“You had the advantage of practice,” Taryn said to Robert and Marie as Jared untied their ankles, helping her up.
“One more time?” Robert asked, the challenge reflected in his eyes.
Jared and Taryn nodded, their competitive spirit rising to the occasion.
She held a larger section of her skirt in a tight grip to give her legs even more room to run. She gave Jared a confident nod, squeezing his waist in readiness. Bracing themselves for a quick start, they waited for the shout to go.
****
In deference to their love for their spouses, Jonathan and Dennis followed in their wives’ wake browsing the many crafts at the festival. Both men voiced their eagerness to move on to more exciting things. They found it difficult to become enthusiastic over baskets and knitted blankets. Jonathan wanted to try his luck at the shooting matches while Dennis’ interest geared toward the fencing tournament.
Passing by the three-legged game, the group halted at the sight of Taryn and Jared. Gwen noticed a tentative smile on Madeline’s face contemplating her daughter and Jared as the two raced toward the finish line. Both were laughing and when pronounced the winner of the race, Taryn threw her arms around Jared’s neck in exuberance. The sudden movement caused them to lose their balance, driving them to the ground. Madeline continued to stare as Jared kissed Taryn with unashamed devotion. Madeline glanced over at Dennis. He too watched them, but his face remained stony.
“We should say hello,” Gwen suggested when the awkward silence prevailed. She and Jonathan proceeded forward.
Dennis stepped in the opposite direction. “We’ll never get through the crowd.”
Gwen sighed, hurling an impatient scowl in the direction of her brother-in-law.
Jonathan frowned in Dennis’ direction, placing a comforting hand around Gwen.
Dennis was making an excuse. The crowd wasn’t so thick their group couldn’t get through to Jared and Taryn.
Dennis peered over his shoulder. “Didn’t you say the horse races were over this way, John?” While Dennis and Jonathan entered the horse races, Gwen and Madeline stood along the sidelines.
Gwen turned toward Maddie. Her sister was thinking of Taryn. “For Heaven sake’s, Maddie, Taryn’s your daughter. You can’t go on ignoring her.”
“Gwen, if I faced her now I don’t know what I would say about her conduct.”
“All right,” Gwen conceded, “Taryn went against convention by being with Jared. If you think about it, you were not so much different in your youth.”
Madeline glowered, her incredulity written across her features. “What are you talking about? I never…”
Gwen held up a hand to explain. “If I had been able to keep Mother and Father away from the house when you were alone with Richard Precall, what do you think would have occurred between the two of you?”
Again, Madeline was about to make her denials, but then paused, reflecting back to the particular day. “Nothing did happen.”
“No,” Gwen agreed. “But it would have if we hadn’t returned. Can you deny it, Maddie?” Gwen placed her hand on her sister’s arm. “The only misconduct Taryn is responsible for is allowing her heart to rule her. I would have to say the same for Jared King. Don’t hold it against them when it has happened to us all at one time or another.”
Madeline shifted her gaze back to Jared and Taryn. “They do seem happy together.”
Gwen nodded. “I would say they are. I wouldn’t want to see it jeopardized.”
****
An hour later, Taryn and Jared passed the contest of firearms. She grabbed Jared’s arm, pointing toward the men lined up before targets a distance away. “Jared, you could win this. You should enter the contest.”
“I don’t think it would be a good idea.”
Taryn turned to question him but then realized why he wouldn’t wish to compete against the others. Most of the town appeared in attendance at the festival. With Dean Breck’s murder hanging over his head, the last thing he needed was to prove he was an excellent shot. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”
He hugged her to his side. “Don’t worry. Let’s go watch the fencing matches.”
Moving through the crowd, they came face to face with her parents.
“Good afternoon,” Jared said, breaking the awkward silence.
“Good afternoon,” Madeline returned, forcing a tentative smile in acknowledgment.
