Chapter 4:

Joey drank her sweet tea, thinking about what had just happened. Jen and Pacey were watching her curiously. Joey looked so lost in thought they were afraid to disturb her.

"OH MY GOSH!" Joey exclaimed.

"What?"

Joey looked at Jen, the girl sounded panicked. "I didn't mean to startle you," Joey smiled. "I just remembered something. I know that guy."

"What guy, Mr. Lexington?"

"Yes. He and I went to the same school. I never really talked to him, but he would always stare at me, it made me uncomfortable. I wonder what he's doing here?"

This memory just seemed to pop up in Joey's head, much the same way her name and the fact that she was a schoolteacher did. Where these suppressed memories were coming from Joey didn't know, but they definitely came in handy.

"I don't know, perhaps he's following you," Pacey suggested.

"Do you really think so?" Joey asked. "That makes my skin crawl."

"Don't worry Joey, I will make sure that he stays away from you, if you're the reason he came down here. Maybe he was just passing through, or perhaps he's got a job down here now."

"You're right. I can't jump to any conclusions. I will have to wait and see, but that doesn't mean I have to like it."

"Of course not, and if the man really did come down here to start some trouble, he'll have to go though me."

"Pacey, are you trying to earn your wings?"

"Wings?"

Pacey was confused. What kind of wings could Joey be talking about?

Joey rolled her eyes. "Angel wings, doofus." The word slipped out before Joey could stop it.

"Doofus? I've never heard that word before. What does it mean?"

Joey groaned. Why can she never learn to keep her mouth shut? "It means, someone who is foolish, or stupid, or incompetent."

Joey blushed a deep red. She hadn't meant for that to come out of her mouth, not only was it a word from her time, but she had just insulted Pacey Worthington, the man who saved her life.

Much to Joey's surprise Pacey laughed. "That is a wonderful word. I like how you are not afraid to misbehave Miss Preston. Most women try to act so proper; you can tell that they are being fake. But not you, you behave normally, I admire that about you."

"Thank you. I really didn't mean to insult you though, I don't know what came over me."

"Please, don't apologize, I got a kick out of it, and besides they are only words. Words don't hurt."

"I have to disagree there," Jen said. "Words can hurt, sometimes more so then something physically happening to you."

"I agree with Jen. Being physically hurt is bad, but words can cut deeper then a wound a lot of times."

Pacey nodded. He did not know from personal experience, but he assumed that the two lovely women in front of him have, and he would take their word for it.

"So ladies, may I escort you anywhere else?"

"I think I'm going to head back and check on Grams, but why don't you show Joey the water. I had a very nice afternoon, thank you for the tea Mr. Worthington."

"You're welcome Miss Liton. Can we walk you back to the school house?"

"That would be fine."

Pacey held open the door for the women. Joey glared at Jen the minute they stepped out the door. "What are you playing at?" she hissed.

"Joey, just spend the day with him, get to know him. You like him I can tell. You've been blushing all afternoon, and he can't take his eyes off of you, so just go, take in the sights, and enjoy the company of a very handsome man."

Joey rolled her eyes. "Fine, but you owe me big for this."

Jen smiled. She knew that Joey would be thanking her before long. The sparks between the two of them were intense. Jen could even feel them it was insane. There was no way that she was going to allow those two to not get together, and she vowed to make it her mission to succeed in seeing them married one day.

Pacey once again offered his arms to the two women. Jen nudged Joey inclining her head toward Pacey. Joey took a deep breath and accepted his offered arm. Jen politely declined, smiling at the picture Joey and Pacey made. They complimented one another's looks. Both were tall, Joey just a few inches shorter then Pacey, her head would fit perfectly into the crook of his neck. The two looked almost regal walking down the street together, and were gathering many stares. Jen was pleased with herself.

Joey looked up, noticing the glares that she was getting from many women. She groaned, looking back down at the ground.

"What's wrong?" Pacey asked, concerned.

"Nothing."

"Jo, something is bothering you. I can tell, you groaned."

Joey laughed she couldn't help it. "So just because I groaned something is bothering me?"

"It wasn't a good groan Joey, I can tell the difference. Something is upsetting you, so tell me what it is. Please?"
Joey sighed. "Look up Pacey. Just look up and take in all the faces."

Pacey did as Joey asked, and noticed the glares that he and Joey were getting, not only from the females but quite a few from the males as well. Apparently Miss Preston was quite popular among the young men of Charleston.

"I see what you mean, but Joey don't that that bother you. People are bound to be jealous. I'm considered the town's most eligible bachelor, or some such nonsense. I don't even know how that started, and you sweet Joey, are a beautiful woman. The men standing around on the street are drilling holes in my head with their eyes."

Joey looked up quickly. She hadn't noticed the men before. What was she getting herself into? Was this what she really needed right now? She was not going to deny that Pacey Worthington was a handsome man, maybe a little too handsome for his own good, but she was attracted to him. Every time Joey got near him her heart would start to pound, and her mouth would get dry. Why did he have this kind of effect on her?

