Page 125 of In These Hills

“While disciplinary action is certainly appropriate in such situations, Mrs. Dunham, what would mean the most to me right now is for you to look me in the eyes and assure me that, if I agree to keep you on in this position, you will not knowingly do anything to harm this distillery’s reputation or the livelihood of the people who work for me. Ever again.”

She matched his stare unblinking. “I give you my solemn word, Mr. Daniel. Never again.”

He held her gaze a beat longer, then rose. “All right then. That’s settled. I trust this matter will stay between the three of us?”

She and Dodge nodded.

“Very good. Now if you’ll both excuse me, I’ve got an appointment.” He walked with a slight limp toward the door.

Josephine stood, feeling as though she’d been given a new lease on life. Undeservedly so. “Thank you again, Mr. Daniel. I appreciate this more than you likely realize.”

“And I appreciate your honesty and reassurance, Mrs. Dunham. And will hold you to it. Dodge, whatever needs to be done to get those dipping stations for the cattle underway, do it!”

“I’m leaving for Tullahoma shortly. I’ll pick up supplies and head back either tonight or in the morning, depending on how long it takes.”

“Good man.” He’d nearly closed the door when he paused. “Regarding that appropriate disciplinary action, Mrs. Dunham . . . An idea just came to me.”

Her mind raced. Would he dock her pay? Require her to work longer hours? Maybe assign her to work elsewhere in the distillery in addition to her normal duties? Then she saw it. That glint of delight in his expression, which told her she wasn’t going to like his choice of discipline one bit. But that he would.

48

“I’D BE MOST OBLIGED, Mrs. Dunham,” Mr. Daniel continued, “if you would attend the dinner parties at my home when we host the upcoming gatherings for vendors. All of the dinners. And you must save a couple of dances for me. Does that sound fair to you?” He tossed her a look of victory as he closed the door.

Josephine just stared after him.

“You know he would’ve thought of it eventually.” The barest hint of humor edged Dodge’s tone. “And considering the circumstances, it doesn’t seem like too big of a request.”

“I suppose not . . .” She slowly peered up. “Hezekiah.”

He gripped his chest as though mortally wounded. “Oh . . . now that hurts.”

She smiled. “I’m only joking. It’s not a bad name.”

“What about . . . Hezekiah Eustace Coburn?”

“I hope you thanked the bull for sparing you that dreaded fate.”

“More times than you would believe.”

She laughed softly, and something in his expression, in the way he looked at her, stirred the memory of that kiss. She wondered again what it might have been like to meet him before all of this. Then again, would she have even noticed him while marching at rallies, flanked by suffragist sisters? Something told her she would have. Because Dodge Coburn was a most memorable man, even without his given name.

Breaking their gaze—just as he did—she glanced at the mantel clock and adopted a casual tone. “I think I’ll head back to the boarding house. It’s a bit early, but supper duties await, and Calla can always use the help. Not that I can cook, mind you.”

A look passed across his face that gave her pause, then she realized . . .

“Wait,” she said. “Did Uncle Jack tell you about what happened in Miss Mary’s kitchen?”

“You mean with your biscuits hard as rocks and sausage gravy a congealed mess? No, he didn’t. But Mrs. Gibbs did. Twice. Even after me telling her she’d already told me.”

“That woman . . . She absolutely detests me.”

“Detests is a pretty strong term.” He paused. “Loathe might be better.”

She smiled a little. “So you’re headed to Tullahoma?”

“Yes, ma’am. For the white arsenic and a few other things.”

He walked her outside where Jessie remained dutifully waiting, her tail wagging, and he closed the door behind them. “One last question before you go?”