Chapter Twenty-Four

The day of Etta’s Christmas party arrived. Taryn spent the afternoon trying to decide what to wear. She stood before her clothes cabinet, a perplexed frown marking her brow.

Jared poked his head into the bedroom. Taryn stood in the same stance before the clothes cabinet as she’d been doing for the last half hour. “Perhaps the recent delivery for you will help your decision.”

“What delivery?” She tore her gaze away from the clothes.

“The one from Marie’s dress shop.”

“I didn’t order anything from Marie’s.”

“I did.”

Her pleasure radiated in her eyes. “You ordered something for me?”

“You find it unusual? You are my wife. We do have a party to attend this evening, don’t we?”

“Yes, but…”

He walked into the bedroom, holding up a ball gown.

Taryn remembered the shimmering satin material she admired now crafted into the exquisite gown before her eyes. “How did you know?”

“Marie told me how you’d spent a day in her shop, and of the materials you found to your liking.”

“Jared, thank you.” Her voice cracked. She swiped at the tears spilling from her eyes.

He held the gown aside, accepting her hug in enjoyment. When he saw her attired in the gown, he’d never seen any woman lovelier. “You are beautiful, Taryn.”

“I’ve never felt more beautiful.” Walking up to Jared, she straightened his tie then smoothed her hands over the black jacket flattering his broad shoulders. “The way I feel is your doing.”

He accepted the compliment. He kissed the corner of her mouth. “Are you sure you want to attend the party?”

She pressed her palms against his chest to deter him, “We both want to attend. Besides, Etta would be hurt if we didn’t come.”

“We could arrive late.”

“We’re already dressed.”

“A condition easily corrected.” His fingers reached for the fastenings to her gown.

She whirled away from him in playfulness. “You have to wait.” She gave him an impish grin with a haughty toss of her head. “Anyway, I don’t like being rushed.”

“I’ll remember, Mrs. King.”

Her heart skipped a beat, her eyes shining with love.

Festooned with decorations befitting the Christmas season, Etta Briggs welcomed her guests into her home. By the time they arrived, the party had begun.

Taryn praised Etta on her dazzling ensemble. Her hair, with its becoming touches of gray, was fashioned in an exquisite chignon. Her emerald gown complemented her figure.

“I feel as if the party can truly start now you’ve arrived,” Etta greeted. “Your parents and relatives have arrived, Taryn. So, have Luke and Anita…well, everyone’s here. Go in. I’ll talk with you later. I’ve promised Sam Hennessey the next dance.”

Taryn stiffened when they walked into the ballroom. Several heads turned in their direction. The whispering ensued. Jared squeezed her waist to provide reassurance. She smiled holding her head up as they walked through the crowd. Let them whisper.

The staring bystanders no doubt expecting, and hoping, to see some sort of confrontation between her parents and Jared were surprised to see her mother and father warmly greet him. The onlookers gaped in disbelief when Jared escorted her mother to the dance floor while she and her father walked to the dance floor beside them.

The evening progressed with a supper for the guests followed by more dancing. Taryn found the supper and subsequent dancing a relaxing influence on her. She participated in a dance where, at various intervals in the music, the couples changed partners. She partnered with Walt Adam, his steps light for such a large man as he swirled her around. When the music changed, she found herself in the arms of Marcus Rhodes.

“Good evening, Mrs. King.”

Her smile vanished. An uncomfortable tension replaced her previous enjoyment.

“Do you know, Mrs. King, after your visit the other day, I came across the oddest thing.” Marcus spun her around in the dance.

She stared at the marshal, dread filling her senses. She struggled to keep her panic from showing.

“I found a piece of paper retained in a specific file inexplicably on the floor as though dropped.”

Taryn steadied her breath. She’d dropped something out of the file? The marshal knew she’d been in his desk drawers. She strained to appear disinterested. “Papers do have a tendency to get mislaid, Marshal. You shouldn’t be so harsh on yourself.”

Marcus grinned. “Perhaps you’re right, Mrs. King. Papers do get mislaid, primarily when we’re in a hurry.”

She wanted the dance to conclude so she could be out of the marshal’s arms.

“Have I discerned the true reason for your visit to my office, Mrs. King?”

Marcus was enjoying her discomfiture.

“Did I interrupt you too soon?”

“I don’t know what you mean.” She scanned the room for Jared.

“I think you do. Now, how much credit do you think people would place on the alibi you provided your husband if it were known you were responsible for attempting to sabotage the murder investigation? Breaking into my files to destroy possible evidence?”

“It isn’t true! There was no evidence or…” Taryn snapped her mouth shut, furious with herself for letting her anger cause her to admit to the marshal’s suspicions.

