Winslow's Web

by Jeanie P Johnson

  Tears were streaming down Katie's face, partly from the stinging smoke, but mostly from her anger and sadness. Twice she had trusted Alden, and both times he had betrayed that trust.

  Katie began to cough as the smoke grew thicker. She grabbed up the tiny smock, and stuffed it in the belt of her riding habit. Then she ran to the window. She tried frantically to force the window open, but it stuck fast. Was she doomed to die, after all? This was not fair! Should she just give up and let the smoke choke her and the flames consume her? She leaned her head hopelessly against the window pane.

  She looked out through the thick leaded glass pane that was divided up in diamond shape sections. She could barely make out the figure of Chance tied to the well, tossing her head in fright at the flames leaping from the bottom story of the cottage. Chance, poor Chance! It may be days before someone came and found her. The well was so close to the house, as the fire got bigger she could be burned. Suddenly Katie’s desperate need to save her horse, and her own life surged within her. She looked around the room and saw a small child's rocking chair. The one she used to sit in to rock her rag dolls to sleep. She grabbed it up as the flames began to pour into the room, and shattered the window with it.

  A flood of fresh air rushed into the room, causing the flames to go wild! She thrust herself out of the window and down the branches of the oak tree, just as the room was completely consumed in the flames.

  Katie struggled the rest of the way down the tree and away from the burning cottage. She ran to Chance and untied her, pulling her away to the edge of the clearing. She watched in horror, as the flames licked up the sides of the house and reached for the sky. All of her childhood memories seemed to be going up in smoke along with the small cottage. All the possessions of her mother, Nancy, and the few treasured things her real mother had sent to her, were now being eaten by the flames, along with the hopes and dreams she had once held in her heart about Alden.

  She would have to put all of that behind her now. Her heart was still racing and she was still gasping for air. Chance was stamping and snorting, anxious to get away from the frightening scene. Katie mounted the trembling animal and rode away without a backward glance, as her child hood home, along with her love for Alden, crumbled into ashes!

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Katie was exhausted and bedraggled, when she finally reached a neighboring town. She had been riding several hours, but it seemed to her days! She felt numb with disbelief from what had happened, and hardly knew what she was doing or where she was going. All she knew was that she had to get away from Windy Gates, Winslow Hall, and Emerson Manor, until she could pull the pieces of her shattered life together and decide what the next step should be.

  She stopped at the first inn she came to, stabled her horse, and purchased a room. Luckily her purse was still in her saddle bags with a change of clothing, so she was not totally destitute.

  After washing the worst of the grime from her body, Katie collapsed on the rather lumpy bed. She was so tired, however, that she barely noticed the lumps, and fell asleep almost immediately.

  When Katie struggled awake, it was late in the afternoon. Her body ached from her long unexpected ride, and all she wanted to do was sleep for the next few days. Only now, the lumpy mattress was not going to permit that, it seemed. So she forced her body out of bed and woke herself up by splashing cold water in her face from the pitcher on the stand next to her bed.

  Katie was distraught and worried, and wasn't quite sure what she should do? Should she just forget about the things she had learned about herself? Forget about her past? Let them think she had been burned in the house at Windy Gates? She could start a new life for herself, and there would be no one lurking in the shadows trying to put an end to her life.

  Then she became furious. How dare they? She was the true heiress. Why should she meekly creep away and let them take everything that rightfully belonged to her? Her mother had gone to so much trouble, even giving Katie up, so she could preserve her daughter’s life, in order for Katie to claim her inheritance in the end. No, she could not let that effort all go to waste and allow her mother to have died in vain. She must do something! Some way she must prove who she really was.

  She had to put the pieces of her life back together even if it meant turning the only man she had ever loved over to the authorities. "Oh, Alden," she whispered softly, "how could you have done this to me? I loved you!"

