Because of Rebecca by Leanne Tyler

group of ladies I haven’t met. They’ve taken me in as one of their own. You don’t often find that kind of acceptance. It’s a true testament to southern hospitality.”
    “I’m sure Constance would enjoy hearing your opinion. She’s devoted many years to the group.”
    “I can tell the organization would fall apart without her instruction,” Josephine said.
    He noted a forced smile on her lips as she spoke. He’d seen that smile before whenever he’d mentioned Constance to her. Could Josephine be jealous of Constance?
    Ancil pondered the notion, reaching for another biscuit. Surely he was wrong.
    “Sorry to have taken so long.” Jared stopped before his chair and shot the Paxton girls a look of disappointment. “You started without me?”
    A peal of giggles rippled from them. Each sported a milk mustache above their upper lips. Their blond heads bobbed.
    Ancil half-grinned. They were quite adorable. He’d missed out on the chance to have a family, devoting himself to his profession. Being a doctor didn’t give much time for a man to pursue a personal life. He’d learned that the hard way almost fifteen years ago. No woman wanted to play second fiddle to the sick. She wanted a man who’d be home every night, all night, to warm her bed. A man who wouldn’t miss their engagement party because he attended an ailing widow’s deathbed.
    He looked back at Josephine, wondering if she’d tolerate the demands on a doctor’s life. She appeared too practical with her charity work to not understand the call of his profession, but could he take the chance to find out for himself?
    He slowly breathed in the aroma of fresh coffee and lemon verbena. He’d noticed both Miss Davises favored the fragrance. Looking up, he admired how the color of Josephine’s dress complemented her beauty. His gaze locked with hers. He expected her to look away. Instead, her eyes twinkled over her cup, her mouth’s curve suggested a smile.
    Unexpected heat crept up his neck and the collar of his shirt felt tight. Unsettled, he set his cup down rather hard, spilling the liquid on his hand and the tablecloth.
    “Doctor Gordon, hold still and I’ll get that for you.” Mary pulled a dishtowel from her apron band as she brought in Jared’s hot plate of food.
    “Did you burn yourself, Ancil?” Josephine asked, using his Christian name. Was it a slip? Or did she do it on purpose?
    “No, I’m fine, thank you.” Annoyed at his clumsiness, he shooed Mary away and stood. “Thank you for breakfast, Jared. Ladies, I’ve enjoyed your company.” He looked at Josephine again and held her gaze longer than he should before speaking. “Perhaps I’ll see you at Midday service again, Josephine. If you’ll excuse me, I need to go check on Isabella and the babe before heading back to town.”
    Nodding, Josephine watched the doctor leave, and silently exhaled. He’d called her by her Christian name. Never had she found the sound of her name more lyrical than when he spoke it.
    “Would you like more coffee, Miss Davis?” Mary asked, drawing her attention away from her thoughts.
    “No, thank you. I believe I’ve had enough.” Josephine sat back in her chair, clasped her hands in her lap and relaxed. She watched the young girls enjoy their breakfast. The oldest, Harmony, reminded her of Mariah at that age.
    She sighed, and continued to watch the girls until Mary shooed them off to the kitchen to help make cookies, leaving the adults alone. Emptiness filled Josephine when they left and she realized she missed Mariah dearly. The poor girl had lost her life too young without learning the truth. A truth Josephine wasn’t certain she could ever confess.
    Shaking her head, she turned her attention where Rebecca and Mr. Hollingsworth were exchanging quiet conversation on the other end of the table.
    “Mr. Hollingsworth, I noticed you have a lovely flower garden. Would you mind terribly if I leave you and Rebecca to finish your breakfast and go for