Words Spoken True: A Novel

by Ann H. Gabhart

  “Of course,” Mrs. Wigginham agreed easily. “I’m sure it will be the event of the year.”

  Adriane listened to them, her smile firmly fixed on her face. It was growing more and more difficult to believe she could somehow change her father’s mind about this marriage being necessary. Especially with the whole town practically already invited to attend the ceremony before she was even consulted. A fluttery finger of panic tried to edge back out in her mind, but she shoved it away from her thoughts.

  She could hardly give in to panic right now, not with Mrs. Wigginham watching her so closely. And it wasn’t only Mrs. Wigginham’s eyes on her. The man beside the woman continued to stare at Adriane without the first hint of politeness. She glanced over at him coldly, her smile gone for the moment as Adriane decided to take matters into her own hands. If the man recognized her, so be it.

  “I beg your pardon, sir. I fear we have not been properly introduced.”

  “No, indeed, we have not,” the man said with the beginnings of a smile that showed he knew much more about Adriane than she knew about him. “But we mustn’t cheat dear Mrs. Wigginham out of the pleasure.”

  Mrs. Wigginham laughed delightedly. “Oh, do forgive me, Adriane. It appears I have been lax with the social niceties, but I assumed the two of you were already acquainted.”

  Adriane tore her eyes away from the man to look at Mrs. Wigginham. Could the man have already revealed their meeting that morning? No, she thought not, for Mrs. Wigginham didn’t look shocked, only amused.

  Mrs. Wigginham rose from the velvet settee to touch Adriane’s arm as she made the introductions. “Dear Adriane, this is Blake Garrett. Mr. Garrett, Adriane Darcy. Mr. Garrett is the new editor of the Herald, as I’m sure you’re aware, Adriane.”

  Red spread across Adriane’s high cheekbones as her eyes flashed back to the man beside Mrs. Wigginham. No wonder the old lady was having so much fun. Adriane glanced over at Stan. He could have warned her. A whisper as they were crossing the floor wouldn’t have been too much to ask.

  With effort, Adriane managed a polite smile. “How nice to meet you at last, Mr. Garrett. I have to admit I was beginning to wonder if I had a smudge on my cheek, the way you were staring at me. It’s a relief to know it’s only because I am from the enemy camp.”

  “Dear Adriane, you do say the most wicked things.” Mrs. Wigginham’s smile lit up her whole face.

  Adriane hadn’t seen the old lady this animated since the rumor had gone around town that the mayor’s wife was leaving him. And it seemed she was not through with her fun for the day. She took Stan’s arm and leaned heavily on it. “My dear boy, would you mind helping an old lady over to the table? I do need to be sure the refreshments are holding out.”

  When Stan looked from Adriane to Blake, Mrs. Wigginham quickly said, “Don’t worry about the two of them. They no doubt would enjoy a few minutes to get acquainted, and I think we can trust them not to duel in my parlor.” She began moving off with Stan in tow. “Now do tell me all about what sort of event your mother is planning for this evening. Perhaps there would be some way I could help. If not tonight, then with some other event. A tea in Adriane’s honor might be appropriate, don’t you agree?”

  Stan, used to doing his mother’s bidding without complaint, let Mrs. Wigginham lead him away with no further resistance. Mrs. Wigginham was the one who looked back at Adriane, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

  “You have to admire a hostess who enjoys her parties,” Blake Garrett said.

  “Mrs. Wigginham is a dear.” Adriane had a polite smile firmly in place again as she looked up at him. She had wanted to meet Blake Garrett for weeks, and now she’d had two encounters with him in one day. “It’s so nice to finally meet you, Mr. Garrett. I’ve heard so much about you.”

  “I daresay some of it should not be repeated.” A smile broke over his face and practically exploded from his eyes, which were much bluer than she had at first thought.

  Adriane’s knees went a little weak just from the power of it, but she pulled herself together. It had been a busy morning, and she had forgotten to take time to eat. That surely had more to do with her weak knees than Blake Garrett’s smile.

