by Lyndsey Cole
Jason looked at Scarlet. “I’m still not convinced you aren’t working with that guy. You could have called him, opened the door from the inside before you went out the porch door, left with Roxy, and Thorne could have waltzed in and out in minutes.”
Scarlet stood with her hands out, shaking her head. “I have nothing to gain from helping them. Trisha only wants to steal my designs and Thorne does her bidding. The last thing I would do is get involved in any of their schemes.”
Jason scowled. “I don’t like this but, for now, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. Here’s what I propose.” He directed his attention to Scarlet. “You are a designer, so make a new gown for Annie.”
“I can’t wear a different gown,” Annie said, shocked that Jason would even propose something that outrageous.
“Well, you can’t very well waltz down the aisle in your birthday suit and a bouquet of peonies.” Jason grinned. “Not that I wouldn’t enjoy that view.”
“There’s something else I need to tell you, dear,” Annie said as she sagged onto the couch.
“I don’t like the sound of this.” Jason stuck his hands in his pockets.
Scarlet faded into the background.
“It’s a promise I made to Leona,” Annie continued.
“Even worse.” Jason sat next to Annie and draped his arm across the back of the couch.
Annie stared at her lap. “If I don’t wear Leona’s wedding gown, she and my mother will tag along on our honeymoon.” She turned and looked at Jason, waiting for a response.
Silence. Then he burst out laughing. “I’ll have to cancel our honeymoon if it comes to that. The last thing we need is Mia and Leona looking over our shoulders. Why would you ever make a promise like that, anyway?”
“I just wanted to assure Leona that I had no intention of trading her gown for a new one that Trisha was trying to bribe me with.” Annie pulled her legs up and tucked her feet under Jason’s thigh. “Do you think she’d steal her own gown to make good on that promise?”
“We are talking about Leona, so, yes, it’s definitely possible.” Jason squeezed Annie’s foot. “We’ll have to beat her at her own game if she’s the one behind this disappearing wedding gown drama.”
“How?” Annie asked.
“Tell her we’re cancelling the wedding. That will call her bluff.”
Annie’s mouth fell open. “We can’t do that. What about all the guests? And the food? And flowers? And Mrs. Delaney at the Heron Inn?”
“You tell Leona there’s a problem and see how she reacts. We’ll go from there. Trust me on this. Okay?”
Annie sighed.
This was never part of her wedding plan.
“Okay.”
With Annie agreeing to his outrageous plan, Jason stood and left. “I have to go out for a few errands. I’ll be back soon.”
Annie stayed on the couch. She couldn’t get her head wrapped around the idea that Leona might have played this prank on her.
It was far too outrageous.
Even for her sometimes-crazy aunt.
Chapter 16
Scarlet, who had been standing quietly in the background during Annie’s and Jason’s discussion about the wedding gown, stepped forward. “Maybe I can help.”
“By making me a new gown? That’s kind of you, Scarlet, but as far as I’m concerned, that’s not an option. I’ve loved Leona’s gown for as long as I can remember and it just won’t feel right to wear anything else.”
Scarlet approached Annie and sat down next to her. “That’s not what I mean. How about I make a gown exactly the same?”
Annie sat up straighter; her eyes widened. “Is that even possible? There’s not much time. What about the embroidered flowers?”
“I hate to toot my own horn, but I have a talent, some call it a gift, when it comes to designing and sewing. The design is already done, all I need is my sewing machine, your measurements, and the fabric. I’ll work around the clock if necessary.”
“Why?” Annie asked.
Scarlet shrugged as if the whole project was no big deal. “You believed in me. You came to support me when I sat devastated in my room at the Heron Inn.” She smiled. “And, if I can stick another dagger in Trisha’s back, it will all be worth it. I’ve only seen the gown once. Do you have a photograph of it?”
Annie jumped up. “I sure do. Several. From all angles. I photographed the gown so Posey at The Enchanted Florist could match the colors of the embroidered flowers.”
“You find them and I’ll get my sewing machine out of my car. Do you have a room where I can set up?”
