A Match of Wits

by Jen Turano

  “He certainly did that.” Zayne tilted his head. “Maybe I should say a prayer as well.”

  Scooting off her seat, Piper joined him, placing her small hand in his. “Would you like some help with that?”

  Laughing, Zayne bent over and kissed the top of Piper’s head. “While I readily admit I’ve been put out with God ever since my first accident, I haven’t forgotten how to pray, darling, but I would welcome the chance of praying with you.”

  Bowing his head, he drew in a breath, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. “Heavenly Father, I’ve been remiss of late in my relationship with you, and for that, please forgive me. I take this opportunity now to thank you for the blessings you’ve given me, especially the one of giving me my delightful Piper, a girl who is far wiser than her years and who I love more than I can say.”

  A small sniff from Piper had his lips curling before he continued. “I also need to thank you for allowing me to finally see, even though my eyes were closed, what’s been right in front of me for years. I realize now that Agatha is the love of my life, and I ask, most humbly, if you could possibly stay by my side and guide me as I try to correct the wrong I’ve done her. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

  “That was a good one, Uncle Zayne,” Piper said with another sniff before she removed her hand from his and rubbed her hands together. “And now, on to my plan.”

  The peace that had settled over him diminished just a bit. “You actually have a plan?”

  Piper rolled her eyes. “Of course I do, but . . .” Her expression turned wary. “You have to promise not to get mad at me.”

  “I don’t think I’ve ever been mad at you, darling, and besides, you’re trying to help me.”

  Blowing out a breath, Piper reached into the pocket of her coat again and withdrew something, reaching out to place that something in his hand.

  Looking down, he found a ring nestled there, and not just any ring, but a diamond ring surrounded by rubies—one that had once belonged to his grandmother. “Where did you get this?”

  Shifting on the seat, Piper bit her lip. “Out of Grandmother’s jewelry box. She showed it to me after you got back from out west and told me you’d given it to her to hold safe until someone else in the family needed it.” She lifted her chin. “I thought, if you came around to the idea you loved Miss Agatha, you might need it tonight.”

  “You think I should give this to Agatha tonight, in the middle of the dinner party?”

  “She deserves a grand gesture, something to make up for all the horrible gestures you’ve given her of late. And, oh, I should probably mention that Mrs. Watson’s small dinner party has turned into more of a, ah, ball.”

  “What?”

  Piper patted his arm. “Miss Agatha’s decided she wants society to know she’s returned, so she’s doing that by having her mother invite most of society over. Aunt Arabella said Uncle Theodore isn’t really too keen about this idea, but Miss Agatha had made up her mind about it, and poor Mrs. Watson had to enlist Grandmother’s help in order to pull it off.”

  “Your grandmother was probably thrilled to do so, but I can’t help but wonder why she never mentioned the whole ball idea to me.”

  “She didn’t want you to balk about going,” Piper explained. “But back to the plan. You’ll need to think up a romantic speech and then present that and the ring to Miss Agatha right after dinner is over, before the dancing. That way you can, after she accepts your proposal, sweep her out on the dance floor and waltz her around the room.”

  “You really should stop reading Arabella’s romance novels, and I don’t think I’m up for the whole sweeping idea since I’m not exactly smooth on my feet right now.”

  Piper’s nose wrinkled. “I forgot about that, but I suppose you’ll just have to settle for giving her the ring, and maybe you could kiss her.”

  “I can’t kiss her in front of society—that wouldn’t be proper—but . . . I can give her a declaration of my feelings for her, and the ring.” He looked down at the ring lying in his hand. “It’ll suit her.”

  “Miss Agatha will love the rubies, but what I don’t understand is why Miss Helena gave the ring back to you. She’s one of those ladies who adores pretty things, so it’s a little confusing to me why she didn’t keep it.”

  “I never gave this ring to Helena.”

  “Why not?”