Joey smiled despite herself. She had never been considered one of the beautiful, popular, people in school, so this attention was kind of nice. Joey wasn't the type of person who needed attention, in fact she usually shied away from it, but there was something about being stared at while on the arm of Pacey Worthington that seemed almost appealing.

Pacey noticed the smile, but didn't comment on it. He didn't want to ruin the sudden moment that settled over the two of them. Never before had he felt about a woman the way he felt about Josephine Preston. She was not only beautiful, but smart and not afraid to speak her mind. Pacey admired that about her.

"Well, here we are. Mr. Worthington thank you for the tea. Make sure that Joey is home by dark, that's when supper is, and you are more then welcome to stay as well."

"Thank you Miss Liton, I will consider your offer. You are most welcome for the tea, you were lovely company."

Joey chuckled at the two of them she couldn't help it. It was a sign of the times to be polite to the point of being annoying, but Joey wasn't used to it, and it made her laugh. Both Jen and Pacey looked at Joey like she had four heads, which only served to make Joey laugh harder.

Pacey didn't know what Joey was laughing at, but the sound made his breath catch in his throat. She seemed to sparkle when she laughed. It had taken Pacey completely off guard he hadn't expected it.

"See you later Jo."

"Bye Jen," Joey managed to get out between her laughter.

"What do you find so funny Miss Preston?"

"The politeness. I'm sorry, it just sounds so forced and fake most of the time, and it makes me laugh."

Pacey smiled. "You do have a point. Sometimes it's too tedious, having to be polite all the time."

"I imagine. Well I hereby give you permission to not have to worry about being polite with me. After all I have already insulted you today, I say reap what you soe."

"You are a strange one Josephine, but I like that about you."

Joey blushed. "Thank you, but what have I told you about calling me Josephine. That's twice you've done it. I didn't comment on the first one, thinking perhaps it slipped, do it again, and I will have to physically hurt you."

Joey said this with a smile, so Pacey knew she wasn't being entirely serious, but he make a note to never call her Josephine again, even though he loved the name.

"I forgot, I'm sorry. I will try to remember."

"Miss Preston, it really is you isn't it!" an excited voice yelled.

Joey groaned. He even sounded like Dawson. Why? Why did fate have to be so cruel?

"Mr. Lexington right?" Pacey said, stopping he and Joey, as Dawson had jumped in their way.
"That's right. And you are again?"

"Pacey Worthington."

"I've heard a lot about you since I've come into town. It seems you've saved dear Miss Preston's life when she arrived. I must thank you for that; I would have been distraught if anything had happened to her. And rumor has it you are quite the rich bachelor."

"So the rumor mills like to say. Yes I did save Miss Preston's life the day she arrived, an errant carriage was speeding down the street, she would have surly been killed had I not pulled her out of the way. As for being rich, I do have to admit that's true, although it's old family money, most of it."

"You are not a bachelor then?"

"Well that depends on who you ask," Pacey said looking at Joey.

Joey's head had snapped up when Pacey said that. What was he playing at; she knew he was not married. Did he have a girlfriend? She realized he was looking at her with questioning eyes. Did he mean she needed to answer this question? Oh boy, what was she going to do?

Dawson noticed Pacey looking at Josephine, his Josephine! This was not acceptable. The man was a cad, Dawson could tell, and he needed to be put into his place.

Joey looked up and saw that look on Mr. Lexington's face. It was the same look her Dawson had constantly had on his face the past two weeks. This determined look, a look that usually went along with his 'we ARE soul mates lecture," a look Joey had hoped to never see again.

"Well, who should I ask?" Dawson asked, being polite.

"I think you'd have to ask me Mr. Lexington. I can tell you that Mr. Worthington is not a bachelor."

"And you know this how?"

"Because he is courting me, and I have accepted his courtship."

Pacey's smile could have lit up the darkest of nights. Josephine Preston had agreed to allow him to court her! His dreams were slowly coming true.

Dawson saw red. What was she playing at? Did she not remember the connection that they shared at college?

"Josephine, you cannot accept this cad's courtship. We are courting."

Pacey looked at Joey. She cringed.

"I recall you wanting to court me Mr. Lexington, and I also remember refusing you. You however did not get the hint. That is why I accepted this job in Charleston, to get away from you. How did you mange go find me?"

"I stopped by your home, and you sister Bessie told me where you'd gone."

"I told her to tell no one! Why would she tell you?"

Again, clips of memories were coming to Joey, for which she was happy. She needed to know about Josephine Preston's past, at least somewhat in order to survive in this time. At least Fate was being kind enough to give her this information when it was needed.

"I told her we were old friends from school, and she told me you had accepted a job down here. She's sad that you left Boston you know, but proud of you as well."

Joey groaned. How very typical Dawson, thinking he knew so much about her.

"You lied to my sister, to find my whereabouts! That is sneaky and deceitful! You made me uncomfortable while in school, and you are doing it again now. Please just leave Mr. Lexington."

