Page 58 of In These Hills

The young woman glanced behind her. “I’m to have lunch with the pastor and some of the other members, and they’re waiting. But would you mind if I come by later, Auntie Calla?”

“I’ll be sorely put out if you don’t. I want to hear more about this school you’re hoping to start up north.”

Miss Burroughs winked. “I’ll come by the boarding house afterward, I promise.”

As Josephine and Calla left, Calla greeted people by name as they did her. She knew everyone. Josephine met their gazes and smiled, but most people turned away. Even worse, two young women gave her downright ugly looks as they walked past.

Calla stopped short. “What on earth was that about?”

Josephine shrugged. “I don’t know. But why don’t you walk on ahead. I’ll follow on after you.”

Calla gave her a look like she’d grown a second head. “We ain’t gonna play that game, Josephine. You’re my friend at Miss Mary’s, which means you’re my friend everywhere.”

Calla linked arms with her, and they continued on outside.

Josephine spotted Dodge Coburn walking toward them, still without his niece. Preferring to avoid him, that seemed impossible at the moment.

He tipped his hat. “Calla. Mrs. Dunham.”

“Good morning.” Josephine tilted her head.

“Morning, Dodge.” Calla looked around. “Where’s that sweet niece of yours?”

“She spent the night with Moriah so she’s having lunch with their family.” Mr. Coburn pointed across the way where the two girls stood giggling together.

Josephine didn’t know Mr. Coburn well at all, but something in his manner felt off.

“Well, why don’t you come on over to Miss Mary’s and eat with us?” Calla gestured to him. “There’s plenty, and I made that buttermilk pound cake you love.”

Josephine swallowed an inward groan.

“I’m afraid Mr. Coburn’s company is already spoken for!” a woman called from behind them.

Mrs. Gibbs made a beeline for Dodge Coburn, and her daughter slipped an arm through Mr. Coburn’s and pulled him close. Calla’s gaze flicked pointedly to the girl—Rowena—then back to Dodge, who looked far less comfortable than a moment earlier.

“Dodge is already spoken for,” Rowena said, running a hand over his upper arm. “He’s joining us for Sunday dinner then he’s staying to look over the cattle with Pa.”

Josephine caught the look Rowena sent her, sharp and possessive, though for what reason, she couldn’t imagine. She had no interest in Dodge Coburn.

“Come, Rowena,” Mrs. Gibbs snapped. “Mr. Coburn, you’ll ride together in the wagon.”

“I’m fine to walk, ma’am. But thank—”

“Nonsense. We live three miles out. This’ll give y’all time to visit.”

Rowena tugged him along, and Mr. Coburn tipped his hat and followed, looking for all the world like a fish on a hook. Rowena glanced back and smiled.

“That girl,” Calla muttered as she and Josephine continued walking. “She’s been trying to get her scheming little claws into him for a while now.”

Josephine laughed. “If Mr. Coburn isn’t careful, he’ll find himself trussed up and being pushed—or carried—by Mrs. Gibbs down the aisle.”

“Not likely. Not with him and Bethie heading for Wyoming soon.”

Josephine slowed. “Wyoming?”

“He bought land out there before his sister, Kathleen, died . . . God bless her.” Calla shook her head. “Hate to see them go. But if it means he gets away from that one, I’ll help him pack.”

Josephine smiled, but couldn’t deny a small sting of disappointment. Why, she couldn’t say. Dodge Coburn leaving was a good thing. She would be rid of his suspicion. Although she had no idea where else she would go, she did not plan on staying here. Yet returning to Atlanta still felt impossible.