“Reagan!” Katherine nearly choked. “There’ll be none of that talk.”
Amy looked confused. “But why wouldn’t it be a man?” Then as a dawning expression crossed her face, she smiled knowingly. “Oh, I see.”
Reagan chuckled as he folded his napkin. “If you’ll excuse me, mother, I believe it’s time to get ready.”
“We should all get going,” she said, rising, “so we can be at the Bruester’s before eleven o’clock.”
***
Tightly sealed barouches began arriving at the Bruester manse while servants swarmed the grounds escorting guests inside. As George greeted each caller, wraps were whisked away and guests were left to mingle between parlor and ballroom.
When the Burnsfields arrived, murmurs quickened among those mingling inside the halls, causing Elizabeth to turn. Tarrying just inside the parlor, she spied Reagan as he doffed his coat, revealing a Vandyke brown tuxedo. Searching for signs that this was a reluctant groom, she felt a stab of jealousy that Amanda, not she would be exchanging vows with the flawlessly attired lumberman. She watched him shake George’s hand before he exited a side door.
As everyone moved to the parlor to occupy chairs set up for the occasion, Elizabeth found herself seated between her father and Ezra Spelding. With no confidant nearby with whom to share an opinion, she sat fuming in silence.
After the Burnsfields were settled in the front row, Elizabeth observed Emily on the opposite side of the makeshift aisle sitting next to Gabriella. Emily’s gown revealed her recently slimmer appearance and Elizabeth peevishly hoped Emily had lost as much sleep as she had apparently lost in appetite.
As latecomers filled remaining seats, a bespeckled minister entered, followed closely by Reagan. Taking his place in front, the clergyman nodded and the organ began playing.
Sharp intakes of breath could be heard when Amanda’s magnificently layered dress filled the doorway while entering on her father’s arm. Clasping white roses, she appeared to float in a cloud of ivory while orange blossoms attached to the headpiece contrasted vividly against her dark, upswept hair. As they passed each row, all eyes were drawn to Amanda’s snug fitting bodice as if looking for a darker reason for the hasty nuptials. If any were disappointed, they kept it prudently to themselves.
Reagan gazed in wonder at the vision coming toward him. Never had Amanda appeared more beautiful and despite his casual approach to matrimony, his spirit soared knowing she would soon be his wife.
When George placed her hand in his, Amanda beheld the obvious pleasure in Reagan’s eyes. Time seemed to stop as she appraised his demeanor, praying that he would someday feel more than duty toward her. When they faced the minister, she felt him gently squeeze her hand.
The minister smiled before opening his hymnal, giving a short discourse on the vows of marriage and ending long before she could calm her thumping heart. She heard Reagan’s voice as if from a distance before obediently repeating her vows.
As Reagan slipped the ring on her finger, a single tear slipped from the corner of Emily’s eye. With the barest of movements, she flicked the wetness from her cheek.
Closing his prayer book, the minister saluted the groom. “Reagan, you may now kiss the bride.”
Not since the night by the river had Amanda been kissed by Reagan. In the hurried planning of the nuptials, she had forgotten she would be called to partake in this public display of affection. She turned stiffly. Anticipating his touch, her heart beat wildly as she tipped her chin and when Reagan drew near, her eyes fluttered shut. His lips had barely touched hers when all at once Reagan ended the embrace.
With his arm around Amanda, he turned around, smiling broadly. The couple became surrounded as guests lined up and Emily took her place next to Amanda.
“Quite extraordinary, Emily,” Constance Spelding said as she studied a vase of flowers through her lorgnette. “How did you obtain such a splendid array?” Despite her husband’s business partnership with George, when rumors of Amanda’s arrest circulated, she quickly forbade Leroy from pressing his intended courtship. She even insisted Ezra let it be known their son had other interests, namely Camilla Muelder.
Emily smiled tightly, recalling that particular treachery. “Why, I threatened the manager of the conservatoire, my dear. It’s doubtful anyone will find as much as a sprig between now and next summer.” She lowered her voice. “So, I wouldn’t advise a spring wedding without first checking to see if blossoms are available.”
