Moving quietly so she didn’t disturb their guest, Beth dressed simply. Sobered by the conversation she’d partially overheard, Beth had forestalled the argument she knew was going to erupt with Katherine because she didn’t intend to return to Boston. Despite her sister’s assurances, Beth sensed all was not as it seemed. Tension rippled between Katherine, Morgan, and Jake like waves crashing against the Massachusetts coast. And it hadn’t passed her by that Morgan and Katherine slept in separate rooms.
Beth wondered what had gone so wrong in their marriage. She could see the years of ease and familiarity flow between them, yet tension frequently intruded without invitation. Something about their relationship bothered her. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but it was there.
Beth’s sense of guilt flared. She knew that Katherine had worked most of her life to provide for them. She didn’t intend to repay her by leaving when it was apparent there was trouble in her marriage. It hadn’t been difficult to notice that when they thought no one was watching, Katherine and Jake exchanged glances that were far from neighborly, while Morgan observed, obviously trying to hide his jealousy. If Katherine’s marriage was in trouble, Beth sensed the blame lay on the reverend’s doorstep.
Heading downstairs, she entered the kitchen, disturbed at the sight of Jake lounging against the table as Hattie cooked breakfast. He seemed far too comfortable in her opinion. Even the cat wound his tail around Jake’s long legs as though they were old friends.
“Good morning, Reverend.”
He turned in surprise, then recovered. “Good morning, Miss O’Shea. You’re up early.”
“I’m used to rising early. We had to attend chapel every morning before classes at the academy.”
Raising his eyebrows in reply, Jake sipped his coffee.
“Will you be joining us for breakfast?” Beth asked as she stood near the sideboard. She caught the gaze that shot between Jake and Hattie. It was apparent he wasn’t used to being questioned about his activities in this house. She wondered why.
“I thought I’d stick around and see how David and Rebecca are faring this morning,” Jake replied.
“Rebecca’s out cold. I think she cried half the night.” Beth was surprised by the look of concern that flickered over Jake’s face. She’d already decided he was a man of questionable morals. Posing as a minister while seducing married women, he was beneath contempt. She wondered if his show of concern was just that—for show only.
Jake raked his fingers through shaggy hair that Beth thought was far too long for a preacher. Although clean-shaven, he didn’t in any way resemble a man of the cloth.
“Have you seen David this morning?” Beth asked, watching him as she pretended to sip her coffee.
“No, not yet. I doubt he got much sleep, either.” Jake took a deep breath, then spoke in a somber voice. “And to think most of their problems are still ahead.”
“Don’t you worry none, Reverend. Their folks are hot-headed right now, but they’ll come ’round.” Hattie filled a plate, and Jake took a seat at the table, unconsciously forking the fresh eggs without eating, easily settling in at the table. “There’s nothin’ like a baby to bring people together.”
Beth watched with growing suspicion. Didn’t any of them see the disparity between the saloon and the church? Accepting a second cup of coffee from Hattie, Beth took a place opposite Jake, watching him carefully. “Have you lived in Browning long, Reverend?”
“No, I’ve just come here this last year.”
“From where?”
Jake’s eyebrows raised slightly. “Back East.”
“Did you have a big church there?”
“No,” he answered truthfully, not adding any illuminating information.
“Do you have family?” Beth persisted.
“My father and two brothers.”
“Do you see them often?”
“Not enough,” he answered, wondering where all her questions were leading.
“Have you married, then?”
Jake spluttered over the hot coffee. Timidity wasn’t one of Beth’s faults, he could see. “No, I haven’t.”
“I see. Then you’re not very experienced in marital dealings?”
“No, I can’t say that I am,” he answered cautiously.
“What do you plan to do with David and Rebecca?” Beth asked, taking him by surprise again.
Jake stared at her blankly. He was saved from answering when Katherine appeared. Feeling the warmth of her gaze, he tried to control his own response as he concentrated on the food, knowing Beth’s alert eyes watched his every move.
