nature to him. “I needed to stretch my legs a bit.” He included Thomas Pierce in his glance. “I took the opportunity to make a tour of your fair town.”

“Well, I certainly hope you liked what you saw,” the banker responded. “I haven’t given up trying to convince you to make your home here.”

“Yes indeed.” Mrs. Pierce looked up through her lashes. “We would all be very happy to welcome you into our midst.”

“That is most kind of you both, but as tempting as it sounds, I’m afraid that won’t be possible.” Adam shook his head as if disappointed. “I’m afraid there’s just too much business I left unfinished back in Philadelphia.” He stepped aside to wave them on. “Please, don’t let me hold you up.”

Adam nodded a farewell and strode forward. He paused to exchange pleasantries with another group of departing guests before he reached the back lawn. Perhaps the party was finally breaking up.

He rounded the corner of the house to discover he was in luck. The only people in sight were Regina’s household and her “suitors.”

Regina had her back to him and was busy handing out assignments.

He paused, watching the commander address her troops.

“Since you three are like members of the family now,” she said, “I’m sure you won’t mind helping clean up.”

Mitchell rolled up his sleeves. “Of course not. Just tell us what you need done.”

Adam noticed Everett and Chance didn’t look quite so agreeable, but neither did they refuse.

“To start, the three of you can move the chairs back inside. Mrs. Peavy will show you where everything goes.”

She turned to Ira. “Would you take care of the punch bowl and tablecloths please?”

Then she looked at Jack. “And as for you, young man—” her voice softened as she ruffled the boy’s hair “—you can help me gather up the glasses and the napkins.”

Adam stepped forward. “And what job do you have for me?”

Regina turned and her gaze searched his warily. But she gave no other sign she remembered their earlier conversation. “So, you decided to grace us with your presence again.”

He shrugged. “It’s my job to check in on the players of this little game periodically.”

Jack tugged on Regina’s skirt. “What game is he talking about, Aunt Reggie?”

She shot Adam a displeased schoolmarm look before she smiled down at her nephew. “Mr. Barr was teasing, Jack. He didn’t mean a game the way you think of one. Don’t pay him any mind.”

Laying a hand on Jack’s shoulder, she faced Adam again. “If you’re really interested in helping, you can disassemble the table once Ira clears it. Ira can show you where we stow the boards and sawhorses.”

“Of course,” he said. But he was talking to her back. She’d already started gathering the discarded dishes.

Twenty minutes later, Adam unrolled his sleeves. Under Regina’s watchful eyes, the cleanup had been completed in less time than he would have imagined. Other than a few trampled flowers near the porch, the large backyard no longer showed any traces of the festivities that had taken place earlier.

Everett sat on one of the steps of the wraparound porch, leaning lazily back against the rail. Mitchell stood by the back door, helping Mrs. Peavy fill a large washtub on the kitchen porch. Chance, with Jack at his side, had finally managed to approach Buck on civil, if not friendly, terms.

Regina marched toward the back porch, toting a large basket loaded with dirty dishes.

Adam moved to intercept her. “Here, let me take that.”

He thought for a moment she would refuse.

Then she nodded. “Thank you.” She handed him the basket and immediately moved away. “Let me grab those two cups from over there and we can take them inside.”

A large kettle of water simmered on the stove. It filled the small, cozy kitchen with a humid heat that pounced on them as soon as they entered the room. Adam saw the stray tendrils at her nape slowly but defiantly coil into springlike curls, saw the moisture sheen on her face like a damp mask.

She glanced his way and nodded toward the kettle. “If you don’t mind, could you pour that into the basin here? Then we can set these dishes to soaking.”

Adam nodded and set the basket on the table. This stiff formality had him on edge. He felt he should say something, but he couldn’t for the life of him figure out what.

As soon as he emptied the kettle, Regina placed the two glasses she held into the hot water. She reached for the basket to take care of the others, but Adam stopped her. “Here, let me hand them to you.”

She nodded and without a word, they emptied the basket.

This is ridiculous. This isn’t a two-person job. I should just get out of the way and let her finish up, or send her away and do it myself.

But for some reason he couldn’t bring himself to say anything. Besides, they were almost done now.

When she reached for the final dish, though, her wet hands failed to get a good hold. As she bobbled the cup, Adam reached over and grasped both the cup and her hands between his own.

Her gaze jerked up to his and for a moment they stood there, frozen. Her dragon’s scale eyes darkened until they were almost deep purple, and a small muscle quivered at her throat.

She’d said she believed him innocent.

