Buck Hayes cut into his steak. “She smile a lot or have those frown lines around her mouth that women get from pinching their lips?”
“She smiled a lot and had a nice laugh.”
Chico Diaz pointed with his fork. “What about her eyes?”
“Blue and sparkling. Except… I said something that seemed to get under her skin. She got over it fast and laughed with her cousin.”
Spuds sent him a glare. “Can’t teach you how to talk to women. You got to say nice things to them.”
“Aww, you know I get tongue-tied around women and trip over my words.” Austin looked at his cook. “Besides, if you’re such an expert, why aren’t you hitched?”
“Now that is a different story. I waited too long to start looking for a woman. One wouldn’t have me now.”
“Widow Tarpley would have you. She sure gives you long, soulful looks when we’re in town.”
Spuds muttered while everyone else laughed.
Austin thought it best to change the subject. “I talked to Bert Kennedy and he’s going to look into our problem. I’ll see him Friday night at this party they’re having. He said he should know something by then.”
Chapter Four
Mina adjusted the cream lace on her blue taffeta dress. The skirt swirled nicely for dancing. Smoothing a lock of her hair into place she willed herself to calm. This wasn’t the first party she’d ever attended so why was she so excited?
Cindy rapped then entered the room. “You look lovely. It’s time to go downstairs. Guests will begin arriving anytime now.”
Mina took a deep breath. “I think I’m ready. I’m so nervous you’d think I was sixteen instead of twenty-four.”
“You’ll be among friends. Most of the people who’ll be here are very nice. Vivian Edmondson sometimes acts snooty because her husband owns the bank. Edna Gregory’s nature is slightly mean-spirited. Her husband owns the drug store and is the pharmacist. Don’t let either of them bother you. Everyone else will be kind and welcoming.”
“You must not have invited Austin Wright then. He doesn’t like me.”
Cindy gasped. “Why ever would you think that? He’s one of Bert’s best friends so of course I invited him. Mina, I can’t remember him saying anything to indicate he didn’t like you. In fact, he seemed quite taken with you judging by the way he sat and stared at you while we had cake.”
Mina didn’t want to argue with her cousin and hostess. “We’ll see tonight. I hope I make a good impression on your friends. I don’t want to embarrass you and Bert.”
Cindy hugged Mina’s shoulder and led her to the stairs. “You couldn’t so don’t worry about embarrassing us. That’s just ridiculous. Act yourself and everyone will love you as much as I do.”
Mina was surprised to learn Cindy had asked a woman to come in and stay with the children. “Have you had someone in to care for the twins previously when you entertained?”
“We’ve tried both ways. When we let them attend the party they get so keyed up they get cranky and then can’t settle down for sleep. This works much better for their benefit and allows Bert and me time to enjoy our guests.”
By this time they were downstairs and Bert waited for them.
He winked at Mina. “I’m careful not to seem cranky for fear she’ll send me to our room and I’ll miss the party.”
Cindy laughed and took her husband’s hand. “As if I could, dear heart. Oh, there’s the doorbell.”
While Cindy and Bert answered the door, Mina searched for Mrs. Brown. She found the housekeeper setting a tray of sweets on the dining room table.
“May I help you, Mrs. Brown?”
The housekeeper smiled. “Your job is to enjoy yourself. The Kennedys are such a lovely couple. They pay me extra for these occasions. I have my system that seems to work well.”
“You deserve extra for all these treats. Doesn’t the table look festive?” She had helped Cindy with decorations earlier in the day. Seeing them now with the food and punchbowl made her realize even more what a gifted hostess Cindy had become.
“Mrs. Kennedy always provides a stunning table. You’re sure to enjoy the evening.” She bustled back to the kitchen.
People flowed into the house. The large parlor had been rearranged for dancing. The musicians set up beside the piano. Two were violinists and a third was a banjo player. A distinguished looking man sat at the piano. Smiling to herself, Mina supposed here in the west the violins were called fiddles.
Once the music began, Mina was swept into each dance. She was impressed by the surveyor and the bank teller, each of whom was single and very attentive. Austin watched her but didn’t ask her to dance. What was wrong that he acted as if he was studying her?
Toward the end of the evening, Cindy was replenishing refreshments. “Mina, would you go find Bert and tell him I need his help?”
“Is there something I could do?”
“No, I need him here and can’t imagine where he’s hidden. Check his office last.”
Mina smiled and nodded to people she’d met tonight. She couldn’t find Bert so she made her way to his office. He and Austin Wright were deep in conversation.
“I beg your pardon for interrupting, Bert, but Cindy asked me to find you and tell you she needs your help with something.”
“Of course, thank you, Mina. I’ll talk to you more later, Austin.” He hurried from the room.
She turned to rejoin the party.
Austin called, “Miss Stapleton, may I have a word with you?”
She reversed so she faced him. “Certainly.” His request piqued her curiosity.
“Miss Stapleton… Miss Stapleton….” His face went so pale she feared he was about to pass out.
“Are you all right? Is something wrong?”
He
