His Wife

by Ashley Hastings

  Finally, I pulled out the dress. My heart rate increased as I held it up to view. This gown was what I had really been waiting for since I placed the order with the seamstress in Memphis. The dress was short and had spaghetti straps. I already knew by looking at it that even my short legs would look great in it. The entire design was made up of silver fringe that reminded me of the tinsel on a Christmas tree. The effect should have been gaudy, but it wasn't. Instead, it looked glamorous and sophisticated.

  Perfect. That was just the look I wanted for my first Peacock Alley ball.

  Quickly stripping down to my panties, I found a strapless bra in my dresser and slipped on the fishnet stockings and garters. It took patience because the stockings were literally just strings, but I liked the effect. I was betting Nathan would like the effect, too. I giggled, thinking about his reaction.

  I carefully put the dress on, and I stood in front of the mirror for several minutes, turning this way and that way to take in every angle. The fringe shimmered and shook with my every little movement. The silver sparkle highlighted my hair in the best possible way. It was magical. I clapped my hands in glee like a little girl, and bounced on the balls of my feet. Nathan wouldn't forget my grand entrance. I was determined no one would.

  Thirty-One

  The day of the party finally arrived. It was unseasonably hot and dry to be Halloween, but a storm was in the forecast. I had worried about the weather for days, to Nathan's endless amusement.

  He put his coffee mug down, and frowned at me across the small breakfast table in our bedroom. "You can't control the weather, Darby. Looking at your weather app every hour isn't helping a thing. And I told you, the party will be fabulous rain or shine. The guests will stay in the ballroom, dancing the night away, if it rains. That will at least make clean up easier the next day."

  Nathan was getting impatient about the impending party. I had realized long ago that he didn’t enjoy these gatherings as much as Mother.

  "I know, grumpy man. But I want all the details to be perfect. Mother, Tanner, and I have worked incredibly hard to get everything just right. If it rains, no one will notice what we did outside of the house."

  We had worked hard. I had personally supervised each skeleton vignette along the drive. Tanner and I had spent three nights checking the placement of all the outside lights, both candles and artificial lighting. We wanted to make sure the outdoor areas were well lit and ready for guests. Mother had overseen the decorating and illumination of the maze, and I know she was worried about the weather, too.

  Now it was finally Halloween, and my weather app said the rain would probably hold off until after midnight. That worked perfectly in my opinion. Let the guests arrive, and see the spectacle that had been created for their entertainment, and then it could rain as hard as it wanted and give us all a little relief from the endless drought.

  I busied myself for hours the day of the party, checking on final details, and working side by side with Mother. I continued to be surprised that we were getting along so well. We actually did have similar tastes, and we both cared about making this party a smashing success. We didn't fight over one single thing. We both shared the responsibilities, and there was plenty of room for both of us to shine. I was enjoying the thaw in our relationship.

  Nathan caught me early in the afternoon in the big kitchen as I carefully checked on the preparation of the party food.

  “You’ve got to give this party set up a break.” He looked a little amused as he took in my harried appearance.

  My hair was wild because I kept running my fingers through it, and he wiped a smudge of dirt off my chin.

  I was reluctant to leave my post. I had just taste tested the sangria, and I still wanted to double-check all the place settings and the seating chart.

  “There’s still a lot to do. I know Tanner has it all under control, but I just want to make sure everything is up to Mother’s standards.”

  "You need a nap because we will be up all night. You can't keep going at this pace. Come on, let's go lie down for a while. I don’t want you so exhausted you don’t get to enjoy the party yourself." He stroked my cheek, his earlier irritation about the party forgotten.

  I let him lead me upstairs to the bedroom. We tried to sleep, but lying close to each other under the covers was distracting. At first, Nathan rubbed my back, encouraging me to relax and fall asleep. Soon his touches were exploring more and more of my body, and I lifted my face for a kiss. We made love for a couple of hours, slowly, taking our time exploring each other's bodies. Our touches felt luxurious and decadent. Finally, we snuggled under the covers together, spooning comfortably, and dozed.

