Handpicked Husband (Love Inspired Historical) (14 page)

Adam leaned back on his heels, feeling as if he’d won a victory of sorts.

He’d have a souvenir to take home after all.

* * *

The next day it was Everett who Mrs. Peavy escorted into the parlor.

“Ah, there you are.” Reggie laid the book aside and stood. “I trust you’re ready to get underway?”

Everett’s jaw dropped as he took in her appearance. “Surely you’re not going out dressed like that?”

Reggie glanced down at her clothing—an old blue striped shirt of Lemuel’s and a green calico skirt that had seen better days—then looked back at Everett. “Why? Is there a tear I can’t see?”

Everett shook his head. “No. But...I mean, surely you have something more suitable to wear in public.”

“Suitable? I did mention that we would be doing
outdoor
photography today, didn’t I?”

“Yes, but—”

“Well, these are my outdoor work clothes. Not my most presentable ones, I’ll allow, but serviceable enough. Surely you’re not embarrassed to be seen with me?”

“I—” He paused and swallowed audibly.

“Yes?” She laced her voice with sugar.

His eyes narrowed and he stared at her as if just realizing something. He tugged the cuff of his shirt and executed a polite bow. “Not at all. You look lovely as ever. I await your pleasure.”

Reggie smiled. He’d obviously just realized she’d deliberately dressed this way to annoy him.

So, he thought he was ready to meet the challenge, did he?

Time for part two of her plan. “It’s a thirty-minute ride to the Keeter place, so we’d best get started. I told Ira we’d meet him at the studio.”

Everett offered her his arm and escorted her from the room.

The studio was normally a five-minute walk from the house, but it took a bit longer today since Reggie made a point of calling out greetings to everyone they passed.

Not that she needed to make an effort to call attention to herself.
This
getup was extreme, even for her.

She had to admit, though, Everett took it well. He hadn’t winced more than once or twice at the looks they attracted as they walked down the sidewalk.

When they reached the studio, however, he paled visibly. Parked in front of the building was her wagon, in all its colorful glory.

“There you are,” Ira said cheerfully. “I was beginning to wonder if I’d have to fetch you.”

Regina turned to Everett. “I hope you don’t mind taking the reins. I told Ira he could have the afternoon off.”

The man looked like he’d just bit an unripe persimmon. But he nodded gamely. “Of course.”

Reggie met his determined smile with one of her own. If he thought she’d thrown her worst at him, he’d soon learn different.

Once he’d helped her board, Reggie settled back in her seat. “I’ll give you directions as we go. For now, just head east, right through the middle of town.”

Everett’s jaw tightened, but he obediently set the wagon in motion. “It won’t work,” he said stiffly.

“What won’t work?” Reggie used her most innocent of tones.

“No matter how big a spectacle you make of yourself, I won’t back down.”

Hah! We’ll see about that.
“Don’t you mean how big a spectacle I make of
us?
”

He gave her a sour look before facing forward again. “As I said, it doesn’t matter. I gave Judge Madison my word, and I plan to keep it.”

Reggie nodded approvingly. “A man of your word, are you? That’s one of the qualities I’m looking for in a father figure for Jack.”

Reggie’s lips twitched as Everett’s face paled. He definitely didn’t want to contemplate the idea of “winning” their marriage lottery.

She turned her face upward and inhaled deeply. “It’s a lovely afternoon, don’t you think?”

He made a noncommittal sound.

She smiled. “Do you know any songs, Mr. Fulton?”

That won her a startled, somewhat apprehensive glance. “A few.”

“Sing one for me, please.”

“Sing? You mean
now?
” He looked as if she’d asked him to dance naked in the street.

“Of course. This is the beginning of our public courtship, after all. I’ve always thought being serenaded by a beau would be quite romantic.” She raised a brow in challenge. “Unless you no longer consider yourself a suitor for my hand.”

Everett remained silent for a moment, but from the way his jaw worked she could tell he wrestled with some inner emotion. Finally, he nodded. “Very well.” He took a deep breath and began signing.

The song was more spirited than loverlike, but Reggie had no desire to quibble with his choice. It would serve her purpose nicely. Predictably, however, his voice was pitched to reach her ears only.

She folded her hands in her lap and stared at him with a rapt expression. “Very nice,” she whispered, “but do try to put more enthusiasm into it. We want everyone to know you’re enjoying my company.”

