“Because, I’ve always appreciated beauty.” He mounted his horse as Jonathan Dalton returned. Bidding them a good day, he rode off.
Jonathan took his niece’s arm and walked back to the house with her. “We have a surprise waiting for you at the house,” he said with a secretive smile.
Her thoughts on Jared’s last comment, she only half-listened to what her uncle said. She followed her uncle into the house, and he escorted her into the living room.
The moment she entered the room, her thoughts ceased abruptly. A feeling of utter panic engulfed her. Sitting across from her aunt on the sofa were her parents, and coming to his feet, Brad.
She couldn’t believe who she saw and couldn’t think of anything to say to any of them. Thankfully, her aunt came to her rescue.
“Isn’t this a pleasant surprise?”
Taryn stared at Brad. ‘Surprise’ did not adequately describe the situation.
“Say hello to your parents,” Jonathan urged his niece. “They’ve assured us they haven’t come here simply to berate you.”
She moved across the room, embraced her parents, and assessed them closely to see how true her uncle’s words might be.
Madeline Ashford’s initial gaze held admonishment. She hugged Taryn, expressing her relief to know her daughter had not come to harm on her errant journey.
With open arms, Dennis Ashford smiled at his daughter’s cautious gaze as she walked into his embrace. He pulled back and touched her cheek. “Are you all right?”
She nodded with a smile for her father’s concern over the reasons she may have fled. He was so wonderfully constant in his concern. She finally turned to Brad, her voice sounding rigid even to her own ears. “Hello, Brad.”
Brad wore brown pants, matching coat, and a tailored white shirt. His appearance was as she remembered—his blond hair combed in place, his clothes businesslike, and his manner fastidious. His hazel eyes searched hers in silent question.
Brad addressed the group, already taking her elbow. “Will you excuse us. I’d like to talk to Taryn alone for a moment?”
“Certainly,” Jonathan said. “Taryn, why don’t you show Brad around the ranch.”
They walked outside away from the house.
Taryn evaded the conversation Brad wanted to begin. “What part of the ranch would you like to see first? The lake is beautiful, but we could walk along one of the trails. if you’d prefer.” She purposely surveyed the area—anywhere but at Brad directly.
Brad took her by the shoulders, slowly turning her toward him, waiting until she raised her eyes. “I’m not interested in the ranch,” Brad said softly. “Why did you leave, Taryn?”
For the first time since she’d left Chicago, she was sorry for her rash behavior. Brad’s voice remained calm, even gentle in his questioning. He didn’t demand her answer but instead sought a way to understand her sudden departure. “I needed time to think.”
“About us?” Brad slid his hands down her arms and linked them around her waist.
She didn’t know how to put her reasons into words. “All the planning for our wedding became so rushed. I felt I didn’t have any control of what was happening. I was afraid I hadn’t done everything I’d wanted. It’s why I came here. I wanted to meet my relatives and see this part of the country. I didn’t know if I’d have the opportunity again.”
Brad pulled her against him. “It was never my intention to rush you, Taryn. I’m sorry if you felt so pressured you had to run away.”
“Maybe my nerves got the better of me.”
“Then nothing’s changed between us?”
Taryn had caused unnecessary stress not only to her parents, but Brad. She had given her word to marry him, and she would not go back on her commitment. She smiled, placing the palms of her hands on Brad’s forearms. “Nothing’s changed.” Her smile widened even more at how her response changed Brad’s expression from uncertain hope to happy relief.
Brad took her hands in his, kissing her knuckles. He paused, scrutinizing her finger, a perplexed frown creasing his brow. “Why aren’t you wearing your engagement ring?”
She froze. Ever since she’d taken Brad’s ring off her finger on the train, she’d never put it back on. “I must have forgotten to put it back on after bathing this morning.” There would have been no reason to remove it even when bathing, but Brad accepted her answer. She would have to put it on again to prevent the same question repeated.
Brad kissed her finger where his ring should have been, before gazing into her eyes. “Do you know what I think?”
Afraid to even think Brad might speculate why she’d removed the ring, she didn’t answer him.
“I think,” Brad said, “I’m ready to have you show me around the ranch.”