  I woke with a start, unsure what had disturbed me. I stretched in the bed, and Nathan woke up, too.

  I glanced at the clock. Finally, it was time to get ready for the party.

  “Get out, my dear, sweet husband.” I laughed and jumped out of bed, grabbing my costume box.

  Nathan grumbled, but I could see he really didn’t care.

  I crossed the room and held the bedroom door open, indicating to Nathan that he had to leave. I held up his suit for him to grab on his way out. “You can go use one of guest rooms to get ready. I’m determined that you won’t see me before the big reveal at the staircase.”

  "I don't know what the big deal is, Darby. I saw you in your wedding dress before we got married. Surely that was more significant than a Halloween costume?"

  “Stop trying to distract me with happy memories. When you wife tells you to get out, you need to just go.”

  I squealed and jumped back when he made a playful grab for me. I smacked his ass with one hand, and pointed to the open doorway again.

  Nathan gathered his things and left the room. He dropped a kiss on my cheek on his way out. I loved him even more for humoring me and letting me have my fun with my costume reveal. I think he enjoyed watching me fuss over this party because it was bringing me out of my shell. I finally felt a sense of purpose at Peacock Alley, and I could see myself contributing to the history of the place.

  I took a long, hot bath, and paid extra attention to my hair, slathering on conditioner, and then letting it air dry so my curls would be at their best. I rubbed lightly perfumed lotion on all my skin, daydreaming of Nathan's reaction when he saw my costume for the first time. That led to a fantasy of us sneaking away during the party so that he could discover my garters and my sexy underwear for himself.

  Yes, I would definitely have to make that happen at some point during the festivities. I shivered in anticipation.

  I took my time getting dressed. Finally, I had the full costume on, including the knotted pearls. I sat down at my vanity and carefully applied my makeup. I kept a light hand, but played up a dark red lipstick, and made sure my eyelashes were full and dark. I styled my hair and pulled the curls forward over my shoulders. I decided to forego the mask entirely; I loved my costume too much to mar the effect with a silly mask.

  I took one last long look in the full-length mirror. I was right about my legs looking good in the skirt of my costume, but it wasn't so short as to be slutty. Mother would approve, I think. My shoes were comfortable and easy to walk in down the stairs. I would also be able to dance for hours without them bothering me. I couldn't wait!

  I checked the time. It was two minutes to eight. Mother and I had agreed that I would descend the grand staircase at eight sharp. My heart skipped a beat. Time to go! I quickly put on my shoes and headed to the door.

  I was so excited for everyone to see me. I felt confident, sexy, and in control. I was a shimmering goddess in my flapper outfit, and I was glowing with happiness.

  Finally, I looked the part of Mrs. Randolph of Peacock Alley.

  Thirty-Two

  I stood in the shadows close to the front staircases. I could see some of the activity going on below, but it was doubtful anyone could see me. I was waiting for Maxwell to introduce me. The formal introduction was a tradition dating back to the first ball at Peac
ock Alley. I had asked for an earlier presentation, however. I didn't want to have to appear before all of our guests at once. I was too shy for that, even with my newfound confidence.

  The impressive front doors were wide open. Guests would be arriving any moment, but my grand reveal was mostly for Nathan's eyes. I couldn't really see out of the doors, but I could hear that the wind had picked up, swirling the leaves across the drive. The eerie sound of tree branches rubbing together drifted through the door and up the stairs.

  The noises were the perfect accompaniment to Halloween night. This was the type of evening when the dead could walk freely. I wondered again if the storm would hold off until midnight. As if in answer to my silent thoughts, a low rumble of thunder sounded. It seemed far away, so we should be safe for now.

  Suddenly, from below came the booming sound of Maxwell's voice. He was playing his part well.

  "Introducing Mrs. Darby Turner Randolph, wife of Mr. Nathan Randolph, of Peacock Alley."