  Zayne held up the ring. “You never got to meet your great-grandmother because she passed away before you were born, but this was her ring. She always said I was one of her favorite grandchildren, and I used to spend many a happy afternoon visiting her, trading amusing stories, and talking about anything and everything that came to mind. She was a delightful lady, and when her health began to fail, she called me over to her house one day and gave me this ring.” He smiled. “It came with instructions, of course, the most important being that this ring was very special and I was only supposed to give it to a lady who could match me wit for wit.”

  “That’s why you didn’t give it to Miss Helena,” Piper said with a nod. “She wasn’t witty and . . . she wasn’t very nice.”

  “You were a mere baby the last time you saw Helena, Piper. How can you say she wasn’t nice?”

  “I was four, and I clearly remember that she never wanted to play with me, and she used to pinch me when you weren’t in the room.”

  “What?”

  “It’s true, although how anyone could pinch an adorable child—which everyone insists I was—is a concern. I think it’s possible Miss Helena didn’t like me because everyone paid so much attention to me and neglected her when I was around. That’s why she waited until she was alone with me to get even.”

  Something unpleasant settled in his stomach. Helena had been a lady he’d considered a friend and his future wife, but apparently she’d had no difficulty treating a small child in what could only be considered an abhorrent manner. “Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

  “She told me she’d slip into my room at night and cut off all my hair if I squealed on her.”

  The unpleasant feeling increased. He’d almost married Helena, had been determined to spend the rest of his life with her for so long.

  “If you ask me, it was a good thing, breaking your leg that first time and all. Now you’re not stuck with Miss Helena forever.” Piper grinned. “And since you never gave that ring to her, you’ll be able to fulfill your grandmother’s wishes and give it to Miss Agatha, the lady you truly love.”

  “I’m really sorry I didn’t know Helena was treating you poorly, darling.”

  “It wasn’t your fault, Uncle Zayne. You’ve never been one to understand ladies, so you can’t be held responsible. Besides, that was years ago, and I’m quite over it.”

  “I think you might have just insulted me.”

  Piper grinned. “Anyway, getting back to the plan. . . . I won’t be around to help you, so you’re going to have to figure out how to go about it on your own.”

  “You could always peek through the banister, and if I look like I’m floundering, yell some helpful hints down to me.”

  “Miss Agatha won’t be impressed if I yell down instructions to you. Just tell her what’s in your heart and pray that’ll be enough to get through to her.”

  Zayne opened his mouth, intending to ask Piper more questions, but the carriage began to slow and then came to a stop. A groom opened the door almost immediately. He helped Piper out and then extended Zayne a hand. Before he had an opportunity to take that hand though, the groom disappeared, replaced with Zayne’s mother who was looking decidedly agitated.

  “Where have you been?” Gloria demanded.

  “In the carriage, and before that, getting ready. It does take me a little longer to dress these days, Mother, and you should be thankful my valet is so talented with a needle and thread or else I’d be at this . . . ball with one of my trouser legs completely cut off.”

  “I do sometimes forget you’re not quite normal yet, darling,” Gloria said before s
he accepted Zayne’s crutches from the groom and thrust them at him. “And I see Piper told you about the dinner party changing into a ball.”

  “Something you conveniently neglected to reveal,” he said as he climbed down from the carriage and got his crutches into place.

  Gloria blinked far too innocent-looking eyes at him. “My memory isn’t what it used to be, but you’re here, and that’s all that matters. We need to get inside.”

  “Why?”

  Taking hold of his arm, even though he was trying to maneuver his crutches, Gloria began pulling him forward as Piper walked a few feet ahead of them. After stumbling on an uneven patch of sidewalk, he stopped, causing Gloria to do the same. “I realize that something dastardly must be occurring, Mother, which is why you’re forcing me to gallop up to the house, but I’m afraid I’m not up for more than a casual stroll.”

  “Good heavens, do forgive me, Zayne. Perhaps you should set our pace—although if you could make it a slightly rapid pace, that might be for the best.”

  Refusing to move, even when Gloria began tugging his arm, Zayne arched a brow. “What’s the matter?”

