Chapter 15

Josie sat behind her father’s massive oak desk and stared absently out the window overlooking the bustling docks along the Mississippi. Her forefinger traced the edge of a stack of invoices, while her mind traced the memories from the past couple of months. Always, she returned to the image of Alexandre, preaching from the pulpit on the Northern Star.

It had been three weeks since Alexandre had left, and Josie had done nothing but work. She had mistakenly thought she could bury herself in her work to forget about him, but she soon realized there was nothing that could distract her from the aching void left in his wake.

Her father’s business was running smoothly, though she left most of the daily interactions in the hands of her general manager, Mr. Thompkins. She stayed in the office for hours on end, telling herself she was exactly where she had wanted to be.

A knock at the door startled Josie from her reverie. “Come in.”

“I never thought you’d actually do it.”

Josie stared at the blond-haired lady who poked her head into the office.

“Ruth!” Josie rose from her chair, incredulous. “What are you doing here?”

Ruth entered the office, a grin on her familiar face. “Mr. Ashcroft and I are on our way to the goldfields in California.”

“The goldfields?”

“We’re going to take our chances out west. Since we’re in St. Louis for a few days gathering supplies, I thought I’d say hello.”

Josie came around her desk and embraced her old friend. “I’m so glad you did.”

Ruth hugged her back but pulled away to frown at Josie. “What are you doing in St. Louis?”

“What do you mean? You knew I was going to manage my father’s business.”

“I didn’t think you’d actually go through with your plans after marrying Mr. Dugas. Why didn’t you go back to Belle Prairie with him?” Ruth took a seat and set her reticule in her lap. “Mr. Ashcroft and I crossed his path the day he arrived in Little Falls. I was shocked to see him alone.”

“It’s actually quite simple.” Josie sat and rested her hands on top of the desk, trying to convince herself. “Alexandre was called to preach at Belle Prairie and I was called to manage my father’s business.”

“But you’re still married?” Ruth’s brows came together, clearly confused.

“Yes.”

“I don’t understand. Aren’t you concerned about what God thinks?”

God? Josie blinked several times before she spoke. “What about God?”

“Marriage is a sacred trust, between a man, a woman, and God. He intended marriage to bring a couple together, to make them one—not to live separate lives.”

Josie was silent as she contemplated Ruth’s words.

“Why did you stay here?” Ruth asked quietly.

“To honor my father’s legacy.”

Ruth tilted a brow. “I mean no disrespect, Miss Josie—but your father is in glory, singing with the angels and dancing with your mama—but Mr. Dugas is still very much here on earth—and he’s not singing or dancing with anyone.” She leaned forward. “Last time I saw him, I said to Mr. Ashcroft, ‘I’ve never seen a more miserable soul.’”

Alexandre was miserable? Josie’s own pain increased at the knowledge. Her father had been miserable because of Celeste.… Was Josie now responsible for inflicting misery upon her own husband? How had she not realized?

She looked about the office, her eyes trailing over the things her father had collected as a fur trader. He had been happiest in Minnesota, with her birth mother, and had only come to St. Louis when he thought it a better life for Josie. But it hadn’t been a better life—for either of them. Wouldn’t Father want her to be with the man she loved, free from Celeste and the life that had brought both of them so much heartache?

Josie’s eyes wandered back to Ruth, and it was as if she could see clearly for the first time in her life. “I’ve wanted so desperately to prevent Celeste from having control, that I sacrificed everything to become a slave to my father’s business.” She waved her hand around the room. “My father wouldn’t want me stuck here in this stuffy office, fighting to keep Celeste away from LeBlanc Shipping. He would be happy knowing I was with the man I loved.” She stood, her heart beating rapidly. “Celeste and Stephen may come in here and take over if I’m not here to stop them, but they can no longer hurt my papa. He’s long done with this earthly life—but I’m not.”

In giving up control of the business, she would be gaining control of her life.

Ruth scooted to the edge of her seat. “What will you do?”

Josie picked up her hat and put it on her head. “I’m going to Belle Prairie, to be with my husband.”

Ruth jumped to her feet. “You’ll need a companion to travel with.”

Josie stuck her hat pin in place and stopped. It would be foolish to travel alone—but who would go with her?

“If you’re looking for a maid, my sister Roxanne is looking for a husband.…”

Josie laughed and threw her arms around Ruth. “Could she be ready to leave in the morning?”

“I can guarantee it.”

“Good! Have her meet me here tomorrow before sunrise.”

Ruth squeezed Josie’s hand. “I’m happy for you, Miss Josie.”

Josie stopped suddenly and felt a deep peace overwhelm her soul. “Ruth, have you ever felt like God was smiling on you?”

Ruth grinned. “I have, indeed—and I think you have, too.”

It would be a long week aboard another steamboat, but the reward at the end of the journey would be worth the wait.

Josie was going home to Belle Prairie—and to Alexandre.