He stared at Mrs. Ashford, registering some softness around her eyes. Her words, although stiff in their delivery, nevertheless showed signs of her making an effort. Dennis Ashford was another matter. His acknowledgment was a cool kiss on Taryn’s cheek, accompanied by a curt nod before excusing himself to take his place with the other swordsmen entered for the games.
“Have you been here long?” Taryn asked her mother to relieve the thick air of tension by her father’s cold greeting.
“Not too long,” Madeline returned. Both their words were cautious, each fearful of saying the wrong thing.
“Are Aunt Gwen and Uncle Jonathan here?”
“Yes, they went to get some refreshments.”
While mother and daughter attempted to reach an easy conversation, Jared’s gaze went over their heads to watch Dennis Ashford move toward the group of men entering the fencing match. He waited for a lull in conversation. “Mrs. Ashford, is your husband skilled with a sword?”
Madeline gazed across the field. “I don’t know about now, but he was schooled in fencing during his academic years. He was considered exceptional.”
A sudden idea came to Jared. “Excuse me ladies, I think I’ll enter this contest.”
Madeline and Taryn turned, watching him saunter away. His purposeful strides indicated some definite plan.
After a moment, Taryn turned to her mother to address the subject they had both been avoiding. “I didn’t think you would speak to me.”
“I wouldn’t have,” Madeline said, “but your aunt reminded me of something I’d forgotten.”
“What?”
“My own past.” Madeline chuckled at Taryn’s perplexed gaze. “I’ll tell you about it sometime.” She struggled to combat the tears as she hugged her daughter.
Taryn pulled back with tears glistening in her eyes. “Will Father forgive me?”
Madeline contemplated Dennis then turned her attention to Taryn. “You leave your father to me.” She patted her daughter’s arm, squaring her shoulders in determination. “He’ll come around.”
Jared walked over to the man in charge of the tournament. Dennis Ashford had already moved away to stand to the side waiting for his turn. He provided his name making certain he landed in the opposite group Dennis Ashford had joined.
The contest consisted of two groups of eight. Through the drawing of straws, two men from the same group were pitted against each other so there were four individual matches per group. The four victors of their individual matches would then choose straws to fence one of the other three victors so two individual matches per group would take place.
The two victors of those matches would fence each other until only one man from each original group would remain. The best swordsmen of the two opposite groups would face each other. The victor of the match would be declared the overall winner. Spectators could wager on the individual matches, as well as on the final winner with all proceeds collected donated to a local charity.
Dennis Ashford stood waiting for his first match to begin with the man he’d been paired against. He glanced across at the second group of men to gauge the competition. His gaze fell on Jared King who had the audacity to arch an arrogant brow in his direction in challenge. Dennis’ hand tightened around the handle of the blade he held. He turned sharply to face his opponent jolting the man’s concentration by a hard stare of conviction.
Jared faced his own opponent, satisfied the impudent sneer he’d given Dennis Ashford provided enough of a challenge to make Taryn’s father the victor of his entire group. He made sure he succeeded in bei
ng the victor among the men in his group. He wanted Dennis Ashford to have him as his final opponent.
Jared finished with his first opponent soon after the match got underway. He stood aside waiting for the other two matches in his group to conclude. He assessed Dennis Ashford’s skill as he fenced with his partner. Taryn’s father was skilled with the weapon. His age did not encumber him as he went back and forth with an opponent a decade younger. Lunging low and to the right, Dennis Ashford touched the coated tip of his blade to the side of his opponent’s torso proclaiming his victory.
Jared understood that Dennis Ashford’s determination to win his matches would be driven by his desire to battle him. Jared’s own drive stemmed from a need to release the fury he felt over the false accusation Marcus Rhodes made against him, in addition to giving Taryn’s father the chance to regain his pride. Their separate opponents could not know there was more behind each man’s thoughts than a simple contest of skill.
The fencing matches continued until one by one fourteen men were eliminated to two—Jared and Dennis Ashford. Both men removed their jackets with perspiration glistening on their brows from their previous matches. They waited without word to each other as the spectators concluded placing their wagers.
