The Deputy’s Duty

“All right, son, I shall refrain from commenting further, although now I will have to cancel my invitation. I had asked Miss Beauchamp and her aunt to come and visit us in late January.”

“Mother…” He dropped onto the much-too-fancy sofa. “I’ll find my own bride in good time, don’t you worry.”

“Tonight might be the perfect occasion. My annual New Year’s Eve ball. Surely you haven’t forgotten.” Geneva lit up like the sun at full zenith. “I’ve invited the finest families in the county. The Worthingtons will be there. And the Bells.”

How did he tell his mother that he hardly cared about some fancy party? He couldn’t seem to get his mind off of seeing Lanna again. A year and a half ago his family had moved back to Angel Falls after his father’s term as governor was over. He had remained at school, but every time he visited he had dreaded the moment when he would see Lanna again. She had never returned his letters. She hadn’t cared enough to keep in contact. Hadn’t he wanted their romance to continue? What was distance compared to the deep love he’d once had for her? He told her years ago that he intended to come back for her. She knew that. He had his degree now and the means to offer her all that she deserved. Why hadn’t she wanted to wait for him?

Or maybe, he thought, glancing at his mother, there had been another reason why. Maybe he ought to find out.

A movement in blue and white caught his attention. There, outside the window, was Lanna, rinsing out her wash buckets at the outside pump. She was bent over her work, scrubbing and washing away, still tall and dainty, the way he remembered her. Warmth flooded his heart along with emotions too vulnerable to name. Time had changed her, just as it had changed him. Quick, easy smiles no longer softened her face. Happiness no longer twinkled in her jewel-blue eyes.

That saddened him. But it was more than sympathy that warmed his heart. More than caring for an old friend. Strange that his old feelings had come back to life after seeing her just once. Sweet memories had also been revived-the exhilaration of taking her on a sleigh ride and being swept across the snow while at her side. The sweetness of her voice, the way she smiled up at him as if he were her dream. The way they talked about everything and nothing at all. She made him feel ten feet tall. He had been endlessly devoted to her-and that devotion had never died.

He remembered the night he had fallen in love with her. She had been wearing a yellow gown and looked as delicate as a yellow rose in wintertime. He had asked her to dance, and when he took her hand, she had taken his heart.

Oh Joe, she had laughed at something he’d said. I could laugh forever with you. You make me feel like I’m waltzing even when we are standing still.

Me, too, he’d said, too full of love for her to say more.

Could he love her still? Or was it too late?

It couldn’t be. He wouldn’t let it be. Joe shot off the couch and out the room, not even taking a second to look over his shoulder when he told his mother he’d be back. He was already out in the hallway toward the back door before his mother had a chance to stop him.

“Joe? Your tea will get cold. Where are you going-”

The outside door slammed shut, cutting her off. He floated down the steps, not feeling the blast of the frigid wind or the bite of snowflakes against his face. “Lanna!”

“Joe!” She whirled from her work. “What are you doing out in this cold without a coat?”

“Good question.” Getting his jacket hadn’t occurred to him. “I have to ask you something before I lose my nerve. Come to the party tonight.”

“Y-your mother’s ball?”

“Yes. With me.” He watched the surprise fade from her heart-shaped face. She had the biggest eyes, so wide and expressive. His pulse gave a nervous skitter as he watched shadows creep into her eyes.

“I can’t. You know I can’t.”

“Why? I’m asking you to come with me, Lanna-” He heard his mother bellowing at the doorstep, calling him in. If she came out here, then Lanna was sure to say no. He had better convince her fast. “Please come. For old time’s sake. For my sake.”

“I-” The shadows changed into something more vulnerable. Hurt crinkled the corners of her eyes. “I can’t say no to you, Joe.”

He smiled. “I know. And I’m using it against you.” He could hear his mother coming closer, scolding him about his coat. “I’ll be waiting for you. Please, don’t let me down.”

He saw the tiniest trace of a smile on Lanna’s face. It was enough to give him hope. An arctic blast of wind hit him like a freight train and he shivered, hurrying back to the house. He prayed it wasn’t too late for a second chance with her. Maybe too much time had passed, but he had to find out. Real love, the kind they had shared, only came around once in a lifetime. Now that he was wise enough to know that, he would do everything in his power not to lose her again.

THREE

Lanna held up her skirts as she picked her way down the walk behind Clarissa Bell and her older sister. The two fashionable girls had chosen not to turn around and say hello, but ambled proudly ahead, talking loudly of their dresses-the latest French style, the finest imported silks and the fashionable hoops that made their skirts hover an inch above the ground like royalty.

I really should turn back. She hesitated at the bottom step. The grand, double-door entrance towered above her, offering a view of the marble and cherrywood foyer. The butler was at the door along with a brigade of servants taking coats and mufflers and expensive furs from the fine guests.

She looked down at her dress, the nicest one she had, kept from better days when she had too many frilly frocks to count, and remembered Joe’s words. I’ll be waiting for you. Please, don’t let me down.

Oh, Joe, I wish I could. Her heart tugged at the kind, honest plea that had been in his eyes-his beautiful eyes. No. Don’t get carried away. She had to remind herself that tonight was for old time’s sake, two old friends coming together to reminisce and exchange news. That was all. Her heart was not in jeopardy. She set her chin and tucked away her feelings. Now, a quick prayer for courage-

“Lanna!” Joe emerged through the doorway, framed by light and graced by the night. Relief showed on his chiseled face as he breezed right by the Bell sisters as if they were invisible. “I had almost begun to think you had let me down.”

“How could I do that?” Seeing him made all her doubts slip away and all the romantic hopes that she’d just tried to quash surge up with the force of a tidal wave. She smiled. “This is the night for auld lang syne. For good old times.”

“So it is.” He towered on the steps above her and held out his hand.

She placed her gloved fingers on his palm and the connection was like the sweet moonlight, silvered and rich. “My parents send their good wishes,” she said.

“I hope you send them mine as well.” He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and led her up the stairs. “They were always good to me. I wish I could have been here to have helped them when they needed it.”

“There was little anyone could do.” She concentrated on taking each step at a time in her last pair of kid slippers. She didn’t want to talk about how hard that time had been. This was a night for celebration, and she and Joe were no longer close. He had his life, worlds apart from what hers had become.

“A good lawyer could have helped them. And I suspect they’re not the only ones who could use legal advice.” Joe led her through the arched doorway and protected her from the crush of people. “It only proves that I’ve made the right decision about my chosen profession.”

“You will make a good lawyer, Joe.”

“I surely hope so. I plan to start looking for a building Monday morning.” He leaned close. “Let me help you with your cloak.”

Her mind jolted to a stop. He was staying in town. That meant he would be living in