  Even so, there was no denying he was handsome. And not at all what she had expected. He looked more like one of the daring riverboat captains rather than an editor. But then most of the editors she knew were her father’s age or older.

  Acutely conscious of the scrutiny of those around them, Adriane laughed lightly before she said, “You’re staring again. I’m still not sure there’s no smudge on my face. It wouldn’t be the first time, I regret to say.”

  “Nor the first time some man stared at you because you’re beautiful.”

  “Not usually so boldly,” Adriane said.

  “I must apologize, Miss Darcy. I admit I’m often too bold for proper manners, but I find it can be an advantage in the newspaper profession, don’t you agree?”

  “I’m sure my father would.” Adriane kept her voice light. “I am more of the opinion that boldness is important in any profession a gentleman might choose.”

  “And how about for the ladies?”

  “I rather fear that boldness for the ladies is limited to a daring neckline or a hint of paint on one’s cheeks.” Adriane carefully lowered her eyes and pretended a blush. She knew she should hate this man. Loyalty to her father demanded that much. But everything about him intrigued her. Surely she could hate him more effectively once she knew him better, and as Mrs. Wigginham said, they could hardly duel in her parlor.

  “In the North, a few of the ladies are becoming much bolder than that. A few are even speaking out for women’s rights.” His voice seemed to be trying to challenge her.

  “Yes, I’ve seen the articles in the papers. We rarely reprint them because Father is of the opinion that our city is not yet ready for such radical thinking.”

  “And what is your opinion, Miss Darcy?” He sounded sincerely interested.

  She searched for a safe answer, one that would be honest yet not shock anyone who might be eavesdropping on their conversation. It would not be a good day to start a controversy in regard to the rights of women. Today it seemed the only right she had was the right to be glad a socially proper young man desired to marry her.

  She quickly scooted her thoughts away from Stan and smiled at Blake as if they were discussing nothing more important than which spring flower should be her favorite. “I believe a young woman should have the same opportunity to be educated as a young man.”

  He peered down at her as though her answer surprised him. “Correct me if I am wrong, but aren’t there a dozen young ladies’ academies in this city alone?”

  “So there are. As a matter of fact, I attended one once for several months. Most of them are very good at teaching a young lady to be charming.”

  “A most necessary skill,” Blake said.

  She knew he was baiting her, but she played along anyway. He would not get the better of her with words. “Without a doubt, sir. Perhaps even essential to a woman in these days.”

  “And if you were, God forbid, not of the fairer sex, but one of the gentlemen with a choice of professions, which profession would you choose? To edit a paper as your father does?”

  “That might be an interesting possibility, but I do believe, since we are merely dreaming, that first I’ll spend a few years as a riverboat captain. Perhaps I could make a record-breaking run to New Orleans.”

  He laughed. “I’m afraid, my dear Miss Darcy, that not all riverboat captains are gentlemen.”

  She smiled slightly and looked straight into his dark blue eyes. “Neither are all editors.”

  The laughter was suddenly gone, but in its place was a considering look as Adriane knew he was seeing beyond her pretty face now. It was not a bad look, and she didn’t shy away from it but met it fully in spite of the fact she still feared he might recognize her as the Irish boy he’d grabbed that morning. It was a look she’d never seen in
Stan’s eyes or one she was ever likely to see. Again the panic reared inside her, and she looked away from Blake Garrett for fear his quick eyes would catch some glimpse of her worry.

  “Your father has taught you well, Miss Darcy,” Blake said at last.

  “Not all would agree with that assessment. Sometimes not even my father.” Adriane wished the words back at once, but words spoken could not be edited and changed. So instead she hurried on. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I do believe Stan needs my help with Mrs. Wigginham.”

  “I’m sure he does. I wouldn’t be surprised to discover young Stanley needs someone’s help with everything,” Blake said. “You have my sympathy.”

  “I beg your pardon,” Adriane said coldly.

  He did not take back his words. “You heard what I said.”

  “Stanley is a wonderful young man from a very influential family.” Adriane was careful to sound as if she meant each word and then wished she hadn’t bothered to defend Stanley. What difference did it make what this man, Blake Garrett, thought?

