Madison's Gift

by Marie Higgins

  The younger woman’s face turned turnip red. The answer was even revealed in the way Miss Trent’s amber eyes sparkled.

  “Yes. Rosie did mention another man.”

  Cameron’s head jerked around. “What was his name?” he growled.

  Madison held her breath. His tone was absolutely fearsome, and she didn’t know how anyone could not cower to that demanding request, but what worried her more was that he’d somehow slipped out of character. Instead of hearing the old man’s voice, it was Cameron’s.

  “Your sister did not wish me to know his name. She kept it a secret, even from me.” Miss Trent’s expression changed ever-so-slightly. The woman appeared hurt by her friend’s refusal to share that bit of information.

  Something didn’t sit right with Madison. She and Josephine had shared many things over the years. They’d told each other their secrets, dreams, and they especially talked about the boys they wanted to fall in love with. It would shatter Madison’s heart if she had discovered Josephine had withheld something so important. So then why did Rosie keep that particular topic from Miss Trent?

  “Not anything at all?” Alice wondered, her voice tight.

  “I fear, Rosie had not shared that with me.” Miss Trent frowned.

  Something deep inside Madison told her that now, Miss Trent was lying. If the girls were as close as Miss Trent had hinted, then Rosie would have mentioned something to her friend. Rosie would have wanted to share something so personal with a friend.

  Hopefully, Cameron wouldn’t scold Madison for being so bold in a conversation that she really shouldn’t be having with them, but she just couldn’t help it. Swallowing hard, she turned toward Miss Trent. “Please try to remember. I’m certain Rosie would have said something about another man. After all, that is what best friends do.”

  Gingerly, she placed her hand on Miss Trent’s arm as Madison pleaded. Immediately, her mind whisked her away, and she pictured Rosie again. The girl was lying on the floor, underneath something large, and yet there was enough space to crawl. Perhaps she was under the bed. Madison couldn’t tell exactly.

  Rosie’s breaths were ragged, and her face was pale. She stared at something across the floor, but Madison couldn’t see what it was. Rosie’s eyes were red and puffy as though she’d been crying for a while. But now the girl was frightened of someone. Underneath her breath she murmured the name, Gaynor.

  Madison concentrated harder on Rosie’s mouth. There had to be more than just that man’s name. A tear slid down Rosie’s cheek and she whispered, please come get me.

  Sucking in a quick breath, Madison yanked her hand away from Miss Trent’s arm. Whether or not the other woman had seen Rosie recently, Madison’s vision let her know that Miss Trent knew more than she was saying.

  Miss Trent shook her head. “Trust me. I would have remembered if Rosie had talked about something so important as another man.”

  Madison narrowed her gaze on the woman beside her. Her vision wouldn’t betray her. Obviously, this woman was a talented performer. She tried to make everyone believe she was innocent and didn’t know where Rosie was, but now Madison knew differently.

  Perhaps Madison would be more help to Cameron and Alice after all.

  The young woman stood, and her companion quickly followed. Miss Trent didn’t say anything as she stared at Alice.

  Alice also stood and walked to Miss Trent. “Please, let me know if you remember anything else that might be helpful.”

  “Of course, I will.” Miss Trent smiled.

  “Before you leave,” Alice quickly added. “Will you answer one more question for me?”

  Miss Trent nodded.

  “In your opinion, do you think Rosie would meet secretly with a man?”

  Madison and Cameron exchanged worried stares. Alice was a smart woman. Madison figured Cameron should have known his sister would catch on at some point.

  “Oh, heavens.” Miss Trent grasped Alice’s hands and shook her head. “I couldn’t possibly think something so scandalous. I don’t believe Rosie would ever want to cause such disgrace to her family.”

  Relief swept over Alice’s face and she managed a smile. “I thank you, Miss Trent. I feared Rosie wouldn’t think of her family.”

  Miss Trent squeezed Alice’s hand. “I hope she returns soon. Please let Cameron know I was here.”