Annie was already racing upstairs and she hollered over her shoulder. “Yes. Plenty of space.”
Annie said a silent thank you that Jason had left to run errands. By the time he was back, with a big dose of luck, Scarlet would be set up and sewing up a storm. With a backup gown, it didn’t matter who had stolen the original. If it was Leona, Annie chuckled to herself, guess who would have the last laugh this time? And if it was Trisha, what better revenge than to have two of Leona’s gowns floating around for all the world to see? Scarlet was a genius.
By the time Annie grabbed her wedding folder and returned downstairs, Scarlet was back inside standing next to her sewing machine case and holding a big cardboard box. “I brought in my wedding dress fabric. Lucky for you, that’s exactly what I’ve been working on lately.” She set the box on the dining room table. “If I remember correctly from my one look at your gown, I’m pretty sure I have fabric that, if it’s not exactly the same, will be close enough to fool anyone that has seen it.” She rummaged around in the box and pulled out a fat piece of folded fabric. “I found it!” She smiled at Annie. “We’re in business. Where can I get set up?”
Annie picked up Scarlet’s sewing machine and headed toward the door. Scarlet followed with her fabric. “Where are we going?”
Annie opened the door to the fading light of early evening. She walked across the driveway and headed up the stairs to the apartment above the garage. “This is my apartment, but I don’t really use it much anymore. There’s a table, a great view, good natural light, and no one will bother you here.”
Scarlet twirled around inside the cozy apartment. “You’ve got to be kidding. This is perfect.” The sound of a small door swinging startled Scarlet.
Annie chuckled. “I guess you might be bothered by Smokey. He’s used to living here and hasn’t transitioned to the main house very well. He’ll be happy for the company. Are you okay with cats?”
Scarlet was already crouched down, scratching Smokey behind the ears as he purred. His tail was pointed to the ceiling and he wrapped his agile body around Scarlet’s ankles.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” Annie said.
Scarlet set the sewing machine on the table.
“Here are the photos.” Annie handed them to Scarlet.
“Perfect. Before you leave I’ll need to get all your measurements, then I’ll get to work.”
Annie stood on a low bench while Scarlet muttered to herself as she measured and jotted down the numbers on a scrap of paper. “That should do it. I’ll run down to my car and get my box of sewing supplies.”
Annie opened the refrigerator. “There’s still plenty of drinks in here and I’ll bring you something to eat.”
“Don’t worry about that. I have snacks in my car, too. It’s a good thing I’ve been living out of my car and have all the essentials at my fingertips. Besides, when I’m in my sewing zone, I barely stop for anything. At least, not much except a pee break.”
Annie followed Scarlet down the stairs to her car. She opened one of the garage doors. “Pull your car in here. I don’t want to have to answer a million questions about where you are or what you’re doing.”
With Scarlet’s car hidden behind the closed garage door and Scarlet back up in the apartment, Annie went into Cobblestone Cottage. She sank onto the couch. Her body relaxed as she stroked Roxy. “What next?”
She didn
’t have to wait long before that question was answered. Leona and Mia walked in carrying trays of food and several bottles of wine. “Our party got cut short last night when you tripped over Steve Fitch’s body, so we decided we should finish tonight,” Leona said after she put her tray on the table. She cocked her head with her eyebrows raised in question.
“Do I have a choice in the matter?” Annie teased.
Mia pulled the cork from the wine bottle and poured five glasses. “Nope.”
Annie peeked under the covers of Leona’s gastronomic treats. Her gaze didn’t miss the number of wine glasses either. “Who else is coming? Or are you and Leona drinking two glasses to my one?”
“Camilla and Martha, of course. We can’t have a proper send off without all your best friends here.” Mia handed Annie a glass. “They’ll be here in a bit, but we don’t have to wait.” She raised her glass. “Here’s to Annie and Jason and years of happiness together.”
Annie clinked her glass against her mother’s and aunt’s glasses. “I’ll drink to that.”
“You seem awfully cheerful, Annie,” Leona observed.