  “With a great deal of money, I hear. Congratulations, Miss Darcy. Your future should be quite comfortably secure.” His dark blue eyes burned into hers.

  Adriane knew she should look away, but she couldn’t. She did manage to keep smiling even as the word “secure” echoed emptily in her mind. She felt anything but secure as the flood pushed against her, threatening to rip her away from all she’d ever held dear.

  “So it seems,” she murmured. Dear Father in heaven, she thought, how will I survive this? No answer came to her silent prayer as the man’s eyes kept probing her as though he could see beyond her words.

  “Yes.” His smile disappeared as he pushed his next words at her. “Just think of it. In forty years you may very well be the next Mrs. Wigginham, playing your parlor games with the people who come to pay you homage for being so rich. What causes do you think you might espouse, Miss Darcy?” He raised his eyebrows at her.

  His words and look infuriated her, but she refused to give him the pleasure of seeing he’d been successful at upsetting her. Instead she smiled coolly up at him. “It’s been an interesting experience meeting you, Mr. Garrett. I’m sure our paths will cross again in the months to come.”

  “I certainly hope so.” His smile returned, wide and unforced. “I enjoy a good duel of words whether I win or lose.”

  Adriane laughed sweetly. “Why, Mr. Garrett, I have no idea what you could mean. If there is any dueling of words, I’m sure I must leave that up to you and my father.” Quickly before he had a chance to respond in any way, she turned away from him and began making her way across the room to Mrs. Wigginham and Stan.

  Because she didn’t want to seem to be fleeing the man, she stopped to chat with this or that group of ladies. She asked several of them about the efforts to acquire more books for the library, and they all answered with care just in case their words should appear in the Tribune.

  No one mentioned her engagement to Stanley Jimson. After all, that was supposed to be a secret until evening. But the old women beamed at her as if she’d succeeded, at last, in doing something right, and the younger ones hid their giggles behind their fans while their eyes darted from Adriane to Stan and back.

  By the time she joined Stan and Mrs. Wigginham, Adriane’s face hurt from so much smiling, but she dared not stop. Mrs. Wigginham sent Stan after some fresh tea and waited until he was out of earshot before she said, “I trust you found Mr. Garrett amusing.” She was regarding Adriane closely.

  “Yes, indeed. I’ve looked forward to meeting him.” She didn’t let her smile waver as she looked at the woman. “How kind of you to arrange an introduction.”

  “I fear I may have delayed my kindness too long,” Mrs. Wigginham said.

  “Delayed too long in what way, madam?” Adriane asked, totally puzzled by the old lady’s remark.

  Mrs. Wigginham didn’t seem to hear Adriane’s question as she stared across the room toward Blake Garrett. He was surrounded now by young ladies who were perhaps hoping one of his flashing smiles might be directed their way. After a moment, Mrs. Wigginham said, “He is a charming man, don’t you agree? My young friends practically faint from pleasure if I pair him with them at my parties. If I were only thirty years younger myself.”

  “I fear he didn’t pull out too many of his charms for me.” Adriane looked back at Blake Garrett for the first time since she’d left his side. He seemed to sense instantly when she looked his way, and their eyes met. Again there was that strange flash of feeling between them even though Adriane immediately turned her own eyes back to Mrs. Wigginham. Mrs. Wigginham’s delighted smile had faded. In fact she looked a little sad.

  “Is something wrong, Mrs. Wigginham? Perhaps I should help you to a chair.”

  “No, no, my dear. I was just regretting my lost youth. I do hope you won’t regret yours.”

  “I don’t know what you mean,” Adriane said.

  “I think you do, child.” Mrs. Wigginham’s eyes bored into her. “You must know how very fond I am of you. For a truth, you remind me a great deal of myself when I was younger. Things have not changed so much, you know.”

  Suddenly Mrs. Wigginham tiptoed up to touch Adriane’s cheek with her dry lips. “Do try to be happy, dear Adriane.”

