by Kit Morgan
Ephraim looked at Beryl, sighed and said, “The Mad Matchmaker’s back.”
Jace’s jaw dropped. “You’ve got to be kidding.”
“I’m afraid not.” Mr. Stone grimaced. “Miss Branson here is my mail-order bride. Except of course, I didn’t send for one.”
“What?” The sheriff burst out laughing.
Beryl watched Mr. Stone clasp his hands behind his back. He appeared to be counting to ten.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be laughing,” Jace said. “Especially after what all of us have been through. But it is funny …”
“To you,” Mr. Stone said. He glanced at Beryl. “No offense.”
She held up her hand. “None taken.” She went to the nearest chair and sat. “What I don’t understand is, why? From what Mr. Stone told me, all the trouble with the counterfeiting ring has come and gone. The malefactors are in jail. I would think this business should be over with.”
Jace wiped his eyes, still trying to get himself under control. “Yes and no. Years ago someone in town was sending off for mail-order brides without telling any of the young gentlemen whose names she’d used.”
Now it was Beryl’s turn to look shocked. “I beg your pardon?”
“It’s true. Thought it happened before our time,” Mr. Stone waved between Jace and himself. “But a few men got good wives.”
“Unbelievable. What kind of a town is this?” Beryl looked at Katie, who nodded.
“You don’t want us to answer that,” Jace said, grinning at Mr. Stone. “Better the Mad Matchmaker this time around, my friend, than the trouble we’ve had.”
Mr. Stone sighed. “True enough. I don’t mind being the brunt of a practical joke.” He looked at Beryl. “Do you?”
She looked at Katie snuggled against her husband’s chest. “Not at all.”
“However,” Jace said, “if this gets out, and we know it will, the town will be in another uproar.”
Mr. Stone went to stand behind Beryl’s chair. “Then there’s only one thing to do – find the Mad Matchmaker and expose them.”
Katie gasped and pulled away from her husband’s chest. “But you can’t. A lot of the townsfolk don’t want to know.”
“What?” Mr. Stone said. “That’s ridiculous.”
“No, it’s not. Mercy Vander told me herself. As did Mrs. Smythe, Mrs. Tindle, Mrs. Brock, even Betsy and Cecil.”
Beryl shook her head. “Who are these people?”
Mr. Stone went to the other empty chair and sat. “Older townsfolk. The Vanders had to deal with this back in the ‘70s. Their son was one of the young men to receive a mail-order bride. The first was his friend Morgan Tindle.”
“The Tindles run the mercantile,” Katie volunteered.
Beryl nodded. “And the others?”
Jace began counting on his fingers. “Julian Smythe, the undertaker’s son. Jess Templeton.”
“Jess is Darcy’s father, from the café,” Mr. Stone said.
Beryl’s eyebrows rose. “Our waitress?”
“Yes,” Katie said. “I was told he sent for a mail-order bride himself and didn’t tell anyone, just let the town think the Mad Matchmaker did it.”
Beryl rubbed her temple, her face screwed up in confusion. “But that’s so … so …”
“Ridiculous?” Katie said.
“Loco?” added Jace.
Mr. Stone laughed. “Unbelievable?”
“That one.” Beryl pointed at him. “Definitely that one.”
Everyone laughed. She was glad she could lighten the mood, at least for the moment. They still had to work on Katie’s parents. Jace seemed like he could handle Mr. Haverdash, but she didn’t want Katie’s parents leaving town still at odds with their daughter. She couldn’t imagine how she’d feel if her folks told her they never wanted to speak to her again just because she married a man not of their choosing.
“I think we should take one thing at a time,” Jace said. “I’ll speak with Katie’s father first thing in the morning, then I’ll handle this Mad Matchmaker nonsense.” He looked at Beryl. “I’m sorry you came all this way. I hope you weren’t too disappointed about Ephraim not wanting to marry you.”
She did her best to stifle a giggle and looked at Mr. Stone, who was smiling. It was their private joke and she wanted to keep it that way for a time. “Well, it did come as a shock.”
“And then some,” Mr. Stone added with a playful wink.
