Because of Rebecca - By Leanne Tyler Page 0,20

Benedict’s Orphanage in Mobile County,” Mrs. Reynolds said.

“We do it every year for Christmas,” Mrs. Bradbury explained.

A woman in a blue dress and white gloves joined them and Josephine assumed she must be Constance Fletcher. She was about ten years older than the other women and her hair was black as pitch. Her demeanor spoke volumes about her and Josephine felt inferior.

“Hello, Ancil. Who do you have here?” Mrs. Fletcher asked in a superior tone.

“Constance,” he acknowledged with a slight nod. “I’d like you to meet Miss Josephine Davis. She’s visiting Jackson and would like to help the auxiliary.”

Mrs. Fletcher nodded but her smile suggested she was not entirely pleased. “We’re always in need of extra hands. We’re beginning a sewing project today. Are you handy with a needle?”

“Yes I am.” Josephine wondered what kind of connection Ancil and this woman had that they’d used their Christian names so freely. He certainly hadn’t called her Josephine.

“I’ll leave you in Constance’s capable hands, Miss Davis,” Doctor Gordon said.

“Thank you.” She gave him her warmest smile, looking straight into his eyes.

He looked startled for a moment, then cleared his throat and smiled at those around him. “Ladies, if you’ll excuse me I have patients to see.”

The women went about their business while Josephine watched him go. Her heart beat a little faster as she feared he had a love interest with Constance Fletcher. She desperately wanted to know if he did. She would not allow herself to be made a fool.

Slowly turning to join the others, Josephine noticed Mrs. Fletcher’s close cold stare. Chills ran up her spine and for the first time in her life she felt she’d just entered the lions’ den.

But she wouldn’t cower. She didn’t care how hard Mrs. Fletcher stared or how cold her smiles were. As far as Josephine was concerned Ancil Gordon was fair game and until she knew otherwise she’d pursue getting to know him. It didn’t matter how much Mrs. Fletcher dyed her hair, she was younger and she could turn on the charm when she wanted. And she wanted Ancil Gordon.

Chapter Six

Jared sat at his desk a few nights later going over the plantation ledgers. His lamp burned low as the wick soaked up the last of the oil. He closed the book and rubbed his face. When the light went out, he stood and walked over to the French doors and stared up into the midnight sky.

The accounts balanced. Every month since the three bad seasons of crops, he feared there wouldn’t be enough money to cover the expenses and pay his men. It brought a small measure of comfort he could do so. But being in balance did not take away the looming threat Stuart Delaney made to Oak Hill. His letter said he’d be here by the end of the month with an auctioneer.

Jared wasn’t sure if Delaney seriously planned to force him into auctioning Oak Hill to cover Rory’s debts, or if he’d referred to the action as a threat to show power. Either way he wasn’t looking forward to Delaney’s arrival.

His options were minimal and he’d been giving Mitchell Cooper’s suggestion he remarry more thought, especially since meeting Miss Davis. He’d enjoyed their time together far more than he’d ever imagined he would. A feeling of guilt...no remorse nagged at him, but he couldn’t cling to his marriage vows with Charisse forever. What they’d had together was special, but she was gone. Surely she’d want him to move on, to find happiness if the opportunity rose.

“Mr. Hollingsworth!”

“Mr. Hollingsworth!”

The faint call of a child’s voice came from the darkness and he stepped further out onto the upper verandah to get a better look.

“Mr. Hollingsworth!”

“Who’s there?” he called, finally spotting a moon shadowed form in the darkness.

“It’s Harmony, sir. Papa sent me to get you.” Her voice trembled with agitation and urgency. “Come quick.”

Jared raced down the verandah stairs and into the front garden where the young girl stood barefoot in her nightgown. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Mama. She’s having the baby. The midwife says she needs the doctor to come,” Harmony explained. She tugged on his hand urging him toward the barn. “Papa needs you to go to town and bring back the doctor. He’d go himself, but Mama doesn’t want him to leave the house. She’s awful scared.” The girl’s voice faltered and she cried, “We’re all scared.”

“I’ll go.” Jared knelt and squeezed her shoulders lightly for reassurance. He looked directly into her eyes. “Don’t you worry, your mama