Page 473 of Conveniently Wed
Instead, she moved closer, her voice dropping to a seductive tone. “You poor man. You work way too hard. Why don’t you let your slaves manage this little farm?” She flicked her hand towards the window as if shooing off a pesky fly. “A man of your prominence shouldn’t have to do the menial work.”
“I don’t own slaves.”
“I understand. With the war and all…” She opened her fan and waved it in front of her face, coyly batting her lashes at him. “I guess we now have to say they’re free, but you know what I mean.”
“I do not. I’ve never owned slaves.”
“Your help then. The point I was trying to make?—”
“Why are you here, Emmaline?”
Her eyes popped wide and she gasped with a practiced look of shock. “You know why. I wanted to check on my dear Katherine. What a shock to hear from your maid that she entered into an arranged marriage. Money aside, I must say she married very well indeed.” She lifted her eyebrows.
Her flirting burned his insides, and he couldn’t help a jab. “I married well too. Would you not agree?”
“Yes, but she’s a rather boring child with all the Jesus talk. A man of your stature and sophistication must grow weary.”
How dare she speak ill of her own child? “I’m not about to discuss my marriage?—”
“I’m sorry to hear things haven’t worked out, but it’s hardly surprising.” Her eyelashes fluttered up at him.
He stepped away from her. “What gives you that impression?”
“Come now, you two aren’t exactly cozy, and though Katherine won’t say much, she’s an easy book to read.”
He clenched his jaw, working to contain his anger.
“So sorry.” Katherine swept in. “Annie caught me in the middle of cleaning out the fire grate in my room.” Katherine brushed the soot from her hands. “Can I take a moment to freshen up before I join you two?”
Josiah moved toward her. “You know you don’t have to do that kind of work, but I love it that you don’t mind.”
She smiled up at him.
“You have soot on your nose, my dear.” He thumbed it free and dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Come, it looks like you could use a little help.” He slipped his arm around her shoulders and walked her out of the room. He didn’t look back as he escorted his wife up the stairs and into her room, although he could feel the burn of Emmaline’s stare.
Inside her door, Katherine turned toward him. “What was all that about?” She flashed him an inviting smile. “Not that I mind.”
“Emmaline seems to think we’re not cozy and was asking Annie about changing your sheets. She’s picking up on the fact things are less than perfect. I don’t want her catching on?—”
“Why does it matter?” Katherine pursed her mouth in a look of wounded curiosity.
“I don’t trust her, nor do I like the way she looks at me.” Coming out of his mouth, the words sounded a bit conceited, but he hadn’t imagined Emmaline’s behavior.
Katherine’s eyebrows hiked up. “At you?”
“When you’re not around, or not looking, she?—”
Katherine laughed and slapped his arm. “What, another one who finds Mr. Richardson irresistible?”
He stiffened his shoulders. “I’m not joking. A man knows the look.”
The teasing left Katherine’s face, and her expression grew earnest. “Has she done or said anything inappropriate?”
“Not exactly. I know you want to believe that a meaningful connection is possible, but there’s something wrong.”
Katherine’s eyes filled with compassion. “Give me one more week. I can’t just throw her out. She told me she has no place to go, and I wouldn’t feel Christian sending her away without giving her time to work out a reasonable solution. Plus, she needs Jesus and is asking questions and showing interest.”
“Ah.” He stepped closer and lowered his voice as he brushed the back of his hand down the side of Katherine’s face. “You’re too kind.” He didn’t have the heart to tell her Emmaline had mocked her faith.