Looking none too happy, Everett nevertheless increased the volume a notch.

By now they were attracting a fair share of attention. Reggie even noticed a few strollers calling into shop doors and motioning others to come out.

Everett reached the end of his little ditty, and Reggie clapped appreciatively. “Well done. I’ve never heard that song before, but I like it. Do you suppose you could sing it again, and this time I’ll join in on the chorus?” She gave him a coy smile. “I find singing is so much more fun when you have someone to share it with.”

With a decided lack of enthusiasm, Everett nodded. He opened his mouth to begin, then stiffened and snapped it shut.

Reggie followed his gaze to see Adam and Chance standing in front of the boardinghouse, making no attempts to hide their grins.

“Don’t pay them no nevermind.” She patted his hand. “It’s me you’re trying to please, remember?”

Encouraging the horse to a faster pace, Everett nodded and started into his song again.

She noted he focused straight ahead, a stony expression on his face.

As soon as he finished the opening verse, Reggie was ready. Head high, she took a deep breath and enthusiastically joined in the chorus.

Before she could get out more than a few notes, Everett stopped mid-lyric and his head snapped around to stare at her. Reggie continued another two lines then stopped as if just noticing she was singing alone.

“What’s the matter? Did I get the words wrong?”

“It was hard to tell,” he said tightly.

She clicked her tongue in a tsking sound. “Come now, that wasn’t very gentlemanly.”

“You’re her, aren’t you?”

“Her?”

“Don’t play coy. You know very well I’m referring to that hoyden we encountered on the way to your cabin.”

Reggie grinned. “Oh,
that
her. Yep, that was me.”

“Did you enjoy playing us for fools?”

“If I recall, you gents assumed from the get-go I was nothing but a bumpkin. I just chose not to disagree.”

Reggie laughed as if greatly amused and gave him a none-too-gentle nudge. “Now if you don’t mind, pretend I just told you something funny and share a laugh with me. Then we’ll start singing again so everyone sees how well-suited we are.”

Everett’s laugh had a bite to it. Then, visibly bracing himself, he started into the song’s refrain once more.

Reggie joined in, mentally patting herself on the back.

If things continued the way she’d planned, by the time they returned to town, Everett would have trouble conjuring up even a fake smile, much less a laugh.

* * *

Adam stepped out of the livery several hours later just in time to see Regina and Everett roll back into town.

And what a woeful sight it was.

He tilted back his hat and shook his head.

Whatever the two of them had been up to, it had definitely taken the wind out of Everett’s sails. Not only was the fastidious dandy dirty and disheveled, but he had a queasy, dazed look about him, as if he’d experienced something too horrible to endure.

What had the clever Regina been up to?

Adam stepped off the sidewalk. “Hold on a minute.”

The wilted dandy obediently halted the vehicle.

“It appears you could use a rest and a bit of freshening up.” Adam tried not to let his amusement show. “Why don’t you climb down and allow me the pleasure of driving Miss Nash the rest of the way?”

Did he detect a glint of gratitude in Everett’s expression? Regina really must have put him through the wringer today.

“Thank you.” Everett quickly set the brake. “I—” He paused and turned reluctantly to Regina. “If Miss Nash doesn’t mind, that is?”

She waved him aside. “Of course not. And thank you again for all your help today. I’m sure we’ll have some very nice photographs from this session.”

Everett grimaced, then nodded. A moment later he had hopped down, exchanged stiff pleasantries with Adam and turned toward the boardinghouse.

“Oh, Mr. Fulton.”

At Regina’s hail, Everett paused and turned back to face her.

“I have an appointment to take photographs at Milford Conners’s place Wednesday. I trust I can count on you to assist me again?”

Everett executed a curt bow. “Of course.”

“Good. We’ll talk about it more at supper tonight.”

Another nod and Everett again turned, this time making his escape with quicker steps.

Adam climbed up and took the reins. He watched Everett’s quickly retreating form, then raised a brow Regina’s way. “And just what torture did you put your escort through this afternoon? Outside of singing for him, that is.”

She laughed. “That was a most unkind thing to say. And, Mr. Busybody, all I did was get Everett to help me pose Cletus Keeter and Lulu.”

“Don’t try that innocent tone on me. I’m not buying it. There’s bound to be more to the story than that.”

Reggie absently twirled a tendril of hair around one finger. “Did I forget to mention that Lulu is Cletus’s pig?”