“Morning,” Katherine greeted them.
“You’d best have some coffee, Miss Katherine. You was up half the night worryin’.” Hattie bustled around the room, preparing a rich café au lait as Katherine carefully took a chair next to Beth rather than Jake.
Sipping the hot liquid gratefully, Katherine tried to assess the mood in the kitchen. Tension was ripe, and she wondered why. Admittedly the previous evening had set the stage for a strained morning, still Beth was glaring at Jake as though he were an intruder bent on stealing the egg money. Jake had the look of a prisoner scheduled for execution with no hope of release.
A knock at the door was a welcome interruption. Hattie answered the door and ushered Sadie in. Her face was red from weeping, and she looked to be in as poor a condition as Rebecca had been the night before. Jake was on his feet immediately.
“Come in, Mrs. Browning.” Seating her, he took the coffee Hattie offered and placed it in Sadie’s trembling hands. “You’ve obviously had a poor night as well.”
“I just can’t believe how Able treated those children,” Sadie said in despair, accepting the handkerchief Katherine offered.
“Oftentimes things are said in the heat of the moment,” Jake began, but Sadie was already shaking her head in denial.
“Able says he will never change his mind—that he doesn’t want anything to do with David, ever.” A sob punctuated her last words.
“I’d be a rich man if I’d placed a bet every time a man said one thing and did another,” Jake said. “Able’s pride has been wounded. It doesn’t mean he loves his son any less.” Jake watched as Sadie raised teary eyes to his, and he made his voice purposefully gentle. “I don’t know if David told his father, but he and Rebecca plan to be married today.”
Sadie reacted with surprise. “I hadn’t any idea.”
“I think we can agree the sooner the better.” Jake issued the words in a matter-of-fact tone without judgment.
Nodding in agreement, Sadie seemed to gather her courage. “I will tell Able. If he agrees to attend, we’ll both be there. If not, I’ll come alone. David needs to know someone’s on his side.”
Katherine glanced between her friend and Jake, grateful for his competence, knowing how fortunate David and Rebecca were to have him for a confidant.
“What will they do after they’re married?” Beth asked.
“Until their families get used to the idea, I imagine they’ll stay here,” Katherine answered. “It’s hardly the ideal place for a young couple to begin a marriage, but at least they’ll have a place.” Glancing at Beth, she wondered at the obstinate expression on her face.
“Do you think that’s wise?” Beth questioned, her inflection clear.
Katherine’s expression closed, unusual sternness surfacing. “I think it’s highly unwise of you to be discussing this in front of guests. I’ll speak to you later.”
Beth rose from the table, her face flaming. Jake started to speak, but the mutiny on Beth’s face stopped him. He wasn’t certain what currents had just been stirred, but they rippled through the room, touching all the inhabitants. Beth left, and Sadie rose to refill her cup while Jake stared at Katherine.
“I think it’s time you told her.” His voice was quiet, but determined.
“Not now, Jake.”
“You’ve got a problem, Katherine, and ignoring it won’t make it go away. You just saw
proof of that.”
“You don’t think Beth’s acting this way because of…” Katherine’s voice trailed off as she stared at the empty place Beth had vacated.
“Us? Yes, I do. Tell her, Katherine, before it causes more damage than you can fix.”
Sadie rejoined them, and Jake shoved away from the table, the scraping of his boots loud in the now quiet kitchen. “I’ll be going now, ladies.”
Katherine didn’t try to dissuade him, and Sadie opened her mouth to speak, saw the strained expressions on their faces, and decided to keep silent. After a long sleepless night Sadie wasn’t sure of either her judgment or her courage. It was clear she had come to a point where she had a decision to make, one that was sure to erode any progress she’d made with Able. Despite the tentative kernels of change that had taken place while they’d performed together in the play, nothing concrete had changed. If she chose to take David’s side, she was certain nothing ever would.