Gwen and Jonathan returned to Maddie’s side, taking great pleasure that Maddie was talking to Taryn openly.
Jonathan handed Maddie one of the drinks he’d brought back. “Where’s Dennis?”
“He’s joined the fencing contest.” Madeline shook her head. “I think he believes himself to be King Arthur. Oh dear…”
Taryn turned in the direction her mother’s gaze was riveted. She saw her father and realized his fencing opponent was none other than Jared. Taryn and her family edged forward to watch the two men. By the time they reached the fencing arena, other spectators crowded the area.
“Gentlemen, are you ready?” Both men nodded to the announcer, raising their swords. “Begin.”
They crossed swords, then stepped back, circling each other as the steel of their blades clashed.
Dennis lunged forward. Jared threw his body sideways to avert the tip of the blade from touching him.
Taryn gasped at her father’s action. The tips of the blades were covered to prevent either man from being wounded, but the intent on her father’s face was real enough to give her a fright. To win the contest, one man’s blade was required to make fatal contact with the other’s body.
Jared struck Dennis’ blade aside parrying his next thrust. He lunged out himself yet pulled his blade short of coming in contact with Dennis’ body. He had no intention of winning the match. He admired Dennis Ashford’s stamina. The man was agile on his feet with the blade. His knowledge was superb. He’d obviously retained it over the years. Jared found himself vastly enjoying the match.
Their blades clashed again and again, the sun reflecting with blinding clarity off the steel as each parried the other’s action.
Dennis lunged low and to the right. Jared anticipated the strategy, having seen Taryn’s father use the same technique in his other matches. He made a movement with his own blade as if to parry but missed his mark. The tip of Dennis Ashford’s blade touched him on his side and the match concluded.
“We have a victor!” the announcer shouted.
Both men lowered their swords. Each labored for breath from the exertion as they assessed each other. Jared gave a slight bow in acknowledgment of Dennis’ win before walking over to the sidelines handing off his sword. Others surrounded Dennis to congratulate him on his victory. Dennis strode over to the sidelines near Jared to return his own sword.
“Mr. Ashford, will you speak with me for a moment?” At Dennis’ curt nod, Jared gestured over to an area where they would not be overheard. “I take full responsibility for jeopardizing your daughter’s reputation and your good name. I want you to know I did not marry your daughter out of a sense of duty resulting from the circumstances. I love your daughter and have been in love with her since the first moment we met. I went to Taryn the other night to tell her and persuade her not to marry Brad Thompson. Blame me for allowing my emotions to overtake the situation, but don’t blame Taryn. If the bond she has with you and your wife is altered, it will destroy her. I also believe it would destroy you and your wife as well.”
When Dennis remained silent at the conclusion of his speech, Jared nodded, then returned to Taryn’s side, greeting the Daltons.
Jonathan was effusive with his compliments. “An impressive match, Jared. You hold a blade with skill.”
“My skill has apparent need of improvement.” He took a grateful gulp of the drink Taryn handed him.
“I would disagree,” Madeline interjected.
He turned his gaze to Taryn’s mother. “You are very kind to say so, Mrs. Ashford.”
“I do have my moments.” Madeline smiled in self-parody.
Jared couldn’t help chuckling. He achieved a far greater victory regardless of the lost contest.
****
Dennis strolled back to where Maddie and the others stood, his expression thoughtful as he reached them.
The group continued through the park, Gwen and Madeline pausing at one stand. Jared and Taryn stepped away to get something to eat. Dennis stood with Jonathan while their wives surveyed the handiwork of yet another quilted item. “John, did you watch the fencing match between Jared King and me?”
Jonathan nodded. “Remind me not to suggest we ever fence again. I’d forgotten how good you are.”
Dennis smiled, accepting the compliment before addressing a nagging suspicion. “Am I imagining things, or could he have twice been the victor in our match if he’d taken the opportunities?”