  “Quite a bit, actually, but I’m afraid I don’t have time to go into all the pertinent details. What you need to know is that Agatha clearly took your words yesterday to heart—the ones about resuming only your friendship with her—and Mr. Jeffrey Murdock is dancing attendance on her even as we speak, as well as Mr. Blackheart.”

  She released a sigh. “I would love to think those gentlemen are not quite up to snuff, but Mr. Murdock has turned far too attractive of late, what with his distinguished demeanor, and Mr. Blackheart has taken to treating Agatha as if she’s made out of spun glass, which I must admit is incredibly appealing to ladies and . . .” She stopped and drew in a gulp of air. “Drusilla is trying her best to appear nonchalant about the situation, but she looks as if she longs to bash Mr. Blackheart over the head with the first available object.”

  “What’s wrong with Drusilla?”

  “Zayne, open your eyes. She holds Mr. Blackheart in affection, and while I don’t believe he’s in love with Agatha, his protective instincts have been stirred, and he’s a distinct threat to you at the moment.” She pushed him into motion again. “What do you intend to do about all this?”

  “Piper came up with a plan for me.”

  “You’re going to use a plan Piper came up with?”

  “It’s an ingenuous plan. I haven’t worked everything out yet, but Piper’s given me some pointers, so I think I’ll be fine.”

  “You’d better tell me what you’re intending to do.”

  “Grandmother,” Piper said as she turned, a clear sign she’d been eavesdropping once again, “you’re just going to have to trust us. The last thing Uncle Zayne needs is too much advice thrown at him. It’ll just make him nervous.”

  “I hope you know what you’re doing,” Gloria grumbled right before a lady wearing an enormous amount of feathers on her head called out a greeting, and Gloria, after sending him a look of warning, went off to speak with her friend.

  Maneuvering up the steps, Zayne and Piper joined the receiving line. Apprehension stole over him the closer they moved toward Mr. and Mrs. Watson. He had no idea what type of reception he would receive from them. After all, he was once again responsible for hurting their daughter, and they might not be as forgiving this time. When the couple in front of him stepped aside, he found himself facing Cora, who looked him up and down for a moment and then smiled, although her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

  “How lovely you’re feeling well enough to join us, Mr. Beckett. Agatha will be thrilled that her dear friend was able to attend her dinner party tonight.”

  Cora hadn’t called him Mr. Beckett in years, which meant she was clearly annoyed with him, and he was suddenly thankful he didn’t see her trusty shotgun lying within her reach. Summoning up a smile, he hobbled closer to her and took her hand, raising it to his lips. “You’re looking delightful this evening, Mrs. Watson, and I do appreciate your invitation.”

  “I wanted to take you right off the list,” Roger exclaimed, although he did step forward and shake Zayne’s hand. “I had high hopes we’d finally join my soap business with your railroad business, and don’t even get me started on the plans I’d made for dealing with all those miners you’ll probably be hiring soon. Why, think how much soap they’ll need, and—”

  “Roger, this is not the time to berate Zayne about a lost business opportunity,” Cora whispered, her face turning pink. “You agreed with me that it was time for us to get our expectations in check regarding Zayne and Agatha, so I’ll hear no more about soap deals, if you please.”

  “Uncle Zayne’s got a plan that might help you with those expectations, Mrs. Watson,” Piper said, peering around Zayne’s side. “It’s a good plan too, just like something you and my grandmother would have thought of if you’d had more time, and . . . I think you’re going to like it.”

  “A plan?” Cora breathed, her eyes suddenly glimmering in a way Zayne had seen often over the past few years. “You need to tell me all about it.” With that, she stepped forward, took Piper by the arm, and began walking away, leaving Roger to handle the receiving line on his own. “I’ll just take Piper up to Lily and Grace, dear. You don’t mind, do you?” she asked over her shoulder before she increased her pace and disappeared a moment later.

  “You’d better have a really good plan, Zayne,” Roger muttered. “These ladies have been driving me mad of late. I’m warning you right now, if you hurt my darling Agatha, or botch matters up further than they’ve already been botched, I’ll get out Cora’s gun—or better yet, I’ll let her get out her gun.”

