The Jewel of His Heart (15 page)

“Sure is. I couldn’t have cooked it any better myself.” Josh smiled at Juliana and wiped his mouth on his napkin, but she glanced away. He sensed her excitement but wasn’t certain it was from the X-ray news or because she was happy to be with Mark. He thought Mark was a fine person and liked him, but not with Juliana. Very selfish thinking indeed, he admitted. He also knew Mark was a strong pillar in the community. Doctors were always well thought of because they were so few and far between in the West. He would make a name in society as the town grew larger and more influential people settled there. He was surprised Marion didn’t show an interest in
him.
Even Josh could tell Mark was good-looking.

“Josh, I’d like to hear a little bit about you. You’re not originally from Montana, are you?” Marion asked.

“No, I’m not. I was born and raised in Colorado.”

Marion leaned in closer. “Oh? I’ve never been there. What made you leave?”

Josh carefully chose his words. “Well, I wanted to try something different before I got too old and ran out of courage.”

“You aren’t old. And are you glad you came to Montana?” Marion’s eyes softened as she gazed at him, but Josh kept his guard up.

“Yes, yes, I’m very glad I did,” he answered her with a smile, and he noticed a faint pink stain her cheeks.
Gracious! I think
she’s flirting with me.
He was flattered, but he quickly directed his gaze to Juliana to get her reaction. She just sat there calmly picking at her vegetables.

“Anyone for dessert?” Mark asked, pushing away his empty plate.

Juliana regarded the connection she saw between Josh and Marion. Her friend was leaning in close to Josh and laughing at something he said under his breath. They seemed more suited to one another age-wise, so it didn’t matter. Or did it? As she watched Marion openly flirting with Josh, she realized once again how lovely she was. Of course Josh would enjoy her company.

Juliana had a funny feeling in her stomach, and suddenly she wasn’t very hungry. She felt hot underneath her calico dress. It was obvious Josh liked the attention Marion was giving him. Juliana breathed a sigh. Wasn’t she the one who’d said they might be well suited when Marion had teased her about him? Marion had admitted there was something strangely attractive about Josh.

Josh shot her a glance, but she diverted her gaze, realizing she had been watching them openly. She turned back to Mark. “I’d like to write an article for the newspaper about the X-rays. May I quote you?”

Mark touched her hand. “That would be just great if you would do that. Our community needs to know about this wonderful discovery.”

Josh could tell Juliana looked pleased that she had stumbled on a newsworthy article for the
Gazette
. That showed intelligence, and he admired that. So why did he have a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach? Well, she hadn’t so much as looked at him through the whole meal. Had he overstepped his bounds when she was at the ranch? He watched as she lifted her cup of coffee to her lips, and her sleeve fell away, exposing an ugly bruise. An old one, because the color was already turning yellow green. How had she gotten that? As if sensing his gaze, she quickly pulled her sleeve back down. He continued to look at her as if it would make her take notice of him.

Marion tapped him on the arm. “Would you like another cup of coffee, Josh?” She held a carafe in her hand, poised to refill his cup.

“No thanks, I’ll pass. I’m going to go on back to the camp. I don’t like to leave Andy and my flock for too long. If you all will excuse me . . . Thanks so much for including me at the last moment.”

“Oh, so soon? Will we see you tomorrow?” Marion asked with obvious anticipation, her hazel eyes searching his face.

Josh pushed back his chair. “I can’t leave Andy for too long to run things by himself. He might send Shebe after me.”

“I see. I haven’t heard you speak of her.” Marion’s face fell.

Josh winked at Juliana, and she finally smiled mischievously. “I didn’t? Well, she likes to know my every move. You know how women are.” Chuckling, he bid them good night and plunked down a few bills for dinner, and they murmured their good-byes.

Marion’s disappointment was obvious by her deflated look. He could almost imagine what was going on in her head as she tried to figure out who Shebe was, and that rather tickled him. But then Marion was too much like his sister—a little pushy and controlling.

