Page 8 of An Uncertain Road

CHAPTER 4

“I would consider it.”

“Absolutely not.”

Despite them speaking at the same moment, Flora heard Jensen’s refusal loud and clear. Considering Fred’s exuberant, hopeful expression—that of a man ready to give his bride the trip of her dreams—how could Jensen say no without even thinking it over for a moment?

But it didn’t take long to see that the group was divided in their opinions of Fred’s idea. Jensen and Owen both scowled, while Mr. Harrison looked torn. Fred’s face fell, and he looked as if he was preparing to argue his point. It was up to Flora to resolve the standoff before it turned into an angry fight, much like every discussion with Clement ever had. “Fred, it’s a charming idea. There are women who love and appreciate an adventure now and then, and if Beth is one, then the Glidden Tour will be an excellent choice for your trip. But are you certain you need me and Jensen specifically? Perhaps you could go with Mr. Dorman’s team?”

Judging by the shock that emanated from the group, she’d said the wrong thing. Mr. Harrison’s face went from a furrowed brow to a set jaw and tight lips quicker than the Decauville starting a race. “You wouldn’t know, of course, but Ronald Dorman is not the type of man I want anyone I care about to associate with. He’ll do anything—and stomp on anyone—to get ahead. My son and daughter-in-law will not be riding along with his team.”

Fred took the opportunity to begin his arguments. “I’ve thought through this thoroughly. There’s no one I trust more than Jensen to make sure our car runs well and that we’re safe for the entire tour. It’s expected to be a grueling drive, and many teams will face mechanical problems, so the best mechanic is vital. And Mrs. Montfort, when Aggie mentioned your driving experience, I made a telephone call to an acquaintance who is familiar with racing in Europe. He confirmed that you and your husband had quite a bit of success, didn’t you?”

Flora’s heart swelled that he’d heard a good report of her racing career. “We did win much of the time. And please, call me Flora.”

With a knowing grin, Fred nodded. “Indeed. And while the mechanic is important to keep things running, it’s the driver who leads the team. Beth and I know nothing about cars. We need an experienced driver we can trust, and you are certainly that. Plus, I’ve heard that your Decauville is durable and built to stand up against the fastest cars out there. If we’re going to go on this trip, I’d like to see us make a race of it, and a good car will be an advantage.”

The little corner of Flora’s heart that had jumped with excitement when she first heard about the tour came to life again. But the way Owen was chewing at the inside of his cheek drained the joy from the moment. The last thing she wanted was to alienate the only family she had left. Could she make him understand how important this was to her? “Owen, I don’t want to agree without your support.”

“And I don’t want to control you, Flora. But I’m concerned about you chasing wild adventures again. I’d rather see you settle down a bit.”

Her heart was already becoming set on doing the tour, and Owen simply must understand. She stepped forward to face her brother. “It’s hardly wild. The tour barely qualifies as a race. Remember, Sam Kelly told us it will be ten days, with check-in points where everyone has to stop. So speed won’t matter as much as consistency. Keeping the car running and avoiding obstacles on the road is what will determine the winner. I know I can do my job well, and if Jensen is the mechanic Fred claims he is, his part shouldn’t be a problem either.”

All eyes turned back to Jensen, who raised both hands as if to ward them off. “Oh, no. I’m not doing this. I refuse to participate in racing anymore, and despite what Mrs. Montfort claims, anything with a timed ending and a winner is a race.”

At that moment, Aggie approached the group, wrapping her arm around Owen’s. “Dearest, it’s time to send off some of our guests. Join me at the house?”

Nodding to his intended, Owen locked eyes with Flora. “Don’t commit to anything until we have a chance to talk. Please.”

Aggie whisked him away before Flora could argue. She stamped down a tendril of frustration, wanting to be angry that he wouldn’t let her make her own choices. But she knew deep in her heart that his intention wasn’t to control her. If they were going to have a healthy relationship in the future, they should figure this out together. Flora turned to the group of men still standing around her. “I’ll talk with Owen and let you know what we decide, Fred. But I’m certain I can convince him. He won’t want to keep me from doing what I love.”

