Heart of Gold (A Gold Rush Romance) Read Free

had so many acquaintances that there were more than enough people present to keep the situation morally acceptable. But a small intimate dinner, even with Joe there, would be out of the question.
    Not that anyone would find it strange he had invited her, of course. She often dined at the homes of her students, just as any teacher would. But this was not the same—not to her and, it seemed, not to him either. She needed to find some way out without appearing rude or dismissive of the problem they were attempting to solve. Finally, she lighted on a possibility. “I would love to accept the invitation, but I must check with the family with whom I lodge, Mr. and Mrs. Leach, to see if they will be available to escort me, if that is acceptable.”
    His smile dropped a little, but returned quickly, if more polite than the one before. He nodded. “Of course. I shall expect you tonight, but if you cannot come, we can simply arrange something through Joe. If he ever deigns to speak to me, that is. Otherwise I may be required to come see you again myself.”
    She was unsure she could survive many more encounters like this one, particularly if it was unexpected. The thought of him walking in on her alone at the end of the school day was enough to send her mind spiraling out of control. Before she could completely gather her bearings, he stood and took her hand from where it lay on the desk for a last squeeze. “Thank you again, Miss Crenshaw, for your help in this matter.”
    Then he walked out the door, leaving her alone in the empty room.
    Alice took three deep breaths, trying to get the knots inside her stomach to untwist a little, trying not to picture his arms wrapped tight around her waist, his lips against hers, his hands moving across her body. This was certainly not good and incredibly inappropriate, even if they were nothing more than thoughts and emotions. These sorts of feelings were not an option for a woman in her profession, and here she was falling for this man like a green girl, picturing clandestine meetings between the two of them. Damn and double-damn.
    She laughed, her voice echoing back to her. She could not imagine what the school board would do if they could read her thoughts. Between the swearing and the carnal images flashing so vividly through her mind, it would be a miracle if she made it out of town alive.
    Occasional reminders from the school board that she needed to adhere to the rules, using the primers and rote memorization instead of rhyming games and what they called “playing” were nothing compared to what would happen if she performed any one of the activities running through her mind.
    Alice stood up, resolved. She would take part in a quick chaperoned meal at the man’s house, figure out how to assist him and Joe, and then avoid the attractive Mr. Lancaster as much as possible. It was a simple enough plan.
     
    A few hours later, Alice found herself in front of the large home which Joe had shared with his parents. His father, before he passed, had owned property in Shasta and rented out several gold-mining stakes to miners, and their house reflected their prosperity. It was outside of town, necessitating the use of a carriage, and sat alone, as stately as any of the biggest and oldest homes in the center of Shasta. It was large and white, like the others, but friendlier, somehow. She had always liked this home, found it beautiful and pleasant, but this time the sight was distressing rather than soothing.
    Her stomach curled into itself as she alighted from the carriage and walked up the wide porch steps arm-in-arm with her chaperone, Mrs. Leach. The older woman was still quite spry enough to take the stairs on her own, but Alice appreciated the contact and attempted to take strength from the presence of this woman who was so much like a mother to her.
    Alice attempted to feel her calm and collected demeanor throughout her body rather than just wearing it on her face, but it did no good. She