Josephine

by Beverly Jenkins

  Upon hearing that, a triumphant Adam declared, “Mr. Bordeaux, you now have two willing passengers. What do we need to do?”

  fourteen

  When word went through Mrs. Oswald’s glade that Josephine Best and Adam Morgan were going up in the balloon, everyone stopped whatever they were doing and came running. No one wanted to hear about it secondhand. They all wanted to boast that they’d seen the ascent with their own eyes.

  Jo was too busy listening to Mr. Bordeaux’s instructions to notice how much of a commotion she and Adam were causing. The French Canadian told them both where to stand and what to do in case of an emergency. “Pray,” he said simply.

  Jo didn’t know if she liked that answer, but since he claimed to have twenty years of experience, she hoped he knew what he was doing. Knowing that Adam was going settled her nerves. No matter the outcome she trusted him to remain levelheaded, and she knew he trusted her to do the same.

  Braced on his stick, Adam stood beside her in the basket, and asked, “You ready?”

  She nodded. “Yes.”

  “Scared?”

  “Terrified,” she confessed.

  “Good. Fear will keep you alive. Had you said no, I would’ve called this whole thing off.”

  “Are you scared?”

  “Yes,” he admitted.

  Their eyes met and held. Jo wanted to know how she was supposed to resist a young man willing to ride with her in a balloon. Unlike Belle and George, he’d trusted her to make up her own mind. Jo had spent the last few weeks trying to keep the door of her heart shut tight against Adam Morgan. Now, as the voices of the crowd rose and she and Adam were observing each other so silently, that door in her heart began to creak open once more. She decided that if she wanted to pretend that she and Adam were keeping company for the short time Mr. Bordeaux said they’d be aloft in the balloon, she would. Only her heart would know. When the balloon came back to earth, they could revert to their agreed-upon role of friends.

  Speaking of friends, Jo could see George standing as close to the balloon as Mr. Bordeaux’s helpers would allow. He looked very put out; almost as put out as Libby standing beside him. Jo knew he was upset that she hadn’t paid any attention to his ordering her about, but she didn’t care; an opportunity such as this might never come again. Belle at least waved. Jo knew that if Daniel were here, he and Belle would be the next couple in line to ascend. In spite of Belle’s stance as a chaperone, she liked adventure almost as much as Jo.

  The balloon was now ready to go. It had fattened up nicely from the hot air rising from the burner. According to Mr. Bordeaux, most balloon accidents occurred during the ascent because of gas fires, explosions and such, so as the anchor ropes were undone and the basket lifted free of the ground, Jo held her breath.

  Soon, however, she was too overcome with excitement and awe to remember to be afraid. They were now rising into the air on the wind’s gentle currents. When Mr. Bordeaux increased the burner’s flame the balloon rose higher, when he decreased it it would descend, but Jo wasn’t paying any attention to that, either. The view was spectacular. Below the balloon, the trees stretched out like a magnificent green carpet, and the sky above was a beautiful crystal blue. Jo believed she could see to Canada if she only knew where to look. The steady wind and the warm sun felt good on her face. She looked over at Adam, who beamed back a grin. He seemed to be enjoying this just as much.

  Jo saw the church pass below and then Trudy’s house! Jo couldn’t see anyone nearby on the ground, but she waved enthusiastically just the same. When she turned back and saw Adam was watching her, everything around Jo seemed to fade and disappear. The beating of her heart filled her ears. In an attempt to distract herself, she called out to him over the wind and the drone of the burner, “This is lovely, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is,” he replied, but he was looking at her and not at the view.

  Jo’s heart began beating even harder; so much so, she forced herself to turn away and concentrate on the view, lest she shake into pieces.

  As Adam watched Jo, he realized that all of the barriers he’d so carefully erected around his feelings for her were slowly melting away. How many young ladies were brave enough to sail above the countryside in a balloon? He knew of only one and her name was Josephine Best. She had fire, sparkle and, alas, his heart. Watching her enjoy this ride filled him with a happiness he wanted to feel for the rest of his life. Admitting that caught him by surprise. For a man bent upon picking as many different flowers as he could, he seemed to be fixated now on only one variety: the black-eyed Josephine.

