A Winter Wedding: Book Two of the Devereaux Manor Mystery Series

By Tracey Smith

Despite her dark past Kate Benson was looking forward to a very bright future. She was going to be a wedding planner and she was going to be the best. When a mysterious letter arrived promising her the opportunity to realize her dreams, it was too good to pass up. But Kate had no idea what was waiting for her at Devereaux Manor and nothing could have prepared her for what she found.
It had been five years since Aaron and Maggie had left Devereaux Manor. Maggie hoped that returning for the wedding would give her the opportunity to get the answers she needed. But for Aaron, allowing Ms. Devereaux’s involvement in their lives again felt like making a deal with the devil. He was plagued with a growing fear that the day of reckoning was coming, the day when Ms. Devereaux’s true motives would come to light.
Discover the secrets that lie within Devereaux Manor.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tracey Smith
• Release date: Sep 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311672322

Tracey Smith

Tracey Smith grew up in Southern California, but as a teenager moved with her family to a small town in Arkansas. It was in Arkansas that she met and fell in love with the man of her dreams, who had also recently moved to the state. Fate brought them both to that small town and into each other’s lives and that is where they continue to live today raising their two children and living out their happily ever after.

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Book Two of the Devereaux Manor Mystery Series

Tracey Smith

copyright 2014 by Tracey Smith

Smashwords Edition

This book is available in print at most online retailers

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without written permission, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

All characters in this book are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons is coincidental.

Dedicated to my brother Kevin for all the help you’ve given me.

Prologue

Dear Ms. Benson,

I have the great honor of hosting a wedding in my home for some dear friends, Aaron and Maggie. I am writing with the hope that you will agree to come to Sweetwater to coordinate the wedding efforts.

For your services I will gladly pay $10,000 in addition to covering all wedding expenses. I would also like to offer you lodging at Devereaux Manor for the duration of your stay in Sweetwater.

I do hope you will consider coming to Sweetwater to discuss my offer.

Sincerely,

Agnes Devereaux

Part One

The past can only define us if we allow it.

~1~

Kate threw the letter away without a second thought. She knew that nothing in life came without a catch. She had a steady job that paid her bills and someday, if she worked hard enough, she would earn the recognition she deserved. No one had ever given her anything in life, and there was no reason to think that some mysterious letter was going to do that for her now. By the time she arrived at work she’d convinced herself that throwing the letter away had been the right thing to do.

Kate, there you are! Donna Morrison grabbed her by the arm the second she’d walked through the door, whisking her toward the kitchen before she’d had a chance to put her coat and purse in her locker. I’ve been looking everywhere for you!

I’m twenty minutes early, Kate said as she hurried along beside her. Kate always came in early. In fact, she was usually the first to arrive. It gave her time to work on her portfolio before the day started. She was shocked to see her boss at the banquet hall before noon.

I need you to whip up some sample dishes. The usual: chicken, beef and pork options as well as some sample appetizers. We have some very important clients who will be here at 11:30, Ms. Morrison continued hurriedly.

11:30?! That’s barely enough time! Kate protested.

Yes, well, I’m sure you can make it work. That’s what I pay you the big bucks for, Ms. Morrison reminded her pointedly.

Kate had to fake a cough to cover her shocked laughter. She’d been working for Morrison Event Planning for five years and had only recently received her first raise after finally working up the courage to ask for one. Even still , big bucks was far from what she made. It seemed, however, that since Ms. Morrison had agreed to the small raise she was going to take every opportunity to hold it over Kate’s head.

I better get started, Kate said, tossing her coat and purse onto the stainless steel countertop and pulling on an apron. Ms. Morrison nodded her approval and left Kate alone in the kitchen.

Kate began gathering all her ingredients. She’d made these dishes so many times she didn’t need to look at the recipe cards. They were committed to memory. Of course she usually had more than two hours to pull everything together.

They’d never before had an appointment with prospective clients before noon, and usually the tasting came after deciding on a venue, décor, and countless other meetings with the clients. Kate usually had weeks to prepare for this sort of thing. She wasn’t even sure what type of event was being planned. It all seemed quite odd, but she had a job to do and no time to waste.

At 11:15 a very frenzied Ms. Morrison came crashing through the kitchen doors. Tell me you’re ready! she begged.

Of course, Kate said calmly, gesturing toward the covered trays she’d set out only seconds before.

