“Mary!” The shout from below brought her up short. She’d think of something.
She pushed a pin into her hat as she descended the stairs. “Here I am, dear. My goodness, but you’re impatient today.”
“Impatient?”
“You’ve done it again, repeating my words.” She sailed past him and out the front door.
Harold glowered and strode down the steps. He helped Heidi into the buggy, and turned to Mary, who stood next to him, studying her feet, a frown on her face.
“What’s the problem now?”
“I’m wearing the absolutely wrong shoes for this dress.” She turned to Heidi. “Don’t you think so? What about the cute little black ones I bought last week?”
“I don’t remember those shoes.” Heidi frowned.
Mary tapped her chin. “No. Black would not do for a wedding.” She smiled brightly. “I know. My lovely little shoes with the stitched pearls.” She turned to Harold. “They are so charming, I know they would look nice with this dress. I’ll be right back.”
She hurried away, as Harold shouted. “For heaven’s sake, woman, what is wrong with you today?” He flipped open his watch and growled.
Mary raced upstairs, her gaze sliding to the clock she passed in the hallway. Oh, God. It’s getting late. She entered her bedroom, then twisted her handkerchief as she paced. Maybe Michael was sick. Maybe injured somewhere. What could she do? She stopped abruptly when a thought slammed into her brain. Had Michael changed his mind? Had Senator Cochran forbidden Michael to allow his name to be besmirched?
No. Now that Michael knew about Clarence’s treachery, he would find a way. She had to have faith in how much he loved Heidi. Taking a deep breath, she slowly descended the stairs.
Harold stared at her wide-eyed. “Mary, you’re wearing the same shoes.”
“I know, dear. They look fine. Don’t you think so? Should I change them?”
Harold opened his mouth to speak, closed it, then opened it again. Firmly gripping Mary’s elbow, ushered her into the buggy. “I hope you realize your daughter will be late for her wedding. It’s already after eleven o’clock.” He took his seat next to her and slapped the horse’s reins.
****
After eleven, and Michael had just reached the outskirts of Oklahoma City. The horse panted and wheezed, seemed ready to drop dead. He headed for the first livery he came to, and slid off the beast. “Can you keep this animal here for me, and lend me a decent one?”
A tall, lanky man walked toward him, wiping his hands on a filthy cloth. “For a price.”
Michael reached for his money clip. “How much?”
“Depends. Where ya goin’?”
“Do you know where the First Methodist church is on Rockwell?”
“Yeah, about three miles west, then ‘bout half a mile north.”
“Great. I won’t be long, then. How much?” He began to count off bills.
“Five dollars for the rest of the day, but you’ll have to leave me twenty as a deposit.” At Michael’s narrowed eyes, he added, “But I’ll return fifteen to you when you return the horse.”
“Fine.” Michael handed the man two ten dollar bills, and looked around. “Where’s the horse? I’m in a hurry.”
“You young folks is always in a hurry.” The stable master shook his head and led Michael past a few stalls and pointed to a chestnut mare. “Right there, all saddled up.”
Michael muttered his thanks, grabbed the animal’s halter, and led him outside. He swung his leg over the back of the horse, and headed awa
y from the stable. His heart thundering like the horse’s hoofs under him, he pulled out his pocket watch. Eleven-ten. Fear knotted his stomach as he raced toward Rockwell Avenue.
****
Heidi clutched her papa’s arm and took her first steps toward the altar. A wave of dizziness swept over her, and she grabbed onto him for support.