The Widow's Secret

By Sara Mitchell

When Jocelyn Tremayne saved her husband's reputation, she lost everything––including her faith in God. The idealistic bride once had a future all New York society envied. Now the young widow is suspected of an unthinkable crime. And to clear her name, she must uncover a conspiracy...and endanger her disillusioned heart.

Although Secret Service agent Micah MacKenzie needs Jocelyn's aid to infiltrate the city's most privileged circles, he's determined to keep her at arm's length. But the more she risks to help him find the truth, the more he sees the wrongly judged woman she truly is. Now he will do whatever it takes to win her trust, rekindle her belief––and prove his love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Australia
• Release date: May 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781488747571

Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell, one of the earliest writers in the inspirational market, is the author of sixteen inspirational novels. Her historical novel VIRGINIA AUTUMN was a 2003 Christy finalist and winner of the 2003 Maggie Award for Best Inspirational Romance; LEGACY OF SECRETS won the 2008 RT Reviewers' Choice Award for Best Love Inspired Historical. Her publishing credits include Steeple Hill, Waterbrook Press, Bethany House, Barbour Books and Zondervan.

Book preview

Prologue

New York City

September 1884

A bar of orange-gold sunlight poured through the windows of the Binghams’ Fifth Avenue mansion, flooding the large guest bedroom where Jocelyn Tremayne had spent the past three nights. Tonight, however, she would be sleeping elsewhere. A persistent flutter wormed its way above the constricting whalebone corset; Jocelyn stood before the ornate floor mirror positioned in one of the room’s several alcoves, solemnly studying the strange reflection gazing back at her. She blinked twice to see if she could pray the freckles into disappearing, at least for her wedding day.

Her prayers went unanswered.

"You look prettier than the picture in a Harper’s Bazaar fashion catalog, Lynnie."

Kathleen Tremayne stepped around the four-poster bed and gently lifted her daughter’s hands, gave them a squeeze as though to quiet their trembling. Everything’s going to be all right now, she whispered. Don’t you worry, sweet pea. Your daddy’s in the study with Mr. Bingham and the lawyer now, signing all the papers. An expression drifted through the hazel eyes, and Jocelyn launched into a flurry of words, anything to banish that expression from her mother’s face.

I’m fine, Mother. Just…excited. Nervous. Determined. But she would never admit to fear.

She might have willingly agreed to marry Chadwick Bingham, only son and heir to the Bingham fortune, in order to save her family’s Virginia estate, but she wished she’d at least been allowed to wear her own mother’s wedding dress, instead of Mrs. Bingham’s. The white satin gown, over thirty years old, dripped with seed pearls and ruffles and Valenciennes lace over six layers of starched (and yellowing) petticoats to achieve the once-fashionable bell shape. Jocelyn thought she looked more like a bridal cake than a bride. She tried not to think about her mother’s wedding gown, refashioned five years earlier into clothes for her two growing daughters.

Shame bit deep, without warning. Jocelyn was marrying a pleasant, courteous young man, but the union bore scant resemblance to her dreams. Even impoverished Southern debutantes with red hair and freckles dreamed of romance, not business transactions.

She thrust the pinch of hurt aside. Countless other Southern daughters over the past decades of Reconstruction and national recessions had married to save their families from starvation. In return for Jocelyn’s hand in marriage, the Tremaynes would be allowed to live out the rest of their lives on the thousand-acre farm her great-great-granddaddy had carved out of the Virginia Piedmont two hundred years earlier. Her younger brothers and sister would still have a home until they each reached their eighteenth year, even if their heritage had legally just been signed over to Rupert Bingham.

Perhaps the payment was justified. Until the war her father, and his before him, had run the farm with slave labor.

Kathleen tugged a lace hanky from her sleeve and dabbed her eyes as she gave Jocelyn a sweet smile. Well. It’s time. Jocelyn? Are you sure…?

I know what I’m doing, Jocelyn promised, even as a black chasm seemed to be sucking her into its depths. I like my husband-to-be. He’s been nothing but kind. We’ll be happy, I promise.

