But I couldn't help liking John a lot and hating Philip, either.
"We will discuss this when my father is gone. Until then, you will respect my wishes," I told him. "The Indian Chief will be invited here." If I can't get answers, I'll bring the answers to me.
Philip's assured smile faded.
I turned my back on him and returned to John's side.
He slept the entire day. I sat beside him, texting Carter when possible, and holding John's hand when Nell or Philip or a servant or other visitor was present. I barely noticed the passage of the day, until someone came in to light the candles and lanterns around the room.
Nell brought me a small dinner. When finished, I rose and went to the fire, body stiff from sitting still all day. I watched the flames, allowing my mind to roam restlessly. No matter what, I had to get some fresh air in the morning, or I'd go crazy. John was too sick for me to go far.
The well - and the woman I saw falling into it - drifted through my thoughts.
It wasn't the real Josie I saw in the distant memory, but it was someone, possibly one of the girls the sheriff had mentioned. I had been about to pry the wood off the top when he appeared. Nell was likely to be too worried about John to hover around me if I stepped out to the barn for some air.
"Josie, you should rest. Tomorrow, the house will be full. You will have to entertain, and I don't know if you're well enough yet," Nell told me primly. "To bed, child."
I didn't roll my eyes like I wanted to and forced a smile. I had too many questions about what was going on around me, and I wasn't able to stop thinking about the well. And … I was more worried about John than I thought I should be.
I went to my room, grateful that Nell didn't follow. Upon entering, I stretched back to untie the girdle and took a deep breath.
The comfortable room was warmed by the fire with light from lanterns giving it a cozy glow. I found myself smiling, liking the bedroom that technically belonged to a stranger.
I went to the jewelry armoire to replace the necklace Nell insisted I wear this day. I went through the drawers, surprised by the amount of jewelry. It was expensive, too, with each necklace, ring and bracelet laden with precious or semi-precious stones. They were all well cared for and polished without even a fingerprint or smudge showing.