by K E O'Connor
“He scared me. I wasn’t expecting the armor to spring to life and dance for us.”
Jacob scowled at Helen.
“He was protecting us. Charlotte was getting a little manic in the bedroom.”
“She was defending her man,” said Helen. “I don’t blame her.”
“Her man, who just happens to be a murderer.”
“I know. But I was wavering. Ralph isn’t a cold-blooded killer. He’s a sick old guy, who can’t give his wife what she needs.”
“They could have separated. He didn’t need to kill Johnny.”
Johnny nodded in agreement.
“And I can’t believe you turned down pay rises, new cars, and a villa in Tuscany,” said Helen.
“You were willing to let a murderer go free?”
“Like I said, I understand why he did it.”
“Which makes everything right.”
Helen nodded. “And Johnny sounded like a hot guy. Charlotte had a moment of weakness.”
Johnny grinned and looked away.
“Let’s hope you don’t have any of those once you’re married to Gunner.”
Helen giggled. “I won’t. I’m marrying my hot guy.”
A horrible thought entered my head. “Maybe you won’t be. Do you think Charlotte will still let you get married in the castle? We’ve just had her husband arrested for murder.”
Helen’s hand flew to her mouth. “I hadn’t thought about that. She can’t do that. The wedding is two days away.”
Someone cleared their throat behind us. I turned to see Parsons in the doorway.
“Don’t worry about your wedding, Miss Holiday. The Countess and the Earl will be busy for the next few weeks. I can assure you, your wedding will go ahead as planned.”
“Are you sure?” asked Helen. “If I have to change everything now, I’ll collapse with exhaustion.”
“I will oversee things personally,” said Parsons.
“The police will need to investigate,” said Helen. “The great hall could be out of bounds. And we definitely won’t be able to use the turret to take pictures on.”
“The great hall will be fine,” said Parsons. “You might like to re-think your wedding photos, though. Having them taken at the scene of a murder might not be considered tasteful.”
“Oh! You’re right.” Helen looked at me. “Lorna, what were you thinking, suggesting we take photos up there?”
I raised my eyebrows. “I don’t recall ever saying that.”
“It’s a ridiculous idea. The gardens will be perfect for having the photographs taken in.”
“I’m so glad to hear it.” I sensed Bridezilla was making an unwanted reappearance.
“I’d better double check with the police to make sure they’re going to let us use the great hall.”
“In case you’d forgotten, you are getting married to a cop. I’m sure he can pull a few strings and make sure you can still get married in the great hall.”
“Yes, you’re right.” Helen laughed. “I am getting married to a police officer. Lucky me.”
“We have everything in hand.” Parsons shared an amused smile with me. “If there’s anything I can do for you in the meantime, just ask.”
“I will,” said Helen. “Thanks, Parsons.”
He nodded before retreating into the castle.
“You’re happy with the outcome?” I asked Johnny.
He shrugged.
“Not happy so much. I expect you’d much rather be alive. At least you know what happened. You know why you were killed.”
Johnny’s smile was rueful as he nodded.
I looked at Jacob. “How about you? Have you had enough adventures protecting your damsels in distress? Are you ready to move on?”
He shook his head.
“What’s going on?” I turned at the sound of Tilly’s voice. She was running across the gravel, Will right beside her. “Why are the police here?”
I glanced at Helen. I never liked giving relatives bad news. “There’s been a development in Johnny’s death. It seems like it wasn’t an accident.”
Tilly’s gaze went to the turret. “What do you mean?”
“He was pushed off.”
Will’s jaw dropped. “Was it Emma?”
“No.” That was another person who needed to be told about Johnny’s murder. Emma had been right all along. “It was Ralph.”
Tilly and Will stared at me in silence.
“It’s a long story,” I said. “One I probably shouldn’t tell you. Maybe wait to speak with the police.”
“You must tell us,” said Tilly. “What happened?”
“Johnny and Charlotte were... close,” I said.
