“Surprised to see you out here,” Kathleen remarked, her tone a bit stiff. “But at least you’re properly dressed this time.”
“I’m Marian.”
“Sure you are,” Kathleen snorted.
Marian winced. She hadn’t expected this. It had been a really long time since she’d had to convince anyone which sister she was.
She’d forgotten how vexing it could be, too, if she couldn’t think of something specifically known just to her and the other person that she could offer as proof that she was indeed Marian. She’d been in that frustrating position many times with people angrily insisting that she was Amanda. Fortunately, she’d had several private conversations with her aunt from which she could draw proof.
She mentioned one now. “When you lent me this skirt, you told me to ignore any ribbing from the cowboys about it, that they jokingly called it female chaps. I’m pretty sure we were quite alone when you said it.”
Kathleen visibly relaxed. “Yes, and so far on the other side of the room from the door that day, that if anyone had been trying to listen through it, they wouldn’t have been able to hear anything. So it is you. What an amazing difference!”
“You might want to whisper a word or number to me now, just to make sure you aren’t left in doubt again.”
“No more spectacles?”
“I never intended to wear them after Amanda got married, and she’s just about...married.”
She hadn’t meant to introduce that particular subject. Fortunately, Kathleen merely said, “Yes, she is,” and left it at that.
To quickly get her aunt’s mind on something else, Marian asked, “How are we going to get to town when we go? I haven’t learned to ride yet.”
“If I go by myself, I typically ride in on a Saturday, get my shopping done, spend the night, go to church on Sunday, do a little visiting, then head back home before noon. But with you girls not being able to ride, we’ll be on the road a lot longer. I’ve got an old wagon I use to haul supplies that we would have had to make use of, but since Spencer hasn’t bothered to send anyone out to fetch his carriage, we might as well use that this trip. But plans have changed a bit.”
“Oh?”
“Stuart is spreading the word already. He’s picked this Saturday for his barbecue. I expect most the town will show up for it. So we’ll be heading for the Kinkaid spread first, then stop off in town Sunday on the way back. We’ll still have to leave at the crack of dawn Saturday morning, and probably won’t arrive until late afternoon. But Stuarts parties typically last well into the night.”
“I know it’s a bother. And I will learn to ride before any more trips like this. In fact”—she grinned—”that’s why I’m here.”
Kathleen frowned. “Chad’s not around to teach you right now. He rode over to see his father. Probably be gone a couple days. Actually, I don’t expect him to return before we leave for the barbecue. But since I’m back for the day, why don’t we tackle this ourselves?”
Marian nodded, relieved. She’d been ready to teach herself, but the prospect had been daunting.
Aside from giving her instructions on handling a horse and riding, Kathleen was quiet, even somewhat distracted. Marian wasn’t surprised. Kathleen had a lot on her mind, and most of it probably had to do with Chad and Amanda.
During the lesson, Marian debated with herself whether to try to tell her aunt the truth. Kathleen would probably believe her, but then again, maybe she wouldn’t. She’d told her a lot of outlandish things already about Amanda. Her latest stunt might just be a bit too much to swallow on top of everything else. And besides, with Chad convinced he’d made love to Amanda, he’d object, probably flatly refuse, if Kathleen tried to insist he marry Marian instead. Not that she’d want a man who was forced to marry her—not that she wanted Chad anymore at all.
She still thought she should make the effort though, not to do Chad any favors, but because he was getting the raw deal, and it was ultimately her fault. She could have stopped what had happened that day in the stable, but she didn’t. And he might be pleased that he was getting Amanda at the moment, but he wouldn’t be once they were married and she started insisting he take her home to Haverhill.
It’d be the right thing to do, whether anyone believed her or not. She just needed to make Kathleen understand that she wouldn’t marry Chad, that it wouldn’t be fair to him, when he’d thought he’d made love to someone else. The mistake was hers, she’d live with the consequences.