Fabulous. Where’s Jeremy? Jeremy! Ms. Morrison squawked, clapping her hands impatiently. The young server stepped out of the dry storage room buttoning the last button on his vest.

Kate mentioned that we had an early meeting? Jeremy said nonchalantly. Ms. Morrison’s shoulders visibly relaxed at the sight of the server fully dressed and ready to go.

The clients are waiting on the veranda, Ms. Morrison instructed, nodding toward the covered trays that Kate had set out.

I’m on it, Jeremy said smoothly. He lifted the trays and began to exit but as soon as Ms. Morrison had left the kitchen he turned to Kate. Thanks for giving me a heads up about Dragon Lady being on the war path this morning. Can you grab my clothes from the floor in the dry storage closet?

I’m on it. Kate laughed as she went into the side room to pick up his scattered clothing and deliver it to his locker in the break room.

Once there she finally put away her own coat and purse, then looked longingly at her sketchbook. She pulled it from her locker and flipped to the last page. She’d been working on a wedding design plan for the last several weeks but she’d been struggling with it. Then last night she saw it in a dream. Of course it was the one time she’d left her portfolio at work so she came in early this morning with the intention of sitting down to finish her sketch. She’d even hoped to have time to go through some fabric samples to begin piecing together the color palate.

Kate! What are you doing? I need you to present the dishes. Ms. Morrison’s demand broke through her bubble and brought her back to the present. Kate sighed and set her sketchbook on the table as she stood to follow Ms. Morrison out to the patio.

Jeremy was well versed with the standard menu and could have easily presented the dishes as he served them. Ms. Morrison must really be concerned with impressing these particular clients. Kate stepped out onto the veranda and found a very well dressed middle-aged couple with a teenage daughter who seemed much more interested in her phone than anything else that was going on around her at the moment.

Kate, may I present Mr. and Mrs. Thurston Walsh and their lovely daughter Beatrice, Ms. Morrison announced grandly as she gestured to the clients. The couple nodded regally, but the girl didn’t even glance up from her phone.

It’s lovely to meet you. Kate bowed her head respectfully. I hope you enjoy the dishes we have prepared for you today. First we have many hors d’oeuvres to choose from. Our favorite hot items are the stuffed portabella mushrooms or pan seared crab cakes. For cold appetizers our bruschetta or shrimp cocktail is very popular, Kate began, reciting the standard introduction. The couple leaned forward to view the items as Jeremy lifted the lid from the trays.

I don’t like mushrooms, their daughter complained without lifting her eyes from her phone.

This is just a small sample of what we have to offer, Ms. Morrison added hastily. A more extensive tasting can be arranged. The couple tasted the items with a few murmured comments. Their daughter remained uninterested.

For a palate cleanser we offer several sorbets, Kate continued as Jeremy revealed the assortment of fruit sorbets.

Oh, Bea, you do like ice cream, Mrs. Walsh encouraged as she sampled each of the flavors.

Ice cream is for babies, Mother. I will be sixteen, Beatrice replied airily. The woman quickly put aside the dish she’d been trying to hand to her daughter.

Oh well, for a sweet sixteen we can have nothing but the best, Kate assured her. A sweet sixteen is the first big event of a woman’s life. It can’t be treated lightly. She continued to smile as she suppressed the memories of her own sixteenth birthday. There had been no party, no celebration, and no one to celebrate with.

Let’s move on to the main course, Kate continued. We offer a chicken cordon bleu with a Mornay sauce, a sliced roast tenderloin with a brandy peppercorn cream sauce, or bacon wrapped pork tenderloin medallions with caramelized onion confit. Jeremy presented each dish as Kate introduced it, placing the small sample portions in front of the family for them to try.

The girl finally put her phone aside and began tasting the dishes along with her parents. Kate stood back allowing them time to try each plate and discuss the options.

They are all quite wonderful, Mrs. Walsh commented. Which one do you like best, dear?

I don’t know, they’re all just so blasé. It’s all been done before. The girl waved her hand dismissively. Kate saw the panicked look that Ms. Morrison shot her way.

For someone with such refined tastes perhaps a veal dish would be more appropriate, Kate suggested. She felt the tension radiating off of Ms. Morrison who was standing beside her. Kate had been suggesting adding a veal dish to the menu for several years and Ms. Morrison had repeatedly ignored that suggestion along with many others.