There went that tingle up her spine. How delightful. She liked bantering with the good doctor, liked his sense of humor. She was sure he could also handle Mr. Haverdash if he had to – and had, come to think of it. She liked how kind he was to Katie.
As if sensing her thoughts, Katie turned to her. “I’m sorry I haven’t started dinner.” She looked at her husband. “It’s just been such a trying afternoon. I’m so tired …”
He kissed the top of her head. “It’s all right sweetheart. If you like, I can go to Gruber’s, get us something and bring it home?”
“It is fried chicken night.” Mr. Stone licked his lips.
“I take it you like fried chicken?” Beryl smiled in amusement.
“The whole town does,” Jace gently extracted himself from his wife He stood. “I just have to tell them to cook it well done for Ephraim. Why don’t you two ladies visit while we head to Gruber’s?”
Beryl smiled at Katie. “I’d like that. Are you up to a short visit?”
Katie smiled back and nodded, but anyone could see she was tired, with her drawn face and dark smudges under her eyes. It had to be the shock. No one expects their parents to show up and accuse them of being a black mark on the family name because she was abducted.
Jace leaned down and kissed Katie on the forehead. “We’ll be right back.” He straightened. “Ephraim?”
“That’s my cue.” He stood. “Miss Branson, would you like a slice of pie for dessert?”
She smiled as heat crept into her cheeks. “Thank you – pie would be lovely.”
Ephraim put on his hat, then tipped it. “Pie it is.” He followed Jace out the door.
“I think he likes you,” Katie said after the door closed.
Beryl blinked. “What?”
Katie went to the chair opposite hers and sat. “Ephraim likes you. I can tell.”
Beryl laughed. “And you’ve known this gentleman how long?”
“It seems like forever, but it’s only been a couple of weeks. So much has happened, Beryl. I can’t describe it all.”
“Then don’t. You’re tired, worn out. I’m so sorry this happened.”
Katie picked at her sleeve, her eyes downcast. “So am I. I knew my parents would be upset, but I didn’t imagine this. I feel like a chess piece.”
Beryl’s heart went out to her friend. How could she ease her pain? “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but you must give your father a chance to make amends.”
Katie shook her head. “After what he told me this afternoon, I’m not sure I can. Not for a while, at least.”
Beryl left her chair and joined her on the sofa. “Are they leaving right away?”
“They didn’t say.” She took Beryl’s hand and held it. “I’m so glad you’re here. But … did you really come as a mail-order bride?”
Beryl snorted. “I’m afraid so. Your father had me so upset, I had to do something. And I wanted to prove to him that you made the right choice. What better way?”
Katie chuckled. “You always were headstrong.”
“Don’t remind me. My folks will never let me hear the end of this.”
“Do they know what you’re doing? That you’re here?”
Beryl shook her head. “They’re in Europe right now. I left a note …”
Katie facepalmed. “And your parents are more protective than mine!”
“Obviously not, or they wouldn’t have let me travel to Denver by myself to visit you and my other friends.”
“Yes, but you were staying with … my goodness, do any of your relativ
es know you’re here?”
“Well … they know a little.”
Katie stared at her in shock. “You came here because you were upset with my father and didn’t tell anyone?”
“I have a very independent spirit, what can I say?” She grinned sheepishly. “All anyone needed to know was that I’d taken a trip with your parents.”
“Does my father know this?”
“He never asked who I told.” The man had been so intent on getting to Independence and giving his daughter what for, he never once checked who Beryl had informed of her decision. “Don’t worry, I’m doing nothing more than taking a side trip.”
“Well you’re lucky the Mad Matchmaker was involved, or poor Ephraim would be heartbroken.”
“Mr. Stone?” Beryl automatically looked at the door as if he would step through it at any moment. “He is handsome.”
“And kind, gentle, intelligent.” Katie smiled. “Shall I go on?”
“There’s no need, my friend. Mr. Stone is no more interested in me than I am in him. I’m ashamed to say that on the journey here, I realized I’d made a mistake.”