She laughed with a mixture of relief and delight. Taking Brad’s arm, she began the tour.
After supper when most had retired, Taryn sat out on the verandah contemplating what she wanted to do. She should not have questions about her future. She was going to marry Brad Thompson. Thoughts of Jared arose, but she forced them, and him, from her mind.
Madeline Ashford came outside to join her.
Taryn smiled in acknowledgement. “I thought you’d gone to bed.”
“I couldn’t fall asleep. I suppose I’m used to my own bed,” Madeline replied taking a chair beside her daughter.
“I’m sorry, Mother, for causing you worry,” she apologized, having wanted to say so since her parents had arrived earlier. “I shouldn’t have slipped away the way I did. I knew you would have prevented me from going.”
“I imagine we would have,” Madeline remarked. She sighed in mild annoyance. “I don’t know why your note surprised me. You’ve always been stubborn about your choices. Even though your aunt and uncle sent word to say you were safe, it didn’t prevent us from worrying. We came here to ensure ourselves you were fine.”
Taryn considered how her father rarely took time away from his position as principal at the large bank he’d worked at for the past eighteen years. “Will father’s absence from the bank cause him difficulties?”
“You know your father,” Madeline commented with a wave of her hand. “To hear him tell it, the entire banking business will crumble if he isn’t there to oversee matters. But he has confidence in his officers and other principals.” Madeline smiled. “I believe I’ve convinced him the bank will stand for the time he’s away. Your father is more concerned for you than he is about his business. We both are,” she said more seriously. “When Brad learned we were coming out here, he insisted on joining us, although he may have to return sooner than your father.”
Taryn nodded. Brad’s held a lower position at the same bank where her father worked. He couldn’t afford an extended leave if he hoped to achieve a promotion. She had admired Brad’s ambition since she’d first met him at the bank. An ambition which would make Brad eager to return. When she’d left, her goal focused only on getting away. In reflection, she hadn’t been fair to Brad or her parents by causing such turmoil for them.
“Brad loves you, Taryn,” Madeline said, breaking into Taryn’s thoughts. “You’ll have a stable life with him.”
“I know, but…”
Madeline gently prodded. “But what?”
“Mother, I always hoped when I fell in love, it would be more exciting than anything I’d ever known. It only seems to be comfortable with Brad.”
Madeline’s expression reflected curiosity. “What’s wrong with being comfortable? That’s what love is, Taryn. The wild-type of excitement you’re referring to is more of an infatuation than love. When it wears off, you have nothing.”
She considered her mother’s words.
“Your feelings for Brad will grow with each year,” Madeline assured her.
“What happens if it doesn’t?”
Madeline took her daughter’s hand in hers. “Honey, everyone who’s about to be married has sudden doubts as you’re feeling. It’s a natural thing. Don’t let it prevent you f
rom marrying Brad. Even I had doubts before I married your father,” she admitted.
“You did?” Taryn stared at her mother, stunned. “Why?”
“Oh, I was young, like you,” Madeline said, chuckling at the memory. “So afraid I’d miss out on something by marrying. Those doubts were forgotten the moment we said our vows.”
She felt encouraged by her mother’s words. She leaned over, giving her mother a kiss. “Thank you for listening.”
“Whenever you need it,” her mother answered, squeezing her hand affectionately. “It sounds as if the engagement ball Gwen’s planned for Luke and Anita will be a grand occasion,” Madeline said, wisely changing the subject.
“Yes,” Taryn agreed, only recalling Jared would be at the ball as well, “a grand occasion.”
Chapter Seven
Lights emanated from the house, welcoming the carriages maneuvering down the long, tree-lined path to the entrance of the Dalton home. The weeks of preparation were evident by the meticulous service granted to each guest.
Taryn had taken painstaking care in preparing for the evening, pleased with the results. She smiled at the mirror’s reflection. The shimmering silver-blue silk and gauze gros-grain ball gown complemented her coloring more than she’d originally thought when she’d chosen the shade. The bodice draped off her shoulders, dipping to a V-shape above the swell of her breasts. The gown molded her body with the small train, decorated with two garlands of delicate flowers, sweeping out behind her. She slipped a pearl necklace around her throat to offset the slight cleavage of the gown.
