Chapter 8

The next morning, Josie sat in a single-horse buggy next to Alexandre, her embarrassment from the night before still fresh in her mind. The buggy was new, just like Little Falls, with a springy seat and shiny black paint. The small space forced them to sit close together.

It was an entirely new and wonderful feeling to be married.

She looked about the landscape and feasted on the untouched woods and prairies they passed. A long, low-lying bluff jutted out of the prairie to their right, and the Mississippi meandered to their left. The trees along the riverbanks reached toward heaven, unfurling their beautiful leaves like an offering to their Creator. She’d always marveled at nature’s innate worship of God.

This place was a bit of heaven on earth.

“The country here is beautiful,” Alexandre said into the quiet morning air. “I’ve always imagined living in a house along the Mississippi.”

Josie couldn’t hide her surprise—or delight. “I’ve always wanted to live near the river as well.” When they returned to St. Louis, they could find a home on the Mississippi.

Alexandre smiled at her, and she returned the warm smile with one of her own.

“The Belle Prairie Mission isn’t far from here, about four miles.” Alexandre held the reins in his hands with ease, though his back remained rigid. Was he as nervous as she was? “I took the liberty of bringing a picnic lunch for us to eat before we go back to town.”

It would be nice to picnic with him. There were so many things they needed to discuss about LeBlanc Shipping. He appeared to be intelligent and upright, but she needed to know more about the man who would help run her father’s business.

Before long the mission buildings came within sight. To their left sat a large two-story house, with a wide front porch. To the north of the house was a New England–style barn, with pigs and chickens in the barnyard, and to their right was another building, which Josie assumed to be the school and church. Oat and wheat fields stretched out over the horizon, cultivated in the rich prairie soil.

Alexandre brought the buggy to a stop and didn’t move for many moments. Josie turned to him and was caught off guard by the look of wonder on his face.

“It’s taken me a year to travel here, but over twelve years to arrive at this moment.”

Josie remained silent, unsure how to respond.

“I left my parents’ home when I was eighteen to follow God’s calling into ministry.” He stopped for a moment, many emotions playing about his face. “But I allowed other things to get in the way—until now.” He looked at her, amazement in his gaze. “Have you ever felt as if God was smiling on you? That’s how I feel right now.”

A funny sensation prickled up Josie’s spine. What was he saying?

The front door of the mission house opened and an older man and woman stepped onto the porch. They lifted their hands in greeting, and Alexandre nudged the horse into motion.

“Hello,” called the man when they stopped the buggy in front of the house.

Alexandre stepped out of the buggy and offered Josie a hand down. He grinned at her, and she offered a tentative smile in return. What would these people think when they learned about their hasty marriage and change of plans?

“Reverend Dugas, we presume?” the lady asked.

“Yes. And you must be the Greenfields.”

“That’s us.” Mr. Greenfield’s blue eyes shined in his whiskered face. “And who is this young lady?”

Alexandre turned his gaze on Josie, unabashed pride in his brown eyes. “This is my wife, Mrs. Josette Dugas. We were married yesterday.”

“Congratulations,” Mr. Greenfield said. “We had no idea you would be married.”

“I didn’t, either.” Alexandre grinned once again. “Josette, this is Mr. and Mrs. Greenfield, the directors of the Belle Prairie Mission.”

Josie shook their hands. “How do you do?”

“Not as well as you on this fine morning,” Mr. Greenfield said with a chuckle.

“Stop that, Silas.” Mrs. Greenfield swatted at her husband good-naturedly. “Come in and make yourselves at home.”

Josie and Alexandre followed them into an airy parlor and took a seat on one of the sofas. Large windows looked out onto the prairie at one end of the comfortable parlor, and a shiny piano stood at the other end. Colorful rag rugs were scattered about the pine flooring, and fresh-cut wildflowers adorned tables and shelves, making everything feel homey.

“We’re so happy you’ve come to join our little mission family.” Mrs. Greenfield took a seat across from Alexandre and Josie, her eyes gentle. “We feel blessed to have another couple here to help. All of our teachers have married and left, save for one, Miss Smith.

With the influx of immigrants moving into the territory, our school and church have grown, but Mr. Greenfield is no longer able to preach, because of throat troubles.”

Josie looked at Alexandre, hoping he’d stop Mrs. Greenfield. Surely the longer he postponed telling them about the change of plans, the more uncomfortable they would all be. But Alexandre allowed her to continue, and he even smiled, as if encouraging her.

“For now,” Mrs. Greenfield said, “you’re welcome to live with us, until you have a home of your own. We don’t expect you to preach the first week, Reverend Dugas, but if you’re willing, we’re of a mind to hear you soon. It’s been too long since we’ve had a service at the church.”

“Actually, I have a bit of news to share,” Alexandre said. “My plans changed unexpectedly last night.”

Josie let out an inward sigh of relief—finally, he would tell them.

“Oh? What is that?” Mrs. Greenfield’s pleasant gaze didn’t waver as she looked at Alexandre.

He sat a bit straighter and turned his gaze on Josie. “I met Mrs. Dugas last night and learned she was in need of a husband, so we were married.”

The Greenfields’ surprised eyes turned to her, and her cheeks filled with heat. What must they think of her, marrying a stranger?

“I felt God call me to marry her,” Alexandre continued. “But it will require a change in my plans, of which I’m very sorry.”

Mr. Greenfield was the first to speak. “You’ve only just met?”

“Yes. Less than twenty-four hours ago.”

“How interesting,” Mrs. Greenfield said. “Mr. Greenfield and I didn’t know each other before our wedding, either.”

Josie stared at the lady. She understood?

“We were both entering the mission field.” Mrs. Greenfield turned her loving gaze on her husband and took his hand. “We were required to have a spouse, so Mr. Greenfield and I were paired. We married the day we met.” She turned back to Josie and Alexandre. “What God has brought together, let no man put asunder.”

Alexandre and Josie were quiet for a moment, and then Alexandre spoke. “We must return to St. Louis and present our marriage certificate to the judge. We’ll leave on the stagecoach tomorrow morning.”

Josie held her breath to see the Greenfields’ reaction. There was disappointment on their faces, but they didn’t say a word, allowing Alexandre to continue.

“It might take us a week or two to get all of Mrs. Dugas’s affairs in order before we’re able to return to Minnesota Territory. I hope it’s not too much trouble.”

Josie’s eyes grew wide as she swiveled her head to look at Alexandre. What was he saying? She had no intention of returning! Hadn’t she made that clear last night?

“It’s not ideal,” Mr. Greenfield said. “But you must do what is necessary. We’ll look forward to hearing you preach when you return.”

Josie opened her mouth to protest, but the kind looks on Mr. and Mrs. Greenfield’s faces silenced her.