Veal? the girl asked, appearing interested for the first time since the tasting had begun. I don’t think any of my friends have served veal at their parties.

Well then you would be the first, Kate encouraged. You may even start a trend. She saw the girls eyes sparkle at the possibility and knew she was on the right track.

Do you have a veal dish that we could try? the father asked speaking up for the first time. Kate could see his desperate desire to please his daughter. This little girl was definitely running the show. Ms. Morrison had made the mistake of appealing to her parents, but Kate could see that she was the one pulling all the strings.

I could put together something for you to try this evening. Perhaps you would like to sit down with Ms. Morrison to discuss venue and some other options while I prepare it, Kate suggested this time looking directly at Beatrice. The girl obviously liked being acknowledged as the true head of the family. She stood from the table smiling.

I think that’s a fantastic idea. Mother, Father, Beatrice summoned her parents as she stepped away from the table. Ms. Morrison happily ushered them inside.

As soon as they were gone Kate began to help Jeremy clean up.

What a spoiled brat, Jeremy muttered.

Her parents are probably gonna drop more on her birthday party than I make in a year, Kate said. And she won’t even appreciate it.

People like that make this job suck, Jeremy said.

People like that make this job possible, Kate laughed sardonically.

So what are your plans for tonight? Jeremy asked casually. Kate knew exactly where he was going with this, and she couldn’t stand the thought of another blind date. She knew that Jeremy’s intentions were good. He was a close friend and he just wanted her to be happy. She wished he could accept that dating was just not something she did. Not anymore.

I’m babysitting for my neighbor, she lied, hoping that it would avoid any further discussion on the topic. She’d tried to explain to him before how horribly every relationship she’d ever attempted had ended. She just couldn’t go through it again.

So what are you going to make for the Walsh’s? he thankfully changed the subject as they carried the trays back to the kitchen.

I’ve got a few ideas, but I’ll need to run to the store, she said, depositing the plates in the dishwashing area.

Kate, may I have a word with you?

Kate spun around to find Ms. Morrison standing behind her in the kitchen. Of course, she said nervously as she followed her to the break room. She’d expected Ms. Morrison to be busy with the Walsh’s for the next hour at least. Had something gone wrong?

I don’t appreciate you going off book like that, Ms. Morrison scolded as soon as they were alone. Veal is not on our menu.

We were losing them, Kate insisted. I thought it was worth a try. Are they still here?

Yes, as a matter of fact they are. Which is the only reason you are, Ms. Morrison added sharply. Just because your little stunt worked this time does not mean I will tolerate it in the future. All menus are approved by me before they are presented to the clients. Is that clear?

Yes ma’am. I apologize, Kate said bowing her head. She knew that the only reason the Walsh’s were still even considering using Morrison Event Planning was because of her little stunt but mentioning that now wouldn’t do any good.

They are meeting with Carmen now. Whatever you are planning for the final tasting will need to be ready by five, Ms. Morrison said, seemingly appeased by Kate’s submission. This is a very wealthy family. A sweet sixteen is an opening. If we impress them it could lead to weddings, showers, anniversaries, not to mention referrals.

I understand. I’ll have everything ready on time, Kate promised.

Good, Ms. Morrison nodded.

I was wondering, Kate said as Ms. Morrison turned to leave, Carmen has the Santiago wedding and the Silverman bar mitzvah this month. She already has her hands full. I could plan this party. I’m ready. I have a portfolio full of ideas. Look, this whole section is birthday parties, she said, lifting her sketchbook from the table and flipping to the mid-section of the book. Each page was covered with sketches, fabric samples and flower arrangement photos that had been cut from magazines.

Kate had begun working for Morrison Event Planning as a server, but it had always been her intention to become an event planner. However, a simple unremarkable decision had put her on a different path. Several cooks had all been out with the flu simultaneously and Kate had offered to fill in. Five years later she was running the kitchen. She enjoyed her job, but she never gave up on her dream of someday becoming a party planner. She’d been working on her portfolio for years. Kate had tried to talk with Ms. Morrison about it several times, but she would always dismiss her ideas. She tried to hand the book to Ms. Morrison now.

You’re not ready, she said without even looking at the book, then she turned and left the room.

Kate dropped her book back down on the table and flopped onto the couch burying her face in her hands. I am ready! she said to herself in frustration.

