Murderous Matrimony(48)

“Our son,” Mr. Manhattan said, “is a highly trained, well educated, attorney who should be out making some real money instead of dressing up in weird clothes, and hanging out here researching patents in his spare time.”

I felt a headache coming on. For the first time since Wanda died, I wished she’d come and interrupt everything.





Chapter Fourteen



“Why don’t we all have a drink,” Morgan suggested with a smile. “I know I could use a drink or ten.”

“Good idea.” Chase got to his feet and rang for castle help.

“We have champagne for an appropriate toast, Sir Bailiff,” the annoyed queen said.

“I think we might need something now, your majesty.” Chase bowed elegantly to her.

Livy giggled. Chase had always been one of her favorites. “I could never deny you anything. Order what you will.”

“This is ridiculous.” Mr. Manhattan shot to his feet.

Chase ordered a bottle of good whiskey when the castle servant appeared.

“Make that two.” Morgan clapped his brother on the shoulder. “Do I say forsooth now?”

“No,” Chase said. “Thank you, and a tip, works.”

Mrs. Manhattan got to her feet too. Before she could say anything, King Harold rejoined us. He approved the whiskey, and asked for a third bottle.

Good idea. We needed a roomful of drunken snobs to make the evening perfect.

“Why don’t we go into dinner,” King Harold suggested. “I am looking to change up my portfolio. I was thinking you Manhattans might have some suggestions.”

That seemed to mollify Chase’s family a little. We went into the elaborate dining room that could hold twenty people.

“I’m thinking about an emergency coming up in time to save us from this mess,” Chase whispered as we walked together.

“It’s going to be fine.” I squeezed his hand.

He didn’t deserve to be stressed by this—not if I could help it.

The first course was wonderful—a light pumpkin soup. The whiskey was poured, and everything seemed to go better.

King Harold, Morgan, and Mr. Manhattan were deep into stocks and bonds, divestitures, and upgrading portfolios.

That was good for them, but left Queen Olivia, me, Chase, and Mrs. Manhattan with nothing in common.

“We’re so glad you had the extra time to be here for Chase and Jessie’s wedding.” Queen Olivia managed to say it in a polite, non-snarky voice.

“Our family is so busy,” Mrs. Manhattan returned. “It’s difficult for us to get away.”

“I can appreciate that,” the queen responded pleasantly. “There is so much to be overseen for the wedding. Catering for more than a thousand people is difficult.”

“Do you have the menu yet?” Chase’s mother asked.

“It’s not complete,” Queen Olivia admitted. “There was some hold up bringing in enough fruit, if you can believe it.”

The first course was removed by quiet waiters dressed in castle finery. The second course, a shrimp salad, was served.

This night is never going to be over. I sat still and held Chase’s hand under the white linen table cloth. Where was Wanda when I needed her? Why hadn’t any elephants or camels escaped?

“Shrimp!” Mrs. Manhattan leapt to her feet, knocking over her crystal water glass, and sending the shrimp salad flying into the air.

Chase was quick on his feet, catching the plate before it hit anything. He couldn’t stop the shrimp salad from flying all over me. I took several tiny shrimp out of my hair and off of my gown.

“Oh no, Lady Jessie, what bad luck!” Livy called the waiters and one of her ladies in waiting. “Lady Leticia, would you help get Lady Jessie cleaned up?”

I stared at Mrs. Manhattan. She couldn’t have done it on purpose, right? It would take perfect timing and responses. It was just an accident.

“Excuse me,” I muttered and managed to continue smiling. “I’ll be right back.”

A little shrimp salad wasn’t going to stop me from being at Chase’s side. I couldn’t tell if it was deliberate or not. I told myself it didn’t matter. Once the wedding was over, I wouldn’t have to see Chase’s family again for a year. Chase flew home to Arizona once a year in the winter, when the Village was slow.

I figured this visit, and the wedding, was his visit for the year.

Lady Leticia was very nice and efficient in helping me get cleaned up. There was nothing I could do about the stain on my bodice. She loaned me a beautiful lace shawl that would cover it.

“Thank you so much for your help,” I said to her before I went back.

She curtsied, and her nineteen-year-old face went pink. “It was a pleasure to be of service, Lady Jessie.”