As if it was already decided, Fred and Mr. Harrison started chatting about details related to the business side of the tour, things such as the finances and how they should advertise the racing team. But Jensen muttered, “You’re a fool to take this lightly. Lives will be lost in this fiasco.”

Turning to face him, Flora finally had a target for her frustration. “It’s a tour, not a cut-throat race. It will be leisurely and friendly. How do you consider that dangerous?”

Jensen fixed his intense gaze on her, and Flora caught her breath at the pain etched across his face. He felt so strongly about this that there must be more to it than simple concern for safety. “Anytime fools get into cars intending to beat each other to a finish, it’s dangerous. Anytime the point is to get somewhere the fastest, it’s dangerous. If you’ve raced as much as Owen says you have, you’re sure to have seen that.”

Flora refused to let unbidden memories of Henri’s death distract her. Accidents happened, but that was no reason to stop living her life. “Yes, I do know the risks, better than you could understand. That proves my confidence in this tour is not foolish. I know what’s at stake, and I still believe this is worth doing. My opinions matter as much as yours. Why is that so difficult for you to accept?”

Her words were met with silence, but voices beyond the two of them brought Flora’s awareness back to the party still going on. She’d let herself get too invested in convincing Jensen and forgotten this was an event where she should be supporting her brother. “I apologize. This isn’t the place for such a discussion. I’ll talk with my brother, and then I’ll make my decision about the tour. But perhaps you ought to discuss it with someone, too, and consider why you’re so set against a tour that exists to promote safe driving conditions.”

Flora turned and held her head high, intending to pass Jensen and return to the front of the gardens where Owen and Aggie had gone. But she found herself glancing up into his tight, scowling face as she squeezed by him on the narrow path. He started to reach out —to stop her retreat? Instead, he muttered again, for her ears only. “I’m sorry for calling you a fool. You’re the furthest thing from that.”

A shiver worked its way up and down her spine as he dropped back a step and allowed her to continue on her path. What a confounding man. First, he treated her like an idiot, then he looked at her with such intensity and complimented her intelligence.

There was indeed something at risk if she was going to spend any amount of time with Jensen Gable. The tour might not be dangerous, but keeping her heart from becoming enchanted with a man who didn’t want anything to do with her was a hazard she might not be ready to face.

* * *

Jensen watched Flora join her brother and his fiancée with conflicting emotions. Astounding that the woman would even consider continuing to race if she truly knew the damage it could cause, the lives it took. It was beyond his understanding how anything could still draw her to the sport if she’d seen the cost associated with it as she said she had.

At the same time, her strength and willingness to take on the adventure were the exact characteristics Jensen found lacking in so many women. Confidence like Flora’s was more attractive than it had any right to be. Not to mention her intelligence and kindness. Spending any amount of time with her was going to be as dangerous as the race itself. The last thing he needed in his life was a woman who loved automobiles.

He turned to find Fred and Mr. Harrison both staring at him. Fred grinned knowingly, but Jensen shook his head. “Whatever you’re thinking, stop. Let’s get back to this racing business. Why would you want to subject your wife to such an event, Fred? I know you could find a wedding trip that isn’t a dreary tour but also doesn’t put both your lives at risk.”

For the first time in a long time, Jensen saw Fred’s confidence falter. “I’m preparing for a life in the ministry, Jensen. We’ll never be living lavishly. I haven’t told Mother yet, but our visit here will be much shorter than we planned. I’ve been hired by a church that needs a minister in a month. This is my chance to give Beth an entire adventure in a few short days without spending beyond our means.”

Fred’s earnest face told Jensen all he needed to know about how important this was to the younger man. “But a race, Fred? Isn’t there anything else you could do?”