Scandal at the Gala Read online

  Scandal at the Gala

  A Sweetfern Harbor Mystery #8

  Wendy Meadows

  Copyright © 2018 by Wendy Meadows

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

  Printed in the United States of America

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Thanks for reading

  Be the First to Know

  About the Author

  Also by Wendy Meadows

  Chapter One

  Gala Preparation

  Sheffield Bed and Breakfast buzzed with excitement when owner Brenda Rivers told her employees about the invitation. The local hospital had asked her to plan and host a fundraiser for cancer research, working toward a cure. Brenda’s pleasure heightened at the responses she received.

  “I’ve been given the option to come up with a theme, or else the hospital can provide one,” Brenda said. “I have a few ideas of my own. What do you guys think about a masquerade gala?”

  “That’s a great idea,” Phyllis said. Brenda’s best friend and head housekeeper spoke, just before Allie had a chance to say the same thing. “It will be a fun celebration while raising money for a cause everyone can get behind. I’ll ask William for a list of wealthy people he knows.”

  Her husband, William Pendleton, was well-known in successful business circles. Some of his friends had careers in the arts or theater, and others in banking or other industries. Brenda agreed it was a perfect idea.

  “If we do a good job, maybe we can do this event every year,” Allie said. The young reservationist glowed with excitement, her eyes sparkled as ideas ran through her head. “I’ll come up with a design for the invitations if you want me to, Brenda.”

  “While you’re at it, think about decorations for the gala itself,” Brenda told her.

  Allie Williams was known around Sweetfern Harbor as a budding artist. Her talent showed at every special event around town in her posters or paintings. She was Brenda’s youngest employee and had a winning way with every guest that walked through the door.

  “I’ll call the shops down on Main Street and warn them they’ll need to stock lots of masks for the masquerade night.” Brenda paused, “Now, isn’t there some sort of antique shop in town that sells old costumes, too?”

  “Yes, Shakespeare’s Attic,” Allie said, with mounting excitement. “I’ve seen everything there from flapper dressers from Roaring Twenties, to Victorian ball gowns.”

  “And don’t forget those trunks of costumes and masks your Uncle Randolph stored in the attic,” Phyllis said. “I’ll look through them in case some of our guests here at the bed and breakfast don’t have time to get their own.”

  Brenda immediately poured them all fresh cups of coffee or hot tea. They sat down at the long table in the kitchen, where they informed Chef Morgan of what was coming up next. Brenda told her they would get together in plenty of time to plan for the food and drink. “We’ll have to mainly serve finger foods since everyone will be wearing masks,” she said.

  As they chattered away, Mac stuck his head in the doorway. “I wondered where everyone had gone,” the detective said. He leaned over and kissed his wife. Brenda immediately felt herself in a different, more loving world at his touch. “What’s going on?”

  Brenda told him about the invitation to host the gala. It sounded to Mac as if they were already deep into the planning stage, but Phyllis assured him they were just beginning to plan. Mac groaned, shook his head and hid a smile as he left them. “I have to get on into the station. Good luck, ladies,” he said as he left.

  Only two hours later, the women gathered again to review ideas. Allie had designed a large planning chart and now spread it across the low table in the sitting room. All the guests had checked out except one couple. The women and the two remaining guests would dine together at noon. Once the couple left, Allie would be kept busy registering their new guests.

  “We’d better take advantage of this down time while it lasts,” Brenda said.

  She bent over the chart and began filling in steps to take. She was interrupted by Allie, who suddenly stood up and snapped her fingers.

  “I have it,” she said. “Why not have a color theme for the event?” Brenda encouraged her to continue. “The invitations could request black and white attire only, with masks of gold or silver if they want variation.”

  The other two agreed it was a good idea. “Decorations should be black and white, too,” Phyllis said. Brenda suggested the flowers be white, and maybe Jenny could insert smaller buds using minor accent colors in jewel tones, emphasizing the opulent nature of the gala.

  “I can stop at Jenny’s Blossoms after lunch and talk it over with her,” Phyllis said. “I’ll tell William to meet me at Morning Sun Coffee and we can talk about guests.”

  Jenny Rivers Jones was newly married to Detective Bryce Jones, and had become Brenda’s step daughter a few months earlier when Brenda had married Mac. Jenny’s Blossoms sold only high quality blooms and arrangements, and Brenda knew she could count on Jenny to come up with some great floral ideas for the gala’s theme. Allie left them to check the names of the next arrivals due at the bed and breakfast. Phyllis joined Brenda in the dining room where they greeted the remaining couple for lunch. Still excited about the upcoming event, Brenda invited them to come back to Sweetfern Harbor the weekend of the big gala. She apologized that the Sheffield Bed and Breakfast’s rooms had been booked long before the hospital asked her to host the fundraiser that particular weekend.