"We had a connection in Boston Josephine, I know you felt it. Don't push me away, we are soul mates!"

"UGH! I am not, nor will I ever be your SOUL MATE! I loath that word."

Joey slid her hand down Pacey's arm, threading her fingers though his. "Pacey, I think I just want to go back home if you don't mind. We can talk a walk by the water another day."

"That's fine Jo. Come on, my carriage is at the livery; it's about a block away from here. Mr. Lexington," Pacey said, tipping his hat.
"Josephine!"

"Mr. Lexington!" Pacey snapped. "You are not on good enough terms to call Miss Preston by her first name. I would remind you to use your manners where she is concerned or you will be dealing with me. I also need you to remember that I have made my intentions toward Miss Preston known, and she has accepted my courtship. You are not to come anywhere near her with out a chaperone, and that is only if she wants to accept your company."

With that Pacey led Joey away from where Dawson was standing, walking toward the livery. Joey smiled, it felt nice to have Pacey stand up for her, but had she just admitted to allowing him to court her? She was asking for trouble.

Pacey helped Joey into the carriage. He was confused on a few things, why this Dawson Lexington character felt that Joey belonged to him, and whether or not she was serious about him courting her.

The two sat opposite one another, much like the day they had when he drove her back into town after her incident.

"Master Worthington!" an out of breath servant called, stopping beside the carriage.

"Yes, Ethan, what's wrong."

"Somtin' very wrong. Gotta gat 'ome ri' quick sir."

"Joey, we've got to get to the Plantation quickly. I'm sorry, I will try to get you home by dark. Ethan, run to the schoolhouse and tell Mrs. Ryan that Miss Preston is with me back at the Plantation, explain why we had to rush there, and promise them that I will have her home as soon as possible."

"Yes'ir Master Worthington"

Ethan ran off toward the schoolhouse while Victor drove the carriage back toward the plantation. Pacey was full of nervous energy. What could have happened? Was someone hurt, did the house catch fire? Had someone died? He wouldn't know until he got there but the suspense was going to kill him.

Joey reached across the seats and placed a comforting hand on his knee. He looked up at her and smiled weakly.

"I'm sure we'll get there and things will be fine Pace. Take some deep breaths and try to calm down. If you stay this worked up, you won't be any good to anyone."

"You're right. I need to get my mind off this. We'll be back at the plantation in no time, and worrying myself over this is going to make me sick."

Pacey patted the seat next to him. Joey regarded both the seat and the man before sitting in the offered seat. She figured what harm could come from sitting next to Pacey, she had already agreed to allow him to court her, hadn't she? This came with the territory.

"I have a question to ask you," Pacey said, tracing her hand with his index finger.

"Ok," Joey said, trying to concentrate on breathing. Pacey's finger was distracting her.

"Were you serious about our courtship, or were you just saying that so Mr. Lexington would leave you alone?"

Joey thought about it for a minute. Was she serious? Pacey was handsome, and he made her feel things that she'd never felt before, but did she want to entertain a relationship with this man?

"At first I think it slipped out of my mouth because I wanted Dawson to leave me alone, but walking to the livery, and now riding in the carriage with you, I think I was being totally serious."

Pacey smiled. "I think Miss Preston that I just might have to kiss you."

Joey's breath hitched. "I think Mr. Worthington I would be sorely disappointed if you didn't."

Pacey leaned forward, touching his lips to Joey's softly. Electric currents seemed to be shooting though Joey's body. She felt alive for the first time in a long time. A burning started in the pit of her stomach, and warmth slowly flooded every one of her senses. Pacey traced her lips with his tongue, and Joey opened her mouth allowing him the access he so desired.

Joey moaned into Pacey's mouth. She felt like she was drowning, but at the same time had no desire to come up for air. Pacey wrapped his arm around Joey's slender waist and dragged her onto his lap. She straddled his hips, as well as the dress allowed, deepening the kiss more. Pacey groaned, his fingers sliding into Joey's hair, the silky stands tickling his fingers.

The carriage stopped in front of the Plantation, causing Joey and Pacey to move apart. Chests heaving, they looked into one another's eyes. Joey could see the depth of emotions swirling in Pacey's eyes. He loved her, she could see it plainly, and she knew that her eyes mirrored his. How was it possible that she could love him after only knowing him for such a short period of time? Joey wasn't sure, but she was certain that she loved Pacey Worthington.

"I would love to stay in here and ravage you, but I need to see what the fuss is about."

"I know, and as much as I'd love to stay in here as well, you do have responsibilities. I'll hold you to finishing this at a later date though."

Pacey laughed, kissing Joey's lips quickly. "You are a remarkable woman Josephine."

Joey opened her mouth to protest the use of her full name, but Pacey silenced her with another kiss, leaving her head spinning. Besides, the way he said Josephine sounded more like and endearment then anything else.

Pacey slid Joey back onto the seat and climbed out of the carriage, offering his hand to Joey. She accepted is assistance and together they went to see what had happened at the plantation.