  I stepped out of the shadows, head held high in triumph at my success. I reminded myself not to bounce on my toes like a silly child, but it was hard to hold back. Now that I was on the landing, I looked below and could see flickers of lightning flashing through the doorway and the front windows. Assembled into a little crowd were several members of the household staff, Mother, Maxwell, Tom and Beth Nolan, and Nathan. I glided to the top of the stairs, grasped the banister to steady myself, and started down, my grand entrance finally underway.

  A big smile on my face, I sought out Nathan's eyes, eager to see his reaction at last.

  For a moment, there was complete silence. Then, a gasp rose from the small crowd, and Beth covered her mouth in seeming horror. Wait, what? Maxwell looked concerned, somehow. His forehead wrinkled and he frowned. I couldn't imagine why. My eyes finally found Nathan's. He was staring, slack-jawed.

  I looked at the small group assembled below me, and continued descending the staircase, confused. Nathan’s face was flushed, but not from lust and attraction. He looked angry, angrier than I had ever seen him look. His lips were pressed close, and his eyebrows were drawn together.

  Nathan strode across the foyer, headed straight toward me. I met him at the bottom of the stairs, feeling confused at his reaction. He grabbed my shoulders and shook me a little.

  I could feel panic beginning to bubble up, cutting through my gleeful excitement.

  "Nate, what is it? What's wrong?" My words came out in a hurried rush. I had to remind myself to breathe.

  "Why the fuck are you dressed like that? Why?” Nathan’s jaw clenched.

  “I don’t understand. What’s wrong with my costume?” I stared up at my husband. None of this was making sense to me. My face paled as he confronted me.

  “What did you think you were going to accomplish? Go change your clothes at once." He shook me again, but Maxwell took him by the arm and pulled him back. "Why, Darby?"

  He pushed me away, disgusted. I caught myself on the newel post and fought back tears. I watched my husband storm off, and I knew I had done something terribly wrong. I just didn't know what. What had happened? What could have possibly gone wrong?

  Beth hurried over, and she looked distraught.

  "Darby, you didn't know, did you?" Her face was white, but her eyes were kind.

  "Know what? What's wrong? Why is Nathan so angry?" Tears threatened again, and my voice broke.

  "Your flapper costume...it's an exact copy of the costume Savannah wore last year. It's even the same silver color." Beth struggled to find words in her dismay. "She didn't even change after the party, apparently. I mean, no one saw her leave and get on the sailboat, but her costume wasn't found in her room. As far as we know, Savannah died in her flapper costume."

  Stunned, I looked at the small crowd. Some of the people surrounding me were looking down, unable to make eye contact with me. Some were whispering to each other. I needed to escape this nightmare. Everyone appeared shocked and dismayed, but sympathetic.

  I stepped back from the crowd. That’s when I saw Mother, and our eyes connected. She was trying unsuccessfully to hide a smug smile.

  Thirty-Three

  Breaking into quiet sobs, I pushed through the crowd and went out into a hallway. I didn't want anyone else to see me. I was horrified at what had just happened. No one followed, and I was thankful. I needed to be alone in my humiliation.

  I ran down the long hallway, and into the kitchen, and pushed past a startled server, dressed in a formal jacket and dark apron. I heard a tray crash to the ground, but I kept running. Hitting a back door to the house, I scrambled through a courtyard. Warm tears slid down my face and I didn't know where I was or where I was going. I just ran.

  Finding myself in the barn, I crept into Bella's stall. Classical music was playing in the background. Maxwell had told me it kept the horses calm at night. The barn was barely lit, and the quiet was soothing. I stood in the near dark of the stall, and sobbed like a child into Bella's neck, while she nuzzled me, looking for apples. Where had it all gone wrong?

  That was a stupid question. It had gone wrong when Mother had set me up, and I had fallen for it completely, like an ignorant child. She had suggested the flapper costume, as well as the silver color. Mother had even found the seamstress. What do you want to bet that she had called the same seamstress that made Savannah's costume last year?

