by Karen Kirst
“Of course. Good day.”
Closing the door behind him, he met the doctor coming out of his study.
“How did it go?”
“Not as well as I’d hoped, but that was to be expected. By the way, Mr. Copeland has decided to end his time here prematurely. He’s getting dressed as we speak.”
His eyes widened. “Oh, no, that simply won’t do. Excuse me, I have a patient to corral.”
Duncan let himself out, silently praying the Lord would soften the café owner’s heart. Ellie had indicated that she sorely needed the income. Seemed to him that both she and Alexander would benefit from working together.
As he was passing the bank, Claude Jenkins emerged and waved him over.
“Hello, Duncan. How are you this fine day?”
“I cannae complain. How about you?”
They shook hands over the usual greetings.
“How’s that pretty little wife of yours?” With a grin and a wink, he leaned in close. “You’re wise not to curtail her spending, at least not in the beginning. Caroline’s been accustomed to being in charge of her own funds. Albert should’ve known that putting restrictions in place at this stage would lead to problems.”
Duncan nodded mutely as a cold wave of dread washed over him. What had she done?
“Some women view acquiring new things as a hobby,” he ventured, hoping the banker would clue him in. Maureen had had a voracious appetite for the latest fashions—always looking to add to her already bursting closets—fans, hats, gloves, brooches, stockings, jewelry. The list was endless. Nothing she bought satisfied her for long.
“’Tis true, my man.” His gaze wandering beyond Duncan’s shoulder, he said, “I’ve got to speak to Mr. Walters. See you later.”
Duncan stared unseeing at the activity going on around him. He thought Caroline had moved beyond seeking self-worth in meaningless things. He’d been wrong. Apparently her desire for status and popularity meant so much to her that she was willing to lie to achieve it.
Chapter Twenty-One
After the deliveryman thanked her for his tip and left, Caroline examined the tissue-wrapped bundles of silk flowers laid out on her parents’ dining room table. The intricate handiwork lent the blooms, which were crafted in hues of yellow, purple and green, a lifelike appearance. They would blend perfectly with the live flowers, giving fullness to the bouquets that would grace the serving and dining tables.
Sylvia had helped Caroline unpack them and was now on the opposite side of the table, bent slightly at the waist. She extended a hand toward one, not quite touching the surface.
“Exquisite, aren’t they?” Caroline smiled, pleased another detail had fallen into place. With only three days until the tea party, she was feeling the pressure to make everything perfect.
Sylvia snatched her hand back. “Yes, they are, indeed. Did you acquire them locally?”
“Actually, my father owns three flower-making shops in the outskirts of Charleston. We ship them in each year.”
Sylvia’s mouth thinned and a deep wrinkle formed above her nose. “I thought your father operated soap factories.”
Consulting her list of chores to complete, Caroline marked through the pertinent entry. “He started out in the artificial-flower business. When he decided to pursue different avenues, he sold off most of the shops but not all.”
The slamming of the rear door reverberated through the downstairs hallway. Caroline frowned. “What on earth...”
“Caroline, here you are.” Duncan’s large form dominated the doorway, his hands biting into the frame on each side. “Sylvia, will you please excuse us?”
The maid dipped her head and exited using the other door.
Concerned, Caroline put her pen and paper down. “Is it the horses? Did the thief strike again?”
Stalking toward her, he stopped midway between the door and the spot in which she stood, crossing his arms over his chest and leveling her with a glare that spelled her doom.
“What were you doing at the bank?”
She reached out and gripped the chair beside her for support. “I take it you spoke to Milton Donahue.”
“In fact, it was Claude who approached me. I had no idea what he was talking about, but I have a pretty good idea.” His snarling gaze jerked to the flowers. “I’m a sensible man. I ken how important this party is to you. If you’d simply come to me and explained that you needed funds, I would’ve gladly given my signature.”
The blood drained from her head and, for a moment, Caroline thought she might faint. “I didn’t need the money for the party,” she said through wooden lips. “My mother has an account set up for this sort of event.”
“I see.” His scowl deepened, as did the disappointment on his face. “You didnae need the money. You wanted it. And for what? To replenish the outfits I gave away?” His upper lip curled as his gaze swept her blouse and skirt. “Where are the new gowns, Caroline? Or are you still waiting for them to arrive? I recall it takes weeks to ship from Europe, slightly less if you ordered from New York.”
The wounds his assumption inflicted carved a deep fissure in her heart. But she had no right to be hurt, not when she’d deliberately deceived him.
She had to release her dark secret, to unload this heavy burden.
“Let me explain.”
He shook his head with force. “No explanation could make up for the fact that you obliterated my trust. You forged my signature, didn’t you? Why else would Claude say I was wise not to curtail your spending?” With a sound of disgust, he threw his arms wide. “Were you ever plannin’ on telling me? What were you going to do? Hide your purchases in this house and pull them out one by one with more lies at the ready?”
Tears blurred her vision. He was looking at her the same way he’d looked at her the night of the storm, as if she didn’t have a valuable thought in her brain, as if talking to her was a waste of his precious time. She never dreamed he’d look at her that way again.