  “I will.” Alice nodded.

  Miss Trent and her companion left as Alice escorted them to the front door. Bitterness coated Madison’s tongue. She didn’t like that woman, and she certainly couldn’t trust her. Madison eyed Cameron closely. By his narrowed gaze as he stared at the empty doorway, she wondered if he shared her distrust for Miss Trent.

  He took a deep breath and as he slowly released it, he walked toward Madison. When he stopped in front of her, one of his powdered eyebrows arched.

  “Tell me, did you have another vision when you touched Miss Trent?”

  She wanted to giggle triumphantly. Not long ago, the man didn’t believe a word she’d said in regards to her visions. “What makes you think that?”

  “I recognized the blank look on your face when you had touched Miss Trent’s arm. And then, of course, when you suddenly yanked your hand away as if you’d been burned.”

  She smiled wide. “Cameron, I’m surprised—and yet delighted—that you noticed.”

  “Does that mean you did have a vision?”

  Madison nodded. “Indeed, I did.”

  He glanced toward the door. From down the corridor, the voices of Alice and their visitor echoed. When he turned back toward Madison, he took her hand in his. “Tell me quickly before Alice returns.”

  Her heart jumped to her throat. Warmth encased her hand as his long fingers gently caressed her while his thumb moved over her knuckles. Did he know what he was doing and how her stomach felt like butterflies danced inside? But mostly, it did her heart glad that he finally accepted her gift, even though he might not fully admit it.

  “I saw Rosie hiding under a bed...at least I think it was a bed. She was frightened as she peered toward the closed door. She mouthed the name Gaynor, and then she whispered, please come get me.”

  His eyebrows grew together and he frowned. “Rosie wanted Gaynor to come get her?”

  Madison shrugged. “That’s how I perceived it. By chance, do you know anyone with that name?”

  “Unfortunately, I don’t.” He swung his gaze back toward the door. “But I have a strong suspicion that Miss Trent might know him.”

  “You are reading my mind, Mr. Westland.” She smiled fully.

  He looked back at her and a grin touched his mouth as well. “That’s a scary thought.”

  “What is?” she wondered.

  “Reading your mind.”

  She laughed. “Oh, you have no idea.”

  Chuckling, he glanced down at her hand still cradled in his large one. He moved his fingers tenderly across her skin. “I’m so very glad you’re here. I don’t know what I would have done without your help. I most certainly wouldn’t have dressed as an old man.”

  Her heartbeat knocked against her ribs in excitement, but she hoped he couldn’t tell that his words were softening her. “Thank you for believing that I could help you.”

  His gaze jumped up and locked with hers. Her breath stilled. Why was he still holding her hand, and why, in heaven’s name, were his eyes so hypnotic, tempting to melt her very being?

  Slowly, he lifted her hand to his mouth and brushed a light kiss over her knuckles. If her heart beat any faster, she may just lose her breath.

  An uncomfortable silence stretched between them. He hadn’t moved, and all she could do was stare into his incredible jade eyes that now sparkled with tenderness. Being this close to him, his masculine scent of spice wafted around her, permanently branding her memory. It wasn’t overpowering as some men she’d known, but instead, Cameron’s cologne gave just a hint that make her want to lean in and breathe deeper into his neck. Of course, she couldn’t possibly go
with her instincts.

  From out in the hall, Alice’s boot heels clicked on the marbled floor. Cameron released Madison’s hand and stepped away from her. Even though they were separated by several inches of floor, her heart was still a-flutter, and she had a difficult time catching her breath.

  Alice entered the room, shaking her head. “I just cannot believe a word from that girl’s mouth. She is so pretentious. I never did like her.”

  Cameron laughed and walked to his sister. “Miss Haywood and I feel exactly the same, which is why I’m going to follow her.”

  Alice’s eyes widened. “Follow her? But...you can’t. You might get caught.”

