A SEAL's Oath (SEALs of Chance Creek Book 1) (30 page)

Between Mia, Alice, the Russells, and a host of other people, the wedding was on track. Still, there were so many things that could go wrong her mind was spinning.

“I’ve got butterflies,” Avery said.

“Me, too,” Savannah said softly.

“I know,” Nora said. “I hope we don’t screw anything up.”

Riley had a stomach full of butterflies herself, but she willed herself to be calm. “Everything is ready for our guests and they’re going to be thrilled with the weekend we have to offer them,” she declared, as if by saying it out loud, she could make it so.

She led the way down the stairs to greet Andrea and her friends. To her amusement, Mrs. Wood had arranged herself, her niece Marlena whom she’d brought with her, and Lyle Higgs, one of the coachmen James had sent over for the weekend, in a straight line in front of the manor. All of them wore period-appropriate costumes. It made her proud to see how seriously they were taking their work.

As the airport chauffeur climbed out and opened the doors of the shuttle van, a thin young woman with blond hair and luminous blue eyes spilled out. “Savvy!”

Savannah winced and Riley bit back a chuckle. Savannah had always gone by her full name.

“Andrea. Nice to see you again.” Savannah allowed herself to be hugged, then made the introductions. Andrea, in turn, presented her friends as they exited the van.

“This is my maid of honor, Brook Wright, and my bridesmaids, Win Lisle, Belinda Huck, Fran Cotter and Ingrid Spiers. We’re so happy to be here—when we landed I wasn’t sure if we’d made a big mistake; the town is so tiny.”

“This is the country,” Riley said.

“Well, sure, but there’s country and then there’s
country
.” Andrea widened her eyes as if the latter was something to be afraid of.

Riley decided not to pursue the topic. “Come on in. First we’ll have light refreshments in the parlor while your things are brought up to your rooms. Savannah here will give you an overview of the weekend ahead and a quick guide to Regency dress and the particulars of getting into and out of it. Then Mrs. Wood will show you to your rooms. The seamstress will be along shortly to make any final adjustments to your outfits, and later we’ll be ready for the first of our activities. Savannah, would you lead the way?”

As Savannah gestured for the women to follow her, Riley, Nora and Avery hung back to help Lyle, Marlena and Mrs. Wood gather up their luggage and bring it inside. Riley was dismayed to see how much they’d brought, given that they were supplying each woman with two gowns for the duration. They’d sent hints about appropriate footwear and undergarments, and Riley hoped the women had paid attention to them.

Inside, their guests identified their bags and Lyle carried the luggage to the proper rooms. Avery and Mrs. Wood served hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the parlor, while Savannah told their guests about their plans.

“We’ll give you a little time to change and then we’ll come knock on your door and ask if you need any help with your gowns,” she concluded. “Later we’ll go for a carriage ride to acquaint you with the property and its environs. Any questions?”

“Is it true there won’t be a ball?” a tall, dark-haired woman asked. Riley thought she was Win Lisle, a sour-faced woman whose mahogany eyes seemed to judge everything and find it wanting. She wore a high ponytail and Riley could picture her at the country club asking, “Is it true you don’t serve caviar?” Riley’s dislike of her was immediate and visceral, and she sensed that Win had been chivvying Andrea since her wedding plans began. Riley knew her type, the poisonous frenemy who lived for the opportunity to show you up. “Andrea said there wouldn’t be a ball,” Win went on in her lazy, uppercrust drawl, “but I can’t believe it. What’s a Regency weekend without a ball?”

“There will be dancing at the wedding,” Savannah said.

“But that’s not the same as a ball, is it?”

“I’m not sure you understand just how big an undertaking it is to throw a ball,” Avery said.

Win yawned delicately. “I understand—such a shame you’re too small an operation to accommodate your guests’ requests.”

Riley read the exchange of glances around the room and sensed a rebellion forming. She was beginning to think that Andrea’s friends might not really be so friendly. If they were looking for ways to mark down Andrea’s efforts, then the lack of a ball would provide an easy target.

