Page 411 of Conveniently Wed
Heads turned as they drove through Lacey Spring, and most everyone waved. Katie peeked out the window. “Is this how it always is when you come into town?”
“They’re curious. Not much happens in this sleepy town, so if they want to stare and tip their hats, I’m happy to oblige in a friendly manner. Today, I bet they’re trying to catch a glimpse of my beautiful wife.”
It was his first attempt at lightheartedness, and she wanted to encourage the old Josiah back. “Or maybe it’s the ladies all in a twitter over the handsome Mr. Richardson.”
“You think I’m handsome?” His brows rose.
“One cannot deny the obvious.”
He grinned. “Things are looking up.”
The tension in her shoulders eased at his teasing.
Soon, a rap from above signified they had arrived.
Josiah swung out and reached for her hand as she stepped down.
“Mr. Richardson,” a man called.
Josiah lifted his head and waved.
The rugged man sauntered across the street. When he reached them, he lifted his cowboy hat to Katherine and nodded. “Ma’am.”
“Hank, meet my wife, Katherine.”
She tilted her head in a respectable nod, careful not to invite more.
“Katherine, this is Hank, one of the best horse handlers in the country.”
The man’s sun-weathered face creased into a wide smile. “Thanks for the praise. I wanted to be sure you don’t forget me when Colby gets back with those horses.”
“You’re at the top of my list.”
“Sure glad to hear. Work has been hard to rustle up. Are you still fixin’ to hire both black and white?”
Josiah nodded. “The best man for the job is my policy.”
“I’d be happy to work with whomever, but talk about town is that if you intend to hire them there black fellows”—his eyes darted up to Abe—“and take jobs from the whites, there will be trouble.”
Katie’s heart picked up speed. Trouble?
“You know me.” Josiah clapped Hank on the shoulder. “Never had much time for idle threats. You know how men talk with one too many a drink in their belly. But thanks for the warning. I’ll be in touch the minute Colby is home.”
Hank lifted his hat one more time in her direction and took off across the street.
She turned to him. “Trouble? What does he mean by that?”
“There’s nothing to worry about. These cowboys are all big talk, no action.” He whisked her into the nearby shop before she could ask any more questions.
She stopped just inside the door and gazed about the room, taking in the awe-inspiring selections. “I can’t believe it. Look at all these choices.” Bolts of fabric stacked in all colors and weaves cluttered every nook and cranny. Spools of thread, needles, measuring tapes, and scissors lay scattered on a large table. A woman appeared from the back and greeted them with a smile.
“Josiah, my dear.” The older woman moved toward him with grace and class. She placed a kiss on each of his cheeks and did the same to Katie. “’Tis the French in me. I can’t get used to greeting people any other way. I’m Clarisse, and you must be Katherine.” She stepped back and surveyed Katie as if she were a rare animal in a cage. She moved all around. “My, Josiah, this bride of yours will be a delight to dress. Look at that tiny waist, and the fine form to fill out a bodice. And that hair and those eyes.Magnifique.”
Katie fought to keep from squirming under the woman’s scrutiny.
“Stop with the compliments, Clarisse,” Josiah said. “She’s a shy one.”
“My dear girl,” Clarisse said to Katie, “you will have to outgrow that. Your kind of loveliness was created to be shared with the world.” She ran a hand down Katie’s cheek. “Look at these high cheekbones. You’ve been graced with regal beauty.” She grabbed Katie’s hand and pulled. “Come. We shall have fun.” With the other hand, she waved Josiah off. “Out you go, and don’t come back anytime soon.”