“Ah. Confession is a wonderful thing. Perhaps you can convince your husband to do the same.”

The change of music spared her the necessity to respond. Andrew Donahue stepped in as her next partner. She felt as though she were going to be ill. She apologized to Andrew, rushing from the dance floor. She hadn’t seen Jared on the dance floor. She needed to find him. Hurrying out of the ballroom, Taryn frantically turned down the hall searching the faces of the guests. Seeing Jared walking out of the living room, she called out his name, rushing to his side.

Jared caught her in his arms, concern written on his face. “What’s wrong?”

“I need to talk to you.”

He led her to the small sitting room at the far end of the hall. Closing the doors behind them, he made Taryn sit. Taking a place next to her, he took her hand in his. “What’s happened to cause the state you’re in?”

“The marshal. He knows I was in his files. He’s going to spread it around town that I went through his things to destroy evidence proving you killed Dean Breck. He implied you should confess to the murder. You were right. I should never have interfered. I’ve made things worse.”

“Taryn, you haven’t made things worse. The marshal is beginning to panic. He wanted to frighten you, and he succeeded. He has no evidence. Even if he spreads another rumor, it will only be one more. Nothing has changed.”

She verged on hyperventilating. “But it will. Jared, tomorrow ends the week. Miguel Ramirez will arrive, and then…”

“And then, we’ll deal with the situation,” he finished. “Taryn, this is new to you, but I’ve lived with this type of pursuit for five years. The best way to get through is to address matters as they occur, not before. Will you try?”

She took a shuddering breath, nodding. He was concerned about what lay ahead, but if he could remain calm, she would too.

When they returned to the ballroom, Anita pulled her aside. “I managed to talk with Andrew.”

Taryn held up her hand, remembering her promise to Jared. “No, don’t tell me.”

“What do you mean? Why wouldn’t I tell you? You’re the one who talked me into it. Don’t you want to know what I found out?”

“I do want to know, but I can’t. I promised Jared I wouldn’t interfere anymore.”

“When did you promise?”

“Last night.”

“But you asked me to do this yesterday afternoon so it doesn’t count.” Seeing a certain logic in Anita’s thought process, Taryn made an exception. “True.”

“Andrew told me he doesn’t know of anyone expected to arrive in town. I must have sounded like an imbecile. When he asked me who he and the marshal might be expecting I said, ‘someone.’ If the marshal is expecting this Miguel Ramirez, he hasn’t said a word to his own sheriff. Don’t you think it odd?”

“What are you two whispering about?”

Both Anita and Taryn jumped, uttering a startled cry at the sound of Luke’s voice. When Taryn turned to see Jared with him, she couldn’t hide her guilty expression.

“She didn’t break her promise, Jared,” Anita assured him, giving Taryn away. “I found something out and told her.” Anita proceeded to tell the two what she’d learned.

Jared shook his head, turning to Luke. “Anita seems no better than Taryn when it comes to containing her curiosity.”

“We do have our troubles, don’t we?” Luke took Anita’s hand, escorting her onto the dance floor.

Taryn grasped Jared’s arm. “I want you to do something for me.”

“Anything.”

“I want you to promise me you’ll talk to Andrew tonight about everything you know.”

Jared shook his head in refusal.

“I know you don’t trust him, but if you trust me, you’ll talk to him.”

He groaned. “You’re throwing my own words back in my face.”

“I’m not asking you to do this out of spite. I think you two can solve this if you work together.”

He nodded, apprehensive of the conversation with the sheriff.

Jared scanned the ballroom in search of Andrew Donahue. Seeing him coming off the dance floor with Madeline Ashford, he made his way across the room. “Mr. Donahue, I wonder if I might have a word with you in private.”

Andrew agreed. The two headed out of the room to the study.

Jared found it difficult to begin the conversation. The sheriff leaned an elbow on the back of a leather chair waiting. Facing him, Jared came to the point. “I’ve been told you can be trusted. I’m sure you’ll understand my reluctance in giving such trust to any lawman. Before I go into any detail, I need to know where you stand in your belief of my alleged responsibility of Dean Breck’s murder.”

“Finding your timepiece at the Casino, made me believe you killed there again. When your wife came forward, I doubted what happened.” Andrew scratched his cheek. “From the start, there has been something bothering me about this case. I don’t know what it is. Instinct tells me you’re innocent, but if I’m wrong, I’ll be the first to admit it, and the first to come after you.”

“Not the first,” Jared countered. “The bounty hunter you’ve sent for holds that distinction. He brought Ramirez into the conversation to see what the marshal and sheriff were planning.

“What bounty hunter?”

“I know you and the marshal have sent word to the bounty hunter, Miguel Ramirez, regarding me. He’s been expected all week.”