He smiled, thinking of his sister, April. In spite of her bossiness, he really missed her and her exuberance for life. He wondered how she was doing now that Crystal and Luke were married. He felt sorry for her, but that was in the past, and he was determined to keep it there. Now Josh was feeling sorry for himself. He had lost the love of one woman, and he didn’t intend to lose Juliana’s. He just wasn’t good at conveying his feelings, and maybe he held them too close to his heart. He hoped it wasn’t too late to let Juliana know how he felt. His heart felt full to bursting as the image of her floated across his mind, and he remembered how she’d looked at dinner tonight.

He headed toward the livery where he’d left his horse, enjoying the evening chill to clear the cobwebs in his head. The street was quiet with few people milling about. The moon had partially slipped behind the clouds high above the mountains, lending an eerie effect to the shadows of the clapboard buildings. He liked it best when the stars were out. He thought about how the moon always hung steadfast every night, and it reminded him of God’s constant presence. Did Juliana believe that? Would time be able to heal her distrust?

As he stepped down to cross the street, he caught a flash of movement from the alley out of the corner of his eye. But when he turned to take a look, a hard blow at the side of his head made his knees buckle. As he sank to the ground, he saw some stars he didn’t intend to as his eyes slid closed . . .

18

“Mister, can you hear me? Are you all right?”

Josh struggled to open his eyes, and a figure swam in his line of vision. What had happened? He shook his head and blinked hard until the person became clearer. Pulling himself up to lean on one elbow, Josh realized he was lying in the dusty alley. He had a sharp searing pain on the side of his head, and when he reached up with his hand, he felt a lump and wet, sticky blood. He winced, feeling woozy from the blow.

“Here, let me help you up,” the stranger said, brushing the dust off Josh’s backside. “Let’s get you down inside the hotel where we can get you checked out. Looks like someone tried to rob you. Can you stand?”

“I think so.” But as the stranger pulled him to his feet, Josh’s legs felt wobbly. “I think someone took a swipe at my head.” He had trouble focusing on the face before him.

The man steered him back toward the nearest door of the hotel and into the lobby. “I’m Albert Spencer, and you would be . . .”

“Name’s Josh, Josh McBride. Thanks for your assistance. How long was I out?”

“I don’t rightly know, but it looks like you might need a stitch or two on that head. I was staying late at the newspaper tonight and was walking home when I saw you in the shadows.”

“Do you own the
Lewistown Gazette
?”

“I do for a fact,” Albert said, guiding him to the settee in the lobby. “You rest right here, and I’ll go fetch the doc.”

“No, don’t do that. I’ll be okay once I sit a few minutes to clear my head. Could you please ask at the desk what room number Juliana Brady is in, and then go knock on her door and ask her to step down here?”

“Juliana?” A big smile split Albert’s face. “You know her? She works for me at the paper.”

“I just had dinner with her and Mark Barnum.”

A sudden rustling of skirts came toward them. “Josh! What happened to you?” Marion bent down to investigate the large bump on the side of his head.

“I wish I knew. Someone came out of the shadows and walloped me on the head.” He forced a lopsided grin. He was having a little trouble bringing her face into focus.

“Albert, why don’t you take him to the library, and I’ll fetch something cold for that lump.” Marion touched Josh’s scalp tenderly. “I’ll be back in a moment or two.” She scurried toward the kitchen.

Albert put his hand under Josh’s arm for support, but he was able to stand without wobbling. “I feel okay now, I reckon,” he said as they made their way to the library door. Albert swung the heavy oak doors aside, where inside a crackling fire popped and snapped. Josh took a seat in an overstuffed chair near the fire. The only other light was from the wall sconces, making the room cozy and appealing with its bookshelves lined with books and art adorning the wood paneling.

True to her word, Marion came back and stood over Josh with a cold rag in her hand, which she pressed lightly to his head. He got a whiff of a delicate rose-water scent that clung to her arms.

“Ouch!” He grabbed her wrist in midair.

“I’m sorry, I was trying to be gentle. Here, you hold the cold rag against your head and just lean back and rest.” Marion’s face was etched with concern. “Why do you think someone would do this to you?”

“I have an idea they were after something—maybe my money— but they found nothing.” Josh didn’t want to mention that they might be looking for the sapphires.

“I think I should go fetch the doc,” Albert said. “Want me to fetch the sheriff too?”

Josh waved his hand. “No need, nothing was taken. Whoever it was is long gone now.”

