“Isn’t that part of the spine? My father said this is an exceptional find. An Allosaurus, if I’m not mistaken?”
He paused his hammering. “Yes, it’s part of the spine. Forgive me, but it’s best to direct all your questions to Miss Lakeman. She’s in charge and is much more knowledgeable than I. Truly, I must get back to work. We don’t want to waste any daylight. It’s a long and tedious process.”
She let out a tiny huff. “She’s busy talking with my father. Besides, I would much rather talk with you since we’ve been friends for so long.”
Friends. He deflated a bit. Yes, Rosemary Oppenheim had been a good friend to him. Not until recently did he realize she’d grown interested in him.
After all their conversations, surely she knew how he felt about Anna.
Of course, Miss Oppenheim couldn’t possibly know what had happened since he’d been home. He’d have to make sure that she understood. Ensure he didn’t hurt her along the way.
“You’ve been a good friend to me, Miss Oppenheim. I do appreciate that.”
“Well then, don’t you think it’s highly providential that we are once again thrown together.” She giggled and then fanned her face. “And out here in the middle of no man’s land.”
“I wouldn’t call it providential. This is harsh territory. Hardly a place for a lady like you.” He turned his gaze to the chisel and went back to work.
“Not a place for a lady, huh?” Miss Oppenheim purred. “I wonder what Miss Lakeman would say to that?”
The past hour had been far more excruciating than it should have been. Mr. Oswald Oppenheim seemed kind enough. Hisson, Albert, stood next to him, appearing as if this whole thing was beneath him. Unworthy of his time.
The endless litany of questions in the heat of the day had frayed every last one of her nerves. Especially after having to listen to every giggle the wealthy man’s daughter aimed at Josh.
Every now and then she snuck a glance in their direction. Maybe one of the other men had caught the beautiful socialite’s attention.... But no. She hovered below Josh.
Anna’sJosh.
How did they know one another?
“Why don’t you show us the site, Miss Lakeman?” The older gentleman pointed his shiny black walking stick at the wall of bones.
“Yes, of course. I’d love to.” Paste on a smile. Be nice. Dad needed this. So did she.
As she walked over to give them a tour, she decided the best thing would be to ignore the man’s daughter for now and focus on the bones. The details of what they’d found so far. What they hoped to accomplish during the dry summer season. She could do this. Be professional and knowledgeable. Yes, she could.
“Aren’t you going to introduce us?” Miss Oppenheim’s voice had such a lovely tone.
It made Anna feel ... frumpy. Inadequate. She cleared her throat. “My apologies, miss. This is Tom, Zach, and Luke.” She pointed to the long-time members of her team. “These three men have worked alongside my father and me for many years. We couldn’t ask for a better crew.”
Each man nodded and then went right back to work.
“And it appears you know Mr. Ziegler.” Now why did she go and get so formal all of a sudden? Was she jealous? No. No. She was going to marry Josh. He loved her.
“Yes, we’ve known one another for several years.” That liltingvoice could probably make any man come whenever she called. But it was the way that she tipped up her head to look at Josh that made Anna take note. Best to get rid of the visitors as soon as possible.
She glanced at her watch pinned to her shirtwaist. “Well, gentlemen, miss, thank you for coming out today, but if you don’t mind, I—we—must get back to work.”
She strode back toward her table.
Surely, they would leave and head back to whatever quarters they’d found for themselves out here. Or even better, maybe they’d leave Wyoming Territory altogether. They couldn’t want to stay out in this heat in their full dress suits. Where did they think they were? New York City? London? It was ridiculous to wear a top hat out to an excavation site, and yet here both of them were. Looking like they were ready to meet the king.
Miss Oppenheim was dressed just as extravagantly. Her dress alone probably cost as much as a year’s worth of food for the Lakemans. And that hat and parasol. Heavens, what ridiculous frippery.
She winced. That wasn’t kind. Besides, this man’s money helped them to continue doing what they loved. Which was paramount.
“Miss Lakeman?” The elder Mr. Oppenheim had followed her. “If I could have a moment with you.”
She quirked an eyebrow at him. “All right.” She clasped her hands in front of her. “What can I help you with?”
