Stunned at Maude’s attack and her malicious accusations, Elizabeth sat frozen in place. Aware of her heart pounding, anger against Maude and JP rose to choke her. He knew. He’d always known she was Elizabeth Clarke, not Campbell. How dare he offer her marriage out of pity. She longed to scream at him, to beat against his chest, to crush him as he’d crushed her. He’d crushed her pride, her spirit, and her love for him. Tears leaked from beneath her lids. He had no right, no right to try and make her a blasted Honeycutt to ease his guilt for his actions.
Amy ambled into the parlor with a handful of wildflowers, excited, wanting to please. She approached Elizabeth and offered her the gift.
Elizabeth sniffled then dragged the back of her hand across her eyes. She pasted a tentative smile on her trembling lips and raised her chin. Before she glanced at Amy, she tried to hide the last tear trickling down her cheeks. “The flowers are beautiful. Thank you.”
In a voice fill with fear, her eyes wide, Amy threw her arms around Elizabeth. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying? Grown-ups never, ever cry. Not unless something dreadful happens.”
“It’s nothing. Nothing important. Sometimes, circumstances become harsh.”
Amy patted her back. “I know, like when my papa and brother was killed. It was awful.”
Elizabeth stifled her tears and wiped the remaining moisture from her cheeks. She swallowed around the tightness in her throat. After a second, she gained control of her voice. “I’m so proud of you. You didn’t fall apart. I suspect you wanted to give in and give up, but you didn’t.”
“Naw. I had to hold my tears until night. That was hard, but I’m nearly all cried out now.” She shook her head. “No sense in it. I got to keep on living.” She eased down beside Elizabeth. “Besides, God says he is a father to the fatherless. That’s me. I reckon He’s on my side. The hard part is forgiving others so He can forgive me. I still sometimes get mad at them Blakes.” Amy grinned. “Everything did work out for the best. I don’t want you to go on crying. You got me. I got you too.”
Elizabeth gave her a hug. “Yes, I have you.”
Amy jumped up. “I’m gonna put these flowers in some water.”
“A good idea. I’ll see you later then.” Temporarily distracted from her sense of ill-usage, Elizabeth leaned back on the sofa.
It didn’t take long for humiliation to flood over her once more. She didn’t want JP’s pity. She wanted to run, to hide, and never face him again. Still, she wanted to confront him with her fury, to scream at him because he never told her he knew all about her past. Wanting to be alone, she ran out of the house and headed for the stable. Maybe a swift ride might tame her anger.
JP strode out of the barn. Elizabeth made a beeline toward him, her skirts held up to her knees to keep from tripping.
“You lied to me,” she cried, the moisture of anger filling her eyes. “Don’t pretend. Maude told me you knew.” She couldn’t get over the fact he knew her real name all along. The blasted polecat. “When I told you, you already knew.”
A frown pleated his brow, his expression a picture of puzzlement. “Knew what?”
“About changing my name. You knew I was Elizabeth Clarke, not Campbell.” She glowered at him, wanting to strike him. “You lifted me in the wagon and helped your papa set fire to our home.”
She knew that for a lie, but she wanted to hurt him, to lessen her own pain, to ease the heavy memories, to blame someone for all that had happened in the past. He was young. What else could he have done? No, she didn’t want to face any extenuating circumstances. She didn’t want to let him off the hook. Not yet.
“Now just a doggone minute.” He returned her glare, his eyes glinting, his brows creased, and his lids narrowed. His voice contained a sharp edge of warning. “I didn’t help set the fire. I had no part in that.” He shook his head. “And I did not know you were the young girl I helped into the wagon. Not for quite a spell.” He hesitated, as if letting her absorb his words. “I finally put two and two together, the color of your eyes, your hair the same dark shade.” In a flat tone, he added, “You are the one bent on deception, not I.” His expression softened along with his voice. “I always wondered what became of you and your family. I thought about you a lot. I hoped you were all right.”