Forcing her feet forward, she gripped his arm. “Please, Duncan, hear me out. I didn’t intend to anger you. I—”
Wresting free of her hold, he backed up several steps, his features shuttered, his mouth a hard line of disapproval. “I’m going to Boston.”
“What?” She willed herself to keep it together. “When?”
“I’ll stay until the tea party and leave early the next morning.”
She was losing him. If he returned to Boston in this state of mind, he’d be reminded of everything he’d given up. He’d see his former fiancée, the woman he’d actually proposed marriage to, and decide to cut ties to East Tennessee altogether.
“C-Can I go with you?”
His brows lifted slightly before he averted his gaze. “No.”
“Will I ever see you again?”
He looked at her with a grimness that scared her. “This is to be a brief visit only. I have a responsibility to your father.”
His words brought her little relief. She wasn’t convinced he’d come back. “Duncan, I’m sorry—”
He held up a hand. “Stop. I dinnae wish to speak of this. Perhaps, when I return, we can discuss it. I’m too angry right now.”
He spun on his heel and stalked out. Caroline trailed after him, hoping he’d relent and listen to her. All she needed was five minutes. Duncan may not give a fig for her father’s reputation, and he certainly wouldn’t approve of appeasing a blackmailer, but at least he’d know she hadn’t acted out of vain selfishness.
But he didn’t relent. He didn’t even look back as he pushed through the door and descended the steps, his posture rigid and stride clipped.
Caroline went as far as the landing and clung to the post, watching until he ducked into the stables. Then she sank onto the top step and, uncaring who might see, buried her hea
d in her arms and wept.
* * *
Three days later, Caroline opened the door of her parents’ house and braced herself. She didn’t fake a smile. Didn’t bother to check her hair. Why should she when she hadn’t even brushed it that morning?
Jane stood on the porch, resplendent in a forest green frock, her glossy red hair in a romantic, loose style. Her eyes widened.
“Are you ill?” Passing into the hallway, she felt Caroline’s forehead. “You don’t feel hot. Please tell me you aren’t sick on your birthday!”
Caroline closed the door and led the way into the dining room and returned to her uneaten breakfast. Sinking into the chair, she sipped her cooled tea. “Have you eaten?” She indicated the platters on the server. “Help yourself. There’s plenty.”
Jane slipped her reticule from her wrist and set it aside. Her eyes were serious as she gazed down at her. “What’s the matter? I’ve never seen you like this.”
Unable to meet her friend’s gaze, Caroline stared at the golden liquid in her cup. “I think my marriage is over.”
The misery dogging her these past days welled up again, making it difficult to breathe. Knowing he hadn’t wanted to talk to her, let alone see her, she’d packed a bag of essentials and stayed in her old bedroom. The one time she’d gotten a glimpse of him was when she’d been out in the side yard, directing the temporary workers where to set up the tables and chairs and poles to hang canvas from in case of rain.
Jane came around and, pulling out the chair beside Caroline, sank into it. “What’s happened? Did you argue? Because every couple has disagreements now and then—”
“This is different, Jane. I did something, and he found out. He despises me.” Her voice wobbled, and Jane clasped her hand.
“I don’t believe that for a second. Sweetie, I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He cares for you more than I surmise he lets on.”
“I wish that were true. I—I thought that, given time, he’d cool off. I thought he’d give me a chance to defend my actions. He hasn’t. He won’t.” Dashing away errant tears, she said, “He’s leaving tomorrow at dawn. I don’t think he’s coming back.”
Jane gasped. “I think you need to start at the beginning.”
Caroline looked into her friend’s anxious gaze and found she couldn’t contain the past months’ turmoil a second longer. The story came pouring out. She told her about the blackmail, the money, the forgery. Everything.
“I can’t believe this.” Jane’s hold tightened, and she leaned forward. “Caroline, you have to tell Duncan!”
“What am I supposed to do? Tie him to a chair?”
“If that’s what it takes, yes!”
Hopelessness assailed her. “I’ve given this a lot of thought. Duncan should go to Boston. This isn’t his home. He’s unhappy here. I’m going to write a letter and release him from this marriage.”
“But don’t you see? This changes everything, Caroline. Do you love him?”
“Yes,” she whispered, her heart aching.
“Then fight for him,” she urged. “Make him understand.”
“Did you know he didn’t plan to stick around Gatlinburg? This wasn’t the last stop on his grand tour of independence. He was going to work here for a while and move on to the next opportunity.” Pushing out of her chair, she went to the mantel and stared at her reflection in the gilt-edged mirror. The woman she used to be was in there somewhere, but she was changed, altered almost beyond recognition. “Because of me, he found himself in a prison not of his own making. I won’t be his jailer any longer.”
“You’re not his jailer! You’re his wife.” Jane came to stand behind her. “What if he’s found contentment in his new life here? With you?”
Sighing, Caroline hugged her. “Thank you for listening. You can’t know how much that means to me.” Easing away, she said, “Promise me you won’t breathe a word of this to anyone.”