God, what an embarrassing subject to have to discuss with her aunt. At least there was no immediate hurry. She could take a few days to consider how best to approach it. Maybe after the barbecue. And maybe she’d get lucky and Amanda would find someone at the party who would suit her better than Chad and she’d have to do some confessing of her own.
Having been just as distracted as Kathleen with unwanted thoughts, Marian was quite surprised to find herself sitting on the mare, reins in hand, and her aunt telling her, “Okay, time for the test. Let’s go for a ride.”
Chapter 36
THE POUNDING ON HIS door woke Chad. The shadows in the hotel room indicated the sun had recently set, but it wasn’t quite night. He rolled out of the bed fully dressed. He’d been in no condition to think about getting comfortable when he’d crawled into it.
The pounding hadn’t stopped, even though he’d mumbled, “I’m coming.”
He had a feeling he knew who was on the other side, almost recognized the knock, which is why he yanked the door open angrily. He was right. “Hell, can I do nothing in this town without you hearing about it?”
“Not much.” His father chuckled as he sauntered into the room.
Chad closed the door behind him and ran a hand over his face, trying to shake off his grogginess. That was a mistake. Pain shot right through his temples, reminding him why he’d come to town.
“You don’t look so good,” Stuart remarked as he got comfortable in the only chair.
“Had a bit too much to drink.”
“I heard. I’m waiting to hear the rest. And why aren’t you staying at our place? I don’t keep that house staffed here in town just for looks.”
“I needed a good view of the street, and the hotel offers it.”
“For what? Something else I don’t know about, besides why you’re here?”
“You gonna let me wake up some before badgering me to death?”
“I suppose.” Stuart sighed.
Chad moved to the window. It was dusk outside, barely any gray left in the sky. A light was on in the stable down the street where Spencer lodged his horse. The horse hadn’t left the stable that day.
He’d really hoped, after his talk with Spencer, that he wouldn’t have to let his father know what a damn fool he was. But he should have known someone would send word to Stuart that he was in town and trying to drink himself into a stupor. And Spencer didn’t head out to the Twisting Barb as he’d thought he would. He could have decided to wait until the barbecue and woo Amanda there. Or he could have decided he didn’t want her now, after what Chad had told him. That was a distinct possibility.
With Stuart here and already full of questions, there was no point in beating about the bush. Chad stated bluntly, “I’m getting married.”
“The nag?” Stuart guessed and sighed his displeasure. “So you came to town to celebrate? That’s what the drinking was about?”
Chad shook his head with a grimace. “Not even close. I’m not exactly happy about this.”
“You aren’t?” Stuart said in confusion, then grinned in relief, assuming, “Ah, so you came to your senses before it’s too late? Just beg off then. She might understand, and if she don’t, too bad. It ain’t as if she won’t have most every man in the county sniffing after—”
“I can’t beg off, Pa. As it stands right now, I have to marry her.”
Stuart sat up, his expression gone to pure annoyance. “Have to? What’d you do?”
“Got real stupid.”
“I already figured that, but how come you think so? Thought you were interested in her.”
“I was—when I still thought the things I didn’t like about her were just related to the trip out here. But she didn’t change when she settled in, she got worse. She’s a conniving, manipulative bitch.”
“And a nag.”
“That, too.”
“So what happened to make you see the light?” Stuart asked.
“She decided to use me to get her inheritance. Since she was already sure Red would approve of me, I presented the quickest means to her goal.”
Stuart growled, “If you tell me she asked you to marry her and you jumped on it, I just might take a strap to you for being that dumb.”
Chad snorted. “No. I wish she could have been that straightforward, but I did mention conniving, didn’t I? She tricked me into making love to her, then made sure to let Red know about it.”
“I was afraid of that.” Stuart sighed again, then added, “You can stop being so hard on yourself, boy. Getting seduced by a gal that pretty could have happened to the best of us, I suppose.”
“You still haven’t heard the clincher.”