  “If you think you’d like to come back for the event, you might want to book a hotel while you’re still in town. Once the invitations go out, rooms in town will probably fill up fast.” The couple agreed they would think about that before leaving.

  When Brenda finished her lunch, she went to the front desk and told Allie she would watch for anyone arriving early while Allie took a lunchbreak, though Allie was still eager to discuss the upcoming event.

  “March is a good time to have a break like a masquerade party,” she said. “Everyone is looking forward to spring again and we all need a party.”

  Brenda agreed and reminded her to take her chance now to get some food. After Allie left, Brenda looked over the list of guests who would soon arrive. Everything had been checked over twice, as was the standard that she required. The rooms were spotless and inviting. Another week of guests filled the reservation list. Brenda scanned the computer for the guest roster for the weekend of the gala. She didn’t recognize any of the names. They were all in for a treat when they realized they would be at the Sheffield for such a fancy party.

  “I’m going to Jenny’s to check on flower arrangements,” Phyllis called to Brenda. “Do you need anything from downtown?”

  Brenda told her she didn’t encouraged her to enjoy some time with her daughter while she was out. Molly Lindsey owned Morning Sun Coffee, a favorite gathering place for townspeople and tourists alike, including her parents Phyllis and William.

  When Allie returned to the desk, she was still full of enthusiasm and immediately star
ted sketching ideas for the invitations. Once Brenda had William’s list plus her own, invitations would be mailed out. They decided to limit the number of attendees to one hundred, plus an extra seven spots in case there were any last-minute invitations to be sent.

  “That extra seven should cover anyone William or I come up with,” Brenda said. “I have no idea how many he will think of, but I’ll get the list from him no later than tomorrow. That will give everyone a month to prepare.” She looked at the calendar. February was flying by and there was much to do. She told Allie she was going to her apartment to make some calls. “I need to set up a meeting with the hospital coordinator to let her know what we’re thinking and make sure we’ve got the go ahead.”

  On her way upstairs, Brenda listed in her mind the many tasks to be done in order to pull off an impressive masquerade gala. Lighting must be spectacular to bring out the mystery of the entire atmosphere. She knew she could count on Jenny to take care of the bouquets, and Allie to come up with creative designs for décor and invitations. She would meet with her chef later in the afternoon to plan out the menu. Hope Williams, Allie’s mother and owner of Sweet Treats, had already promised to present dessert ideas to Brenda the next day.

  As it turned out, the hospital event coordinator was thrilled with their plans and Brenda was able to work everything out with her over the phone, saving time. Afterward, she called Hope right away to see if they could move up their visit, and Hope told her to come on down.

  Welcoming Brenda into Sweet Treats with a warm smile, Hope already had several dessert samples ready to show her. Hope knew the desserts had to be small enough to be easily consumed because of the masks and style of the event. She invited Brenda to taste chocolate squares with a dollop of cream and raspberries on top. The treats were not as heavily laden with toppings as usual, just enough to be colorful and taste delicious.

  “Do you want a chocolate fountain?” Hope asked. “We could put an assortment of cheeses, crackers and fruit at the base.”

  “I love that idea. Could you add nuts, too? My chef is taking care of finger foods and your dessert ideas are perfect.”

  Brenda’s cell rang just as she left Sweet Treats.

  “I have a great idea for entertainment at your gala, Brenda,” Bryce said. Brenda held her breath, all too aware of the young detective’s wild taste in music. He had picked the music played for his Valentine’s Day wedding to Jenny. “I promise it isn’t as far out there as we had at the wedding,” he teased.

  “That’s reassuring,” Brenda said. “It can’t appeal to only the younger crowd. We’ll have many high society types there who are older, and I want to make a good impression while raising a lot of money for the cause.”

  By the time the conversation ended, Brenda was satisfied with Bryce’s ideas. She told him she would give her final answer after he provided links for his choices of music. He agreed and told her she would not be disappointed. “The band I have in mind is popular with everyone.”

  As she passed Jenny’s Blossoms, Brenda noticed her step-daughter in the window setting up a new display. She went inside to say hello.

  “I just talked with Bryce. He has music ideas for my gala.”

  Jenny laughed, remembering how Brenda and her dad reacted to their wedding music. “I’m sure you’ll screen what he has picked out and tone it down a bit,” Jenny said.

  “You can be sure of that. I told him I don’t want to run people off before they donate big bucks to the cause.” Brenda admired Jenny’s display. “We’ll have a live band, and everyone will unveil themselves just before the last dance. Mac suggested we set up tables for cards, like poker, in the large sunroom off the sitting room. Everyone who plays would then donate their winnings. What do you think?”

  “I think anything either of you comes up with will be perfect, but that is a good way to keep some people there, who might otherwise lose interest. Like a certain someone who suggested it. I’m getting excited about the whole affair, but still have to pick out the most mysterious masks for Bryce and me. I’m having my dress made down at My Heart Bridal Shop. I’m getting a discount since they made my wedding dress. I tried to get in line first so it would be finished in time.”