  She sat blankly staring at the wall before her. All that seemed to come to her mind was the poem her mother, Nancy, had made her memorize. Why did she say it was so important to remember the poem, when she died? Katie repeated the poem to herself.

  My dearest child. I have no song to give you

  No lark could pipe to skies so dull and gray.

  But ere I part, one lesson I shall leave you,

  For every day.

  Be brave young maid, and let who will be clever.

  Do noble things, not dream them all day long.

  And so make life, death, and that vast forever,

  One grand sweet song.

  Katie thought how much the poem fit the events of her life. Nancy had tried to warn her with it. She had told her there were clues there to help her find the secret box. By now, the box was probably burned with the cottage. She had nothing of her past but the small smock she had tucked under her belt. Well, it didn't look like her life was going to be One grand sweet song, she mused.

  Katie stopped! That was it! One grand sweet song! That was the clue! Nancy had always called the melody that Katie's music box played, One grand sweet song. It was the music box! She had always pretended that the music box was her secret box, and it was! The broach must be inside it somehow. Katherine had given it to her, and Nancy had said that the poem was called a farewell. The music box, along with the broach, was given to her as a farewell gift when her mother sent Katie to stay with Nancy. The broach had to be in the music box. Only the music box was back at Winslow Hall in her room, where she left it.

  There was only one thing to do, Katie decided. She had to return to Winslow Hall and claim her inheritance. She found a piece of writing paper on a small desk in her room and quickly scrawled a note to Maggie.

  Dear, Maggie

  I am sure you are under the impression that I have been burned in my cottage at Windy Gates. However, I managed to escape and must see you at once! Please do not let anyone know that I am alive until I have had a chance to speak to you in privet. I will take the secret passage to my room and meet you there as soon as this note has been delivered to you.

  Lovingly, Katie

  After finishing her note, she placed it in her pocket and went down to have breakfast in the inn's dining room. A weight seemed to be lifted from her, even though she knew that having to confront Alden and everyone else was not going to be an easy task.

  When Katie had finished eating, she felt more refreshed and able to make the journey back to Winslow Hall. Now all she had to do was find a way to confront everyone without bringing danger upon herself.

  Katie’s heart ached at the thought of having to face Alden again. She didn't know how she was going to do it? In her heart of hearts she didn't want to believe that he had done this to her, but she had seen him leaving with her own eyes. What more evidence did she need? She would have to call the authorities and charge him with attempted murder. The very thought of having to do that, brought a pain to Katie’s chest and the tears began to sting her eyes.

  The thought was so painful to Katie because something inside her fought against the idea that Alden was a murderer. Could she have been mistaken? Could the one she saw riding away have been someone else? She remembered the time she saw Justin riding towards her on the moors, and at a distance she had thought him to be Alden. He had worn a cape and ridden a dark horse. If Justin knew she was the real heiress, he would have reason to protect his own niece's interests, but did Justin really know who she was? And did Justin know where her cottage was in Windy Gates?

&
nbsp; Katie remembered Justin telling her that he knew who she was, and wanted to know what Nancy had told her, just as James did. She had thought that he knew that she was James’ daughter, but was that what he really meant? There were too many unanswered questions.

  Katie hoped against hope that it was not Alden who had locked her in and burned down her house. Even if Alden did have a part in all of this, somehow, it would not be quite as bad as she felt it would be if he were guilty of trying to take her life. This made Katie determined to find out the truth for herself.

  The uncontrollable longing for Alden was still smoldering within her, and Katie felt she could never consciously love a murderer, especially when that person may be trying to murder her!

  Maggie would know what was happening at Winslow Hall. Now that they thought Katie was dead, she would be able to tell Katie whether Alden was involved or not.

  So with a heavy heart, and a small glimmer of hope, Katie started back to Winslow Hall. She was sure she could find out who it was that wanted her dead, once she talked to Maggie and found out how everyone was reacting to her supposed death. Katie was determined to uncover who locked her in and set the fire, even if the culprit did turn out to be Alden after all.