She thought of the letter at home in her trash can but she quickly pushed the thought away. She needed to keep her thoughts rooted in reality. She only had a few hours to pull together a new recipe that would wow a spoiled sixteen-year-old girl. She didn’t have time to be daydreaming about mysterious letters and impossible dreams.

Kate hurried into the kitchen office. The kitchen was bustling now with arriving cooks and servers. There was a golf tournament this afternoon, but Kate had already made all the necessary arrangements and she knew her assistant chef could handle the task without her. She went to her computer and pulled up the file of veal recipes that she’d been collecting.

She decided on the Veal Saltimbocca. The dish was simple but elegant, the flavors not too overbearing for a girl who didn’t like mushrooms but still extravagant enough to impress a young socialite. Kate scribbled down her grocery list and grabbed the company credit card. She stopped by to check in with her assistant chef before she left.

Hey Cesar, I’ve got to run out. You’ve got the tournament covered, right? she asked.

Sure thing, boss, Cesar replied. Got this one in the bag.

As Kate left the kitchen she passed by Carmen’s office and could hear Beatrice’s voice echoing into the hallway.

Balloons?! You’ve got to be kidding me! Beatrice scoffed.

I have many other birthday options available, she heard Carmen reply.

I don’t want something that’s already been done! Beatrice insisted.

Kate knew that Beatrice was going to be a tough customer to please, but just from the short amount of time she’d spent with the girl she already had several ideas that she knew would win her over. She wished Ms. Morrison would give her this chance to prove herself, but it was out of her hands. She just needed to be patient. Someday her chance would come.

When Kate returned from the store the kitchen was filled with staff scurrying around to complete the last minute preparations for the golf tournament . She put the food in the walk-in cooler and decided that she’d take her lunch break while she waited for the kitchen to clear out. She headed for the break room excited to finally have the opportunity to sit down with her sketchbook and finish the wedding design she’d been working on, however, when she got there she saw that her portfolio was not sitting on the table where she’d left it.

Perhaps Ms. Morrison had decided to take a look at it after all. Kate hopefully started out towards Ms. Morrison’s office imagining the conversation they would have. If Ms. Morrison was impressed with what she saw in the book Kate might be able to convince her to let her plan an event. All she needed was a chance to show what she could do. She had so many ideas.

As Kate passed by Carmen’s office she realized that she was still in there with the Walsh’s.

I’m thinking French Riviera, champagne fountains, blown glass sculptures, glitz, glamour, it will be fabulous! Carmen’s words stopped Kate dead in her tracks.

Kate immediately thought of a page out of her sketchbook. She had spent weeks working on a French Riviera themed event. It was one of the themes she had planned on pitching to Ms. Morrison. Kate backed up a few steps and peered through the office door. She saw Carmen perched on the side of her desk with Kate’s sketchbook opened to the French Riviera page. She was using Kate’s ideas.

Oh, darling, isn’t that gorgeous? Mrs. Walsh enthused as she pointed to Kate’s sketch. Kate had seen enough. She stepped into the office.

Carmen, may I have a word with you? Kate asked pleasantly as she smiled apologetically at the clients.

Of course, Carmen said sweetly. I’ll just leave this with you to look over. I’ll be back in just a moment and we can talk details. She handed the book to the Walsh’s as she followed Kate into the hallway and closed the door behind her.

You’re stealing my ideas! Kate whispered harshly the moment they were alone in the hall.

Oh please, Kate, it’s not like you own the French Riviera, Carmen said dismissively.

You stole my book! Kate raised her voice.

I didn’t steal anything, quit being so melodramatic. Carmen rolled her eyes. I found that book just lying around I assumed it was company property.

Well it’s not. It’s mine. I came up with those ideas and I won’t let you steal them just because you can’t come up with your own, Kate insisted.

Ladies, what’s going on here? Ms. Morrison asked as she approached the two women.

I was in the middle of pitching an idea to the Walsh’s when Kate very rudely interrupted, Carmen accused.

My idea! Kate added. "She was pitching my idea to the Walsh’s."

"Oh please, it’s just a silly little drawing, something to give them an idea of what I can do. There’s so much more to planning an event than drawing a pretty picture. But I wouldn’t expect you to understand that. You just work in the kitchen after all." Carmen rolled her eyes again and Kate wanted to smack the smug look right off her face.

"She wasn’t coming up with anything that they