Andrew frowned, irritation reflected in his manner. “I don’t know anything about a bounty hunter.” He came around the side of the chair, sitting down. “Why don’t you tell me about him?”

Jared’s piercing stare held the sheriff’s attention. “I’ll tell you this, I have no intention of letting Ramirez find me.”

Andrew rubbed the back of his neck. “Mr. King, I’m not blind to the marshal’s hatred of you. I have no designs of being party to anything until I find out what’s happening in my own office. If you can tell me anything to help, you should do so. I’d also like to hear what led to you shooting the marshal’s brother.”

Jared sat to the side of Andrew on a matching leather sofa. The sheriff’s cooperation was imperative if he hoped to elude Ramirez this time. “Until the card game, I’d never met Matt Rhodes…”

****

Later in the evening, Anita pulled Gwen aside from the other guests. “Have you received any responses back from the invitations we sent out for Taryn and Jared’s reception?”

“We’ve received a few.”

Anita nodded in understanding. “I’m afraid many will refuse to attend with the way most feel about their marriage.”

Gwen patted Anita’s hand. “Don’t worry. Etta has told me she intends to rectify the situation.”

Anita couldn’t hide her astonishment. “How?”

“I’m not sure, but she assures me by the end of this evening, everyone will be clamoring to attend.”

Anita smiled, watching as Taryn danced with her father while Jared danced with Madeline Ashford. She observed him, her eyes narrowing as she scanned his facial features. Again, there was something about his expression, the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed. Anita stopped her own musings in sudden realization. “Why didn’t I see?”

“See what?”

Anita turned to Gwen. “All this time, I’ve been wondering what is familiar about Jared.”

“How strange. I’ve felt there’s something familiar about him too.”

“Jared’s expressions and mannerisms remind me of Luke’s. Funny, they would have such similar ways about them as though they were related.”

Luke does have a brother,” Gwen recalled. “He mentioned it to Jonathan and me when he first came here. He never said who. Do you think it’s possible they are brothers?”

“They must be,” Anita said. “Luke said something once about when they were children before changing the subject. It all makes sense now.”

Yes, it did, Marcus thought, overhearing the conversation. He stood undetected behind them, leaning against one of the pillars. So, King and Morrell were brothers. Marcus Rhodes’ stared at Jared King. King was certain to know from his wife about Ramirez coming. Marcus didn’t want to risk the chance King would flee before Ramirez showed up. He determined to guarantee King didn’t leave. A malicious smile crossed his face. Marcus stalked out of the room, his purpose clear in his mind.

****

While the dancing continued through the evening, Etta Briggs filtered through the ballroom, a happy smile never leaving her face as she made certain all were enjoying themselves.

“Well, I don’t know if I could forgive such a lack of deportment,” Agatha Masters said as Etta passed their group.

The other three ladies with her nodded in agreement.

Etta joined them. “Ladies, why all the frowns? This is a festive occasion.”

Startled by the presence of the very person they’d been discussing, the four fidgeted.

“Your party is not the reason, Etta,” Agatha Masters assured her hostess. “We’re all having a tremendous time.” Her three friends were quick to chime in their equal sentiment. Agatha allowed a dramatic pause. “We were debating whether any one of us would have the wherewithal to invite Taryn and Jared King to our homes as graciously as you’ve done tonight after the scandal involving the two.”

“But then none of us possess your profound sense of goodness,” another complimented Etta.

Baffled, Etta searched the faces of each of the women. “What scandal?”

Agatha couldn’t help take their friend to task. “Oh Etta, you’re not going to pretend you don’t know of it? The whole circumstances surrounding their marriage. Why, indeed, the very reason for it is all so appalling.”

Etta’s sunny disposition faded. “I’m going to have to ask you to explain yourself, Agatha. What would you know of the reason they married?”

“Everyone knows of it.” Agatha leaned into Etta, her voice hushed. “Everyone in town knows Taryn Ashford spent the entire evening with Jared King the night Dean Breck was killed. Why it prevented Mr. King from being arrested for the deed.”

“What is wrong with a woman spending a night with her husband?”

Agatha emitted an indelicate snort. “Etta dear, they were not married at the time.” The expression settling on her face brooked no denial or further discussion.

Etta’s expression displayed absolute astonishment. “They most certainly were! You forget, I have known the Kings longer than anyone here. They’d already been married before I’d met them on our train trip out here months ago.”

“Already married?” Agatha reiterated, her confidence in her assumptions failing her. “If what you say is true, why were they not residing under the same roof when they arrived here?”

“What of Brad Thompson?” another questioned. “He was her fiancé.”