Dreams of Able finally loving her were fading as quickly as the sun that drove away the vestiges of dawn. She lifted her head and saw an equally pained expression on Katherine’s face. Love seemed to be elusive, and she doubted now that it would ever be hers.
Chapter 28
The wedding was painstakingly simple. The only attendants were Sadie, Katherine, Morgan, and Beth. Having waited until it was apparent no one else would show up, Jake had begun the service. It was only the second service he’d ever performed, but the age-old words rang true.
Sobered by the last twenty-four hours, David and Rebecca exchanged vows solemnly, the significance of their actions finally seeming to reach them. The kiss to seal their vows was chaste, their restraint a bit late unfortunately. Sadie’s quiet tears were a mixture of joy and pain, but she stood steadfastly by her stepson, fiercely protective.
Katherine had decorated the church and made a bouquet for Rebecca from the last of the summer flowers in her garden. Beth, in a burst of sentiment, had loaned Rebecca a beautiful dress she’d brought along in her overstuffed trunks. The simple pink tulle was lovely, highlighting Rebecca’s natural youthful beauty.
Morgan served as David’s best man, his usual languid pose gone as he lent his support to the young man. The solemnness of the occasion reached them all. Together Morgan and Jake had worked for some time that day rearranging furniture so that the young couple would have a private room to share in the Crystal Palace.
Heartbreaking in their love for each other and for the loss of their families’ support, the bride and groom valiantly got through the ceremony, and all the guests fervently wished this could be a happier time for them. Hattie had outdone herself baking an elaborately decorated cake that she served with a mild fruit punch.
“Congratulations!” they all shouted out as David and Rebecca prepared to leave. Having set up an impromptu honeymoon suite on the top level of the saloon, everyone waved as Rebecca and David set off across the yard. Rebecca stopped suddenly and turned, tossing her bouquet backward. It hung in the air near Beth, but her outstretched arms weren’t long enough to catch it. Instead it vaulted over her head and into Katherine’s arms. A warm blush infused Katherine’s cheeks as the fragrant blossoms settled in her hands.
“Not fair, Katherine. The bouquet is for single ladies. You already have a fellow of your own,” Beth chided her.
Meeting Jake’s gaze, Katherine knew her sister was right. Beth simply had their identities confused.
Smiling philosophically, Beth stooped over to kiss Katherine’s cheek in a good-natured fashion. “You still look like a bride, though. As beautiful as ever.” Beth and Morgan helped Hattie scoop up the remainders of the cake, and together they took them to the saloon kitchen, leaving Jake and Katherine alone with the final remnants of the wedding.
Perfume from the baskets of flowers filled the air, and ribbons fluttered from the newel posts. Although hastily decorated, the church was definite proof of the nuptials.
“Katherine.” Jake’s voice was deep, intense.
“I know. I need to tell her.”
“And I need you. When will that be?”
Katherine gazed helplessly at him. “This is all so difficult.”
He gripped her arms, pulling her close. “The longer you delay, the worse it will be.” Taking a deep breath, he looked over her head at the decorations she’d made. “I appreciate all you’ve done for David and Rebecca. You took them in when no one else would. You turned what would have been a miserable experience into a lovely memory.” He released her arms, frustration filling his face. “I’m not sure what I would have done if you’d turned them away.”
“You’d have managed. You always do.” Her belief in him lit her eyes now.
“There’s one thing I can’t manage, Katherine. Not seeing you because of Beth.”
“She’ll only be here a week,” she offered hopefully.
“I wonder how many people she can tell about your marriage to Morgan while she’s here. Have you considered how that’ll set with the members of my church? We both know courting is risky at best. How do you think the parishioners will react when they learn you’re a married woman?”
Her mouth opened, then closed again. It occurred to her that her carefully fabricated tales were crashing down around her, and she had no one to blame but herself.
Katherine stared at the scrap of paper Vance had given her. Its ugly threat repelled her.
