“Since I don’t see us being able to make our way to the exit anytime soon, Mr. Duncan, might I inquire about your thoughts?” Miss Jankowski turned slightly in her seat, the skirt of her purple gown swishing against his shin. He shifted so he didn’t crinkle the fine fabric. It probably cost a year’s salary. But even so, it made her blue eyes stand out. There was something in their depths that drew him. Amusement? Interest? Definitely not disdain.
He’d been so caught up in his aggravation with what was happening up front that he’d momentarily forgotten about the interesting young woman beside him. Truly, the highlight of the evening before the lecture began. She wasn’t forgotten anymore. Perhaps he could take a moment and get rid of his negative attitude. “What’s on your mind?”
“I see you are displeased with the outcome of this evening.”
“Aren’t you?” Frustration bordering on a whine seeped into his voice. He definitely needed more sleep if an unfair debate could make him cranky. He cleared his throat and tried again. “That is to say, it wasn’t exactly what I was anticipating.”
She pursed her lips and looked up front and then to the dwindling mass of people. “I thought the same thing. I was hoping for some education this evening. In my field of work, I often struggle to articulate what seems so clear to me. That faith and science can, and do, work together. I hoped to learn how to express my beliefs in a more...” She paused and glanced at the empty stage, shoulders sagging. “A more courageous way, I suppose.”
Field of work? Faith? Hm. “Oh? What is the work that you do?” Not many womenworked. Especially not ones dressed likethe cream of polite society. What a conundrum this woman was.
She held up a hand. “Let’s not get into that right now.” Looking around again—what was she concerned about?—she leaned an inch closer and lowered her voice. “Are you a man of faith?”
“I am.” He cringed. “Not that my attitude a moment ago was a good example of it.”
She opened her mouth and then snapped it shut. After several seconds, she started again. “Are you also a man of science? I mean, I assume so since you are here this evening.”
“I am. I have been studying paleontology for the last seven years.” He held up a finger. “I should clarify, I have been working on digs to help pay for my schooling. I’m not finished yet. With my education, that is. But then again, I feel like we should always keep learning. No matter our field or how long we’ve been at it.”
Her lips tipped up. “Yes, I wholeheartedly agree.” She fidgeted with the drawstring bag that matched her dress and then allowed it to fall to her lap. “Paleontology is fascinating. But I know many scientists in the field who are leaning more toward an older earth philosophy since the discovery of so many dinosaur fossils. There are many questions that now arise with the discovery of those great beasts. Several scientists say they don’t believe they could have been on earth at the same time as man.”
“And you? What do you think about that?” Dare he ask? But it was out there now.
“I’m not entirely sure what I think.” She pressed her lips together for a moment. “But oh, I love dinosaurs.” Her face lit up. “The study of them is of utmost importance. In addition, I have attended church my whole life and I believe the Bible to be the Good Book. While I have many questions about Darwin’s species origins and greatly respect the scientists whoare trying to figure it out, I do believe that all of this didn’t ...happenon its own.”
Such exuberance! And knowledge. He should know not to judge anyone—for better or worse—by how they appeared on the outside. For all her finery, there was an undiluted joy when she spoke about dinosaurs and the world around them. She was even childlike in her expressions of faith. He fiddled with the button on his cuff. When had he last sounded that joyful about anything to anyone but his family?
“I’m sorry, Mr. Duncan,” Miss Jankowski’s voice broke through his thoughts. “Lily Rose—I’m sorry, my companion—reminds me with regularity that a conversation involves two people.” Her head dipped closer, grabbing his attention. Her bright tone was at odds with the nervous twisting of her fingers around the ribbons of her handbag. Jacob mentally groaned. His mother would have his hide for leaving a beautiful young woman hanging in conversation.
“The apology is mine to make, Miss Jankowski. I was surprised by your confession, but I agree with you. I’ve been studying the papers of Georges Cuvier and find his work interesting. Have you read any of his writings?”
“I have heard of him, but not read his writings. I’ve had other priorities of late.” Her eyes bored into his. “You are a fascinating man, Mr. Duncan.” Glancing at the exit, she inhaled sharply. “Goodness.” Rising to her feet, she looked toward the back door again. “Most of the crowd has left for the evening, and I must be on my way, but don’t take that as a reflection on our chat. I would love to continue our discussion sometime. I promise I shall look up Mr. Cuvier to prepare for our next conversation.”
He had come to his feet as well and turned his hat over and over in his hands. Next. She saidnext. Which meant she planned for them to speak again. That thought alone was enough to eliminate his foul mood from earlier. “I apologizefor my ill attitude about the lecture earlier. It has been enlightening to speak with you. And I look forward to the chance to talk with you again.”
“There is another lecture here next Monday that has piqued my interest. Perhaps we could meet here and discuss our ideas?” The tilt of her head put the small feather in her blonde curls at a jaunty angle, giving her a mischievous appearance. With a light cough, he suppressed the laugh in his throat. He didn’t want her to mistake his amusement for mockery. It was quite the opposite.
What a bold young woman. He’d never met anyone like her. What could it hurt? He’d love to see her again, even if it meant sacrificing a little sleep. “I’d be honored.”
“Whoever gets here first should save the other a seat. Don’t you agree?” Her grin showed off a set of dimples.
He cleared his throat and smiled back. “I do. It sounds like we have a plan.”
She curtsied and her purple hat dipped in his direction. “Until next Monday, Mr. Duncan.”
“Until then.” He watched her walk away. Such an odd encounter. But he was glad they’d met.
If she was willing to meet and discuss faith and science, he wouldn’t say no. He wanted to continue his education as much as possible. Each opportunity to discuss ideas and theories with leaders in this field was the chance to learn and grow. He smiled. The chance to see Miss Jankowski again made this opportunity a little sweeter. Next week, he should make sure that he went to bed early Sunday night. It would be best if he didn’t appear as a grouch two weeks in a row.
TUESDAY, APRIL9, 1889•OUTSIDEDENVER
When people stood in her path, she usually found a way around them.
But today was different. Today, she was furious. Today,someonehadn’t followed directions. And that someone would have to pay. Looking behind her, she eyed the man squirming against his restraints on the ground. Stupid fool.
The gag over his mouth kept him from speaking but didn’t quell his grunts and groans. The horrendous hullabaloo was enough to give her a headache.
“Shut up!” she tossed over her shoulder as she tied the long rope to her horse’s pommel. “You had one simple job, and you couldn’t even accomplish that.”