“There’s more?”
Chad nodded. “You probably didn’t notice—it took me a while to pick up on it myself—but they’re twins, those sisters.”
“No.”
“Yes. And it was Marian I thought I was making love to. Amanda did herself up to look just like her, pretended to be her. And she pulled it off perfectly. I never guessed, really thought it was Marian—right up until dinner last night when Amanda came down to tell Red about it.”
Stuart shot to his feet angrily. “Now that stinks. Red wouldn’t hold you accountable if she heard the whole of it. Just get back there and tell—”
“Amanda was a virgin, Pa.”
“Son of a bitch!”
“My thoughts exactly. But I have a glimmer of hope now. If I’m lucky, real lucky, Spencer is going to get me out of this.”
“Now why didn’t you say that to begin with? You and him friends again?”
“Hell no.”
“Fighting over the same women again then?” Stuart guessed next.
“There’s no fight,” Chad said. “He’s dumb enough to want her. I don’t.”
Stuart frowned. “But how’s that going to help? The damage is done.”
“Yes, but he knows about it and still wants her,” Chad replied. “He showed up this morning in O’Mallys, wouldn’t leave me alone till I told him why I was here. If I’d been a bit more sober, I probably would have kept it to myself. With luck, I’ll be glad I didn’t.”
“But ain’t Red insisting the girl marry you?” Stuart pointed out.
“Red is no more happy about this than I am. If Spencer can convince Amanda to marry him instead, I think Red will give her blessing on it. She knows I was tricked.”
“Damn, that’s a relief.” Stuart finally grinned. “Thought I was going to have to order lumber for you, to build your own house.”
Chad rolled his eyes and reminded his father, “I did say if he can convince her. There’s no guarantee, Pa. Amanda could as easily tell Spencer to get lost. She’s got a guaranteed husband lined up, after all. And she went to a lot of trouble to snag me.”
“Yeah, but you’re hopeful,” Stuart returned. “That’s good enough for me.”
“Only because Spencer’s good at seducing, and telling a woman exactly what she wants to hear, whether it’s true or not.”
Stuart chuckled. “Sounds like those two were made for each other.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
Stuart stood up to leave, though that wasn’t his intention. “Mind if I get some dinner sent up?” he said.
“Mind if I don’t join you for it?” Chad replied. “In fact, why don’t you let me get back to sleep.”
“You can’t still be tired,” Stuart protested. “You slept all day.”
“Not all day. I stood at that window most of the morning, waiting for Spencer to make up his mind what he was going to do. He never did ride out.”
Stuart was back to frowning. “You think he’s conceding to you?”
“When you put it that way, I’d have to say no. He never concedes. So maybe he is just going to wait until your barbecue, where he’ll have easier access to Amanda without Red’s constant supervision.”
Stuart’s expression softened. “And maybe I’ll help by keeping Red busy myself.”
Chapter 37
IT WAS A HECTIC few days, getting ready for the big barbecue. Amanda tried to pretend boredom. After all, it was a “country” barbecue. But Marian could tell she was excited about it, though not half as much as Marian was. She’d gone to a few balls at home with her sister, but hiding behind her spectacles, she hadn’t enjoyed them. This Texas party, however, was like a “coming out” ball for her.
There was no time to get new gowns made for it, not that ball gowns would have been appropriate. And Marian hadn’t been serious about borrowing some of Amanda’s clothes, which she considered much too frilly for her taste. But with Red’s help in supplying some lace, Ella Mae worked wonders with one of Marian’s old beige gowns, removing the high neck and sleeves and adding white lace to the hem and the new low-cut bodice. Amanda’s gown was fancier, but Marian’s was prettier because of its simplicity.
Red had sent one of her hands to the sheriff with the miniature painting of the train robber just as soon as Marian finished it. They could have delivered it themselves on Sunday when they would be passing through town, but Red didn’t think they should wait even for a few days to pass something that important along to the sheriff. They hadn’t heard yet if the painting was going to do any good in apprehending the outlaw, but the sheriff was likely to be at the barbecue as well, so they could ask him then.
