Chapter 5 - The Table in the BarnBy five o'clock that afternoon, the grand timber barn on the Caldwell Ranch was transformed into a glittering hall of white silk, hundreds of burning candles, fresh wildflowers, and two hundred wealthy guests in fine attire.
Laughter and fiddles echoed through the rafters. The tables groaned beneath the weight of Annaâs feastâjuicy roasted beef, savory herb stuffings, golden biscuits, and sweet berry tarts. In the center of the head table stood Annaâs magnificent three-tier cake, white as Wyoming snow.
The guests raved about the food.
âHenry, my boy!â a wealthy Denver investor called out, raising his glass. âThis roast is better than anything at the Brown Palace Hotel! Who is your caterer?â
Vivian sat beside Henry at the head table, wearing her elaborate lace bridal gown and a sparkling tiara. She took a sip of champagne, leaning into the microphone with a loud, mocking laugh.
âOh, itâs no professional caterer!â Vivian announced to the entire room, her voice echoing clearly off the wooden beams. âItâs just a local scullery widowâAnna Bell! We paid her forty dollars to keep her roof from falling in! Sheâs hiding back in the kitchen with flour on her nose!â
Several wealthy Denver guests laughed condescendingly.
Just outside the swinging kitchen door, Anna stood holding a heavy brass tray filled with roasted game hens.
Every word of Vivianâs cruel taunt pierced her chest like a dagger.
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Her hands began to tremble. The junior kitchen girls looked at her with tearful sympathy. Anna felt her eyes burn, her cheeks flushing with a deep, scalding humiliation.
She set the heavy tray down on the prep table, her hands clutching her apron, trying desperately to hold back her tears.
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