She gritted her teeth. So he didn’t approve of her training either. “In what way does my being a woman—?”
“Miss Duncan was just talking about training, and I believe she has some questions for you, Jack.” Clark rose to his feet and ushered Warren away. “Let’s give them a moment to talk.”
Mattie held in a growl of frustration as the two men walked away. Why had Clark stopped her from correcting Warren’s views? Did he, too, believe a woman had no place in a fire station? She would certainly enjoy setting them all straight.
“You have questions about training?” Jack asked.
“Indeed.” She returned her attention to Jack, her lingering exasperation stiffening her spine. “I’m wondering how long I’ll be limited to physical training. While I’m building my strength, couldn’t we go over the other aspects of firefighting? Like the dangers of entering a burning building or how to maintain the equipment?”
His blue eyes narrowed. “Physical strength is the most important issue to address right now, and until I see you’ve made significant progress, I see no reason to show you anything else.”
Of course. His response wasn’t a surprise. His goal was to convince her to quit, and now that she’d complained about the rigors of his training sessions, she could only expect more of the same every time she returned to the station. Not that it would do him any good. Hard labor wouldn’t dissuade her from her purpose. She would become a proper firefighter and win his heart at the same time.
He searched her face, a hopeful glint in his eyes. “You’re not having second thoughts about becoming a firefighter, are you?”
“Of course not.” His resulting frown cut her to the quick. Be patient, Mattie. She merely needed more time to prove herself. After all, she’d only begun training with Jack a week ago.
An awkward silence fell between them.
She rose to her feet to stand beside him. “I’m surprised to see you at this dinner party.”
“Clark asked me to come,” he replied a little too quickly.
She sidled a bit closer. “Does he frequently ask you to attend events like this?”
Jack frowned. “Not particularly. He knows I’m not keen on dinner parties and such.”
“Then why did you agree this time?”
His stare connected with hers for a moment before darting away, his face reddening. Oh. Had he come here because of her? Any remaining frustration melted away in a pool of warmth. This would most likely be a good time to flirt, be bold. Unfortunately, while being bold could be managed, flirting wasn’t in her nature. Perhaps if she were a better flirt, Jack would already be hers. Still, maybe she should try, but what should she say? She clasped her hands together and inhaled a deep breath, gathering her courage.
She attempted a coy smile. “You came here for me? Are you afraid someone will snatch me away?”
“You’re mistaken. I didn’t come here because of you.” He gave a snort even as his cheeks reddened all the more.
Liar. A laugh bubbled up, but she held it in, barely. “How did you know I’d be here?”
Jack cleared his throat. “Clark mentioned it to me.”
Clark knew she’d be here? Her stomach twisted. He hadn’t been told of her mother’s desire for them to meet, had he? How embarrassing. No, judging by his mother’s rather cool reception, she never would have agreed to bring them together if she knew Mother’s intent. In fact, she’d probably warned Clark to keep his distance.
Mattie released a long exhale and scanned the room. “I wish I hadn’t been forced to come here. I don’t fit in.”
Jack cast her a questioning look.
“For instance, I’m sensing that everyone disapproves of my gown. It seems what I’m wearing isn’t suitable,” she admitted. Although she kept telling herself their censure didn’t bother her, her shoulders drooped.
Jack’s gaze swept over her in a leisurely perusal that made her pulse skip. “Ignore them. You look beautiful,” he assured her.
Those few words stole her breath, and the admiration in his eyes … Was the room growing stuffy, or was the rise in temperature just her?
“Dinner is served,” the butler announced from the doorway.
“Shall we?” Jack offered her his arm. “I’ve been charged with escorting you to dinner.”
“By whom?”
“Who else? Our hostess.”
Ah, further proof that Mrs. Whitman had never intended to let Mother’s plan come to fruition. Jack had likely been invited to this gathering for the purpose of escorting their unwanted guest. Which was fine with her. She preferred his company anyway.
She took his arm. The feel of his strong muscles made her gloved fingertips tingle. This dinner was turning out better than she’d imagined.
They followed the flow of guests to the dining room. Once there, they searched for the place cards indicating where they were to sit. As expected, they were placed toward the middle of the long table, well away from their esteemed host and hostess. Jack would take the spot to her left while Warren Hightower had the seat to her right.
Mattie lowered herself onto her chair. A formal place setting was spread out before her. While her mother had insisted she learn the use for each utensil, plate, and glass, she vowed to watch what others were using for each course. If she embarrassed her sister, the news would reach her mother, who would surely ring a peal over her head, yet again.
After all ladies were seated, the gentlemen followed suit. The memory of Warren’s words hinting that women couldn’t be firefighters came back with a flourish. She supposed, given the setting, she should let the matter go. But he was a firefighter at the same station. If they didn’t come to an understanding, how could they work together in the future?
As the soup course was served, Mattie curbed her desire to lecture Warren on a woman’s abilities and, instead, removed her gloves, placing them beneath the napkin she set in her lap. She tasted her soup, a savory seafood bisque, as she gathered her thoughts. Perhaps a different approach would yield better results. She turned toward Warren and pasted a friendly smile on her face. “Mr. Hightower, how do you like being a fireman?”
“It pays pretty well,” he answered gruffly, then took a drink of his sherry.
Earning an income was all well and good, but the job had more benefits than that. “You also have the opportunity to save lives and potentially rescue businesses from financial ruin. There must be a satisfaction in that.” Although her fondness for Jack had inspired her to become a firefighter, her reasons for continuing on that path had grown. She now strove to prove a woman’s capabilities and help people along the way. She opened her mouth to tell him so when he interrupted.
“It’s dangerous work, hard work. Not something a woman should be involved in.”
Her fingers tightened around her spoon in irritation and dread. How many firefighters at the station felt the same way? She had yet to meet the rest of the team. What if they refused to work with her? “Women are more capable than you think.”
Warren’s disapproving gaze settled on her. “Firefighting is more difficult than you think.”
She set her spoon to the side and rolled her shoulders back. “If I’m willing to make the attempt, shouldn’t you be willing to give me a chance to prove myself?”