At the time of the gown’s purchase, her mother considered the gown entirely too daring for her daughter. Taryn could almost understand her mother’s reluctance. She had never worn such an elegant and sophisticated gown. Exactly the reason she’d wanted it so badly. Her gowns in the past had all been beautiful, but also girlish. Tonight, she truly felt like a woman. Her hair, fashioned in a chignon, only needed a pearl comb for decoration. Before leaving the room, she went to a drawer of the lowboy, removing a small piece of velvet cloth. From its folds, she picked up Brad’s diamond engagement ring and slipped it back on her finger. Staring at it, she didn’t notice its brilliance. As she gazed at the ring she wondered whether Jared would notice it or question its origin. Why did she care if he noticed it? She picked up her fan with feather stitch embroidery from the dresser top and left the room. The appreciative comments she received when she descended the stairway confirmed the wisdom of her choices.
Her family, appropriately attired for the evening, waited at the foot of the stairs. Gwen wore a gown of blue tulle and satin while Madeline chose a wine-colored evening dress of gauze and lace. Both had their hair swept up in coiffures decorated with sprays of flowers to match their gowns. Dennis, Jonathan, and Brad wore tailored long dress coats, linen shirts, and breeches. They presented an exceptionally handsome trio.
The first arrivals came in small groups. Before long, the party was well underway. The guests mingled among each other in the Great Hall, enjoying the company, food, and dancing with cheerful abandon. Chippendale chairs and long tables for the refreshments lined the walls with a harp and spinet in one corner. Gold damask curtains hanging on the floor-to-ceiling windows added brilliance to the formal room.
From the moment the guests began arriving, Taryn was a bundle of nerves. Standing with Brad on the outer edges of the dance floor, rampant thoughts ran through her mind. How was she going to explain Brad to Jared or vice versa? She had never even dreamed the two would be in the same room or such a predicament would occur. Her thoughts swirled with the chances for disaster.
“Taryn.” Brad waited impatiently for her attention.
“Yes?”
“You’re fidgeting,” Brad pointed out.
She examined her hands. She had been unconsciously clasping and unclasping the fan she held. Her hands froze from repeating the action. Dropping her arms to her side, she offered Brad a weak smile. “I guess it’s the excitement of the evening.”
“The evening’s only begun.” He kissed her, then smiled. “I hope you’ll still have some energy left for the dancing later.”
She graced Brad with a glowing smile. “I’ll make sure I do.” Robert Michaels walked up to Taryn. “Robert!” Taryn hugged him in greeting.
Brad stood by, grinning, yet shaking his head at her overzealous display.
Taryn pulled back from Robert. “Have you just arrived?” She hadn’t seen him since they’d come to Sacramento. Everything about him was crisp and clean. His skin had darkened from the sun, flattering his features since she’d seen him last.
“I’ve only been here a few minutes. Have I missed anything?”
“Nothing worth noting, I’m sure. I trust you brought your notepad?”
Robert patted the breast pocket of his jacket, a grin on his face. “Discreetly concealed.”
She laughed then turned to Brad. “Brad, this is Robert Michaels. He’s a journalist whom I met on my journey out here. He now works for The Sacramento Gazette in town. Robert,” she said in kind, “this is…” she hesitated for a fraction of a second, “my fiancé, Brad Thompson.” Robert was aware of the ruse she’d played with Jared, but she hadn’t revealed her true engagement. He shook Brad’s hand, forcing his expression not to register his surprise at Taryn’s disclosure. “Congratulations.” Several other questions came to mind, and he struggled not to rattle them off and reach for his notepad. He casually asked how the two had met.
“I work for the same bank in Chicago as Taryn’s father,” Brad explained. “We met each other there.”
“I see.” Robert’s interest was piqued. They exchanged pleasantries before he excused himself.
Taryn wanted Brad to meet Luke and Anita Adams, so she directed him over to them. “You’re dashing, tonight, Luke,” she commented. She had never seen him formally attired. His black coattails only enhanced Luke’s blond good looks. His thick wavy hair, usually appealingly windblown, was neatly in place with only a hint of defiance.
