Page 8 of Taming Lady Temperance

James didn’t join in.

“Her mother and I have done our best to curb her outspokenness and redirect her political leanings, but that girl has a mind of her own, I’m afraid.”

Yes, James figured Clevenger was afraid of Noreen having her own mind. Afraid of how her choices might reflect on him and impact his political machinations.

“I actually find her quite admirable,” James said, taking pleasure in the shock that widened Clevenger’s eyes. “It takes a lot of courage to stand for what you believe when others strive to undermine you, silence you, or even persecute you. Reminds me of Peter and John in Brother Cowan’s sermon this morning, standing firm in their mission even when the high priest ordered them to quit tellin’ folks about Jesus.”

Clevenger opened and closed his mouth at least three times before he managed to get any words to spill out. “Surely you’re not comparing Noreen to the holy apostles?”

“Nope. Just her courage. And her dedication to her cause.” The woman’s methods might need some adjustment, and her delivery could use a little less vinegar, but no one with working eyes and ears could doubt her zeal.

The man’s face reddened, and he just couldn’t seem to get the drawbridge of his jaw to crank upward.

“Maybe take it easy on her at lunch today.” James touched the brim of his hat and eased away from the unpleasant man. “She has enough opponents in town. Might do her good to have a few more allies.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that.” A familiar feminine voice echoed directly behind him. “For I’ve been meaning to discuss that very matter with you.”

James’s stomach clenched. He slowly pivoted to discover Noreen O’Sullivan standing a mere three feet from him.

Surely, Noreen hadn’t been there the whole time. He would have noticed. He was a trained observer. James sorted through his memory and confirmed a total of four ladies in his vicinity when he’d approached Henry Herron a few minutes ago. And none of them had wild, curly hair or eyes that snapped brown fire when they took aim at a fella.

That reassurance offered little comfort, however. For this woman was on a mission. A mission that apparently involved him. He swallowed and steeled himself for what was to come. The tenacity he’d just admitted to admiring was about to bury its teeth into his leg, and he wasn’t at all certain he’d be able to shake free.

Butterflies assaulted Noreen’s belly the moment James Paxton’s eyes locked on hers. How had she never noticed how blue they were? More to the point, why was she noticing their color now? This was no time to get distracted by attractive male attributes. Broad shoulders, lean musculature, and a rugged jawline had absolutely no bearing on the present circumstance. She’d do well to remember that fact.

“Might I have a word with you, Deputy Paxton?”

James dipped his chin in consent at the same time her stepfather heaved a dramatic sigh. “For pity’s sake, Noreen. Leave the man alone. He has more important things to do than listen to you rant about closing the saloon.”

Noreen bristled, but before she could offer a retort, the deputy shot Arthur a pointed look. “I’m fully capable of deciding how to spend my time, Clevenger. I don’t need you screening my appointments for me.”

Noreen pressed her lips together to keep the shocked laughter from exploding out of her throat.

“I didn’t mean . . .” Arthur tightened his jaw, apparently realizing he would only make himself look worse if he offered excuses.

He turned his frustration on Noreen instead. No surprise there.

“Your mother needs your help with dinner. I’ll not have her working herself to the bone because you’re too busy with your personal schemes to give a thought to her health.”

If you’re so concerned with Mother’s health, why don’t you hurry home to help her? She bit back the words, even though they begged to be spoken. She knew from experience they’d have no effect. Besides, she really did intend to help her mother. Preparing Sunday dinner was one of the few times she and Mama could talk without Arthur overshadowing the conversation.

“I won’t be long,” Noreen promised.

“Perhaps we can chat on the way to your mother’s house,” Deputy Paxton suggested. “I’d be happy to see you home.”

Again.

They both seemed to hear the unspoken word, for something that looked very much like teasing glittered in the deputy’s eyes.

That man and his obnoxious charm. Good grief. She’d almost shared a smile with him. Thankfully, she’d stopped herself in time.

“A very practical suggestion.” Hopefully, her no-nonsense tone sufficiently hid the crack in her armor. Yes, she needed him as an ally, but she’d not have him thinking he could sway her just because he’d stood up to her stepfather.

Though that had been rather wonderful. And rare. Not even her mother spoke up on her behalf.

Noreen shored up the softening places inside her and coated them with a layer of steel. She couldn’t afford softness. Too much was at stake.

He gestured for her to lead the way, so she did, winding through the slowly dispersing congregants. Once they’d put some distance between themselves and the churchyard, she slowed her gait slightly and allowed the deputy to come alongside.