Annie picked up a mini broccoli quiche muffin and popped it into her mouth. “Yum. Delicious. Of course I’m cheerful.” She stared at Leona. “Is there any reason I shouldn’t be?”
Leona looked away. “Oh, well, the drama with your gown and all. And Steve Fitch’s murder.” She waved her hand. “You know, a couple of minor events which could put a damper on your well laid plans. That’s all. Nothing serious.”
“Right. I have a beautiful gown, the flowers are all set, the food will be delicious. Is the cake ready? Is there a problem with the cake?” Annie pretended to show concern that Leona was hiding something from her even though she suspected what was hidden was not about the cake but about the missing wedding gown.
“The cake? Well, I think it’s all set. Maybe I should get another look at the gown to be sure the flowers on the cake are the exact right color,” Leona said haltingly, as if she was just making up an excuse to see the gown at that moment.
Annie waved away that suggestion with a flick of her wrist. “No need for that. I’m sure you’ve outdone yourself. And, so what if the colors aren’t exactly exact.”
“Exactly exact?” Leona repeated. “Let’s say they are definitely exactly close. That should cover any minor shade variation. And if you don’t mind me saying so, the cake is to die for. Absolutely spectacular. Right, Mia?”
Mia, standing a bit behind Leona, rolled her eyes. “Whatever you say.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Leona pouted. “The cake has a tart lemon flavor, the buttercream frosting is sweet, but not too sweet, and as creamy as fresh whipped butter, and the fresh blackberries give each bite a special burst of indescribable flavor.” She looked at Annie and then Mia, waiting for some comment. “And don’t forget the fondant flowers. I really think Mia outdid herself with those creations. They look good enough to eat!”
Annie burst out laughing. “Will we be allowed to eat this cake or is it just for admiring?”
“Wait till you see it,” Leona said, obviously a little miffed that she didn’t get more praise. “It’s stunning.”
Annie focused on the trays of food. “What else did you bring over? Are these more samples for my wedding buffet?”
“No. All of that is safely in the coolers at the café. These delicacies were recipes I wanted to try. Some may be keepers, depending on your reviews.”
Leona uncovered the trays and pointed to the various items—stuffed peppers, mushroom and goat cheese bruschetta, avocado and feta dip, parmesan zucchini sticks, and various dainty finger sandwiches.
Annie filled a small plate with a selection, grabbed her wine glass, and settled on the couch. “Any more drama with Trisha that I haven’t heard about?”
“It was quiet at Dazzle Design when I locked up the Black Cat Café and left for the day. Too quiet, if you ask me. I’d put money on the fact that she’s up to something. I hope you have my gown safe where no one can sneak out with it.” Leona sipped her wine and nibbled a finger sandwich filled with avocado and a slice of fresh tomato.
“That’s an odd thing to say. Who would walk off with my gown?” Annie sat forward, not sure why Leona kept bringing up the gown. Did she have it?
Leona shrugged. “I know Trisha. She doesn’t give up until she gets what she wants. She’s tried everything to get you to give her the gown, even getting her parents in on the act. Why wouldn’t she resort to stealing it if given the chance?” A big piece of spanakopita made it into Leona’s mouth. “Just thinking out loud.”
Jason walked inside, making the three women turn their heads in the direction of the door. “Annie, can you help me out here for a minute?” He raised his eyebrows and cocked his head toward the door.
Annie jumped up before Mia had a chance to offer instead. “Sure.”
“I picked up some wine and champagne for the wedding. I think I’ll drop the cases off at the Heron Inn now, seeing as you have plenty of company.” He lowered his voice. “Did you find out anything from Leona about the gown? Did she take it?”
They leaned against Jason’s car while Annie filled him in on the conversation. “It’s weird,” she added. “At first I thought she was dropping hints to force me to bring the gown downstairs because she knew it was missing, but now I’m not sure.”
Jason sighed. “How come there are lights on in the apartment?”
“Scarlet is busy at work making a backup gown. Exactly like the original.”
Jason nodded and smiled. “What a great plan.”
“Yeah. I thought so, too. It was all Scarlet’s idea. So I’m covered either way.”