Constance nearly dropped her eyeglass. “But-we’re not planning a-”
“I’m so pleased to hear that Leroy and Camilla are much the couple now,” Emily said.
“Of course, one doesn’t always know about these things,” Constance stammered. “Leroy has yet to make his choice.” After offering best wishes to the newly married couple as well as the Burnsfields, Constance disappeared into the crowd.
“Ah, my friend!” Beauregard approached, pumping Reagan’s hand while simultaneously slapping his back. “You do something quite foolish, eh?”
“Not quite so foolish, I think,” Reagan said.
“Grosse tête, peu de sens,” Beau said, winking. He then turned his attention to the bride. “Ma petite,” he said, bringing her hand to his lips. “Ouch! What is this?”
“How could you not see her ring?”
“It is too big. How can I pretend demoiselle is not married, if she must carry around such a boulder as this?” Lifting her hand, he gave closer inspection. “Magnifique!” He raised an eyebrow. “You amaze me, mon ami. This ring is much too superb, coming from a lumberman.”
“It should be no surprise since it came from someone who has a big head but little sense, as you so kindly put it,” said Reagan.
Beau smiled. “Ah, your French does not fail you.”
“It never does. Remember, I can read your soiled little mind,” Reagan said, pulling Amanda close.
Beauregard sighed deeply. “It is always so, Madame Burnsfield. I am just a misunderstood Monsieur who only wishes to be a friend.” He shook his head. “See how your husband abuses me?”
Amanda smiled. “You’ll always be my friend, Beauregard. Just as Reagan is, so will I be.”
“Merci.” He bowed his head. “I shall forever be at your service.” Eyes sparkling, he took a prudent step back. “And, if your husband were to undergo an untimely demise, my desire would be to give you my utmost and personal condolences.”
As Beauregard retreated toward the punch bowl, Reagan tightened his arm around Amanda. “Don’t encourage that scoundrel. I can see he’s not going to respect the vows we just exchanged.”
Amanda had no time to respond before the next guest approached. It would be much later before she dwelt on Reagan’s seeming overreaction to the Frenchman’s banter. At the moment, it was taking everything she had to portray herself as a happy bride with nothing to worry about.
Chapter Forty-One
After the ceremony, guests were ushered to the ballroom where a lavish dinner awaited. A maid relieved Amanda of her bouquet before Reagan escorted her from the parlor and into the hall where Amanda paused to take a breath.
“Don’t worry,” Reagan said in her ear. “I won’t let the wolves devour you.”
Amanda looked surprised. “How’d you know?”
“My dear, I haven’t been blind to the embarrassment you’ve suffered. But until you became my wife, I wasn’t in a position to protect you.”
She smiled. “Thanks. I’m ready to go in now.”
“Not yet,” he said, taking her down the hall. “I have something for you.” Amanda’s heart leapt as they entered an empty room, thinking he was about to proclaim affection for her after all. She held her breath until he withdrew a ribboned box from his jacket.
“I couldn’t let you join the others without giving you a wedding present,” he said, extending the box.
Hiding her disappointment, she lifted the lid. A necklace of diamond-encrusted rubies lay beneath teardrop shaped ruby earrin
gs dangling from diamond solitaires. “This jewelry completes the set of your wedding rings,” said Reagan.
Amanda looked astonished. She couldn’t imagine being gifted with such magnificent jewels when no words of love had been spoken between them. “Oh, Reagan. They’re beautiful!”
Sweeping aside her veil, he draped the necklace around her neck and joined the clasp. When his fingers accidentally brushed her skin, a quivering shiver followed its wake until they rested at the base of her throat. Amanda stood immobile, her heart quickening as he slowly ran a knuckle from her collarbone to her shoulder before she felt his eyes staring at the soft swell of her breasts.
Throughout the wedding, Reagan had kept tight rein on his imagination, not dwelling on pleasures to come. But now that they were alone, he couldn’t resist drawing closer. Lowering his head, his mouth becoming a firebrand, scattering pinpricks of pleasure as he traced his lips over hers.
Startled, and not knowing how far he intended to satisfy his impulses, Amanda stepped back. She went to a mirror and with shaking fingers inserted the earrings.