Was he telling the truth? She couldn’t tell. It seemed possible, but she couldn’t stand the thought of him deceiving her, never mind her own deception. She couldn’t stand the pity. “I’m leaving here.”
“Not likely.” He advanced a step closer and stared into her eyes. “Be reasonable, Elizabeth. You know the sheriff can’t return to his duty for some time to come. The minute Chester gets a whiff of your plans to disappear he’ll be on you like a duck after a bug. What makes you think he’ll allow you to quietly leave town?”
She whirled away from him, her voice not quite steady. “I couldn’t stay here and watch you eat your heart out for Valeria while marrying me for pity. I couldn’t bear it.”
He caught her by the shoulders and turned her to face him again. “What utter rot.”
“I saw you hold her in your arms, so do not deny it. I’d hate it if you only felt sorry for me. I couldn’t bear it.”
He cast a disgruntled look at Elizabeth. “She practically fell into my arms. I couldn’t very well push her away.”
“Why not?”
Elizabeth could think of several ways he could have ended the embrace, much less the unwanted kiss—if he truly wanted to do so. His arms were around Valeria—the rotter—not the other way around. He certainly could have stepped back, anything to set a distance between them.
“Seeing you with your arms around Valeria pierced me to the heart.”
“I’m sorry I hurt you, but—”
“What would you expect me to do if someone kissed me?” she interrupted with her hands on her hips. “Stand there without making a single protest so I could act the lady and not cause a scene?”
“Allowing someone to kiss you would cause a scene,” he said with a growl in his voice. “It’s not the same thing. A female must object and no one will judge her harshly, but it’s different for a man.”
“Of course, you would say that.” She wanted to scream at him, wanted him to listen. Above all, she wanted him to convince her he didn’t truly desire Valeria. “Your aunt told me I had your pity and you would honor your commitment to me because of it.” She ducked her head and rubbed her forehead with her fingers. Her voice broke. “She also said you are in love with Valeria.”
“I am?”
“From where I was standing, the clinch looks like your aunt has the right of it.”
“That’s crazy talk.” He dismissed her concerns with a gesture to sweep the idea away. “If it will ease your mind, I’ll try to avoid such circumstances in the future.”
Her eyes stung, but Elizabeth would never let him see how his words affected her. He didn’t deny his love for Valeria. Much worse, he didn’t refute his pity for Elizabeth. She elevated her chin, stiffened her trembling legs and blinked back tears of pain.
“Very well. The past can never be undone, but I thought we could move beyond it. Seems the situation is to remain with us.” She turned away and strode to the door.
~ ~ ~
“You listen to me, you mule-stubborn woman. I don’t know what you want me to say other than I want to marry you.” JP gritted his teeth. He longed to shake the foolishness right out of her. Why couldn’t she see how much he needed her? “I can keep you safe. Do you care so little for your freedom you will chance turning me down? Will you let unnecessary jealousy bust us apart when there’s no need?”
“No need?”
“That’s right. No need. Let bygones be bygones. Let’s put an end to this foolishness and marry without delay.”
“Your family might not be as accepting of my back
ground as you imagine. The twins, your aunt.”
In a calm, reasoning tone, he said, “Elizabeth, the sheriff may not recover and that clod Chester is hovering on the edge before arresting you. It would be best for all concerned if you married me. I told you all of Bittersweep would hear about the wedding. Bells will ring, folks will talk of nothing else, gossip, rumors, and part of the truth will run like wildfire though the entire country.” He threw up his hands. “You’re on the point of being arrested again.” He glared at her. “Three days. That’s all you have to prepare. By the way, I ordered a wedding gown for you.”
He turned on one heel and stalked away. Imagining the fiery darts aimed at his back with every glance, he straightened his shoulders. He couldn’t allow her to get the best of him or he’d never have an end to it. Why was she so stubborn?
Her voice followed him. “You dared to buy me a wedding dress?”