Will gave a startled laugh. “That old dog. I knew he had somebody else on the go. He wouldn’t admit it, but he was bored with Emma. Now, I know why he was being so cagey. Charlotte’s gorgeous.”
Tilly smacked him in the chest. “She’s also my sister. And she’s married to Ralph. I always thought...”
“You thought what?” I asked.
Tilly blushed and looked at the ground. “Well, I always thought Johnny fancied me. He was always flirting. I asked him out once, but he said I was too young for him. We were the same age. I didn’t know he was into much older women, and married ones, at that.”
Will grinned and slung an arm around Tilly’s shoulders. “I’m available.”
She elbowed him in the side and stepped away. “No thanks. I still can’t believe it. Charlotte and Johnny. How did Ralph do it?”
“He pumped himself up with drugs,” said Helen.
“It was only temporary,” I said. “The police are getting all the details now.”
“Poor Charlotte,” said Tilly. “Now she will be all alone, her husband behind bars and her lover dead.”
“They weren’t lovers,” I said.
“Ralph must have thought something dodgy was going on for him to shove Johnny off the turret.” Will’s smile faded. “Poor guy. It shouldn’t have happened.”
“You’re right,” I said. “But Charlotte doesn’t have to be alone, so long as neither of you goes anywhere. She’ll need someone to keep a look out for her and make sure things are okay with the castle.”
“I’m going nowhere,” said Will. “I’ve got my horses to think about.”
“I guess I can stay for a bit longer,” said Tilly. “The work isn’t finished on my apartment for another month. But I’m not doing extra work.”
“Charlotte will need somebody to talk to. Having your husband go to prison for killing your much younger boyfriend will be a shock.”
“She’s not the only one in shock,” said Tilly. “My sister was in a love triangle. What a scandal.”
“She’ll probably appreciate it if you keep that quiet.” I could tell Tilly was going to be as much use as a chocolate teapot to her sister.
“Of course,” said Tilly. “I’ll only tell a few very close friends.”
“Or maybe none at all,” I said.
“I feel sorry for Johnny,” said Will. “I’m sure he didn’t mean to lead Charlotte astray.”
“Maybe my sister led him astray.” Tilly’s bottom lip jutted out. “I was so certain he liked me.”
“Whoever he liked, it’s a bit late to speculate about it,” I said. “Ralph has confessed. Charlotte will need all the help she can get.”
“You’re not leaving, are you?” asked Tilly. “Don’t say this little scandal has put you off.”
“I’ll stay if Charlotte wants me to,” I said. “But we did sort of find out it was Ralph who killed Johnny. She might not like us being around.”
“You have to stay,” said Tilly. “I don’t want to get lumbered doing the inventory of all the dusty antiques. Once Charlotte calms down, she’ll realize she needs you.”
“We’ll let her decide,” I said. “If she wants us to stay here, then we will.” I looked at Helen, and she nodded.
“Look! They’re coming out.” Tilly hurried over to a da
zed looking Charlotte. Just behind her, Ralph was being pushed in his chair by a police officer.
“I must double check about the wedding.” Helen also ran over.
“Now is not the time.” I chased after her but knew I was wasting my breath. Whenever she got that determined look on her face, there was no way she would be dissuaded from her mission.
“Countess Ponsonby, I know this is terrible timing, but I need to check. Is it okay for my wedding to go ahead?” Helen hurried along beside Charlotte.
Charlotte blinked at Helen several times as if she’d never seen her before. “The wedding?”
“I know we got you into this mess, and we are sorry, but it’s my big day, you see. I can’t change everything now. Please, can the wedding go ahead?”
“Of course it can,” said Ralph quietly. “We’re not going to be here to stop you. As you say, it’s all planned. It’s not your fault I killed somebody. Your wedding must go ahead. It will be nice to have something for people to enjoy.”
“If you’re sure,” said Helen. She gave me a thumbs-up.