  “I won’t botch it this time, sir. I promise.”

  “See that you don’t,” Roger warned, turning to the next waiting couple but turning back a second later. “She’s in the ballroom.”

  Smiling his thanks, Zayne slowly moved toward the ballroom, struggling up the flight of stairs until he finally reached the second floor. He was soon surrounded by friends he hadn’t seen in over two years, and after exchanging the expected pleasantries, he excused himself and began to make his way through the crowd of guests, stumbling to an immediate halt when he caught sight of Agatha.

  She was more than exquisite this evening, dressed in a shimmering gown of deep purple, her inky-black hair piled on top of her head with delightful wispy curls teasing her face. Even from the distance that separated them, he could tell her eyes were sparkling, and she seemed to be having the time of her life as she laughed at something the gentleman standing next to her whispered in her ear.

  The man looked up, and Zayne recognized him as Mr. Jeffrey Murdock, one of the men he’d put on the ridiculous list he’d made, but the man he’d also scratched off. Jeffrey leaned closer to Agatha to whisper something else in her ear, and right there and then, all logical thought disappeared.

  Starting forward, his only goal was that of reaching Agatha’s side to pull her away from the dastardly Jeffrey, a gentleman up to that point Zayne had always liked, but a gentleman he now believed was entirely too attractive for his own good. Why, Jeffrey didn’t suit Agatha in the least, and he certainly shouldn’t be whispering anything into her delicate ear, and . . . was he holding on to Agatha’s arm a bit too intimately?

  Zayne made it all of five feet before his crutches suddenly shot out in front of him, most likely because the ballroom floor had been polished to a high sheen and was remarkably slippery. He watched them clatter to the floor, realized he was beginning to lose his balance, and flapped out his arms in a desperate attempt to right himself. He got his one good leg in place and was just about to breathe a sigh of relief when someone brushed against him from behind and he felt himself spinning as he fell, his body stiffening as he plunged toward the floor. A flash of purple met his gaze, and then he landed on something soft.

  A loud woof met his ears, and then a breathless laugh followed. He suddenly came to the uncomfortable real
ization that the flash of purple had been Agatha, and he was now stretched right out on top of her.

  It was a rather peculiar place to find himself in, especially since they were in the midst of a ball, and honestly, would there ever come a time when she wasn’t racing to his rescue? It was a touch unnerving at times, but instead of being annoyed, as he seemed to have been much too often of late regarding her rescuing him, he found it rather endearing and . . .

  “You’re squishing me.”

  Pushing up enough so he could see her face, he looked down into her familiar blue eyes and lost himself for a moment in their clear depths. She had wonderful eyes, expressive and sparkling and . . .

  “I can’t breathe.”

  He blinked. “Good heavens, Agatha. I do beg your pardon.”

  “Apology accepted, but you might want to consider getting off me sooner than later since your cast is beginning to cause me to lose feeling in my legs.”

  “Right, ah, yes, of course.” Rolling off Agatha, he landed on the hard floor and found himself staring up at Eliza, who was peering down at him with wide eyes. She leaned closer to him.

  “Is this part of the plan Gloria told me you and Piper hatched up?”

  “Well, no . . . ” he admitted as Hamilton appeared beside Eliza and got him back on his feet in a flash. Accepting his crutches from Mr. Blackheart, who was glaring at him, he mumbled a word of thanks, stuck the crutches under his arm, and looked around for Agatha.

  She, unfortunately, was on Mr. Murdock’s arm and was allowing the gentleman to help her straighten out her gown, and the sight of that had fury rushing through Zayne’s veins.

  Having come to the conclusion that Agatha was the love of his life, he couldn’t stand by and wait another second to tell her of his love because . . . well, he just couldn’t.

  He wanted everyone to know how he felt about Agatha, wanted to do anything to make her happy. In fact, he’d even go so far as to buy Matilda a friend, which would surely make Agatha love him just a little, but . . . no, that was insane thinking. Matilda was enough trouble on her own, and—