With a grin on his lips, he did a quick sprint out of there. Although she would give him hell later, she couldn’t catch him now and that was a mighty good thing. Give her a chance to cool down first.
Chapter 27
JP paced across the patterned carpet in the parlor, wondering what new problem had arisen to postpone his marriage. Determined to marry Elizabeth regardless of how many obstacles were thrown in the way, he raged against the situation. There would be no weakening in his stance. Elizabeth would be his bride regardless.
How could he make the situation better for both Elizabeth and his aunt? What ruse did his aunt plan to spring on him today to delay the wedding? Not that he would delay the ceremony, but the circumstances certainly left him in a quandary about what to do to resolve the situation. Torn between his true love and his love for his aunt kept a constant turmoil roiling his stomach.
He held his breath. Ripped apart inside, nervous and tight as a bowstring, he waited for Elizabeth to join him. If she didn’t hurry, he’d be forced to face Aunt Maude alone.
He heard the clip of heels on the polished floor, light and quick. Elizabeth rushed into the parlor, breathing in a rapid burst of sound. She straightened her spine and stepped slowly into the room. Stopping in front of him, she took his hand in hers.
Maude strode into the room in her usual no-nonsense manner. “Both of you please be seated.” She waited until they settled, but she remained standing. “I have a ton of things to say. First, I feel I must apologize to you, Elizabeth. You know my story. Heaven knows, I’ve beat you over the head with it.”
She paced in front of the sofa, glancing at Elizabeth occasionally. “JP soon let me know how the future would be if I continued in my spite against you. I’ve decided I’d rather have both of you in my life in place of bitterness.” Maude took a deep breath and hung her head. “I’ve held on to my grief and bitterness, feeling ill-used, misunderstood. I was alone in my resentment and sorrow.” Disgusted, she added, “Self-pity, a thing I despise, and here I was wallowing in it. Shameful.”
Maude lifted her chin. “Amy lost so much and still faced the future with courage. She taught me a lesson about forgiveness, about accepting what cannot be change, and about going forward. She tried to forgive as God ask us to do, but I wouldn’t let go.” Maude grimaced. “Now, the past is behind me. It took me a while to come to it, but my Ben’s attitude wasn’t your mother’s fault. Everyone can admire a pretty flower, but he wanted to pluck it.” She twisted her lips into a painful smile. “It’s not easy, but I’ve decided to put that entire time in my life aside and join the living. The burden is lifted. God delivered me from my blind seeking atonement from you.”
JP, overwhelmed by his aunt’s confession, stammered, “That was well done of you, Aunt Maude. You’ll be the better for it.”
Maude halted in front of Elizabeth. “I can’t say how sorry I am. But I’m asking for your forgiveness.”
In a choked voice, Elizabeth said, “Yes. We are going to be part of the same family in a few days. Families watch out for each other.”
Maude lifted her head and gazed at Elizabeth. “We are bound to cross each other up on occasion, but it’ll all come out in the wash. Welcome to the family. I’ll be wanting some grandchildren or the like.”
JP grinned. “Aunt Maude, give us a little time.”
He squeezed Elizabeth’s hand. Thankfully, that was one problem down and a few more to go. Peace would reign in his household. Now, the only thing left was to free Elizabeth from the charge of murder.
~ ~ ~
Elizabeth halted inside the entrance of the church, her wedding gown of ivory satin flowing behind her in a train covered in lace. She peered through her veil into the church filled with guests, some standing against the wall. Candles cast flickering shadows down the aisle. The sun’s piercing rays washed the colors of the stained-glass windows onto the walls and the profusion of flowers banked beside the altar. The faint fragrance of roses, mingled with burning candle wax, drifted through the church.
Heat pulsed through the crowd, but Elizabeth shivered with a slight chill. On the point of entering and joining her life with JP’s forever, she examined her motive for accepting his proposal. A bit late, but still, did she love JP, desire him, want to enter into wedded bliss with him, honor him in sickness and health until death ended their marriage?