Adam let out a startled laugh. “Everett helped you pose a pig?”

“Oh, this wasn’t just any pig,” she assured him with a straight face. “Lulu is Cletus’s pride and joy. She won him two blue ribbons at the county fair last month.”

“Impressive.”

“Yes, it is. But I’m afraid Mr. Fulton didn’t see it that way.” She waved a hand. “Of course, Lulu wasn’t at her best today. The camera flash upset her, so she took quite a bit of calming down after the first shot.”

“Let me guess. That was Everett’s job.”

Reggie nodded. “Mr. Fulton was a bit squeamish at first, but he finally got enough dirt on him to realize a bit more wasn’t going to make a jot of difference. I think he began to see it as a sort of personal challenge toward the end.”

She gave an unconvincing sigh. “I’m afraid Mr. Fulton didn’t have nice things to say about pigs in general, and Lulu in particular, on the way back to town.”

Adam shook his head. “I’d have given a pretty penny to see him work with that pig.”

“You’ll get your chance,” she said smugly. “I got a shot of him and Lulu together, though I don’t think our friend plans to ask for a copy.” She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Maybe I’ll hang it in my studio.”

The woman was downright devious. “He’d buy it from you first.”

She raised a brow. “He can’t buy what I’m not selling.”

By this time they’d reached her studio. “Where do you keep this circus wagon when it’s not in use?”

She pointed to a side street. “There’s a storage building around the corner that Ira converted into a carriage house. But stop here first so I can unload my things.”

Before Adam could set the brake on the wagon, Ira stepped onto the sidewalk.

“How did it go?” he asked as he handed Reggie down.

“Exactly as planned,” she replied with a satisfied smile. “I don’t think your job is in any jeopardy from Mr. Fulton.”

Chapter Eleven

R
eggie pushed back from the table with a smile. “An excellent meal as usual, Mrs. Peavy.”

The men pushed back their chairs as well, politely standing as she rose from her seat.

“Lemuel usually stepped out on the back porch after supper to smoke a cigar.” Reggie moved toward the parlor. “I trust, however, that none of you share that smelly habit.”

“If any of us do,” Adam said diplomatically, “I’m sure he can refrain while we are guests in your home.”

Reggie nodded and sat down on the small sofa that occupied the place of honor in the parlor. Jack settled beside her and the four men arranged themselves with a minimum of fuss in nearby chairs.

A moment of silence ensued, which Chance finally jumped in to fill. “Everett was rather closed-mouthed about your little outing today, Miss Nash. Perhaps you’ll be more forthcoming on how he managed to acquire that generous and rather aromatic spattering of dirt.”

Everett did his best to appear bored, though Reggie detected a slight stiffening of his spine.

She cast a quick glance Adam’s way. So, he hadn’t filled the others in on the story. Did he feel compassion for Everett? Or was it more he wished to keep his distance from the lot of them?

Reggie smiled at Chance. “Taking photographs, especially outdoors, tends to be messier than most folks credit. Especially when you’re new at it the way Mr. Fulton is. I’m sure he’ll get better at maintaining his footing with practice.”

She managed to hold back her grin at the sight of the wince on Everett’s face. Just wait until he found out their trip to the Conners’s farm on Wednesday was to photograph a pair of goats.

Amazing how many folks had taken her up on her offer to photograph the animals that had taken ribbons at the county fair.

Jack yawned and she gave his shoulder a squeeze. “Now, young man, run along to the kitchen and see if Mrs. Peavy needs help with the dishes. Then it’s off to bed. I’ll check in on you when I come up later.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He gave her neck a generous hug before he said goodnight to the others. Reggie’s heart squeezed in response. Those little signs of affection seemed more precious than ever now.

Once Jack had exited, Reggie crossed back to the sofa. “Well, gentlemen, I suppose we should discuss what we want to accomplish this week.”

“I thought I’d begin those repairs tomorrow,” Mitchell volunteered. “What would you like me to tackle first?”

“I think replacing the damaged shingles is the most pressing need,” Reggie answered. “When should I expect you?”

“I’d like to get started early, before the heat gets so bad.” He tilted his head deferentially. “However, I don’t want to rouse the household before you’re up and about.”

“Any time after six o’clock will be fine.”

Mitchell nodded. “A few minutes after six it is.”

She turned to Chance next. “The committees for the fundraiser are meeting at the town hall tomorrow at two o’clock. Can I count on you to escort me?”