Katie laughed. “You? A mistake? Noooo …”
Beryl nodded. “I know you’re enjoying this, but I’m so glad I’m here to see you happy.”
They shared a hug, then Katie said, “I still think he likes you.”
Beryl smacked her on the arm. “Stop it.”
“Well, there’s only one way to find out. Why not spend some time with him? Who knows, maybe fate brought you here, not my father.”
Beryl waved it away. “Don’t be silly. My stubbornness brought me here, and my love for you. I’m sorry I wasn’t here when your father told you those things.”
Katie stood. “I wish my parents were more like yours. They hold such high positions in Baltimore society, but they don’t act like they’re made from better clay. My parents scraped and claw their way up the social ladder to get where they are. I suppose my father’s terrified of losing his position. Ronald could make all kinds of trouble for him.”
Beryl thought about that. If Katie was a bargaining piece in a business deal and Ronald didn’t get what he wanted, he would be angry. Maybe Mr. Stone was right and Ronald didn’t know about any of this yet.
“I’ll go make some coffee,” Katie said. “Would you like to see my kitchen?”
Beryl left the sofa. “Sure. By the way, who taught you how to cook?”
Katie laughed. “I’ve had several good teachers so far, but primarily the Vanders’ maid Betsy. I’ll introduce you.”
Beryl followed her into the kitchen. The room was just as charming as the rest of the house. “This place is so cozy.”
“I hate to admit it, but I like it. It beats roaming around a big old house wondering where everyone is. You ought to know how that feels.”
“I certainly do, which is why I mostly stay in my room and a few others.” She watched Katie make coffee. “Tell me that you love it here.”
Katie stopped. “Of course I do. I know it’s not Denver or Baltimore or New York, but there’s a simplicity here and the people are nice.”
Beryl sat at the table. Katie’s entire house could fit into her mother’s drawing room. “And you’ve told your husband about your fortune? That you’re an heiress?”
“He knows, he and Ephraim. But they don’t know how big my father’s holdings are.”
“Has he asked for money?”
“No. I don’t know if it’s because he’s proud or …” Katie shrugged.
“Well, so long as it’s not greed, that’s fine,” Beryl said. “I like him.”
Katie stopped what she was doing again. “I’m glad to hear you say that. It means a lot to me.”
Beryl nodded in understanding. Katie’s parents disliking a man they hadn’t even met yet had to be hard for her.
They chatted about this and that until the men returned, then Beryl helped Katie set the table and the four of them sat down to dinner.
“This chicken is delicious,” Beryl commented as she reached for another piece.
“Best in town,” Mr. Stone said.
“Katie is trying her hand at fried chicken next week,” Jace said with a proud smile.
Beryl watched the couple, could see the love between them and hoped everything turned out for her friend. She’d been through enough – she didn’t need any more trouble to come knocking on her door.
Rap, rap, rap!
Katie dropped her chicken on her plate. “I know that knock.”
“Don’t we all?” Without thinking, Beryl stood.
Mr. Stone grabbed her arm. “Let Jace handle this. It’s his house.”
“But …” No, Beryl could see the logic in it. She sat again.
Jace wiped his mouth with a napkin, put it on the table and stood. “I think I’d better answer it.” He smiled at Ephraim … er, Mr. Stone. Beryl winced. Good heavens, she didn’t need to slip and call him by his first name. But thinking it gave her a glimmer of comfort. A good thing too, with Mr. Haverdash banging on the door.
“Well, ladies,” Mr. Stone said as they heard Sheriff Diamond open it. “You might want to brace yourselves.”
Chapter Seven
Guests in town were considered news, and no one spread news faster than Mayor Horace Vander. “Doc Stone,” he bellowed joyfully. “Have you met our sheriff’s wife’s parents yet?”
Ephraim looked up from his breakfast. On Wednesdays, he liked to enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the café instead of making his own. “Yes, I have.” He returned to his eggs. After dinner with Katie and Jace, he’d escorted Miss Branson back to the hotel, made sure she got into her room without disruption from her neighbors, then went home. So far, so good.