She dug a little deeper. Had she chosen to marry him for protection from the deputy’s dogged suspicions and threats to arrest her for Franklin’s murder? That played a part in the equation for sure. Safety, protection, and comfort, all represented by JP, rushed her along in her decision. She wanted to be held in his arms, to belong to him body and soul. Yes, she loved him, and if she were honest, she had loved him from nearly the start of their acquaintance. Her mind eased, and her heart accepted her fate: JP’s bride.
She searched and found him, candlelight flickering over his features. He was tall, handsome, distinguished, a man of strength, honor, and integrity waiting at the altar for her. A thrill knotted her stomach.
Hamilton’s warm tones sounded next to her shoulder breaking her focus on JP. “Hudson with JP, and me with you. Since your family couldn’t come, I’ll stand in for them. After all, in a few minutes, you’ll actually be part of my family.” Ham offered his arm bent at the elbow.
She glanced at Hudson standing by JP’s side, as his attendant, solemn on this serious occasion. Elizabeth’s gaze moved to Amy waiting to attend her, a warm smile of welcome on her face and pride of importance in her straight stance. The young girl would become part of her family as well.
Needing Ham’s aid to support her down the aisle, Elizabeth took his arm with a smile and leaned on his strength. Her legs trembled, her breath caught as the organ began to play with more force, louder, clearer, announcing her arrival, calling her to the altar. Inhaling deeply, she started forward walking very slowly. Not fully aware of much besides JP waiting to join her in holy matrimony, she passed her students, their parents, and the Ledbetters, along with Valeria Landow. Elizabeth could see Maude Honeycutt in the front row. Elizabeth’s fingers trembled on the bouquet she carried.
The lace train of her gown rustled behind her pulling slightly against the oak boards of the floor. In another moment, she arrived at the altar. She removed her hand from Hamilton’s arm and allowed JP to gather her fingers in his. The ceremony seemed to fly past. When the preacher droned out “to love and cherish” Elizabeth only hoped JP’s “I do” was sincerely given and not merely out of duty.
Her gaze locked with his deep, intense, searching for the truth of his pledge. His expression was hard to read, solemn, controlled. She didn’t hear the part about kissing the bride, but JP took her in his arms and kissed her.
The preacher introduced the couple. “I give you Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Paul Honeycutt.”
~ ~ ~
JP smiled at his bride, relief washing over him. She belonged to him, right and proper. When he thought bac
k on it, she’d been his since he lifted her into that wagon sending her away all those years ago. Now, the matter was settled.
He wasn’t looking forward to the huge reception Aunt Maude had planned, but a big turnout would please her. So be it. The standing room only crowd was headed to his house at the moment. His shoulders lifted with a deep breath.
JP wanted nothing more than to take his bride on a long honeymoon journey, but as things stood with the deputy hovering in the background, he considered a trip unwise at the moment. The best he could offer was a sanctuary, his secluded fishing cabin at the lake, quiet, serene, and private.
A Do Not Disturb under Any Circumstance order had been issued upon a threat of dismissal to any prankster bent on mischief. Elizabeth deserved his full attention.
Isolated and fully occupied with other matters there would be no working for three days, either out on the range or in the office. At the cabin, there would be no going down to dinner with the family. No meeting in the parlor, either.
He grinned to himself. The private parlor connecting the two bed chambers in the master suite at the house would come in handy when he wanted to be alone with his bride. Not that he intended allowing Elizabeth to sleep in another chamber. She belonged in his, but she could maintain her personal items there.
He guided her to the brand-new surrey he’d purchased as her wedding gift. Helping her into the soft leather interior, he leisurely climbed aboard and took up the reins. “Well, Mrs. Honeycutt, as stubborn as you are, I didn’t think I would ever get you to the altar.” He grinned and gathered her hand in his, kissing each finger in turn. “We belong together.”
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