  Brenda and Phyllis had already decided to go through Randolph’s trunks in the attic and hope for more than one choice of black and white gowns. “I’m going to stop at the Shakespeare’s Attic antique shop to look over masks,” Brenda said. “I think I’ll call and see if Phyllis can join me so we can do it together.” Brenda stopped herself and glanced at her watch. “I need to hurry along. I have lots to do before this entire event unfolds.” Jenny reminded her just to ask if she thought of anything more she could do to help than figure the flowers out.

  Phyllis was leaving her daughter’s coffee shop and joined Brenda at the antique store. “The trunks in the attic are all pulled out, just waiting for us to pilfer through them for our attire.”

  After trying on numerous masks, they each made their choice and headed back to the bed and breakfast.

  “It’s almost time for our next guests to arrive,” Brenda said. “Let’s look in the trunks later.”

  Phyllis agreed and left Brenda to check on refreshments for the next arrivals. She loved going through Randolph Sheffield’s theatrical paraphernalia every chance she got. The opportunity to wear one of the costumes was the icing on the cake for Phyllis.

  The weeks flew by and the bed and breakfast buzzed in anticipation of the event. Allie had made a note that there were two sisters arriving from a small Massachusetts town. They had entered a contest at an antique shop in Stockbridge to win a weekend away at Sheffield Bed and Breakfast in Sweetfern Harbor. They won the promotion and Brenda looked forward to meeting them. With the gala coming up that weekend, they would arrive to enjoy it along with the usual sights and specialty shops downtown.

  Chapter Two

  Guest Arrivals

  The days sped by until only two days were left before Brenda and her staff would pull off the biggest event yet for Sheffield Bed and Breakfast. Every invitation had been accepted, and as expected, William came up with five more last-minute invitees.

  “I tried to think of everyone I could for you, Brenda. All will be generous, I’m sure,” William said. “One of your guests is someone I knew a while back. He has always been a giving person in the past and I don’t expect anything less for this event. His name is Matthew Thomason, he’s in the textile business, and very wealthy. It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen him in person so it will be good to reconnect.”

  Brenda thanked him for coming up with potential donors so quickly, then William left to join his wife Phyllis, who was rearranging two vases on the mantle in the sitting room. He smiled when he saw her. Before he married her, he could never have imagined how happy his life would turn out in his sixties. They were like very young newlyweds and he cherished every moment with her. William had failed to convince Phyllis that he had enough money to support her without her continuing in her head housekeeper position at the bed and breakfast. Once he understood her passion for her work, and for everyone connected there, he accepted her choice. Both stayed busy and enjoyed evenings alone together. Phyllis still had an apartment at the bed and breakfast, where they planned to stay during the masquerade gala; otherwise they enjoyed the Pendleton mansion where William had lived for many years before they met.

  Tim Sheffield walked through the door. “I thought you might have a job for me, Brenda.” He looked fondly at his daughter. “I discovered some entertainment while traveling abroad.” Brenda’s looked at him with an expectant expression. “The Juggling Jacques are in Sweetfern Harbor practicing their street acts for celebrations this summer. I asked them if they would perform outside as the guests arrive on the night of the masquerade shindig. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “That’s a great idea, Dad. The guests will be loving it the minute they step from their cars, Where are they from?”

  “I met them on the streets of
Paris, and they are currently touring America. They agreed right away since it will be a chance for them to advertise their talents.”

  Father and daughter chatted a while longer. Phyllis greeted Tim and invited him for a cup of hot coffee, which he accepted. “I wonder if your chef has any of those specialty scones of hers made up,” Tim mentioned, trying not to look too eager. Everyone at the bed and breakfast was well aware that the chef, Anna, was attracted to Brenda’s father. Brenda thought she had observed some reciprocation on her father’s part, too.

  “If she doesn’t,” Phyllis said with a smile, “I’m sure, for you, she would whip some up right away.”

  Brenda looked over Allie’s shoulder, reviewing the list to refresh her mind about the bed and breakfast guests. It appeared there would be a variety and she hoped they would prove compatible with one another, especially for conversations at mealtime. They ranged from the two sisters who won the weekend away, and a millionaire, or billionaire perhaps, with whom William was acquainted. There was also a young couple coming, plus other guests, all of whom expected to attend the masquerade party. A few knew of the event ahead of time; others did not, but would soon enough. There were so many details that Brenda’s head fairly spun, but she was grateful for Allie and Phyllis and everyone else helping to make the event go smoothly.

  Allie and Brenda glanced up as the foyer door swung open just then. A boyish-looking young man smiled broadly and balanced two large bags while standing back for a young woman to enter. She carried an overnight case and her purse. Both were in their twenties and very cheerful.