“Why, it’s all so simple. I see I’ll have to set you aright as to the correct circumstances,” Etta said. “Brad Thompson may well have been her fiancé, but it is obvious Taryn and Jared eloped. I came to the conclusion the first time I saw them on the train. They kept separate residences to give Taryn time to explain to her relatives. Then when her parents arrived with Brad Thompson, it’s understandable matters became complicated.”

“Are you positive?” Agatha glanced at the Kings.

Etta’s stance remained unflinching. “As sure as I stand before you. Don’t tell me all this time you believed they were…oh my!” She pressed the palm of her hand to her chest.

“Oh, my dear,” one of the women said, patting Etta’s hand, “you must see how we could have believed…”

“It’s rather romantic when explained,” one of the ladies commented.

Etta took a deep breath. “You ladies now know the truth. Let’s have no more gossip about it.”

“Of course not,” they all agreed before excusing themselves from her company.

“Etta, you’ve outdone yourself.”

Etta turned to see Gwen Dalton beside her. “The party is delightful isn’t it,” she remarked in a moment of self-appreciation, her composure intact.

“I’m not speaking of the party.” Gwen nodded in the direction of the departing ladies.

Etta returned Gwen’s conspiratorial smile. “Who’s to say it isn’t what may have happened under different circumstances?”

“Not I. You know those women won’t be able to keep quiet about what they’ve learned from you. By the end of the evening, every person in this room will have the corrected version.”

Etta’s smile shone bright as a morning sun. “Precisely.”

****

Taryn acclaimed the night magical. Ladies who ignored her were seeking her out to attend afternoon teas and other social functions. She didn’t know what caused it but embraced their acceptance, pardoning their former views. Things were going to be all right. She could feel it. Her gaze drifted to the entrance of the ballroom where Jared talked with Luke.

“Timing will be critical,” Jared said after he’d explained to Luke about his conversation with Andrew. “Ramirez was supposed to have been here by now. When he does arrive, I want to make sure I’m ready for it. Let’s meet early tomorrow morning.” He noticed Taryn watching him from across the room. Thoughts of Ramirez were easy to shove aside as he focused his full attention on her.

“…is what I think you should do,” Luke stated, giving his view of how his brother should solve his problem with Ramirez. Jared’s gaze focused in the distance. “You haven’t heard a word I’ve been saying, have you?”

“No, I haven’t. If you’ll excuse me, I need to tell my wife something.”

“There’s something you need to tell me,” Anita said to Luke, coming up alongside him.

Luke turned to Anita with a questioning gaze.

“Let’s discuss your family history.”

Luke’s expression grew guarded. Anita eyed him as though she already knew his secret, but he couldn’t understand how. “There’s not much to tell, but what would you like to know?”

“How about your name, Mr. Morrell.”

Luke’s shoulders tensed. She had figured out his relationship with Jared. “I suppose you’ll want to know right now.”

Anita smiled. “I can hardly wait.” She directed him out of the room for privacy’s sake.

****

At the end of the evening, Jared and Taryn found Etta in the hallway saying good-bye to another group of people. Jared helped Taryn on with her cloak in the hallway.

“I hope you enjoyed yourselves.”

Taryn gave her a hug. “You’ll never know how much.”

They stepped outside into the cool night air. Their carriage, brought around by attendants, waited at the foot of the porch steps. Jared kept his arm around her, already nuzzling her ear as they walked down the steps. Taryn leaned into him, a delicious shiver running through her at his touch.

“Before you leave, I want to tell you something,” Anita called out from the top of the porch to them.

“Anita,” Luke pleaded, “wait.”

Anita gave him a quick kiss, smiling in triumph. “Oh no, Luke. It’s not every day a best friend becomes a sister-in-law, and I discover my husband indeed has a brother.”

Taryn and Jared reached their carriage when they both paused, turning at the sound of Anita’s voice calling out to them.

Anita had already moved forward. Luke followed, admitting it was senseless to deny his relationship to Jared, at least not between the four of them.

Anita and Luke caught up with them at the carriage. Once again, Luke attempted to divert his wife’s revelation. “This can wait, Anita. Jared and Taryn are in a hurry.”

Taryn caught the gleam in Anita’s eyes. “This sounds important. She swept past Luke, eager to hear the news.

A loud popping sound split the air. Luke hurled backward to the ground.

“Get down!” Jared pushed both women to the ground, throwing his body over theirs, surveying the vicinity, instinctively reaching for his weapons only to realize he refrained from wearing them. He didn’t find it necessary, considering the social occasion. The sound of gunshot was unmistakable. He’d heard and delivered far too many in his lifetime. Anita screamed then called out Luke’s name. Guests were streaming out onto the porch to learn the source of the commotion.

He ensured the women were unharmed then turned in search of Luke. His brother sprawled unconscious behind them. “Luke!”