Andrea’s face had clouded and Riley knew instinctively she was right. “Now, Win, you’ve gone and spoiled the surprise,” she blurted, talking over Savannah. “Of course there’ll be a ball, but it was supposed to be a secret. All of you will need to practice hard to learn the steps of the dances by Friday night.”

“I’ll be your teacher,” Avery said into the sudden silence. They’d already planned some dancing lessons, even if a ball wasn’t on the schedule.

Riley appreciated her fast thinking. She refused to let Savannah down.

Andrea broke into a huge smile. “What an incredible surprise. Savvy must have planned it.” She nearly crushed Savannah with another hug.

“Up to your rooms,” Nora said in her schoolteacher voice. Just in time, too. Savannah looked ready to snap. “Get changed and we’ll be by to help shortly.”

Mrs. Wood undertook to lead them up to their rooms, leaving Riley and her friends alone in the parlor when the chattering women were gone.

“A ball? The day before the wedding? Are you out of your mind?” Nora hissed as soon as the coast was clear.

“How are you going to pull it off?” Savannah demanded.

“I have no idea. But I know who might. Maud. I’ll call her right now.”

Savannah handed her the cell phone. When Maud picked up, Riley didn’t waste time with pleasantries. “I need to throw a ball on Friday.”

“I’m on it,” Maud said gaily. “Leave everything to me.”

‡

W
hen Boone pushed
open the door to Thayer’s Jewelers, he was pleased to see he was the only customer. He’d noticed a lot of changes since he’d been home and here was another one. Instead of the crusty old man who used to work here when he was a kid, a young woman he recognized stood behind the counter.

“Rose Bellingham? Is that you?”

“It’s Rose Johnson now. I married Cab.” She smiled and shook Boone’s hand when he offered it. “Good to see you again. It’s been a long time.”

“It sure has.” Rose was a few years younger than him. Boone couldn’t believe she was grown up enough to be married. Or that Cab Johnson was the sheriff now. It used to be Cab’s father.

“Can I help you with something?”

“I’m looking for a ring,” he said. “Should have bought it weeks ago.”

“Let’s find you a good one, then.” She came around the counter and led him to a glass case displaying engagement rings. Boone looked them over and quickly became discouraged. He wasn’t sure how to pick the right one.

“Maybe I should bring her in.”

“Some women like that. Others like to be surprised,” Rose told him. “Tell me about your bride.”

“I think you know her. Riley Eaton?”

Rose broke into a smile. “The Russells introduced us and Mia’s helping her throw that wedding at Westfield. The one for her friend’s cousin. Congratulations.”

“Thanks. So do you know what kind of a ring she’d like?”

“Something old-fashioned, I’d say. If I remember correctly, engagement rings weren’t really the thing during the actual Regency, but Riley will want one, I’m sure.” She bent over the case. “Take a look at these.” She pulled three rings out in quick succession.

One of them immediately caught Boone’s attention and he picked it up. Like Rose said, it was old-fashioned and delicate. Its diamond wasn’t large, but he knew without a doubt it was the one.

“I’ll take it.”

Rose smiled. “That was fast.” She held it in her palm when he handed it to her and a faraway expression came over her face. After a moment she grew serious. “Boone, I know this is going to seem like a strange question, but is something going on between you two that you need to work out before you give her this?”

Boone laughed in disbelief. “What are you, psychic?”

Rose shrugged. “Kind of.”

“Now that you mention it, there is something. Is Mia here? I hoped she could help me.”

“Let me go get her.”

Rose returned a minute later with Mia, who beamed when she spotted Boone. “Mia told me the good news. Congratulations!”

“Thank you. Here’s the thing…” Boone explained the predicament he was in and the wedding they were supposed to have, as Fulsom had dictated it. “So how can we have a Regency wedding without having a Regency wedding? Riley will wear a fancy gown either way, right? So will her bridesmaids. Is there something I can wear that’s modern but fits the bill?”

“I think so.” Mia nodded.

“What about decorations?”

“We can walk the line between modern and old-fashioned. When is it?”