  The balloon sailed out of Whittaker and into nearby Ypsilanti. Jo couldn’t stop grinning. When they crossed the Huron River, she thought it looked like a fat brown ribbon snaking its way home. Jo had never done anything this exhilarating before. She wanted to sail on forever.

  It was not to be. A short while later, Mr. Bordeaux announced, “It is time to set down, my friends.”

  Jo didn’t veil her disappointment. “So soon?”

  “Yes, mademoiselle. We don’t want to get too far away from where we began. As it is, we will have to wait for my men to reach us by wagon before we can ride back.”

  Jo wanted to stomp like a petulant child, but didn’t. Doing so might fulfill Belle’s fear of Jo falling headfirst out of the basket, and Jo definitely didn’t want that to happen.

  Adam was disappointed, as well. He’d been savoring both Jo’s company and the serene ride; he didn’t want to relinquish either, at least not yet.

  A rope pulley was attached to a small flap at the very top of the balloon’s insides. The flap sealed a hole that could be opened and closed to vent the hot air and control the descent.

  While Jo and Adam watched, Mr. Bordeaux doused the fire, then began to work the pulley. At first the passengers didn’t notice any change in the altitude, but as the ground below slowly became larger and larger, they knew their adventure had come to an end. Jo and Adam shared a sad smile.

  They landed with a jolt that threw Jo into Adam. He caught her, then, bracing himself, held her close while the basket bumped its way across the hard, uneven ground before mercifully coming to a stop.

  Mr. Bordeaux asked, “You two all right?”

  Jo, still being held by Adam’s arms and eyes, murmured, “Yes.”

  Adam responded just as softly, “I’m fine, as well.”

  Mr. Bordeaux studied the two young people who seemed so mesmerized by each other, and chuckled. “Come, I must secure the balloon.”

  Adam shook himself free from the spell of Jo’s nearness, and reluctantly stepped away from her. “Certainly, sir.”

  The men helped Josephine out of the wicker basket. Adam offered to assist Mr. Bordeaux with the balloon but was turned down.

  “I can do this with my eyes closed,” the balloonist replied. “Enjoy your lady’s company. As soon as the wagon arrives, we’ll get you home.”

  Adam didn’t argue; he’d offered his help merely as a courtesy. In reality, his ankle was protesting all it had done today. He looked around for a place to sit so he could rest it for a bit.

  Jo could see the slight wince that crossed Adam’s face each time he put his weight down on the still-healing ankle. She also found it hard to shake the way she felt hearing Mr. Bordeaux refer to her as Adam’s lady. “You’ve hurt yourself.”

  “No. The ankle’s just a bit tired. If I can sit for a moment or two, I should be fine.”

  Jo tried to mask her concern. “Then let’s head for that tree trunk over there.”

  The downed trunk was old and weathered. Before sitting down on it, however, Jo gave it a quick visual inspection. Hornets and wasps liked to nest in old wood. Being stung in the bustle would certainly ruin a wonderful day.

  Adam eased himself down beside her and let out a sigh of pure relief. He maybe shouldn’t have been so eager to make this trip, but if he hadn’t, he wouldn’t be here with Jo. The verdant surroundings were quiet and still. Mr. Bordeaux was dismantling
the balloon a few yards away.

  Jo looked to Adam and said, “Thanks for coming along.”

  “Thank you, as well. That was fun.”

  Jo tried to forget the thrill of being held in his arms during the landing.

  Adam tried to forget the thrill of holding her close enough to feel her heart beat.

  They both failed.

  Jo asked, “How long do you think it will take Mr. Bordeaux’s men to arrive?”

  Adam shrugged. “He mentioned his men being somewhere close by so it probably won’t be a very long wait.”

  In reality, Jo hoped it would take the men hours to arrive; that way she and Adam could spend more time together. “I’d love to do this again sometime before I get old.”

  “Me, too.”