  By the time Katie reached Winslow Hall, it was just starting to get dusk. She felt drained from her long ordeal and ride. She only wished it had all been a dream and she would wake up to find herself in her own bed. Only it hadn't been a dream. Someone had locked her unmercifully in the Attic of her own house and set it on fire. She knew she was about to learn who that someone was.

  Katie struggled with the possibilities once more in her mind. James knew she was the real Katherine Gail, and it was obvious he wanted his own daughter to have the estate. Therefore, he had every reason to want Katie out of the way. If Alain was right, and Alden wanted to marry James’ daughter, then he too would want to be rid of Katie. What of the imposter, Katherine Gail herself? Did she play a part in all this? Or was she letting her father take care of the dirty work? Then there was Justin, whose brother had tried to do away with Katie when she was little. Was he just taking over where Charles left off? And what about Alain, she had insisted that the heiress was an impostor from the very beginning. If Alain really knew that Katherine Gail was not her sister, and she overheard James talking about it, she never would have heard him mention that Katie was his illegitimate daughter, like she claimed he did. James knew that Katie was not his daughter nor ever could have been. He just allowed Katie to think she was his daughter.

  If Alain thought James was Katie’s father, then either she had over hear James and Katie talking, or she knew somehow that Katie thought she was the daughter of James Langdon. Was Alain in possession of more information than she was letting on, or had she just twisted the truth to suit her own means?

  Which one of them were the most desperate? So desperate that they wanted her dead, Katie wondered? Who would have the strongest reason to want her out of the way for good? Could it be they were all in this together? Did they all want her dead for their own reasons, and now they were all fighting over the spoils?

  It was no use trying to decide who was responsible for all the things that had happened to Katie since she arrived at Winslow Hall. She would just have to wait and see what she learned after speaking to Maggie. The suspense was almost more than Katie could bear.

  Katie tethered her horse outside the gate of the drive and cautiously made her way to the house, staying as much in the shadows as possible. She wasn't sure how she was going to get her message to Maggie since she didn't know which of the servants she could trust to take it straight to Maggie and no one else.

  She was pondering on this obstacle, when she saw a maid approaching the garden. She was not one of the regular staff at Winslow Hall, yet she looked so familiar. Then Katie recognized who it was. It was Bess, the pleasant little maid who had waited on her at Emerson Manor. She may be taking a big chance, Katie thought, but for some reason she felt she could trust Bess. She couldn't imagine that Bess could have any part of what was going on there. She was sure that no one would divulge that sort of information to the help.

  She called to the maid and Bess paused, looking around to discover who had called out to her.

  "Over here, Bess," Katie whispered.

  Bess turned and stared toward the sound of Katie's voice. "Who is it?" she shivered. "Who's calling me?"

  "It’s me, Bess, Katie. Do you remember me?"

  Bess peered into the shadows of the bush Katie had concealed herself in, her eyes large. "Katie? You mean Miss Katie Dow?"

  "Yes, Bess that's right."

  Bess gave a small shriek. "Lord All Mighty, it’s her ghost returned to haunt us!"

  Katie reached out and grabbed her arm. "No, Bess, I am not a ghost!"

  Bess tried to struggle free. "Don't hurt me! Don't hurt me! I don't want to die!"

  "You are not going to die Bess! I am not a ghost! A ghost couldn't grab you like this. I am Katie, and I am alive."

  Bess looked close into Katie's face. "Glory be, Miss, you're supposed to be dead!"

  "That may be true, but as you can see I am as alive as you are."

  Bess looked as if she were about to turn tail and run in fright.

  "I am not dead, Bess, though some people may think I am and want me dead. I came back to find out what is going on and who wanted me to die in that fire."

  "You mean it wasn't an accident, like everyone thought?" Bess asked with a squeak.

  "No, someone locked me in the attic of my house and set the house on fire. I just barely escaped, and now I am determined to discover who it was. Only, why are you here, Bess?"