“Thank you,” she said, making a show of admiring the jewelry. “They’re the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.”
“They’re not nearly as beautiful as you,” Reagan said, stepping behind to plant a kiss on her neck. “ And though I’d like to tarry longer, we should return to our guests.”
When they entered the ballroom the jewels were noticed immediately. Reagan found himself standing outside the circle of admirers as those anxious to look closer drew near.
From across the room, Elizabeth spied that he was momentarily alone and quickly approached. “Congratulations, Mr. Burnsfield,” she said, twisting the reticule on her wrist. “You’ve set Cantonsville on its ear with the suddenness of your nuptials.”
“Thank you,” he said, smiling. “And yes, I believe more than a few have been taken aback.”
As the group around Amanda increased, Elizabeth stepped nearer to Reagan. She felt her composure slipping as she stared at his handsome face. “So, how does it feel to be a-a married man?”
“Exceedingly well. Although, it’s still new to me.”
“I assume you’ll be spending more time in Cantonsville now that you have a wife,” she said, nearly choking. Secretly, she hoped he couldn’t wait to get away from the conniving chit. Many whispered it had been Mr. Bruester who insisted Reagan do right by his daughter. Elizabeth had been quick to agree.
“Unfortunately, not in the immediate future. There’s much at the lumber camp that requires my attention.”
“But, isn’t Amanda expecting a honeymoon?”
“We’ve not had time to discuss it,” he said, watching Amanda over Elizabeth’s shoulder. “Business has been pressing.”
Elizabeth felt a surge of confidence. “I understand,” she purred, stepping close. “I can only hope Amanda is aware of your importance. Papa says without businessmen, great societies could never flourish. And having hosted many dinner parties, I’ve come to understand the needs of a powerful man. So, if you ever require such a gathering, I’d be happy to offer my services.”
Reagan felt her hand touch his arm. “What? Oh yes—a dinner party.” His gaze briefly returned to Elizabeth. “I’d consider it a kindness if you’d remind the Mayor I’m always interested in those involved with lumbering. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I should return to Amanda.”
“Ladies,” he said, making a show of wading through the women. “Make room for the groom!” A burst of giggles erupted while they parted and as he reached Amanda’s side, Reagan missed Elizabeth’s smile when she turned away.
Under Emily’s watchful eye, the buffet stayed replenished and wine glasses filled as festivities continued into evening. Finally, the orchestra began testing instruments and at the conductor’s signal, Reagan escorted Amanda to the center of the ballroom. When the music began he drew her into his arms, sweeping the floor in perfect tempo. Passing under the chandelier, Amanda’s jewels flashed like crystals of fire and ice that sparkled with every movement.
“Milady,” he said. “You have truly beguiled me with your beauty. And by the looks of the unattached men, I’m thinking many now wished they had taken you on a scandalous journey.”
Amanda warmed under his perusal yet still managed a stern demeanor. “How can you jest after all that’s happened? I was nearly ruined, as were you. Tis no laughing matter being caught as we were.”
“You’re right,” Reagan said, quick to dampen his elation. “I shouldn’t be trying to make light of what happened. In truth, I had no idea your aunt was involved with…conducting.”
“Neither did I until that night.” Amanda whispered as the music ended. “Tis a shock I’m still recovering from.”
With the briefest of intervals, the orchestra commenced the second musical piece, signaling others to join in. As the floor filled with couples, a tap on Reagan’s shoulder brought him to an abrupt halt. He looked over his shoulder. “Don’t you ever cease your endless prowling?” he said at the grinning Frenchman. “I’ve barely begun this dance!”
“A faint heart never won a fair lady,” Beau fairly sang as several males assembled behind him to form a queue.
With a sigh, Reagan stepped back. “Don’t be gone very long,” he said sourly. “It seems it’s going to be awhile before I can reclaim my wife.”
Swept from partner to partner in a relay that rivaled her ball, many were eager to view the bride up close. So it was with gratitude that Amanda found Thomas Burnsfield her partner when a popular waltz began.
“Hello, my dear,” he said, smiling. “How are you holding up, so far?”