  Even though Jo had known Adam Morgan most of her life, the idea that they were out here together in such a quiet, beautiful place with so much unsaid between them made it difficult for her to hold his gaze for any length of time. She was nervous as a newborn colt.

  “Jo?”

  She turned. “Yes?”

  When he looked at her, the world seemed to stand still. Jo didn’t know if she was breathing or not. There was wonder and questions in his eyes, but she had no experience with which to answer.

  He delicately stroked her cheekbone, then whispered, “Why did you have to grow up to be so beautiful?”

  As he leaned closer, Jo’s breathing accelerated, then quickened more. Oh, my goodness! He’s going to kiss me!

  And he did. He touched his lips to hers, closing her eyes and making her whole being sparkle. She’d had no idea a real kiss would be this marvelous. When he moved his hand up and gently cupped the back of her head, the kiss deepened, sending myriad wonderful new emotions rushing through Jo with such sweet force, she drew away from his lips in order to catch her breath. It took her a moment to find speech. “Adam—I—” Words failed her.

  Adam had been moved by the short, sweet kiss, as well. He truly hadn’t intended to kiss her, but she drew him in, in spite of his good intentions. “I’m sorry, Jo. That shouldn’t have happened.”

  Jo finally recovered her ability to speak. “You don’t have to apologize. I…could have stopped you.”

  Their eyes met. Unable to resist her, Adam said softly, “One more then…”

  He leaned over and kissed her again, gently, potently. Jo began to spin. She was so outside of herself she couldn’t tell whether she was sitting up or sitting down. “Oh my…”

  “George hasn’t kissed you, has he?”

  “Of course not. George is a gentleman.”

  “And I’m not?” he asked, smiling.

  She grinned. “No. What you are is trouble.”

  He picked up her hand and pressed it to his lips. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  Jo thought he was at his charming best. “You are far too handsome for your own good.”

  “And you’re too beautiful for yours. I want to court you, Josephine Best.”

  Jo searched his eyes for the joke. “Adam, that isn’t necessary.”

  “It’s very necessary. Shall I tell George, or will you?”

  “Tell George what?”

  “That he can find another hairdresser to be with. Your dance card is filled.”

  Jo thought he was being a bit presumptuous. “Adam, I’m not going to send George packing just because you kissed me.” Even though thinking about it still made her tingle inside, and even though she had already decided to tell George the truth.

  Adam knew what he wanted and was tired of fighting it. He tried again. “Maybe you didn’t understand me, Jo. I’m done picking flowers.”

  “You say that now, but what about tomorrow?”

  Adam stared at her as if he’d never seen her before. “Jo, are you turning me down?”

  His incredulous tone made her chuckle. “I’m not sure, but I do know you well enough that I’m not going to hold you to anything you might say while we’re here.”

  “You don’t believe me.” It was a statement, not a question.

  “Frankly, no. Charming ladies is in your nature, Adam. I know it. You know it. What about Libby Spenser?”

  “She’s spent all afternoon trying to mine information about how well fixed I am.”

  Jo chuckled. “That’s what you get for being drawn to beauty and not brains.” She then said more seriously, “So, like I said, I’m not taking you seriously, but thank you for my first kiss. I’ll always remember it. Always.”

  Adam tried again. “Jojo—”

  Jo interrupted him with a gentled voice, “Adam, look. I’m a regular girl, and in spite of what you keep professing, I know I’m not beautiful, but I do have my pride. I refuse to turn my heart over to you just so you can add it to your trophy case.”

  Adam was not taking this well. He had all but declared for her, and she wasn’t sure she wanted him? For a young man accustomed to having young ladies jump at his beck and call, this was a truly novel and, yes, humbling experience. Adam realized he could either be angry and turn his back on his feelings for her, or he could try and win her over. The latter was certainly more appealing and had the potential to be the most fun, so he set aside his bruised pride, and asked, “All right. What do I have to do to prove my feelings are sincere? Shall I spout Shakespeare under your window at dawn? Slay a dragon? What?”

  “You—”

  “Shall I bring you violets every morning, or shall I simply kiss you until you agree—?”

  Jo blinked. Her heart began thumping with the speed of a runaway locomotive.