  I stroked Bella’s rough mane and buried my face in her velvety soft neck. I breathed in her good, horsey scent while I tried to reason it all out.

  Mother couldn't have risked me going into town to find a local to sew the costume because everyone around here would have known Savannah was a flapper last year. Maybe the locals would have stopped me from making this terrible mistake, and hurting Nathan like I just had. Her friendliness towards me was just a big act. A lie.

  My chest hurt from sobbing, and from my feelings of betrayal. I had really wanted to build my relationship with Mother. What new bride didn’t want to forge a friendship with her new mother-in-law?

  I thought about all the times Mother had called me Darby, instead of Ms. Turner. I thought about how we had joked around with each other, and collaborated on the party planning, acting like a team.

  I had thought I was making real progress, and now I knew it was all a lie. Just some damn game Mother had been playing all along.

  I was so stupid.

  My sobbing began again, renewed. I leaned my head into Bella once more.

  Really, it wasn't fair of me to call myself stupid, because ever since I had arrived at Peacock Alley, I had merely wanted to be accepted. Not as a poor substitute to the incomparable Savannah, but as me. I had thought it was finally happening, and that the ball would be my big moment, the major turning point. It was all for nothing.

  What should I do now? My beloved husband was beyond angry with me, and he hadn't given me a chance to explain myself. The crowd from the foyer was feeling sorry for me. The guests who were now arriving wouldn't know what was happening; just that Nathan Randolph's new bride was a no-show at the big event.

  I turned away from Bella and kicked the barn stall, startling the horse a little.

  I know I needed to go greet them in my role as the dutiful hostess of Peacock Alley, but now I didn't even have a costume for my own party. I grabbed a handful of the fringe that had seemed so beautiful to me not more than thirty minutes ago. Now it was a joke.

  No way was I letting anyone else see me dressed like this. At best, they would think I was an idiot who didn't know better; at worst, they would think I was malicious and spiteful and dressed this way on purpose to resurrect a dark past. Neither scenario was acceptable to me.

  Doormat Darby was fully present at the party, but I was over that girl.

  It was time I grew up. I was going to this damn ball, and I wouldn't allow anyone to make me feel small.

  My crying slowed, and I finally wiped the last of my tears away. I was exhausted and feeling like an empty husk, but I straightened my shoulders an
d stood tall.

  I heard the barn door open and close, and heavy footsteps came down the aisle. I tried to be quiet and still, but my heart was pounding in my chest. I most definitely didn't want to be found.

  Bella's stall door opened, and Nathan appeared. He knew me well. He knew exactly where I would go to hide, to find comfort. My heart lifted when I saw him, but I couldn’t help but feel a little afraid, too.

  “I didn’t know about the costume. I promise.” My voice was thick with tears. I had to clear my throat to continue. “Please believe me.”

  Nathan didn’t answer me. He grabbed my arm and led me to an empty stall across the aisle. I thought maybe now we could talk, and I could explain that I didn't know about the costume. I thought perhaps we could lean on each other, and find a way forward together.

  I was wrong, of course.

  He turned to face me. "Tell me the truth. Tell me why you dressed like Savannah." Nathan was still angry, but worse than the anger, he sounded cold.

  "I didn't know she was dressed as a flapper last year! I'm telling you the truth!" My voice rose as I tried to convince him of my sincerity.

  "I can't stand looking at you dressed like this, Darby. Trying to look like her." His voice showed his disgust.

  That hurt.

  Nathan took me by the arm and roughly snapped the spaghetti straps holding up the costume. He ripped the dress off my body, and I was left standing in my expensive lingerie. My head dropped. I had imagined us stealing away together during the party to reveal to him the sinful treasures I was wearing underneath my dress, but never like this. Never like this.

  He stepped back and removed his belt.

  "Bend over."

  Terrified, I backed away, my eyes wide, my breath coming in short gasps.

  "Don't make this even worse than it already is." That cold voice, those flat eyes. This was not the Nathan I knew.