Her mother’s cool hands cupped her cheeks. Your father and I love you very much. If— She stopped, pressed a kiss to Jocelyn’s forehead. Let’s go, then. You don’t need to start your new life being late for your wedding.

Hours later, the new Mrs. Chadwick Bingham surreptitiously leaned against one of the ballroom’s marble columns and slipped her feet free of her shoes. An audible sigh of relief escaped before she could swallow it. Jocelyn hoped the din of four hundred conversations and music from the strings orchestra successfully masked her faux pas—until a masculine chuckle floated into her ears from the other side of the pillar.

I agree with your sentiment, but I’m surprised to hear it coming from the bride. A tall young man appeared in front of her, a mischievous expression glinting behind a pair of gray eyes. Don’t look so mortified. I won’t tell anyone. He swept her an awkward bow, lost his balance and stumbled against the marble pillar. Oops. Sorry. My father tells me I’ve sprouted an inch a month over the past year, and my feet— A tide of red spread across his face. I apologize. He smoothed a hand over his long side whiskers, then fiddled with the end of his string-thin mustache while he continued talking. We were introduced in the receiving line, but that was hours ago. Micah MacKenzie, at your service, Mrs. Bingham.

Mr. MacKenzie. Frantically Jocelyn felt for her shoes with her stockinged toes. She could feel the heat in her own cheeks, which certainly must rival her hair for color. I—I do remember you. A polite social fabrication. On the other hand, she wished she remembered him. As though to balance the impropriety of her sigh, her brain abruptly nudged her memory. You were with your parents. And—and you’re in your second year at college, though I don’t recall where. Your father works for Mr. Bingham, I believe?

Not exactly. He paused, for a moment looking far older than his twentysomething years. Never mind. May I fetch you something to drink? You look like you’re about to wilt.

I’m sorry it shows. Brides are supposed to glow, aren’t they?

The gray eyes softened. No, I’m the one who should apologize. Again. You make a breathtaking bride, Mrs. Bingham. Your husband is blessed.

Blessed? Jocelyn thought his word choice peculiar, but then everything about this gangly young man didn’t quite seem to fit the polished perfection of all the other guests. And yet, despite his lack of poised sophistication, she felt more at ease than she had in…in weeks, actually. Are you one of Chadwick—I mean, Mr. Bingham’s friends?

No, ma’am. I only know Chadwick through my parents. He didn’t seem to know what to do with his hands; after twiddling his thumbs, he distractedly ran his fingers through his pomaded hair, then glared down at his sticky hand. Forgot my mother insisted I look the part, he muttered half under his breath as he pulled out a large white handkerchief and wiped his hand clean. Now that I’ve made a complete fool of myself, how about if I finish the job and ask if you’d permit me to help you find your way over to your husband. You’ve been polite long enough, he finished gently. The guests are waiting for you to leave, you know.

I know. I was…I mean, I thought… Swallowing hard, she straightened away from the column. I can’t find my slippers underneath all my petticoats, she admitted with a defeated smile. I took them off because my toes were cramping. Was it impolite for a new bride to mention her toes? I suppose I could start across the floor and hope the petticoats drag my shoes along, but I didn’t want to risk leaving them behind.

I understand. This time his hand reached toward Jocelyn, and for the breath of an instant his fingers hovered inches from hers before he dropped his hand back to his side. Don’t move. I’ll be right back. He disappeared into the crush of wedding guests.

Moments later he reappeared, Chadwick beside him. Here she is, Mr. MacKenzie announced. Waiting for you, I believe. He studied Jocelyn, and she suddenly felt as though he had touched a lighted match to her pulse. You know, Bingham, I think you’re absolutely right. The freckles lend her face much more character than a ho-hum rosy-cheeked complexion. Congratulations on your good fortune.

Chadwick was gawking at him as though his ears had just sprouted peacock feathers. I…um…thank you, he finally murmured.

Before you take her away, she requires your assistance in a small matter. Mr. MacKenzie tipped his head to one side, a half smile lifting one corner of his mouth. God’s blessings on your life together.