Charlotte waved a hand in the air. “Whatever you think best, dear.”
“Let’s get you into the car,” said one of the police officers. “We’ll take formal statements at the station.”
Charlotte nodded before letting herself be led to the car. Ralph was also escorted away.
Tilly and Will dashed over to the police car, leaving me with Helen and the ghosts.
“We must ask Jacob and Johnny to come to my wedding,” said Helen, “if they haven’t already left.”
“They’re still here.”
“Where are they?”
“Standing to my right.”
“Please come to my wedding,” said Helen. “There is just one condition. You can’t scare any of the guests.”
They both smiled and nodded.
“We’re adding two more to the guest list,” I said.
Helen hugged me. “We’ve got so much to do.”
I nodded, excitement making my stomach swirl. “Let’s get your wedding sorted.”
Chapter 20
It was just before noon. I smoothed the front of my teal maid of honor dress and squinted into the sky through the window. The weather couldn’t have been better. It was warm but not too hot, and a few fluffy white clouds drifted across a bright blue sky.
The bedroom door opened, and Helen stepped in. “What do you think?” She did a slow turn in her pure white mermaid cut gown. It suited her hour glass shape perfectly. The dress was strapless with a dipped neckline. Tiny flower shaped crystals edged the hem.
“It’s perfect.”
Helen nodded. “It’s my dream dress.”
“Well worth trying on over fifty.”
She grinned. “It was.”
“Let me help you with your veil.” I lifted the veil off the bed—Helen had decided to stick with the veil from the wedding shop—and waited for her to stand in front of the mirror before pinning it into her blonde curls.
She spent a moment adjusting the veil around her shoulders.
“How does that feel?”
“Good.”
“Is there anything else you need help with? It’s almost time to go.”
Helen looked at the ground. “No.”
“For someone who’s about to get married to her dream man, you’re very quiet. Is something wrong?”
“I’m just worried.”
“About what?”
“Everything will be different once I’m married. I’ll be different. I’ll be Mrs. Booth.”
“Why will getting married make you different, other than the name change, which is optional these days?”
“Doesn’t everyone change after they’re married?”
“You might have to flirt less with other guys,” I said. “But other than that, Gunner won’t want you to change. He’s not marrying you so you become a different person. He loves you for who you are now.”
“I don’t want to change,” said Helen. “I like my freedom.”
“Gunner won’t take away your freedom. We can still find jobs together. That’s not going to change.” I hadn’t said anything to Helen, but I’d had the same concern. She might not be interested in going away and leaving Gunner for months on end for a job.
I missed her when she wasn’t around but wouldn’t make her feel guilty about getting married. We’d figure something out. We always did.
“I guess I’m nervous,” said Helen. “I promise I won’t turn into a boring housewife because I have a ring on my finger.”
“You’d better not.”
There was a knock on the bedroom door. Marjorie opened it and looked in. “Is everybody ready in here?”
I looked at Helen, and she nodded. “Yes. We’re ready to go.”
“The guests are all here.”
“And Gunner?” asked Helen.
Marjorie smiled. “He’s anxiously waiting at the front.”
“As he should be.” Helen looked at me and grinned. “Shall we go get married?”
“That’s the best offer I’ve had all day.” I carefully hugged Helen, making sure not to crumple her beautiful dress.
We followed Marjorie out of the bedroom, along the corridor, and down the stairs.
Flipper and Jessie sat at the bottom of the stairs. I had spent an hour last night grooming Flipper’s fur until it gleamed. He looked very handsome.
Helen petted their heads. “Make sure you both behave yourselves. No running off with expensive rings strapped to your backs.”
They both tilted their heads, giving her a look as if butter wouldn’t melt in their mouths.
“They’ll be fine,” I said. “They won’t let you down.”
“I’ll get the doors open to the great hall.” Marjorie hurried ahead and stood in front of the double doors that led into the hall.
Helen turned and blinked her eyes rapidly at me. “There are so many people in there.”