“You found this on the back stoop?” Katherine asked as she studied the vulgar wording. The writing was the same as the first note the housekeeper had found in the parlor.
“Right next to the egg delivery. I saw the eggs and thought I should bring ’em in for Hattie. The paper was right there.” Vance hovered protectively, waiting for her directions.
“You were right to bring it to me. But don’t tell anyone else about this.” Dismissing him, Katherine shut herself into her office. The note accused her of being a Jezebel and of leading Rebecca and David astray. The blame for their actions had been firmly placed on her. The note’s final instructions were that she should get out of town while she still could. Sickened by the hatred in the crude wording, Katherine stuffed the note deep in one of the pigeonholes of her desk.
A shadow near the window made her jump until she realized it was Jake. Skulking like a bad actor in a melodrama, he approached the casement and tugged upward. “This is damned idiotic,” he said.
“Nice to see you, too.”
“Come here.”
She leaned closer, and he pulled her out the window, her skirts ballooning as her body slid outside. Gasping in surprise, she rested in his arms to regain her balance before turning on him. “What was the idea of that?” she hissed.
“This is your fault. You’re lucky I didn’t rip you out of your bed in the middle of the night.”
Her breath suddenly short, she envisioned him doing just that. Swallowing the dryness in her throat, Katherine wriggled free of his embrace just as two of Jake’s church members walked by. Their greetings were curt nods of their heads, without accompanying smiles.
“Now look what you did!” Katherine accused him.
“I’m just glad Beth’s leaving tomorrow.”
Katherine buried the tip of her shoe into the upturned dirt, not answering him.
“She is leaving tomorrow, isn’t she?”
Katherine dared a glance at the growing anger on his face. “That’s not quite settled. She can’t understand why I’ll let Rebecca and David stay and not her.” Katherine remembered the scene in vivid detail. Beth had insisted that if Katherine would allow two perfect strangers to remain, her own sister should certainly have the same right.
“The two cases are completely different!” Jake was both angry and incredulous.
“Don’t you think I know that?” Katherine thought of all her sacrifices, ones that would be worthless if Beth didn’t return to Boston. But she couldn’t use that argument with her sister without telling her she was the reason for those sacrifices.
“Ei
ther you tell her, or I will,” Jake threatened.
Angered by his tone, she said, “It’s not that simple.”
“But pretending that Morgan’s your husband is?”
“Keep your voice down. Someone will hear you.” Katherine glanced around the empty yard.
“Maybe it’s time someone did.”
“That’s not a very wise thing to say.”
“One thing’s for certain. I’m not playing the fool any longer. I intend to see you, Katherine O’Shea, and I expect you to set your sister straight.”
“Jake!” she wailed.
But he didn’t answer, stalking away instead, avoiding her plea. Katherine kept her attention on him as he left. Her eyes never strayed from his departing form, and she failed to see a quiet figure among the shadows slip away.
Morgan opened the door to the storage room intending to check the invoices against the shipment. Seeing Annette approaching, he set the stack of bills down, grinning at the Crystal Palace’s most beautiful attraction. Aside from Katherine, he corrected himself.
Annette smiled back, her gaze flicking from the papers to him. “Busy, Morgan?”
His eyes, hooded as usual, revealed little of his emotions, other than a suggestive glint. “What’d you have in mind?”
A shaft of something Morgan could have sworn was hurt flashed across her face, then disappeared. “Just making conversation.”
He tamed the leer that came to him with practiced ease. “Hell, I could use some company.” He pulled forward a crate, and Annette sat down gracefully, her full skirt billowing. Not dressed in costume, she was almost more eye-catching than when she wore the colorful flamboyant clothing of a hurly-burly girl. Her dark hair made her light eyes that much more striking, and without cosmetics her light skin was pale and even, dusted only with a touch of rose.
She smiled then, and he wondered what lurked beneath her mysterious façade. They were two of a kind, he decided in a flash, hiding what was really important. Always acting, seldom reacting.
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