Chapter Nine
When Val came downstairs to the table for breakfast, her disturbing night must have shown on her face because Julianna asked, “Did you not sleep well?”
Val told the truth. “No.”
Drake, who was at the table, too, viewed her with concern.
“I can send Drake for the doctor if you’re ill. Do you want to spend the day in bed?”
“No. Sable is coming to get me later. I’m just a bit sleepy. I’ll feel better by the time she arrives.”
Neither LeVeq appeared convinced, but she ignored that and silently added the breakfast offerings of sausage, eggs, and grits to her plate. As Drake continued to assess her, she said, “I’m fine, Drake.”
“You wouldn’t lie about being ill, would you,cheri?”
The gentle sincerity in his tone knocked down another one of the barriers she had in place against him. “No. I had a bad dream. That’s all.”
She could tell he had more questions, so she tried to reassure him. “There’s no need to worry. Please, eat your breakfast, I’ll be fine.”
He observed her for a few more seconds, then complied.
To change the subject, she asked Julianna, “What time will your husband be arriving? Does Little Reba need my assistance with any of the preparations?”
Julianna shook her head. “No. It will just be family, so she won’t need any additional help with things. He’s scheduled to arrive by boat at one. Mr. Doolittle and I will meet him at the docks. So excited to have him home again.”
“What time is dinner?” Drake asked.
“Seven at the latest. What are your plans for the day?”
“Working on my house.”
“Can you save Sable a trip and drop Valinda off at her place on your way? I’m sure Sable would appreciate not having to drive over. Is that okay with you, Valinda?”
Val swore Julianna was subtly trying to put them together, but she was too polite to voice the accusation. “As long as it doesn’t take Drake out of his way.”
“It won’t.”
“Then, thank you in advance.”
“You’re welcome.”
After breakfast, Drake said to her, “I’ll saddle my horse and meet you outside.”
Once he’d departed, Julianna asked, “Did your intended say where he would be staying when he and his partner arrived?”
She’d shared the wire with Julianna. “No.”
“I suppose his early return means you won’t be able to teach Sable’s children.”
“I’m hoping to convince him to start his newspaper here in New Orleans.”
“You don’t want to return home?”
She shook her head.
“Do you think he’ll agree?”
“I’ve no way of knowing.”