“Very well, thank you,” she said. “I hope you’ve been enjoying yourself…I mean…in spite of everything that’s happened…” Suddenly nervous, Amanda sputtered into silence, fearing he judged her guilty for his son’s forced betrothal.
“It’s been an adjustment for everyone,” Thomas broke in, “I’m sure this decision wasn’t made lightly.”
“No, not lightly,” she said, thinking of Gabriella.
Thomas noted her troubled brow and wondered if she had noticed Reagan’s cavalier attitude toward marriage. Fearing she would become suspicious of her husband’s motives, he blurted out what had long been on his mind.
“Amanda, I’m sure you have certain expectations…as any wife should…” he said as her perplexity grew. “Yet, because of the suddenness of your engagement, you’ve not had time to become familiar with how Reagan conducts himself.” Thomas plunged on before changing his mind. “For example, when Reagan is deeply involved in a business endeavor he may seem distracted or inattentive and he’s often gone for months at a time. I pray you won’t be concerned because it won’t be from any lack on your part. It’s just his way.”
Amanda’s heart fell, assuming Thomas’s distress was due to his shame over the wedding. How else would a husband act toward an unwanted bride? Perhaps, the honorable thing would’ve been to reject Reagan’s offer of marriage.
“Of course,” she answered, blinking back tears. “I’ll not entertain the matter further.”
A look of intense relief flooded his face the same time someone tapped his shoulder. Distracted by her thoughts, Amanda didn’t notice whom her next partner was until roughly seized. Startled, she found herself staring into Derrick Banning’s furious eyes.
“How could you?” he said through clenched teeth. “How could you marry the minute I left town?” Not waiting for an answer, he snarled, “Not here. I must speak with you privately.” He redirected their steps until nearing the entrance then taking her wrist, led her down the hall and into a vacant room.
Slamming shut the door, his eyes lowered to her jewelry. “If it was diamonds you wanted, my dear, you had only to ask.”
“That’s not how it was!” she said, aghast. “All I can say is that events occurred which altered my situation….”
Derrick didn’t seem to listen as he drew near. “How could you do this when you kn
ew how I felt? I waited patiently for you, giving you time to realize I was your best choice. You even had me take residence elsewhere so we could properly court. Was it all a lie, Amanda?”
Amanda worried Derrick wouldn’t keep her secret if he knew the real reason she married. If he spilled the truth, Reagan’s protective alibi might crumble and Gabriella’s freedom would be lost. She decided to lessen Derrick’s rage by skirting the truth. “I’m sorry you felt misled, but an unexpected circumstance befell me-”
“Everything is ruined! Ruined, I say!”
Amanda touched his arm. “Please don’t be upset. It wasn’t anyone’s fault. Reagan and I were caught alone near the trail of runaway slaves. We were accused of being criminals and even though we were innocent, Reagan offered marriage as a way to keep me from being ruined. It’s true you spoke of marriage first and had we gotten to know each other sooner,” she said, forcing the lie past her lips, “perhaps it would’ve turned out differently.” She spoke in a rush, struggling to convey sincerity without exposing her nagging dislike for him. “You were a gentleman, of course, and one any woman would be thrilled to have. Yet, because I knew Reagan longer, I-I believed him to be a more comfortable match.”
Derrick clasped his hands behind his back, forming them into fists. “I see. So, it was impossible from the first.”
“I believe so,” Amanda said, feeling relieved. “So, you do understand?”
“Mayhap, if not Reagan, it would’ve been me?” Letting his words dangle, Derrick watched Amanda closely.
She hesitated to agree, but saw no reason to tell him otherwise. “Very likely…” she said, feeling as if she were stepping around a pitfall.
Derrick’s eyes clouded as he forced a smile. “Well, then I suppose it’s time I returned you to your husband. I see that I am indeed, too late on all counts.” He held out his arm stiffly.
Amanda accepted, not realizing she had in fact planted a seed; one that Derrick would turn over and over in his mind.
He then escorted Amanda to the ballroom. “Enjoy your evening, my dear.” As he raised her fingers, Derrick spied Reagan looking at them from across the room. He allowed a smile to cross his face before he leaned forward to suddenly kiss her cheek.
Threads of Betrayal Page 20