And before Jocelyn could frame an articulate reply, he vanished around the marble column and was swallowed into the crowd.

What a bounder. Chadwick offered his arm. I never said a word to him about your freckles.

Oh. Jocelyn swallowed a stab of disappointment.

He’s certainly not part of Mrs. Astor’s Four Hundred, I gather. Friendly enough, but he’d taken off his gloves, did you notice? And his trousers were— He stopped abruptly. It doesn’t matter. He doesn’t matter, does he? Too bad. Congenial sort of fellow, not like some in this crowd. Now, what’s this small predicament that requires my assistance? Why, my dear, what a delightful shade of apricot. Here— he leaned down, and the tang of his imported French cologne saturated Jocelyn’s nostrils —whisper in my ear, then. Don’t be shy. We’re married now, Mrs. Bingham.

Married. With a tremulous breath of laughter, Jocelyn shoved aside all thoughts save her new status, and rose on tiptoe to explain her predicament.

Hours later, she waited for her husband to enter the grand suite of rooms the Binghams had redesigned for the newly wedded couple. Hands clammy, heart thumping hard enough to rattle her teeth, Jocelyn squeezed her eyes shut and prayed with innocent fervor that she would please the young man who had vowed to care for her the rest of their lives.

Jocelyn…

She gasped, hands automatically clutching the crisp linen sheet even though she forced her eyes open. Chadwick stood by the bed, wearing a deep red dressing robe. Gaslight from the wall sconce limned his face, revealing the high forehead and the hooked nose so like his father’s. His face was freshly shaved save for the trimmed mustache. His eyes were…Jocelyn searched his eyes, trying to interpret their emotions.

M-Mr. Bingham?

Oh, for Pete’s sake, when we’re alone, call me Chadwick. Or Chad, if you don’t mind. I’ve always hated my name, to tell you the truth. His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. The truth, he repeated like an echo. Why do you suppose the Bible claims it will set you free?

Flummoxed, Jocelyn gathered her courage and sat up, drawing her knees to her middle and clasping her damp hands around them. Apparently Chadwick was as nervous as she was, and thought a conversation might help them both. She warmed inside at the thought of his sensitivity. I always thought it meant telling the truth about Jesus. You know, that He’s the Son of God?

Chadwick laughed, the sound so dark and bitter Jocelyn flinched. No wonder my parents insisted I marry you, he said. Well, it’s too bad for both of us your youthful innocence can’t last forever.

He leaned over, planting his palms on the counterpane, inches from Jocelyn’s quivering limbs. The truth is, Mrs. Chadwick Bingham, that from this moment forth, you’ll never be free again.

Chapter One

Richmond, Virginia

September 1894

Over a dozen clocks chimed, bonged, pinged or warbled the hour of four o’clock in Mr. Alfred Hepplewhite’s store, without fuss simply named Clocks & Watches. Jocelyn smiled at the cacophony of timepieces heralding the time, while Mr. Hepplewhite placidly continued to fiddle with the clasp of her brooch watch. His gnarled hands were as deft as an artist’s, his eyes intent upon the task.

The store was busy today. Restless, Jocelyn wandered toward a deserted corner near the front of the shop to avoid mingling with the other customers. For this moment, she wanted to savor the freedom of being alone, a widow of independent means beholden to nobody, whose sole activity of the day consisted of enjoying the chaotic voices of a hundred clocks.

Mrs. Tremayne? Your timepiece is ready.

Jocelyn hurried across to the cash register, ignoring a disheveled little man wearing a bowler hat several sizes too large, as well as an officious customer who insisted that Mr. Hepplewhite hurry up, he had an appointment in an hour and didn’t want to be late.

It’s always a pleasure to see you, Mr. Hepplewhite, she said as she opened her drawstring shopping bag to pay.

And you, madam. He handed her the watch, bushy white eyebrows lifting behind his bifocals when the seedy-looking customer wormed his way past the rude gentleman to stand shoulder to shoulder with Jocelyn.

Sorry. He produced an unrepentant gap-toothed grin. Just wanted to see them watch chains.