  Stan returned with their tea in time to hear the old lady’s last words. “You need not worry about that, Mrs. Wigginham,” he said. “I plan to devote my life to making Adriane extremely happy.”

  “I’m sure you will, Stanley.” Mrs. Wigginham’s polite smile looked a bit strained when she turned to take her tea from Stanley. Without the first sip, she set the cup down on a table beside them. Her smile vanished as she put her hand on Adriane’s arm and gave it a slight shake as though to make sure Adriane listened to her next words. “But never forget. True happiness must come from within. It is the one gift only we can give ourselves.”

  6

  When Stan walked Adriane to her door after the Library Aide Society meeting, he told her how much he looked forward to the evening’s events and how he knew she would look her most beautiful. She hadn’t mentioned anything about Lucilla having a dress prepared for her, but he already knew.

  She wanted to ask him once again to delay the announcement, but she did not allow the words to pass her lips. She’d already made her request in the carriage on the way home from Mrs. Wigginham’s.

  With her nicest smile pasted on her face, she’d allowed him to hold her hand as she explained in her sweetest voice, “It’s just that I feel we both need time to get used to the idea, Stan.”

  “I’ve been used to the idea for months,” he said.

  “But I have not. I’ve hardly considered marriage at all.”

  “I find that hard to believe, my dearest Adriane. Young ladies rarely ever consider anything else.” He laughed before he lifted her hand up to touch his lips to her fingers.

  Adriane resisted the urge to jerk her hand free as she searched for the right words to make her point. “I fear you will find I am not your typical young lady.”

  “No, you certainly are not. I think even Blake Garrett agreed with that.”

  “What do you mean?” Adriane asked carefully. She didn’t really want to talk about Blake Garrett.

  “I saw the way he looked at you. It was not a bit proper, and I can’t imagine what Mrs. Wigginham was thinking when she insisted on dragging me away to leave you alone with him.” Stan’s smile disappeared as his eyes narrowed and he tightened his hold on her hand. “I shall have to insist that you not speak with him again.”

  His demanding tone irritated her, but she bit back an angry reply. She needed to carefully pick her fights today. So instead of telling him she’d talk with whomever she pleased, she said, “You need not worry about that. I doubt Mr. Garrett and I will have many opportunities to speak with one another since he and Father are practically sworn enemies. Besides, I found the man rude and insensitive.”

  “He’s that all right.” Stan f
rowned slightly. “The man has no regard for the sensibilities of his readers, else he wouldn’t print those shocking murder stories in his paper as if those poor unfortunate girls were ladies.”

  “Ladies or not, their deaths are distressing, and the police should do all they can to catch the murderer.” At last Adriane managed to ease her hand away from Stan’s. She felt quite confined enough simply being in the carriage with him without having to submit to him holding on to her.

  “Of course,” Stan agreed easily as he sat back in the seat and eyed her. “But even if the villain’s not caught, I doubt the fair young ladies of our town have any reason to worry in regard to their own safety. Garrett is merely trying to stir up fear among the population in an unseemly attempt to sell his newspapers.”

  “But there’s no way for anyone to know that for sure, is there?” She frowned a little. “I mean, about whether there will be another victim and who that might be.”

  “I suppose you’re right. Who could know that except the one responsible for the dreadful crimes?”

  The scene she’d seen that morning flashed through Adriane’s mind, and she couldn’t keep from shuddering.

  Stan scooted closer to her and slipped his arm around her shoulders. “My dear Adriane, you have nothing at all to be concerned about except looking beautiful for the announcement tonight. From now on, I will always be close by to protect you.”

  Adriane had barely stopped another shudder from shaking through her, and she had been completely unable to keep the panic from slipping back out into the open and flapping its wings of worry until it filled her mind.

  Ten minutes after Stan left her at the door, Adriane had on her old work dress and was downstairs in the shop proofing the galleys. The story of the latest murder was a calm repeat of the facts in the Herald with a quote from the mayor that everything possible was being done to track down the killer. The chief of police promised security would be stepped up all over the city and assured the good people of the community that they were safe.