“Of course.”

Then she faced Everett. “And I assume you’re prepared to accompany me to the Conners’s farm on Wednesday.”

Everett gave a short nod. “What time shall I come by?”

“I promised Milford we’d be there by ten. If we left at nine-thirty that should give us plenty of time.”

“Very well.”

His tone reflected a decided lack of enthusiasm. Perhaps her plan was already bearing fruit.

“We’ll discuss other outings another time. For now, it’s growing late and I have a busy day tomorrow.”

She escorted them to the front porch, then turned to Adam. “If you don’t mind, I’d like a word with you.”

His brow raised in surprise. “Of course.”

The other three exchanged glances but left without comment.

Reggie leaned against the porch rail, studying the bushes that flanked the steps. “Jack told me about the bag of marbles you brought him while I was out with Everett today. And how you spent time teaching him to play.”

He leaned beside her, resting his forearms across the rail. If she moved just a finger’s width closer their shoulders would touch.

“Hope you don’t mind,” Adam said. “I saw them at the mercantile this morning. Thought Jack might enjoy them.”

“Of course I don’t mind. In fact, I wanted to thank you for the gesture. Jack is proud as can be of both the marbles and his newfound skills.” She’d never seen Jack so pleased with a gift. In her heart she knew that it was more than the marbles themselves. Adam had given him something today that Lemuel never had, the gift of his unbegrudged time and undivided attention.

“No thanks needed. Jack is a good kid. And I know what it’s like to lose your parents when you’re young.”

Regina wanted to take exception to that. Couldn’t anyone get it through their heads that to Jack, she was a parent?

But she saw the look on Adam’s face and let go of her irritation. “Tell me about your parents.”

He gave her a startled look, then stared out at the fireflies on her front lawn. A mirthless smile twisted his lips. “It’s not an edifying story. Are you certain you want to hear it?”

More now than ever. “Only if you want to tell me.”

He was silent for a time, then he leaned forward. “I never knew my father,” he began. “My mother was an actress, but she had to quit that and work as a seamstress when I came along. She worked long hours, resenting everyone and everything that kept her from the life she loved.”

Did that extend to her son?

“Finally, she worked her way back into the theater. Then, about the time I turned four, she met a man who wanted to marry her.” A muscle near his mouth twitched. “Problem was he only wanted
her
. The proposal didn’t include another man’s castoff. So, Mom dropped me off at her brother’s house and never looked back.”

Anger fired Reggie’s veins. How could that woman have done such a thing?

She laid a hand on Adam’s arm, wanting to comfort that little boy who’d endured such painful rejection. “I’m sorry,” she said softly.

“You have nothing to apologize for.” His smile was firmly back in place. “It happened a long time ago. Besides, you’re doing your best to see that Jack never experiences anything similar.”

He lifted his arms from the rail as he straightened. “I just wish I understood why you don’t want to give him the benefit of a father as well.”

Reggie stiffened. She’d forgotten for a moment they were on opposite sides of this battle.

“I have my reasons.” She nodded dismissal. “Thank you again for your kindness to Jack. I won’t keep you any longer.”

Reggie watched Adam saunter down the front walk and out the gate. She rubbed her upper arms, feeling a sudden chill in the night air.

If only things could be different....

* * *

“Mr. Parker, how is it going?” Reggie shaded a hand over her eyes as she stared up at the man on the ladder. He’d been hard at work for two hours now. Though he seemed to have worked up quite a sweat, he showed no signs of tiring.

“I should have the roof finished soon,” Mitchell answered, wiping his brow with the back of his hand.

“Why don’t you take a little break. I’ve brought out a pitcher of Mrs. Peavy’s lemonade.”

He nodded. “Let me hammer in these last two nails and I’ll be right down.”

Reggie stepped back onto the porch and filled two glasses. When Mitchell joined her, she handed him one, then took the other.

“I appreciate your dedication,” she said. “But I didn’t intend for you to work yourself quite so hard.”

He shrugged. “I like working with my hands.”

“Yet you’ve chosen to be a teacher?”

He took a sip from his glass. “A person can find pleasure in more than one thing,” he said finally. “For instance, as much as you enjoy photography, you wouldn’t give up being surrogate mother to Jack in order to pursue it.”

“I see. One’s personal passion as opposed to professional satisfaction.” She gave him a considering look. “And which is which for you?”

“An interesting question.”