Jonathan’s expression was apologetic. “I counted three times.”
“I’ll be damned,” Dennis said without rancor. “I thought he was pulling his blade short but wasn’t sure. He wanted me to win the match.”
“Yes, he did,” Jonathan remarked, as the ladies finished their perusal and rejoined them. “I imagine those not in attendance to view your victory over him will soon hear of it from those who did see the match.”
“I’ll be damned,” Dennis repeated.
Chapter Twenty
Two weeks after their wedding, Luke and Anita returned from their honeymoon. Jared was eager to talk to his brother about everything that happened in the interim.
“I’m not sure if I should congratulate you on your wedding or not,” Luke said, his gaze wary, waving Jared inside his home.
“You know then.”
“Jonathan mentioned it last night when we got back, but it was late, and he didn’t go into details.”
“Can we go somewhere and talk?”
“We can talk here. Anita’s gone to her parents’ home for the morning. What’s going on with you?” Luke ushered him into the living room. “Jonathan and Gwen informed us Marcus nearly arrested you for murdering Dean Breck. Then he tells us you and Taryn married shortly thereafter.”
“All true.” Jared threw himself onto a cushioned armchair, taking a deep breath. Leaning his elbows on his knees, he clasped his hands before his face.
Luke remained silent, allowing Jared to gather his thoughts.
“Dean Breck was killed the night of your wedding. Rhodes accused me of it, producing my timepiece as evidence.”
“Jonathan said your marriage to Taryn was linked to Dean’s murder.”
“Taryn and I were together the same night. She revealed the truth to Rhodes to prevent him from arresting me.”
Luke dropped onto the sofa across from Jared.
“Rhodes didn’t believe her. Taryn needed her mother to verify it.”
“Her mother?”
“The explanation is a little involved, but suffice it to say Rhodes became a believer.”
After a long silence, Luke addressed Jared. “When you went to see Taryn, tell me you didn’t kill Dean then use her as an alibi?”
Jared shook his head. “I did go to Breck’s Casino
after your wedding. I had hoped to get Taryn out of my mind by playing cards. I was the last to leave. I must have dropped my timepiece there. I don’t know who killed Breck, but it wasn’t me. Of course, you wouldn’t know it by what everyone has been led to believe. I’m almost inclined to believe Rhodes set the whole thing up to exact his vengeance for his brother.”
“Would Rhodes step so far outside the law to see you under his control?”
Jared shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine. He may have.” Jared considered the possibility, but wasn’t certain of its validity. “I may never know. Rhodes has everyone in town believing I killed Breck.”
“Have you talked to Andrew Donahue?”
Jared felt his back stiffen. “The sheriff? I’d rather not have Rhodes know I’m investigating the murder myself, especially if he did it.”
“You don’t have to worry about Andrew. He can be trusted to discover the truth. His loyalty is to his badge, not Rhodes. He’s a good man.”
Jared shook his head. “Even so, I don’t like the idea.”
Silence settled over both of them before Luke broached another subject. “There’s something else I’m curious about. Knowing your past distaste for marriage, did you marry Taryn solely because she did come forward?”
“I’ll admit when I saw the way Taryn’s parents treated her after she’d spoken up, it did something to me. Her father suggested she go through with the marriage to Thompson. Thompson would have gloated over such a victory. The little weasel would have held the fact she was tainted over their heads for life.”
“You have to admire Taryn’s stamina through all this,” Luke remarked. “Jonathan tells me her father hasn’t forgiven her yet.”
“Don’t you think I’ve considered what this situation has done?” Jared pushed himself out of the chair, withdrawing a cheroot from his breast pocket. He struck a match to it in annoyance at his brother reminding him of something he already knew. “Taryn’s father is the most stubborn man I’ve ever come across. An inherited trait in his daughter.”
“By appearances, it would seem you used her as an alibi.”
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