“You’re convinced she’s not involved in the murder or this gown drama?” Jason asked.
“Ninety nine percent sure. If she’s involved, she’s one heck of a liar.”
Jason put his arm around Annie’s shoulders and walked her back inside. “I’ll visit for a few minutes before I head to the Heron Inn with the wine and champagne.”
Leona stepped off the bottom stair just as Annie and Jason entered. The muscles in her face were clenched tighter than a bow string. “I checked upstairs. Where’s my gown, Annie?”
Something in Leona’s voice sent shivers up Annie’s spine. The undertone of anger left no doubt in Annie’s mind that Leona was not involved in the disappearance of the gown.
“What are you talking about?” Annie said. If Leona didn’t have the gown, it could only mean one thing—Trisha had it.
Was Scarlet involved after all?
Was Steve Fitch hoping to get the gown the night he was murdered?
Or was he trying to warn Annie?
All these thoughts swirled in Annie’s head as she watched her aunt’s face turn bright red in anger.
Chapter 17
Annie was up bright and early Saturday morning, fixing coffee and searching for something to eat. She thought about what she still had left to do before her wedding at four in the afternoon.
Jason, Mia, and Leona were still fast asleep. They had talked late into the night about Trisha, Steve Fitch, and the wedding gown, going round and round in circles. Leona finally calmed down after Annie explained that the dress was stolen.
A tentative knock on the door broke the silence in the house.
“Good morning,” Annie quietly said as she pulled the door wide for Scarlet to enter. “I guess you were serious when you said you’d work round the clock.”
Scarlet nodded without enthusiasm. She sniffed the air. “Coffee? I think that’s what I need after my marathon of sewing.”
Annie poured a big mug of the steaming hot brew for Scarlet and a half cup for herself. She brought the mugs, sugar, half and half, and the leftover lemon wedding cake cupcakes—all she had managed to scrounge up so far—to the table where Scarlet was waiting.
Silence filled the house while Scarlet dumped a couple of teaspoons of sugar and a big shot of half and half into her coffe
e. She chose a cupcake with a pink fondant flower on top of the lemon buttercream frosting. Carefully, she set the flower on the side of her plate and licked the lemon frosting. Her eyes were closed as she savored the tart sweetness on her tongue.
“Okay. This sugar hit my blood stream, shooting my energy level up.” She blew on the coffee. “Your gown is ready,” she added before she took a sip.
Annie felt her face break into a grin. “You’re amazing, Scarlet. I didn’t dare ask how it went.”
“Come over and I’ll make sure it fits properly and adjust the hem.”
“How about the embroidered flowers? You did that too?”
Scarlet tilted her head to one side and raised her eyebrows. “You doubt me?” She laughed. “Of course it’s done.” Scarlet glanced around the empty room and leaned across the table toward Annie. “I’ll be perfectly honest with you: this gown is better than the original. Trisha is a very good seamstress, but she’s got nothing on me. I can’t wait to see her face when she sees you walk down the aisle.”
“I don’t expect Trisha to come to the wedding after all the drama about the gown. Milly told me to take their names off the list.”
“Oh, she’ll be there. She’ll be dying of curiosity to know what you are wearing. And I’ll be hiding in the closet if that’s what it takes to get a glimpse of her.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Annie snorted. “After what you’ve done for me, it’s the least I can offer. You can sit with the rest of the guests.” Annie finished her coffee. “I’m ready when you are.”
Scarlet helped herself to a second cupcake while Annie cleaned up the table.
“Where is everyone?” Scarlet asked. “I saw people arrive last night and some cars are still outside.”
Annie chuckled. “I’m not usually the first one up around here but I was too excited to sleep. I guess the others didn’t have that problem.”
“You’re awfully calm for all that’s happened,” Scarlet noted.
Annie leaned both elbows on the kitchen counter. “I forced myself to take a deep breath and focus on what’s important. My wedding is later today. My family and friends will all be there. Thanks to you, I have a beautiful gown to wear.” She shrugged. “I decided not to let what’s out of my control get in the way of what I’ve been looking forward to for so long. Does that make sense?”