“I’m not letting go of his arm all night,” Anita remarked in good humor, tightening her grip on Luke’s arm to emphasize her point. “We’ve only been here a few moments, and I’ve already seen some of the other women openly ogling him.”
Luke grinned. “Which women exactly?”
“None you need to be concerned about,” Anita quickly informed him.
Taryn laughed. Anita was confident in Luke’s love and had no need to worry. She and Anita had become good friends in the short time they’d known each other. Anita was much like Luke in personality—easygoing, considerate, and giving. Her golden hair curled loosely about her oval face, and as always, her blue eyes and friendly smile were infectious. Luke and Anita’s marriage was in a matter of weeks. Anita’s excitement was tangible. The two were wildly in love evident any time they chanced a glimpse at each other.
Brad remained silent through the exchange. Taryn realized Brad had nothing in common with any of the people in attendance. He knew nothing of the business of ranching, horses, or cattle nor did he care to learn. It was unlikely he’d find someone among them whom he’d be able to discuss his business of banking. “Would you like something to drink, Taryn?” he offered solicitously.
“Some punch would be nice, Brad. Thank you.”
Luke’s gaze fell on Brad Thompson as he left them. “Brad seems very nice.”
She nodded, watching Brad’s retreating back. “I’m afraid he feels out of his element here.”
“I have to admit,” Luke said, “it surprised me when Jonathan told me earlier this evening of your own plans. I hadn’t realized you were also engaged.”
“I suppose I didn’t mention it since it’s still a few months away,” she explained, knowing how ridiculous her explanation sounded. Luke, ever the gentleman, didn’t point it out.
“Hello, Taryn.”
Her heartbeat increased rapidly, and the pulse in her throat beat at the sound of the low-timbered voice from behind her. T
urning, she stared at Jared, spellbound by his magnetism. She had never seen him more superbly attired. Dressed in black tailcoat and trousers with a black and silver double-breasted waistcoat and linen shirt, he was magnificent. The material was of the finest cloth. The cut of the suit fit his large muscular frame perfectly. She experienced an absurd pleasure he had such excellent taste in clothing. His wavy black hair brushed back, the edges touched the high collar of his dress coat. He graced her with a gleaming smile. She fought a giddy laugh passing her lips in response. “Hello, Jared,” she managed to utter in a breathy voice. “You look sensational.”
Their gazes locked for a moment. He brought her hand to his lips. “You are radiant.”
Her eyes glittered as she smiled and blushed with pleasure.
He broke the gaze, acknowledging Luke’s and Anita’s presence. “Hello, Luke,” he greeted, shaking his hand. “Anita,” he greeted, kissing the back of her hand.
Gwen and Jonathan walked over to the group with Maddie and Dennis. “Mr. King, I’m so glad you could attend,” Gwen said.
“You’re very kind to consider me, Mrs. Dalton.”
“I hoped it might give you a chance to become acquainted with…everyone,” Gwen commented, glancing at Taryn before turning her attention back to Jared. “Mr. King, may I present Taryn’s parents, Madeline and Dennis Ashford.” Turning to her sister and brother-in-law, Gwen continued the introductions. “Mr. King was a fellow passenger on Taryn’s train trip out here.”
He could see Taryn’s resemblance to her mother. Taryn possessed the same shape of eyes and mouth he saw on her mother. Madeline Ashford was still beautiful. He had a vision of what Taryn might look like in years to come. Madeline’s dark hair had touches of silver-gray in it, the contrast striking rather than unattractive. Her face showed signs of age, but age well-worn, with laugh lines about the eyes conveying a woman who’d known happiness in her years. Shorter than her daughter, Madeline Ashford still retained a becoming shape. He realized where Taryn inherited the deep green color of her eyes as he shook Dennis Ashford’s hand. Her father was older than her mother by what he surmised to be at least five years. Though Dennis Ashford’s hairline receded, and his hair almost entirely white, he was far from balding. Dennis was a tall man in comparison to his wife, although Jared stood at least three inches taller.
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