Most of Red’s household was up long before dawn Saturday morning, so they could have time to dress and eat a quick breakfast before leaving. They managed to arrive at the Kinkaid ranch a little after noontime. Most of the townsfolk who were coming were already there, some having ridden over the night before so as not to miss anything.
The girls had been warned that Stuart’s ranch was big, but they were still surprised at just how big it was. The main ranch house dominated the scene. Like a mansion in proportion if not design, it spread wide and tall among all the other buildings around it. The actual barbecue was taking place behind it.
Tables had been improvised from long planks of wood. There was a stage and dance area where musicians were already playing, although no one was dancing yet. Whole carcasses of meat were being roasted nearby, slowly turning on spits and being basted with sauces. A bevy of servants were making trips from the house to the tables, bringing out more and more food that got quickly covered with checkered cloths until it was time to eat. The aromas were wonderful.
Bronco riding was taking place down by one of the stables, where most of the guests were currently gathered. Shouts, bets, laughter, and goading filled the air, and everyone seemed to be having a fine time except maybe the cowboy trying to stay on the back of the bucking horse. It looked dangerous. The cowboy didn’t stay on very long.
Marian decided to avoid that area. It was a bit too raucous for her tastes. There would be horse racing as well, she was told, and maybe a shooting contest and roping competition, plenty of opportunities for the cowboys to test their skills in fun, rather than work.
Kathleen introduced the girls around. Amanda began enjoying herself, but then she always shone at social gatherings, and it didn’t take her long to become the “belle of the barbecue,” so to speak. Marian didn’t begrudge her sister that. She might have come out of her shell at last, but she would never have Amanda’s self-confidence. She was surprising a lot of people, though, who had seen her arrive in town a week ago looking nothing like she did now. But twins were always a novelty.
The host showed up and after complimenting Kathleen enough to make her blush—their aunt did look except
ionally fetching in an embroidered blouse and skirt with two tiers of ruffles—he took over the introductions.
Spencer arrived, looking as dashing as ever in his black coat and string tie. It didn’t take him long to find Amanda or to monopolize the conversation with her. Marian wondered if Amanda would tell him she was going to marry Chad. Probably not, since she would enjoy flirting with him.
Marian thought it was ironic that she had always figured her “unveiling” would change everything for her, yet it seemed to have changed nothing. She was pretty now, yes. But still that didn’t seem to be drawing people to her or making this social event any more fun than others she’d attended.
Amanda pulled her aside, said impatiently, “Don’t slouch. You have a nice figure, show it off. And stop looking down like you’re trying to see over the rims of those silly spectacles. You aren’t wearing them anymore.”
Amanda? Trying to help her present herself better? But before Marian went into shock, Amanda added, “How am I supposed to compete if you’re still trying to hide yourself?”
“I’m not hiding.”
“Of course you are,” Amanda replied. “It’s ingrained, you’ve done it so long. Open up, Mari. Let the real Marian out.”
Amanda flounced off after that, leaving Marian in shock. That had been sisterly advice, she just wasn’t sure how to take it. She tried to guess at Amanda’s ulterior motive, but other than the “compete” comment, she couldn’t find one. And “competing” didn’t wash. Amanda was going to be the center of attention no matter what. Her vivacity, her abundant self-confidence from years of social successes naturally drew people to her.
Marian soon wandered off by herself. Distracted by her disappointment, she found herself down by the stable without realizing it. A collective cheer by the crowd still gathered there brought her back to herself, in time to see Chad being bounced around on the back of a bucking horse.
She sucked in her breath. He was holding on with only one hand. His other arm was extended out to the side, possibly to assist with balance. The wild horse was doing its darnedest to unseat him, kicking up its hind legs, nearly jumping into the air, vicious in its determination.