“If you won’t tell Duncan, you have to talk to Shane. Or Ben. You could be in danger.”
“Whoever’s behind this has had plenty of chances to hurt me. Greed is his crime, not violence.”
“I wish you’d consider this further.”
The clock chimed the hour. “The guests will be arriving in four hours. I have to put aside my troubles and be the flawless hostess they’ve come to expect.” She touched her stringy hair. “Right now, I’m nowhere near presentable, let alone flawless.”
“I’m here for you, no matter what you need.”
“Thank you, friend.”
What she needed was divine strength to get through this day. She was going to fall apart, but it would have to wait until after Duncan left Gatlinburg.
* * *
Duncan was spying on his wife.
Drawn by lilting violin music, happy voices and the clink of china, he’d left the stables and found a shadowy tree where he could observe the tea party’s proceedings without being noticed. Females of all ages and economic status had gathered on the lawn, which under Caroline’s direction had been transformed into an elegant garden retreat. Along one side, tables draped with pristine white tablecloths offered ripe berries and cream, savory dishes and desserts, jars of raspberry shrub and silver urns containing tea and coffee. The other tables were laid with expensive china dishes—purple flowers on a white background—along with polished silverware and dainty teacups atop matching saucers. Elaborate flower arrangements echoed the color scheme. Overhead, not a single cloud in the vivid blue sky marred the day. A gentle breeze occasionally passed through the property, stirring the tree leaves and teasing the ribbons on ladies’ bonnets. The guests’ expressions of delight meant Caroline’s hard work had paid off.
His gaze sought her out, hungry for the sight of her. The sense of betrayal lingered, eating away at him. Keeping his distance that first and second day had been easy. But today, knowing he was leaving in a matter of hours, he couldn’t ignore the desire to see her. At least from a distance.
He finally spotted her. Surrounded by a semicircle of women intent on her words, she appeared at ease in this environment. She was once again the graceful, stunning socialite who’d first caught his eye at the end of an arduous, over-mountain journey. Her blond hair shone like moonlight, swept to one side and pinned into a sleek twist, with a single yellow bloom tucked into the mass. Her statuesque form was on display in a blue dress...
Duncan stepped out of the shadows and tipped his hat brim up, squinting in the light. The dress wasn’t new. It was the one Louise had spurned, the one he’d complimented her on. For an event as momentous as this one, he’d expected her to wear a dress that would inspire the admiration of the attendees.
Movement off to his side distracted him. He dragged his attention away and was surprised to see Ben ambling toward him, a huge grin on his face.
“Are you going to join the festivities, Duncan?”
“I wasn’t invited, and neither were you.”
Propping his hands on his hips, Ben eagerly surveyed the activity before them. “I would say all of Gatlinburg’s female population is represented here today.”
“I’ve heard it said you’ve courted half of them,” he drawled.
Ben threw back his head and laughed, earning them curious glances from a few of the guests. Taking his arm, Duncan guided him closer to the house.
“Are you here for a reason?”
The younger man looked at him in surprise but didn’t comment on his foul mood. “I came to tell you that Ellie’s position is secure. At least for the time being. Thank you for putting in a good word for her.”
“Alexander changed his mind?”
“When he returned from the doctor’s, he was a bit taken aback by the number of customers in his dining room. He wasn’t too gracious about it, but he agreed to let her stay on a trial basis. I get the feeling
that if she doesn’t interfere with his wish to seclude himself in his office, she’ll have the job as long as she wants it.”
“Good for her.”
“There’s another matter.” Scratching his chin, his expression turned thoughtful. “Albert’s horse turned up in Maryville. I was there yesterday on business and recognized the markings. The man who had him said he bought him off a fancy gent with a distinct accent. The physical description he gave matches Theo Marsh.”
“He has no need to steal a horse.”
Twisting slightly so that he could see Caroline, he recalled the night Theo had invaded her privacy.
“Shane and I paid him a visit last evening. He’s staying with the Lowe family. Theo denies he was involved, and Vivian insists he was with her the night of the theft.”
“Do you believe them?”
A sigh gusted out of him. “They acted sincere, but my gut’s telling me they’re up to something.”
Caroline ceased her conversation and instructed everyone to take their places. Several young men dressed in black and white positioned themselves at the serving tables. She asked the reverend’s wife to bless the meal. When her prayer was concluded, Duncan turned to the deputy.
“Ben, I need a favor.”
“Anything.”
“I’m going to be gone for a couple of weeks. I need for you to keep an eye on Caroline. I think she’ll be safe in her parents’ house, but I’d feel better knowing you’re watching over her.”
“May I ask where you’re going?”
“Home. To Boston.”
Questions churned in his eyes. “I see. And what or who am I supposed to be keeping Caroline safe from?”
Duncan told him about Theo’s late-night visit. “He’s kept his distance since then. Still, once word gets out that I’m not around...”
“If you’re worried, why not take her with you? I’d have thought you’d like to introduce your new wife to your family.”
“It’s no’ an option right now.”
“Why—”
“Are you willing to do it or not?”