Reese Jordan sneaked a glance at the woman sharing the carriage seat with him. She sat still, her back impossibly straight, her shoulders held back, her head tilted at a haughty, regal angle.
Her nap hadn’t seemed to improve her disposition. She was still angry. Her face was chalk white. Her beautiful, wide mouth had flattened into a thin, disapproving line. She hadn’t said a word since leaving the hotel and her hands were clenched into fists in her lap.
It was not a promising beginning.
Faith gritted her teeth in an effort to keep them from chattering. Her emotions were in turmoil, her nerves stretched to the breaking point. She hadn’t the faintest idea how she would get through the next twenty-four hours.
And she couldn’t begin to think about the coming days, weeks, and months in the company of Reese Jordan. But she would have to manage?somehow. She had signed her name to that contract. It lingered in her mind, in bold black ink, mocking her each time she thought about it.
She glanced at the man sitting beside her. She shivered each time she thought about the intimate nature of their agreement. She wondered if he expected her to sleep with him tonight on the train? She shivered again, but whether from apprehension, or anticipation, she couldn’t tell. She swallowed hard to keep the churning of her stomach at bay. She hoped she would make it to the station before she disgraced herself in the carriage.
It was not a promising beginning.
The carriage rolled to a stop at the station. David leaped down from his seat and assisted Temperance. Reese lifted Joy into his arms and held out a hand for Faith.
Reese took one look at her face and handed Joy to David. Swinging Faith into his arms, he sprinted for the platform and the private railroad car he’d had brought from Chicago for the journey.
David set Joy on the ground, then took her hand and followed behind, but at a much slower pace. Temperance kept step by his side.
“Welcome aboard, sir.” A porter tipped his hat and stepped forward to open the door for Reese.
Reese hurried to the water closet. He lowered Faith to her feet. She wavered like a colt on wobbly legs, clutched her stomach, and vomited into the basin. Reese dipped a washcloth into the pitcher. He untied the bonnet ribbons under her chin, pulled the hat off, and tossed it aside. He smoothed the cool cloth over her hot face.
“Better?” he asked, handing her the cloth.
Feeling horribly embarrassed, Faith nodded.
He tilted her face up to look at him. Some of the chalky whiteness had left her features. The healthy color was beginning to return. “There’s no need to feel embarrassed, Faith. All of us get sick once in a while.”
She gave him a skeptical look.
He smiled. “Even me.” He moved away from her. “Stay here for a moment. I’ll get you something to drink.”
She shot him another questioning look.
“No champagne.” He held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. “I promise.” He backed out of the washroom and closed the door.
“Where is she?” someone said.
He turned around to find Temperance. “In there.” He pointed to the door. “I was about to get her something to drink.” Reese moved toward the bar in the far corner of the room. He poured a glass of water and
gave it to Temperance.
Tempy knocked on the door. “Faith? It’s me, Tempy. May I come in?” She didn’t wait for Faith’s muffled reply. She opened the door and walked in.
Faith threw her arms around her aunt, seeking comfort. “Oh, Aunt Tempy, I feel like a fool!”
“Nonsense.” Tempy’s voice was brisk and firm. “You’re entitled to a fit of nerves.”
“Is that what it was?”
“Of course, and the effects of a little too much champagne last night. It happens to everyone.” Tempy brushed the damp hair away from her niece’s face.
“That’s what he said.”
“Really?” Tempy’s opinion of Reese Jordan rose a few notches. She handed Faith the glass of water. “Here take a sip. Rinse your mouth out. You’ll feel better.”
Faith did as she was told, then turned back to Tempy. “I’ve never…”