Here now, I was next. Move out of the way, you oaf.

Right enough, gov’ner. With a broad wink to Jocelyn the other man stepped back. Fine-looking brooch watch, ma’am. Don’t see many like it these days.

No, I don’t suppose you do. Jocelyn pinned her watch in place, steeling herself to fend off another impertinent remark.

Instead the man abruptly scuttled back down the aisle. After jerking the door open, he darted across East Broad, barely missing being run down by a streetcar. People, Jocelyn decided as her gaze followed the strange scruffy man, were uniformly unpredictable, which was why she didn’t trust many of them.

The door flew open again before she reached it. A tall, broad-shouldered man loomed in the threshold. Blinking, Jocelyn took an automatic backward step when, eyes narrowing, he focused on her. For some reason time lurched to a standstill, all the clocks ceased ticking, all the pendulums stopped swinging because this man with windblown hair and gray eyes looked not only dangerous, but familiar. For a shimmering second he stared down at her with the same shock of recognition she herself had experienced.

Excuse me, he finally said.

His deep voice triggered a cascade of sensations she’d buried a decade earlier, of longing and hope, and Jocelyn squelched the emotions. Yes?

One eyebrow lifted, but unlike most other gentlemen, this one remained uncowed by the hauteur she had perfected over the years. A man came in here, scrawny fellow with a hooked nose, pointy chin. Clothes too big for him. Did you happen to see him?

Cautious, Jocelyn kept her answer short. Yes. I did see him. He left a moment ago.

Frustration tightened his jaw. Beneath a straight, thick mustache, his mouth pressed into a thin line. Despite herself, Jocelyn’s heart skipped a beat, but even as she determined to push her way out the door, to fresh air and freedom, the man swept past her down the aisle, where he proceeded to make the same inquiry of the other customers.

Impatient, Jocelyn quickened her step and walked out of the store. She was behaving like a two-headed goose. Men had gawked at her all her life, even after she was married, certainly after she was widowed. Little could be gained by turning weak-kneed over one of them. His pointed questions marked him as a policeman of some kind, though he hadn’t been wearing a uniform. But even if he weren’t a policeman and was only trying to find a friend, his affairs had nothing to do with her. The reserved widow Tremayne did not associate with policemen or ruffians.

At what point during her marriage, she wondered, had she allowed herself to become the self-righteous snob the Binghams so relentlessly demanded her to be?

Mrs. Tremayne.

Her head jerked back. How did you learn my name? she demanded, concealing her perturbation with words. The sidewalk was filled with pedestrians she could cry out to for help, and her shopping bag, though not heavy, would serve as a weapon if words weren’t sufficient. Surely Mr. Hepplewhite wouldn’t—

No, but one of his customers, a Mr. Fishburn, proved to be most helpful. The man smiled down at her, a smile loaded with charm and not to be trusted. His gaze lifted in a sweeping search around them. I take it you are unaccompanied, without a maid or…your husband?

Sometimes, usually when caught off guard, the uprush of painful memories would still crash over Jocelyn, stealing her breath as the waves sucked her backward into the past. My life is none of your business. Please let me pass. I have an appointment. You’re making me late.

Ah. His head tipped sideways while he searched her face with an intensity that triggered a self-consciousness Jocelyn thought she’d eradicated long ago.

Then he touched the brim of his gray bowler hat, one end of his mustache curling upward as he offered a crooked smile. Take care, Mrs. Tremayne. God doesn’t always choose to intervene in our circumstances, and life on Earth isn’t always kind to innocence.

Before Jocelyn could fry him with a scalding retort, he was half a block down the street.

God doesn’t always choose to intervene… Bah! Jocelyn could have informed the man that God might exist, but He never intervened. For ten years she’d carried the awful burden of her past, and God never supplied one moment of peace. All that religious doggerel was nothing but a lie to soothe simple minds.

As for the rest of the stranger’s insulting remarks, she’d been deprived of innocence long ago, and she couldn’t figure out why he had made the observation.

