Knox came around Marina and Tara and stood beside me. “What you’re saying, ladies, is that my wife had relations with a man in Clancy and could now be carrying his child?”
They narrowed their eyes at me and smiled fully. “Yes,” they both said at the same time.
“While you ladies are unmarried and aren’t familiar with such things, I feel the need to point out that my wife—”
“Our wife,” Jed cut in.
“Yes, of course. Our wife was a virgin on our wedding night. Unlike most unions, there were two witnesses to this, not one.”
I couldn’t help but flush at such talk. The ladies turned a bright red, but I wasn’t sure if it was because of embarrassment or anger.
“I have to wonder if your statements are accurate about this as Jed and I had undeniable proof to the contrary.”
Mrs. Percy looked to the ladies as did the miners.
Marina’s and Tara’s mouths opened and closed like a trout pulled from the stream.
“She is not fit to teach schoolchildren,” Tara said, finally.
Ed stepped closer. “That’s good, because she’s teaching me.”
“And me,” Ezra added. Tanner just nodded.
“I told my husbands the truth, Marina. Tara, they know what you did, how you drove me from town, arranged for my role as a mail order bride.”
“We do,” Jed said, coming to stand on my other side.
“Your lies, your slander, won’t work on me any longer. Any money you think I have belongs to my husbands. By shaming me, you haven’t made friends of them.”
For the first time, both women looked contrite, although I couldn’t be sure it wasn’t an act to play on people’s sympathies.
“If you are seeking charity, you will not find it with us,” Knox said.
“We could be a little charitable,” Jed countered.
Knox looked to Jed with surprise.
“We would be happy to purchase your fares back to Clancy.”
“If you wish to remain here in town, you should be more… prudent in your behavior.” Mrs. Percy spoke up, chiding the women. “If you are seeking a husband, or two, you will find swift success.”
“Ed and I will marry one of you, but you’ll go over my knee for a sound spanking beforehand.”
Both women looked appalled.
“Don’t worry,” I admitted. “You might like it. I do.”
“Time to go, sweets,” Knox said, taking my elbow.
“Goodbye, Marina. Tara. Good luck with your lies,” I said.
“Mrs. Percy, would you like to join us? We were just headed home for lunch. Our sister, Piper, and her family will be there.”
The older woman preened. “I’d be happy to.” She took Jed’s proffered elbow and we walked out into the sunshine. Mr. Beebe held the door for us. As we made our way down the boardwalk, I heard the man say, “Ladies, either you stop being lying harpies or no man will want you. I’d take you over my knee myself if Mrs. Beebe wouldn’t shoot me. Ed, spread the word. There will be two weddings tonight. The grooms will be determined by sunset.”
CHAPTER TEN
Jed