With Autumn's Return (Westward Winds Book #3): A Novel Read Online Free PDF Page A

between Barrett’s bride and E. M. Harding, MD.
    “According to Miriam, Charlotte used to design gowns that outshone ones from Paris,” Richard continued. “That’s how they met. Miriam was one of Madame Charlotte’sbest customers. Then they became friends. A bit like you and me.”
    The story was only mildly interesting, and Jason saw no reason why Richard was recounting it. “All right. I see that there’s a tenuous connection between your wife and the new doctor. I still don’t understand the necessity for a party.”
    Richard chuckled. “You obviously don’t know how women’s minds work. Miriam would do anything for a friend, and so she promised Charlotte that she’d watch over her sister until Charlotte and Barrett return from the East.”
    “From what I’ve seen, Dr. Harding doesn’t need anyone watching over her. That tongue of hers could cause lacerations even Doc Worland couldn’t heal.”
    The way Richard pursed his lips told Jason he was trying to control his mirth. It wasn’t amusing. Nothing about Dr. Harding was funny. “I see that Elizabeth made an impression on you,” Richard said, his voice just short of a chortle.
    “She did, and that impression made me regret having her as a neighbor.”
    Richard uncrossed his ankles, then crossed them again, as if he were planning to remain in the chair. While Jason wouldn’t evict him—the man was, after all, a close friend—he wished that he would leave. This conversation had gone on far too long, venturing onto subjects that were best left untouched.
    “Perhaps your encounter today was an inoculation,” Richard suggested. “If so, now you’re immune.”
    One thing was certain: it had been as painful as an injection. “That’s an intriguing theory, but I have no intention of testing it. With a bit of luck, I won’t have to see her again.” It was a long shot, especially given the proximity of their offices, but a man could dream.
    “I hate to dash your hopes,” Richard said, his voice betraying no remorse, “but that won’t be the case. Miriam and I expect you to attend our party.”
    “I’d rather be tarred and feathered.”
    Raising his eyebrows, Richard gave Jason a skeptical look. “I never realized you were prone to such exaggeration.”
    “I was not exaggerating. A man doesn’t volunteer for pain, and having to be polite to Dr. Harding would be painful. Why would I do that? Life hands us enough trouble on its own.”
    If Richard heard him, he gave no sign. “Miriam and I are looking forward to having you as our guest.”
    “I’m afraid I have another commitment that evening.”
    “You don’t even know when it is.”
    “True, but I’m certain I have a previous engagement, whenever it is.”
    “Coward!” Richard’s smile took the sting from his epithet.
    “That’s not the worst thing I’ve been called, especially today.” When he’d left the courthouse, Jason had heard men declaring that he was as guilty as his client. “Murderer,” they’d hissed as he walked by.
    Richard nodded, almost as if he’d read Jason’s thoughts. “That’s the reason you need to come. It’s next Friday at seven. By then the uproar over Bennett’s trial will have died down. It will be time for you to get back into the public eye.” He rose and walked to the hallway for his hat. “Maple Terrace is too small for what Miriam has in mind, so her parents have agreed that we can use their home. Between Miriam and her mother, it seems as if half of Cheyenne has been invited.” Richard settled the hat on his head. “Many of the guests could be potential clients. You need to be there.”
    “All right.” Jason knew his acceptance sounded grudging, and it was. “Just keep me away from your guest of honor.”
    Laughter was Richard’s only response.

     
    “I can’t believe it, Gwen.” Elizabeth unpinned her hat and placed it on the bureau in the room that had once been her sister’s. The apartment over Charlotte’s former