“I’d like to meet them,” Mayor Vander said. “Perhaps I’ll invite them to dine with Mercy and me.”
Ephraim cleared his throat. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”
“Whyever not?” Mayor Vander huffed.
“I believe Mrs. Diamond and her parents would like some private time for the next day or two.”
“Oh, yes, of course. I’m sure they want to get caught up, having missed the wedding and all.” Mayor Vander turned to the counter. “Darcy! My usual!” He went to the nearest table and sat.
Darcy hurried over, poured him a cup of coffee, then retreated to the kitchen. Wednesday’s breakfast special was ham and eggs and, though Mayor Vander probably already had breakfast at home, he enjoyed Wednesday’s offering as well as the next person.
Darcy came to Ephraim’s table, coffee pot in hand. “I didn’t mean to forget you. Would you like some more?”
“Yes, Darcy, thank you.”
He watched her pour and noticed her eyes darting to the door and back. Ephraim sighed. “I’m not meeting with Mr. Markhel this morning. It’s just me.”
Her face fell. “Oh, that’s too bad.”
He smiled warmly. “He doesn’t know what he’s missing.” He didn’t want to encourage her, but he did feel sorry for the poor girl. She’d set her cap on just about every handsome face that came through the door.
And speak of the devil … “Mr. Markhel,” she whispered.
Ephraim turned in his chair and motioned Mr. Markhel over. He might as well get his business done with the man.
“Dr. Stone,” the giant said as he sat.
Darcy stood like a poleaxed steer and stared at the newcomer.
“Why don’t you get Mr. Markhel some coffee?” Ephraim suggested.
She blinked a few times, then hurried to comply.
Mr. Markhel watched her go, his eyes lingering on the kitchen door. “Did you get your business taken care of yesterday?”
Ephraim noted the man’s unwavering stare. “We’ll see. I have a feeling there’s more to do.”
Darcy returned with a cup, filled it with coffee without relinquishing it, then handed it to Mr. Markhel. “Would … would you like the special?”
Ephraim did his best to bite his tongu
e. Should he speak with her parents? Did they have any idea she was sweet on such a dangerous man?
Mr. Markhel stared right back, assessing her. Ephraim wasn’t sure he liked the look. Finally the man’s face softened. “You will bring me the special, Darcy.”
She nodded, her eyes glued to his.
He looked her over before he met her gaze again. “You may go.”
Without a word she obediently turned and left for the kitchen.
“I’ve seen you do that before,” Ephraim commented.
He watched Darcy leave and shrugged. “You have seen many things, Dr. Stone.” He turned to him. “The question is, do you want to see more?”
“Is this the same job you offered Jace Diamond?”
“Yes.”
“Jace turned it down because he fell in love, got married …”
Mr. Markhel had gone back to watching the kitchen. “True.”
Ephraim glanced at the kitchen door and back. “So if I become an agent in your organization, I cannot marry.”
Mr. Markhel looked at him with his steely gaze. “Correct.”
“And what about you? Are you allowed to wed?”
“When the time comes, I will have little choice in the matter.”
Ephraim’s eyebrows shot up. “What does that mean?”
Mr. Markhel sighed. “Trust me, Dr. Stone, you do not wish to know. Are you interested in my offer or not?”
Before he could answer, Darcy returned to their table with a plate of food for Mr. Markhel. Her eyes locked on his as she set it on the table. “Can I get you anything else?” she whispered.
Ephraim couldn’t believe the effect the man was having on her. Should he put a stop to it?
“Thank you, Darcy,” Mr. Markhel said, unblinking. “You may go.”
As before, she turned without a word and obediently went back to the kitchen.
Ephraim had to ask. “How do you do that?”
Mr. Markhel shrugged, picked up his fork and stabbed at his ham. “My offer, Dr. Stone.”
Ephraim took a sip of his coffee. “You got my attention at Jace and Katie’s wedding when we spoke. But …”
“But what?” Markhel asked before shoving a forkful of ham into his mouth.
Ephraim was about to tell him yes when Miss Branson popped into his head. “I have some matters to attend to before I can make a final decision.”