  He vowed then, “You will be mine, Josephine Best—be it now or two years from now, but you will be mine.”

  That said, he got up to greet the men in the wagon who were just now coming over the hill.

  Jo was so stunned by his verbal challenge, she sat frozen for a moment with her hand over her mouth, then she laughed.

  The ride back to Mrs. Oswald’s in the back of the balloonist’s wagon took nearly three-quarters of an hour, and by that time the only people still in the grove were Belle, George and Libby Spenser.

  Belle hastily approached the wagon. “My goodness, you two had me worried.”

  “We didn’t mean to worry you,” Jo replied, “but, Belle, it was marvelous. The next time Mr. Bordeaux comes to visit, you will have to go for a ride. The view was breathtaking.”

  Adam added, “My apologies, as well. We had to wait for his wagon to find us so we could ride back.”

  George had concern on his face as he helped Jo down. “Are you sure you’re well, Josephine?”

  “Positive. It was nice of you to wait.”

  “I couldn’t have slept tonight had you not returned. Do you do this kind of thing often?” He didn’t appear to be pleased.

  Jo said simply, “I told you I was unconventional.”

  “You told me the truth.”

  As Adam got off the wagon, he and Jo waved goodbye to Mr. Bordeaux and his men.

  A second later, a distraught Libby threw herself onto Adam. “Oh, Adam. I was so afraid for you.”

  He said easily, “There was nothing to fear. As you can see, I’m still in one piece.”

  “And it’s a handsome piece, if I may be so forward.”

  He didn’t reply to that, but said instead, “How about we get you back to your aunt’s? I’m sure she’s beginning to wonder where you are.”

  “She’ll know I’m safe with you.”

  Jo thought she might be sick.

  Belle said, “Since George is going to take us back, we can drop you by the Watermans’ on the way.”

  “That sounds lovely,” Libby replied.

  George went to get the wagon.

  Jo sat up front with George, while Belle, Adam and Libby rode in the bed. Jo did her best to concentrate on what George was saying about the work he’d been trying to find nearby, but Adam’s kiss kept coming to mind. Lord, what a kiss!

  Adam’s voice broke into her reverie. “Jo?” he called
out. “Are you listening to George?”

  Shaking herself, she turned to Adam. “What?”

  His eyes teased her. “George just asked you something. Is your head still up in the clouds?”

  The secret in his smile was for her only. Unable to suppress the flutter of her heart, Jo turned away from him and back to George. “I’m sorry. What were you saying?”

  “I said, I think I may have a job offer. One of the churches in Ypsilanti is in need of a sexton. I’m going over to see about it Monday morning.”

  Jo could feel Adam’s eyes on her back. “That sounds very promising.”

  “Yes, it does.”

  “Will you let me know how it turns out?”

  “You’ll be the first to know.”

  The Watermans’ house was the first stop. Libby cajoled Adam into walking her to the door.

  “I had a wonderful—if too short—time with you today,” she cooed as they stood on the porch. “Maybe we can have a longer time together soon? Bert said there’s a play in Detroit on Saturday.”

  Adam thought it best he nip this in the bud now. Libby was lovely, but Libby was greedy. She also needed work on her punctuality. “Libby, you are a very beautiful young lady, but I won’t be seeing you again.”

  Her expressive brown eyes widened. “Why not?”

  “My heart belongs to someone else. I’ve tried to ignore my feelings for her, but I find I cannot.”

  “So you never want to see me again?”

  “I can’t. It wouldn’t be fair to you, or to her.”

  “It’s Josephine, isn’t it?”

  By revealing his feelings, Adam was attempting to be truthful with her; it wasn’t his plan to tell her all of his business. “The lady’s identity is of no matter to you.”

  She did not appear pleased. “I suppose you’re right. Well, thanks for a lovely afternoon, anyway.” And she stormed into the house.

  “You’re welcome.”

  Adam walked back to the wagon. Libby was indeed beautiful but his days of going from flower to flower like a pollen-seeking bee were over. All he wanted was Jo. The Libbys of the world would simply have to understand.