Page 66 of Taming Lady Temperance

Noreen nodded, a few of the knots returning to her stomach. As much as she wanted out of the jailhouse, she was not looking forward to facing Milton Taggert in court and admitting her guilt. Humility had never been a trait that came easily to her, but four nights behind bars had proven an effective teacher.

“I’ll plan to attend. You’ll find me in the gallery. Offering my support. Something I should have done before now.”

Martha reached a hand through the bars and clasped Noreen’s palm tightly against her own. “As will I.”

Noreen’s heart leapt. “But what of your class? I am to appear at ten o’clock tomorrow morning.”

Martha shrugged. “I’ve arranged for a guest speaker. Dr. Perry agreed to teach a science lesson. The children are quite excited about seeing all of his equipment.”

Noreen’s eyes misted. Martha never missed a day of class. Ever. Yet here she was, volunteering to miss a period of instruction so that she could help a friend. No gift could have meant more.

“Thank you,” Noreen murmured, her voice rasping. “Thank you, both.”

Chapter

31

James unlocked Noreen’s cell at nine forty-five on Friday morning. She’d been pacing when he arrived but now stood by the door, eyes large in her face, hands clutching the sides of her dark blue skirt. The high-necked ivory blouse she wore enhanced her prim and proper appearance while the cameo brooch pinned at the base of her throat added a touch of femininity that would hopefully play to the judge’s sympathy. The local schoolmarm had lent her the brooch and recommended Noreen leave off the temperance ribbon she always donned, but true to her uncompromising nature, she wore the white temperance bow as well, pinned to the left side of her bodice, over her heart. She’d tamed her curls into a tight, unforgiving knot at her nape, and while James agreed that the conservative style would help her look more contrite and less likely to cause trouble in the future, he missed the uninhibited nature of the curls that matched the feisty spirit of the woman he loved.

James swung the door outward and stepped inside. “Are you ready?”

She hugged her arms around her. “Ready to have this behind me, but not ready to face Judge Lynch.”

Smiling, James moved close and rubbed one of her arms. “Despite his name, JC’s not a hangin’ judge. He’ll give you a fair hearing. The man’s got three daughters similar in age to you. That should soften him a bit. He’s a deeply religious man, as well, and one who is quick to help those in need.”

Noreen’s gaze dropped to the floor. “He’s also a leader in the Masonic lodge, and many of his Mason compatriots frequent the Salt Fork.”

Not sure what to say to calm her nerves, he stroked her arm a final time, then held his hand out to her. She hesitantly fit her palm to his, and he tugged her toward him. Bending close, he placed a kiss on the top of her head.

“It’s going to be all right, sweetheart. Whatever the outcome, we’ll handle it together.”

She leaned forward until her forehead rested against his chest. “There is no we, James. There can’t be.” She lifted her face, that spark of passion he’d been missing from her eyes flickering back to life. “God has called you to the life of a lawman. I know it in my soul. He’s made you a gifted peacemaker. Honorable, courageous, and just. You are already making a difference here in Albany, and that impact will multiply when you are sheriff. But the townsfolk won’t give you the chance to make that difference if you tie your name to mine. You need to let me go.”

Not a chance. He tightened his grip on her hand as a wave of arguments rolled through his mind, eager to combat her assumptions. But Noreen didn’t need him to argue with her right now. She needed him to help her find peace.

Loosening his grip on her hand, he brought her knuckles to his lips and brushed a kiss across them before releasing his hold and stepping back.

“We can discuss my career prognosis later.”

Her eyebrows dipped low over the bridge of her nose, and he figured she had a few arguments of her own running through that head of hers. He grinned and gave her a wink, earning a huff from her that sounded as if it were disguising an involuntary chuckle. His grin widened. Mission accomplished.

“May I escort you to the courthouse, Miss O’Sullivan?” He sketched a brief bow and held out his arm. “Being cognizant of my career, as you are, I know you wouldn’t wish for me to arrive late to the proceedings.”

“Indeed not, Deputy Paxton.” Her eyes danced as she pointedly ignored his proffered arm and maneuvered around him to exit the cell on her own. “Nor would I wish to add tardiness to my list of charges.” She marched down the walkway to the stairwell. “Are you coming?” she called over her shoulder as she descended the stairs.

James chuckled as he pushed the cell door closed and hurried after her. “You can’t get rid of me that easily.” For today or for a lifetime.

Noreen managed to hold on to her independence until they reached the courthouse steps. James led her around the back to avoid the people streaming in the front doors, and when he offered his arm to steady her as she climbed the steps, she didn’t refuse. Heart pounding against her sternum like a frenetic woodpecker, she latched on to his bicep. The strength evident in the hard muscle proved a comfort as she struggled to grasp the mental strength she’d need to face what lay ahead.

Once inside, James led her to the back staircase near the door, keeping her arm securely tucked against his side. She ran her palm along the dark, polished handrail, seeking to steady herself in any way possible. When they reached the first landing, however, he pulled her next to the wall and bent his face close to her ear.

“Dear Lord, give Noreen peace and help her to feel your presence beside her throughout these proceedings. In Jesus’s name, amen.”

Then, as if he hadn’t just done the most beautiful thing any man had ever done for her, he led her up the remainder of the stairs to the second floor. The men in her life usually spoke demands and criticism over her, not prayerful blessings.

She was accustomed to men trying to bend her to their will, but time after time, James had bent his own will in order to serve and support her. Taking her in when others cast her aside, helping her plan a temperance march, rescuing her from her own folly, climbing into the depth of her despair to offer comfort, and standing by her side today and reminding her that another stood beside her as well.

God was with her. How she’d needed that reminder. Her true Father would never leave her or forsake her. Even when she stumbled and made a mess of things.