She knew he liked strawberry tarts.

His grip tightened on her hands. Was the rapid pulse beat he felt coming from his veins or hers?

“What do you think you’re doing?”

At Mrs. Peavy’s sternly uttered question, Adam jerked his hands back and the cup went crashing to the floor.

Regina bent to pick up the pieces, but not before he saw the flush climb into her cheeks.

“I thought I’d help clean the dishes.” Her voice sounded almost composed.

“So I see,” Mrs. Peavy said dryly. “Now, you two get out of my kitchen before you break the rest of the china.” She emphasized her words with shooing motions. “I’ll take care of this mess. You have guests you should see to.”

* * *

Reggie was more than happy to escape the too-close confines of the kitchen. With a nod, she deposited the broken bits of china on the counter and wiped her hands on a dry dish rag. “If you don’t want our help, we’ll leave it to you. But you know very well those gentlemen out there are not really my guests.”

She moved to the back door that Adam already held open for her. “As it happens, though, there
are
a few things I’d like to discuss with our friends from Philadelphia.”

Reggie stepped outside and immediately put some distance between herself and Adam.

She drew a deep breath, trying to clear her senses along with the humid air from her lungs. What had happened in there a moment ago? It had been the same as the time Adam caught her in that near-fall back at the cabin two days ago.

She might as well face the truth. Something about Adam Barr still touched her on a level she couldn’t fight. He remained the white knight of her dreams, a knight whose armor was tarnished but who continued to fight the good fight.

Any unexpected touch from him did something to her, scrambled her senses in a way she didn’t like at all. She could not afford to feel those things.

Especially not now, when she needed her wits about her more than ever.

What had she been thinking? She should never have said all those things to him. It gave him an unfair advantage over her, revealed too much about how she felt.

Well, if he tried to use that against her, he was going to be disappointed. She was no simpering debutante. She might be attracted to him, but that attraction wasn’t so potent that she couldn’t resist.

Reggie lifted her head, feeling more in control.

Mr. Fulton and Chance were just as she’d left them. Mr. Parker had strolled over to the oak tree and was deep in conversation with Ira.

“Mr. Barr,” she said, careful to keep her tone formal, “I’d be obliged if you’d gather up Chance and Mr. Parker and join me and Mr. Fulton on the side porch.”

“Of course.”

Everett stood as she approached.

His movements conveyed a practiced ease, his smile a cynical humor. “Allow me to compliment you on the success of your soiree. I suppose this is the kind of social highlight I can look forward to reporting on in upcoming editions of the
Turnabout Gazette.
”

Reggie took a seat on a comfortable chair and arranged her skirt. “Don’t worry, Mr. Fulton. There will be all sorts of news to fill your society pages—barn raisings, church socials, quilting bees, the monthly dance in the town square.” She paused a moment. “And then, of course, there’s the occasional wedding to look forward to.”

Was that a wince? If so, he recovered quickly. “It sounds like Turnabout is veritable whirl of social activity.”

Before she could respond, the other men joined them.

“Well, do you think we passed muster with your neighbors?” Chance asked.

“They seemed quite impressed,” Reggie responded. She placed a finger to her chin as if remembering something. “Of course they had that same reaction when a medicine show came through with a trained bear last month.”

Far from taking offense, Chance’s eyes lit up. “Now that must have been something to see.”

Reggie resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Mercy, but this one really was young.

Her gaze met Adam’s and she saw that same sentiment in his expression.

“Ah, yes,” Everett drawled, pulling her gaze back to him, “another of the cultural delights one can look forward to as part of life in Turnabout.”

“Very true. If my grandfather led you to believe otherwise, I’m afraid you were misinformed. No one would blame a man of your obvious refinement if you just packed up your bags and returned to Philadelphia.”

He raised his brow and gave her a knowing smile. “On the contrary, I will consider it part of my service to this community to introduce an element of sophistication and artistic enlightenment to their lives.”

Oh, but it was going to be satisfying to take this one down a peg or two. “How charitable of you to take us heathens under your wing.”

Mitchell cleared his throat. “Perhaps we should discuss what our next steps are.”

* * *

Adam leaned back against the porch support. Regardless of what had passed between him and Regina, he still had a job to perform, and as she had so eloquently pointed out, he
would
do it.

“Excellent idea,” Regina said, answering Mitchell’s suggestion. “I think we’ve made a good first impression. Still, for this whirlwind courtship to be convincing, it’s important that we be seen spending as much time together as possible without causing an outright scandal.”