Page 81 of Taming Lady Temperance

“Except on wash day.”

Noreen stumbled to a halt outside the yard of the parsonage. Mrs. Barker came into her room on Mondays to fetch the bed linens and towels. She didn’t launder her tenants’ personal items, but Noreen had soiled her handkerchief on Sunday thanks to Mrs. Stephens’s heavy application of rosewater. Noreen had always been allergic to strong floral scents. She’d washed her handkerchief that evening and hung it up to dry on her washstand. Had Mrs. Barker accidentally taken it when she’d collected the towels?

Martha backtracked to where Noreen stood. “We spoke to your landlady. She remembers seeing your handkerchief among the linens while she was washing, but she has no recollection of folding or ironing it. Someone might have taken it from the clothesline. It’s not enough on its own, but hopefully when we combine what we’ve learned with what the deputy has uncovered in his investigation, it will be enough to exonerate you.”

“Martha, I . . .” Noreen took a breath to steady her shaking voice. “Thank you. This is so helpful.”

Martha smiled. “You’d do the same for me.”

“I would. In a heartbeat. Though I pray there’s never a need. One spinster falsely accused of arson is quite enough.”

Her friend chuckled softly, then her eyes danced as she caught sight of someone coming up behind them. “One spinster who might not be a spinster much longer.”

Noreen knew who she’d find when she turned, but her heart fluttered anyway. James strode toward her with purpose, his gaze filled with concern as it locked onto hers. She had no idea how a mere meeting of the eyes could produce such a strong feeling of kinship, but she had to fight to keep from throwing herself into his arms.

“I came as soon as I could.” He drew alongside, his hand finding its way to the small of her back as if she wasn’t the only one craving connection. “Miss Lockwood said your mother was upset, and I needed to come right away. Do you know what happened?”

Noreen shook her head. “No, I just arrived. I’m worried, though.” Forcing herself to move away from the warmth of his hand, she headed toward the parsonage. “This isn’t like her. She’s usually home making supper at this time of day. Something must really be wrong for her to risk Arthur’s displeasure.”

Jane had the door open by the time they reached the porch. “They’re in the parlor,” she directed.

Noreen hurried to the front room she knew well from their Tuesday Teas and stepped inside. “Mama?”

Her mother rose from the sofa, her face crumpling as she met Noreen’s gaze. “Oh, Reenie, I’m so sorry.” A sob burst from her, and she began swaying on her feet.

Alarmed, Noreen rushed forward, wrapped an arm around her mother, and eased her back down to the sofa. Tossing the hat she carried aside, she took a seat beside her. “Whatever it is, it’ll be all right. You’ll see. We’ve been through worse.”

Her mama clasped her hand and fought to get her emotions under control. “I swore I’d never let him hurt you, but I failed.”

Was she talking about Daddy? “That’s behind us, Mama. Daddy can’t hurt either of us anymore.”

She shook her head. “Not your father. Arthur.”

Noreen stilled. “What do you mean?”

Her mother didn’t answer right away. Instead, she looked to Parson Cowan, who gave a small nod of his head. Her gaze shifted to James next, and her body stiffened.

“Deputy Paxton, my daughter did not start that fire.”

James nodded. “I agree.” He pulled his hat from his head and fiddled with the brim. “I don’t suppose you know who did?”

She inhaled a shaky breath, then lifted her chin.

“My husband.”

Chapter

38

James nearly dropped his hat. Clevenger set the fire? What possible motive could he have? The man made a habit of pandering to all the business owners in town in hopes of advancing his political career. By all accounts, he got on well enough with Taggert. He’d even been seen supporting the saloon owner at Noreen’s hearing.

A sick swirling churned his gut as Ramona Clevenger’s words began to make a horrible sort of sense. If she failed to protect her daughter from her husband, that would mean . . . Arthur Clevenger set the fire, not to harm Taggert but to destroy his stepdaughter. James couldn’t fathom such cruel selfishness. How could a man live with himself after such an act? Harming his own family? Endangering the entire town? The man deserved to be thrown into a rattlesnake den.

Color drained from Noreen’s face as her mother slowly rose from the sofa, clutching the flour sack she’d been guarding to her chest. Three wobbly steps brought her to stand in front of James.

She couldn’t meet his eyes. Her chin nearly touched her chest as she pressed the sack into his hands.

“I never thought he’d go this far.” The broken murmur of her admission made his chest ache. “For years he’s blamed Noreen for his inability to convince the city council of his suitability for an appointment. Her outspoken ways and disregard for his authority reflected poorly on his ability to manage his household. And her increased temperance work angers the people with whom he’s cultivated alliances. Things were better for a while after he severed ties with her, making her unwelcome in our home.” She lifted her head, her gaze overflowing with regret. “I should have done a better job of standing up to him, but I went along. Wanting to keep the peace. But I’m not going along any longer. Not when my daughter would be the one paying the price.”