“The doctor could still be in the dining room. We all had just finished dinner moments ago when Josh left. Would you mind checking to see if he’s still there?” Marion pleaded. “I’ll stay with Josh.”

“I’ll do just that.” Albert’s long, lanky frame crossed to the door in two steps.

Josh held the cold rag to his head, rested on the back of the chair, and closed his eyes. He was very aware that Marion had taken a seat nearby. He was glad he had turned the sapphires over to the assayer’s office, all except the largest one. That one he had left with a jeweler. He expected the sapphires were what the robber was after, especially after the incident at the camp.

He must have dozed a moment because the sound of Mark’s voice woke him. He opened his eyes to see Mark peering into his face, with Juliana standing behind him. So . . . they had still been lingering over their coffee.

“How are you feeling? Are you dizzy, Josh?” Mark asked, examining the growing knot on his head.

“Mmm . . . only a little when I stand.” Josh struggled to sit up straight. “I have a bit of a headache, though.” His eyes traveled over to Juliana, who stood holding her hands tightly, a worried look creasing her brow.

Mark looked closely in Josh’s eyes and felt his pulse. “You’re lucky it wasn’t any closer to your temple. It might be wise if you stay here for the night. I’m sure they have a vacant room, right, Marion?”

“I’m sorry, but we are totally booked. You shouldn’t be walking anywhere, though. You might pass out.” Marion was quickly at his side, taking the damp rag from him.

“Oh, no, I don’t want to be any trouble,” Josh said. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Juliana lean in closer. Her shiny hair caught the lamp’s soft glow.

“Josh, you can have my room. Marion, is it okay if I stay with you tonight?” Juliana’s voice sounded like music to his ears.

“Certainly.”

“I planned on riding back to my camp tonight,” Josh protested, though he thought they might be right. His head was now throbbing something terrible.

“That’s a good idea, Marion.” Mark turned to Josh. “Come on, I’ll help you up the stairs and then go collect your saddlebags from the livery.”

Josh had never been fussed over, particularly by women.
Two
of them! I could get used to this
, he thought. A little bubble of laughter came up his throat, but he stifled it.

“Not to worry, Doc. I’ll go fetch his things real quick-like,” Albert offered.

“I owe you.” Josh nodded to the kind newspaper editor and followed Juliana up the broad staircase. Mark kept his hand at Josh’s elbow just in case he started to fall.

Juliana unlocked the door and stepped aside quickly for Josh to enter. “Marion will be back with fresh linens.” She walked over to the bed and started stripping the sheets off. “You can have a seat over there by the window, Josh.”

Her room held little other than a bed, a desk, and a chair. There was a multicolored hook rug on the side of the bed that matched the quilt on top of the white iron bed. He felt a little funny about sleeping in her bed, but the thought of being where she had slept or perhaps read before going to bed was a pleasant one.

“I’m off now,” Mark said. “Take this powder before you get settled in bed, and it’ll ease that headache. I think you’ll be okay with some rest. I’ll stop by tomorrow and check on you right after breakfast. See you later, Juliana.” It seemed he stood for a long moment watching her as she stripped the bed.

Juliana looked up. “Thanks for dinner.”

“I sure do appreciate it, Mark,” Josh said. “I’ll need to get back as quick as I can before Andy starts worrying about what happened to me.” He gave a slight wave to Mark as he left.

Juliana picked up the bundle of sheets, clutched them to her chest, and strode toward the doorway in search of Marion. Josh cast a glance at her, not wanting her to go just yet. “I couldn’t help but notice that large bruise on your arm, but I didn’t want to say anything at dinner in front of anyone. How did you get that?” His voice was husky with concern as his eyes narrowed.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” she said, looking down at her arm, but a pink flush crept across her cheeks.

“It looks like something to me. Did you fall off your horse?” He studied her face and knew she was hiding something.

“No, I . . .” She mumbled something inaudible, staring past him.

“Juliana, are you okay? Tell me what happened. You can trust me.” His eyes latched onto hers, searching, as he got up and shuffled over to her.

“Is that so? My mother told me as she lay dying not to put all my trust in a man!” she snapped.

Josh regarded her with sympathy. He sensed her wounded heart and wanted desperately to build her faith. But how? “But did she tell you that you could trust in your heavenly Father? Not all men are like your father. There are still a few good ones around.”