Page 477 of Conveniently Wed
“How could you, after…after how I treated you when you told me you were having a baby.”
“I’ve chosen to forgive you because I’m confident in the truth. But as for last night, we have ourselves to blame. And I take as much responsibility as you.”
“What do you mean?”
“If we had been living like a married couple, I would’ve been lying in your arms, not in another room. She picked up that things were rocky between us, and I took too long in telling her to go. I longed for some sort of connection between us, but what I found is that she’s more wicked than I could have imagined.” Katie breathed out a sigh and leaned forward to place her knitting back in her basket. Then she rose with grace. “I’m certain Emmaline has nothing and nobody. I pity her, and I don’t want her to be homeless.”
“After what she did last night?”
“I’ve prayed about this and I can’t leave her destitute, not when we have so much.”
“I sure can. We owe her nothing.” He rubbed his hand over his trimmed beard. “How can you even entertain the thought of helping her?”
“Because it’s what Jesus would do. He says to turn the other cheek, and if someone wants your tunic, give them your cloak too.”
He gave her a pointed look. “Your Jesus is far too kind.”
“Please, Josiah.” She moved closer and placed a hand on his arm. A charge of energy shot up to his shoulder. He would do anything when she looked at him the way she was now, her eyes so blue they swallowed him up. As much as he longed to retaliate with not an ounce of compassion, he would do as Katherine asked.
“You need to stay right beside me,” he said. “We need to present a united front and finality in dealing with her.”
Katie nodded. “I’ll get her. She’s in the kitchen having a morning tea, as if last night didn’t happen.” She left the room, and a moment later, Emmaline followed her back into the parlor.
Emmaline ducked her chin in a penitent look. “Josiah, I?—"
“Quiet. Not one word.”
Her mouth formed a perfect O as she lifted a gloved hand to her lips.
Katie crossed the room and stood beside him, and her presence infused him with strength.
“Let’s get something clear,” he said. “I have neither liked nor trusted you from the first day. You’re a spiteful tart, and those are your good points. You’ll pack your things directly, and Abe will take you to the nearest train station.”
She paled.
“The only reason you’ve been here as long as you have is due to Katherine’s kindness, which I’ve respected. Had it been up to me, the minute you batted those devil eyes at me, you wouldhave been gone. And after last night… You don’t want to know what I would do if not for my wife holding me in check.”
A spark of panic flashed across Emmaline’s hardened face.
“We know you have no money and nowhere to go, but that’s not our problem.”
Her hand flew out. “Josiah, please?—”
“Don’tJosiahme.” He locked his jaw to hold in the less kind words trying to force their way out.
She bit down on her lip.
“Out of regard for my wife’s wishes and because her heart is soft, I have agreed to give you enough to last for six months, if you choose a frugal lifestyle.”
Her eyes brightened.
“That should give you ample time to find honest work or another sucker. I don’t much care which. However, the money is given on one condition.”
She pulled her shoulders back and lifted her head with a jut to her chin. “And what might that be?”
“You never—and I meannever—show up here again. Am I clear?”
She nodded, and her lips pursed tightly.