“June first.”

To her credit, Mia didn’t bat an eye. “At Westfield?”

“Yes. Outside, like I said.”

“We’ll get it done,” she said.

“Just like that?”

“Just like that. One non-Regency Regency wedding coming right up. But I’ll need something from you.”

“Name it.”

“I’m helping out with Savannah’s cousin’s wedding, too, and she’s got so many guests they won’t fit in the great room at Westfield.”

“Hold it outside.”

“She wants a roof over her head. I’m thinking about the barn.”

Boone made a face. “It’s a mess. Hasn’t been used in years.”

“Better get cracking if it’s going to be ready on time.” She smiled sweetly at him. “I’ll knock ten percent off my bill for your wedding if you get it done.”

“Deal.”

Their guests seemed
to enjoy the carriage ride Riley had arranged for them. Split between the Russells’ barouche and the older town coach, they’d ridden around the countryside on a tour much like the one James and Maud had given her and her friends when they first arrived at Westfield. The two young men James had sent to drive them were enthusiastic and willing to go wherever Riley directed them.

When they arrived home, Riley was surprised to see James ride up on a handsome bay gelding. She ushered the guests inside, where Avery met them with more snacks, and ducked back outside to talk to him. “How’s Maud holding up?” she asked him. “I shouldn’t have dumped the preparations for a ball into her lap the way I did.”

“Don’t you worry about a thing; I haven’t come to scold you. I came to check on you and the young bucks driving my carriages,” James said. “Maud’s already arranged for music and food and is hiring help to prepare the ballroom. She’ll phone later to discuss dances, and she’ll make sure the men can execute them perfectly. She said she’d send her dance instructor over to you ladies, too.”

“Who did she—”

“I must go,” James said. “Lots to be done, but I’ll be back tomorrow. Try to enjoy your guests, my dear.” He turned his horse and was off before she could voice the rest of her questions. She wondered who Maud had found to partner the women in the dances. She supposed they’d take whomever they could get. Back inside, she found their guests perched around the drawing room sampling the trays of snacks Avery had set out before them. Judging from their lively conversation, they were having a good time.

Riley caught up with Avery in the hallway outside the kitchen. “I think we might pull this off.”

“Of course we will. Failure isn’t an option.”

“How’s Savannah holding up?”

“I’m fine,” Savannah said, coming up behind them, “but I could really use a glass of wine. Shoot me if I ever become as obsessed as those women with redecorating my master bedroom.”

“Is that their latest topic?” Avery said. “Before that it was hiring good help.” She disappeared into the kitchen.

“And before that it was how to know if your manicurist is judging you,” Riley said.

“Savannah!” Andrea’s plaintive trill betrayed her anxiety at being left alone with her friends.

“Time to save her from the piranhas,” Savannah said. “Again.”

“You’re a good cousin,” Riley told her.

“I keep telling myself that.” She took the delicate wine glass Avery returned to give her, downed its contents and handed it back. “Wish me luck.”

“Good luck,” Riley and Avery echoed.

“Maybe Boone’s got it right,” Avery said. “Those wealthy women don’t look all that happy. Maybe simplicity and sustainability really is the answer.”

“Bite your tongue,” Riley said.

Early the next
morning, Boone stood with the rest of the men in the great room at the Russell’s house, with Maud acting as hostess and her extremely beautiful niece, Angelina, standing beside her. Behind them stood several other women who ranged from a thirty-something soccer mom type to a crony of Maud’s who wore a polyester pantsuit. Boone could tell the men were wondering why they had been brought to Coldfield. “Boys, this is Maud Russell. She’ll explain today’s assignment. But first, let me make it clear that this one is non-negotiable. If you fail, you’re out. It’s that simple.”

The men exchanged curious glances as Maud stepped forward. As always, her clothing suited the early 1800s. “Gentlemen, thank you for coming today. I have a wonderful surprise for you.” She paused dramatically and Boone braced himself. “You have been invited to a ball Friday night. A grand ball the likes of which hasn’t been seen in decades in this part of the world.”