If she ever saw him again, which she knew was unlikely, but if she did, she planned to inform him that he was an incompetent bounder, a slavering wolf disguised as a gentleman in his three-piece woolen suit and natty red tie.

On the way home, when she realized she was pondering her encounter with the mysterious gray-eyed stranger as a curative for her growing sense of isolation, she ground her teeth together, and initiated a conversation with the person sitting across from her in the streetcar.

Micah MacKenzie lost his quarry.

Frustration pulsed through him like an abscessed tooth, but he vented the worst of it by kicking over a stack of empty crates at the back of the alley where Benny Foggarty had disappeared. Benny, the glib-tongued engraver-turned-informant for the Secret Service, was now officially a fugitive, courtesy of Operative MacKenzie.

Thoroughly disgusted with himself, he retraced his steps back to Broad Street, then settled in the shadow of a bank awning. Shoulders propped against the brick wall, he tilted his bowler to hide his face, so he could survey passersby without drawing attention, and mull over his next move. Benny’s dash into that store could have been deliberate, instead of a scramble to find a hiding place because something had made him bolt. After nine months, Micah thought he knew the way Benny’s mind worked, but he acknowledged now that he may have been mistaken about the expression he’d glimpsed on his informant’s face.

Because of one particular woman’s presence in Clocks & Watches, a more thorough investigation not only of her, but of the other customers and Mr. Hepplewhite was required, regardless of Micah’s personal feelings.

Decision made, he expelled a long breath, allowing his thoughts to return to the woman he’d practically abandoned midsentence when he spotted Benny.

Lord, a bit more warning would have, well, given me a chance to prepare. It was a childish lament. Aside from a miracle or two over the last millennium, life’s pathways were mostly paved one brick at a time. Believers learned to call it faith. Right now, however, Micah felt like a brick had been hurled against his head. Chadwick Bingham’s wife…

The shop owner had addressed her as Mrs. Tremayne, and the obnoxious Seward Fishburn corroborated hearing her addressed thus—which indicated that Chadwick must have died, and his widow remarried. Though Micah’s initial shock had faded, a surprising regret boiled up without warning, catching him off guard. Once again this fascinating woman had dropped into his life, yet once again she was beyond his reach—for more than the obvious reasons.

She hadn’t remembered Micah, of course, and why should she? He’d been a gangly college boy without a shred of sophistication, invited to the wedding along with the rest of his family only because his father had been head bookkeeper at one of the Binghams’ New York banks.

But as he mulled over their recent encounter, he realized that although she might not have remembered the awkward college boy, she had recognized Micah on some level. Her eyes, still long-lashed, a unique swirl of green and amber and nutmeg-brown, had flared wide in surprise and what he chose to hope was gladness…before she cut him off at the knees. Her frosty voice had been stripped of the soft Southern sweetness he remembered.

The Bingham family had done their job well.

Micah tucked his thumbs inside the pockets of his vest, struggling to reconcile the enchanting bride with the embittered woman on the sidewalk in front of Clocks & Watches.

Even on a cloudy day her hair still glowed with color, shot through with every hue of red in God’s palette. And the freckles still covered her face, making a mockery of her chilly disdain.

Lord, of all the people in the world, she’s the one I don’t want to be suspicious of.

A raindrop splashed onto Micah’s nose. He tugged down the brim of his hat, and set off across the street. Regardless of his feelings, and her current marital status, Jocelyn Bingham Tremayne required thorough investigation.

She would have children, of course.

Children…

For their sakes as much as hers, Micah hoped his investigation would prove her innocent. Deep in thought, he caught a passing horsecar and rode to the terminus at New Reservoir Park, where, instead of tending to his duties, he watched the sky gradually clear of rain clouds. When sunset turned the western horizon glowing red, he breathed a silent prayer for strength, then caught the last horsecar back to town.

Chapter Two

It rained once more during the night, but the next morning brought enamel-blue skies and the fragrance of fall in the air. As she patiently curled snippets of her hair on either side of her forehead, Jocelyn abruptly decided to take a drive in the countryside.

The spit curls on her forehead were forgotten as she yanked the pins out of her topknot and began twining her hair into