She put a hand to her chest. Why did she look so ... relieved?
“No. Sorry. They’re still here. We’re waiting to hear official word from the judge that Mr. Gilbert contacted. Funny thing, Albert and Rosemary Oppenheim only returned once. Theyhaven’t been back since and have stayed up in Green River.” Anna studied him.
“Huh. Well, that’s fine with me. I’d prefer they all pack up and head back to Chicago.”
Mr. Lakeman moved the conversation back to the dig and the work they were hoping to get done before Joshua had to head back to school. It was exciting to be part of something that could have such an impact on science.
After dinner, Joshua accompanied Anna down to the creek. Their nightly ritual was becoming one of his favorite parts of the day. The wind provided a cooling breeze after the heat of the day.
“Miss Oppenheim rode out to see me while you were gone.” She kept her gaze forward and fidgeted with her handkerchief.
Every good feeling he had now plummeted like a giant boulder dragging him down to the bottom of a deep lake. “Oh?” He swallowed.
“Yes. She told me that you shared with her about our fight and the fact that I hadn’t written to you even once.”
If only he could take back all his conversations with Rosemary over the past three years. It had all been a huge mistake, but he hadn’t seen it at the time. “Anna ... I’m so sorr—”
She held up a hand and he clamped his mouth shut. “I have to admit, I was pretty upset with you after that conversation. But I’ve been praying about it and have calmed down.”
So that must have been why she appeared hesitant earlier. He couldn’t blame her. “Let me explain.”
“I don’t think I’m ready for that, Josh. She’s a beautiful woman. Wealthy. Lives in Chicago. Her father could probably help you to be the greatest physician that city has ever seen.”
The lump in his throat grew. “What are you saying?”
“I don’t want to hold you back, Josh. I know you love me.And I love you. I don’t doubt that or your faithfulness to me. But...” She bit her lip and her eyes shimmered.
No. He couldn’t allow her to walk away from him. Not now. “But ... what?”
“She said I don’t deserve you. And I’m beginning to think she’s correct.”
FRIDAY, JULY12
It had to be almost one hundred degrees today. Anna wiped the sweat from her brow so it wouldn’t drip onto the page of her latest sketch. If she caused the slightest smudge, all her hard work would have to be redone.
A horse approached from the north. Was that Mr. Gilbert?
She set everything aside and went out to greet him, praying for favorable results.
But as soon as she ventured out from under the canopy, the sun made the brutal heat that much more apparent. “Mr. Gilbert!” She waved.
He rode up next to her. “Let’s get in the shade, shall we?”
“That would be much appreciated.” She walked back over to the canopy.
He dismounted.
She tried to interpret his expression. “I hope you have come with some good news?”
He pursed his lips. “Yes, I believe it is for the most part. Would you like Mr. Ziegler to hear this as well?”
It wasn’t a bad question. Josh was her betrothed after all. At least for now. They hadn’t resolved anything last night other than stating their love for one another and saying goodnight without a hug or touch of any kind. “Joshua,” she called down the gulley. Things were just ... awkward. Because she wasn’t convinced that he wanted to be here. Maybe once he wentback to Chicago, he would change his mind? That would break her heart. Best to prepare herself for it now. “Would you come down here, please?”
When he had joined them, Mr. Gilbert laid some papers on the table. “The judge has ruled that the verbal agreement between your father and his investor stands, so Mr. Oppenheim is not allowed to supersede your father’s decisions.”
“That’s wonderful news!” She clasped her hands together.
“But”—the lawyer tapped the papers—“my friend is not convinced that women belong in science of any kind. He also isn’t sure that a female could produce better drawings than a man for publication.”