  "I came to help out. What with all the confusion and them thinking you're dead and everything being up in the air like it is. Alain is in a state! You know how hysterical she can get sometimes. Alden wanted me to stay with her until she calms down. I got her to rest for a while and I came out for some fresh air."

  "I'm sorry to hear about Alain," Katie said. "She will probably be more upset when she finds out I am here, and who I really am. Only that is beside the point. The reason I called you over here, is I would like you to help me. Would you, Bess? And can I trust you?"

  "Certainly, Miss!" her eyes were full of honesty, and Katie felt she could depend on Bess. "I took a liking to you when I first met you at Emerson Manor," Bess confided, "and I really worried for you when I heard about all them things happening to you. What is it you want me to do?"

  "First you must promise me that you will not breathe a word to anyone about seeing me here. I don't want anyone to know I'm alive yet."

  "I promise!" Bess said making a motion as though crossing her heart with her finger.

  "Good, then take this note to old Maggie for me. Don't let anyone else see it. Tell her I am in the garden and will meet her in my room. She will understand."

  "That I'll do, Miss." With that, she took the note from Katie's hand and disappeared into the shadows cast by the house.

  Katie waited for a few moments and then she made her way cautiously to the trap door to make yet another trip through the secret passage.

  The passage was even gloomier than she had remembered it and, of course, she had no light to help her along. When she reached her turret room, it was in shadows. She found her bedside candle and lit it with a shaky hand. Then she hastily went to where she had left her music box. Lifting it with trembling fingers, Katie opened the lid and it started its tinkling song, which grabbed at her heart, as she remembered that her mother, Lady Katherine Gail Winslow had left it to her, and she hadn’t even really known her own mother. There was a glass, covering the little spindle that turned against the tiny metal harp. If there was something inside, it had to be in the bottom, Katie reasoned.

  Katie turned the box over, and saw four small screws which held a wooden plate against the bottom of the box. Her steps hastened to the sewing room where she found a tiny screwdriver, in the sewing machine drawer, used to adjust things on the tre
adle sewing machine, and used it to loosen the screws. As the back fell off, Katie found what she had expected. Not only was the broach snugly placed in the bottom of the music box, but also the letters from Katherine Gail Winslow. This would be plenty of evidence to prove that she was the real heiress."

  Katie had brought the little smock with her, and she took the broach and pinned it to the smock as it had been in the painting in the hall. She sat on the bed, waiting for Maggie to arrive.

  It wasn't long before there was a tap on the door, and then Maggie was poking her head in. As soon as she saw Katie, she ran to her and flung her bony arms around her neck.

  "Kathy! My little Kathy! You are not dead after all! I can't believe it. You were my little Kathy all along."

  "No, I'm not dead, Maggie," Katie giggled, "but...you called me Kathy. How did you find out who I really was?"

  "I knew you were my Kathy from the first day I saw you, remember? I recognized you, but you tried to make me believe you were someone else."

  "Back then, I didn't know who I really was. I just learned who I am, but how did you know I was really your little Kathy?"

  "Oh, we all know now. Alden has the proof. You gave it to him remember? We all thought you were dead. What happened?"

  "I...I don't understand. What about James and his daughter, who claimed to be Katherine Gail?" Katie asked puzzled.

  "Oh, they tried to make a run for it, you know. When James found out you were returning to Windy Gates, he suspected that you would probably find what it was he was looking for there. You had become too interested in what was going on and he knew you would not leave well enough alone. I guess he figured his goose had been cooked!" She gave her familiar chuckle. “However, Alden caught up with him fast enough.

  We still have not found out all the details as to who has been threatening your life, though. James claims he never tried to hurt you. After all, he said that you were his own sister's daughter and he would not harm his own flesh and blood. He knew you thought he was your father, and he figured as long as you thought that you could not be much of a threat to his plans. He denies having anything to do with any of those accidents.