Was he being deliberately evasive or was he unsure how to answer?

Not that it mattered, other than satisfying her curiosity. She’d already decided Mitchell wasn’t the best target for her campaign. The schoolteacher seemed too controlled, too solid to have an Achilles' heel she could successfully attack.

No, Everett or Chance would be easier to manipulate.

But she was curious about one thing. “Mr. Parker, do you mind if I ask a personal question?”

The hint of a smile crossed his face. “I haven’t noticed our feelings on the matter playing a big part in your asking,” he said dryly.

She grimaced. “True. Circumstances have called for more than my usual bluntness lately. But this is different. You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”

His expression immediately closed off. “Very well.”

“Why did you agree to participate in this farce? Surely you could have found a teaching position on your own.”

He stared into his glass, as if it somehow held the answer to her question. Finally, he looked up. “I went a little crazy after my wife died and did some things I’m not proud of. Judge Madison helped me through a tough situation and brought me back to my senses. After that, I couldn’t tell him no.”

He set his glass down. “Thanks for the refreshment. If you don’t mind, I’ll get back to my work.”

Reggie nodded and let him pass. “When that’s done, I think you should call it a day. The fence can wait ’til tomorrow.”

She watched him climb back up and return to work. What had he meant when he said he “went a little crazy”?

Reggie shivered, convinced she’d made the right decision when she’d eliminated him from her plan. Somehow, she didn’t think this was a man she’d want to try to manipulate.

* * *

“Ah, it looks like we’re late.” Reggie, her hand tucked onto Chance’s arm, scanned the nearly full room. Folks were gathered in clusters, vigorously discussing various aspects of the upcoming fair.

Reggie indicated a group across the room. “There’s our committee.” She allowed Chance to escort her through the maze of chairs, pausing frequently to greet friends and neighbors.

She stopped in surprise, though, when she spotted Adam in deep discussion with Mr. Pierce.

Why was he here? Surely he didn’t plan to help with the fair. He’d be back in Philadelphia before it was even held.

Should she say something or keep moving?

Then Mr. Pierce took the decision from her when he spotted her. “Hello, Reggie. It took a bit of arm-twisting, but I’ve convinced Mr. Barr to help with some of the paperwork for the fair. You don’t mind if he delays looking over the files on Jack’s behalf a little longer, do you?”

Reggie smiled. “There’s no need to ask me. That was Grandfather’s idea.”

Pierce clapped Adam on the back. “That’s settled then. We may just persuade you to extend your stay here yet.”

Adam merely smiled without answering.

The banker, however, had already turned to Chance. “What about you, Mr. Dawson? There’s plenty of work to go around. Can we convince you to lend a hand?”

Reggie laughed. “You’re too late. I’ve already talked him into helping our group.” She waved toward the far corner.

Mr. Pierce blinked in surprise. “Children’s activities? Surely we can find something more suited—”

Reggie raised a hand. “Oh, no you don’t. As I said, you’re too late.” She patted Chance’s arm with her free hand. “He’s already promised to help me and I’m not giving him up.”

Mr. Pierce eyed that bit of byplay with raised brows. Then he gave a knowing smile. “I see. Well, there’s nothing wrong with a man wanting to help a lady in need. Welcome aboard, Mr. Dawson.”

Chance shifted uncomfortably. “Thank you.”

Reggie tugged lightly on her escort’s arm. “If you’ll excuse us, I see the rest of the committee is waiting.”

* * *

Adam watched them cross the room. Chance stiffened slightly as he got a good look at the group he’d just become a part of. Regina’s committee appeared to be composed of a sweet-faced grandmother, a shy-looking brunette who seemed barely out of the schoolroom and Reverend Harper’s studious-looking daughter, Constance.

As the introductions were made, the trio welcomed the hapless Chance with a mix of emotions. The white-haired matron patted his hand fondly as if he were a favorite grandson, the brunette blushed and gave him a moon-eyed smile, and Constance seemed to be reserving judgment. Chance held a chair out for Regina. Then, after casting a wistful glance at the group of men discussing some sort of construction project, took his own seat between Regina and Constance.

Poor Chance. Just as she had with Everett, Regina had found his weak spot and was exploiting it mercilessly. Adam was glad she hadn’t turned her clever mind to discomfiting him.

If she had been so inclined, though, what weakness would she have latched on to? What sensitive spot would she have probed and prodded until she had him squirming like the others?