“And they will all think how beautiful you are and how amazing this wedding is.”
“I’m thinking now something small and intimate might have been better. What if I trip over my dress?”
“Then your friends will come to your aid. And I’ll be right by your side, holding you up. I’ve got you if you trip.”
“Yes, of course. You’re always there when I need you.”
Now, it was my turn to blink away the tears.
“Ready to go?” whispered Marjorie.
“Oh, wait!” Helen patted her dress. “What about the walkie-talkies? I wanted to use those today, so I can tell you what to do if something goes wrong.”
“I have them in a safe place, somewhere you’ll never find.” I shook my head. “Besides, neither of us have anywhere to keep a walkie-talkie.”
“I could hide mine in my cleavage.” She glanced at my much smaller chest. “Not sure where you can put yours.”
“No walkie-talkies. If anything needs sorting, Marjorie will be on it.” I looked at Marjorie, who nodded.
I linked my arm through Helen’s and smiled at her. “Are you ready, Miss Holiday?”
Her eyes widened. “Yes. Get those doors open. It’s time I got married.”
Classical music started as Marjorie opened the doors.
Taking a deep breath, we lined up by the doors and began our slow walk along the aisle.
I felt Helen relax as soon as we started. She was smiling and waving at people as we passed them. I recognized several of her relatives and friends.
Then I spotted Zach. All I could focus on was him. He wore a smart black tuxedo with a bright red handkerchief poking out of the pocket. He grinned at me and winked.
Gunner stood next to him, his hands clasped together, a look of both relief and delight on his face as he saw Helen.
Once Helen arrived next to Gunner, I handed her over to him then made a discreet walk around the side of the chairs and back out to the hallway. I was in charge of the next important part, getting Flipper and Jessie u
p the aisle with the rings safely on their backs.
I found them both still waiting by the stairs. I walked them to the doors and stopped next to Marjorie.
“It’s going well, so far,” I whispered.
“Helen didn’t notice the problem with the roses?”
I stared at the roses dotted around the room. “They look lovely. What’s wrong with them?”
“They’re mostly fake. The florist let me down two days ago. I didn’t dare worry Helen about it, so I got in touch with a friend of mine. He does amazing artificial flowers. He even scents them if you want it. The butler, Parsons, also let me take what I wanted from the garden. He was a real gent.”
“They look perfect. Helen hasn’t noticed. Her attention was fixed on Gunner as soon as she saw him.”
Marjorie smiled. “As it should be.”
“Sorry if she’s put you through the wringer a bit with this wedding. She likes everything to be a certain way.”
Marjorie nodded. “This is nothing. Two months ago, I was dealing with a dozen angry swans and a melting ice statue in the shape of the married couple. Believe me, this wedding was a breeze compared to that one. Besides, it’s the bride’s privilege to order me around. It’s what I’m paid for.”
I listened to the registrar give his introduction to the ceremony and watched as Helen and Gunner clasped hands.
Drifting at the back of the hall were Jacob and Johnny. I gave them a discreet wave, which they returned. Tilly and Will were also at the ceremony.
“I heard you had a bit of bother,” said Marjorie. “Someone was arrested?”
“Yes. It’s nothing to worry about. It won’t affect the day.” And it wouldn’t. I’d heard back from Tilly and Will, who’d been at the police station. Ralph had been charged after his confession to Johnny’s murder. Charlotte was sticking by him, and it looked like he wasn’t giving up on her either.
Their marriage would be difficult to repair, especially with Ralph most likely having to serve time behind bars, but maybe they could work things out and find happiness.
“I’m glad to hear it,” said Marjorie. “I’ve had the police attend weddings before.”
“What sort of thing do they turn up for?”
“Mainly, guests who get a bit drunk. Guests can party too hard, especially when there’s a free bar. I had one couple who got arrested just before they left for their honeymoon. They stole from the hotel they were staying in and got caught. It wasn’t just towels they took.”