  “No, I think I’ll be fine wearing this disguise.” He glanced at Madison before returning his gaze to his sister. “I trust you two can find something to do while I’m gone.” Alice nodded. “And Miss Haywood,” he asked, looking at her again. “Will you be here when I return?”

  “I suppose, if that is what you wish.”

  “Splendid. I shall be gone only a few hours.”

  He gave her a wink before his long strides took him out of the room. Alice’s cheeks bloomed a rose color as she clapped her hands once. Madison tried to gain her composure—and regulate a normal rhythm to her heartbeat—while she moved toward Alice.

  “I’m relieved he feels the same way about Miss Trent as I do,” Madison said, trying to keep her voice leveled.

  “Oh, Madison, can’t you see what just happened?”

  Confused, she shook her head. “Well, I saw that your brother was going to spy on Miss Trent.”

  “No, it’s much better than that.”

  “What could be better than that?”

  Alice giggled and grasped Madison’s hands as her smile widened further. “My brother is finally interested in a woman.”

  Madison’s chest tightened. Why hadn’t she seen that? Was there a spark between Cameron and Miss Trent that she had somehow overlooked? “He is?” She glanced toward the empty hall. “I thought your brother was going to spy on her because he doesn’t trust her.”

  Alice laughed joyfully. “Oh, Madison, you are so naïve. I wasn’t talking about Miss Trent, I’m referring to you.”

  Madison held her breath as she snapped her attention back to Alice. “You must be jesting. Your brother isn’t interested in me. I’m only here to help him.”

  “But didn’t you see him wink at you?” Alice raised her eyebrows.

  “Oh, that.” Madison rolled her eyes as heat consumed her face. “I’m sure it was nothing at all.”

  “I have never seen my brother wink at any woman.” She giggled again. “And by the blush coloring your face, I can see you are interested in him, as well.”

  Madison’s face grew hotter. She needed to change this topic soon before her whole body spontaneously combusted. Taking a deep breath, she smoothed her hands down her gown. “Why don’t you take me on a tour around the house so that I can see if I receive any more visions about Rosie.”

  “Oh, Madison,” Alice linked her arm around Madison’s. “You don’t have to be embarrassed about having feelings for my brother. He is a very handsome man. He’d make any lady a wonderful husband.”

  Madison gritted her teeth. Husband? Why was Alice talking about that? Madison forced a laugh. “I’d rather not talk of marriage. I fear I’ll never get married. I’ll die a spinster.”

  Alice sucked in a quick breath. “You are certainly not a spinster. You must be around my age, and I don’t think I’m off the market yet.”

  “You are correct, forgive me. But I’m happy with my status in life.” She paused. “So, now that’s out of the way, let’s continue searching for your sister.”

  Thankfully, Alice didn’t say anything, but the gleam in her eyes and the satisfied smirk on her face told Madison that the girl wasn’t going to let anything rest. Not yet, anyway. Regardless, there was no way Madison could turn her feelings toward marriage. Even if Cameron would make any woman a fine husband, Madison would never make a fine wife.

  EIGHT

  The sun had descended, and the night blanketed the land. Cameron grumbled, pushing his fingers through his hair, since he’d taken off his wig a few hours ago. He couldn’t stay outside Miss Trent’s house hiding in the bushes forever. Unfortunately, following her home and spying on her wasn’t as productive as he had hoped. Nobody had come to visit the woman, and she didn’t go anywhere. It seemed odd that Miss Trent would be such a recluse. Rosie had told him so often how Miss Trent always had people visiting her, and how the woman was always active in the community. Perhaps he’d chosen the wrong day to spy on her. He had a gut feeling that Mr. Bailey’s death and Rosie’s disappearance were linked. If only he knew why.

  However, the night was not wasted. He thought about riding to the Metropolitan Police station. At this time at night, there were only three men working. And...if what he’d overheard between Orwood and Barton at the station, nobody was supposed to know Cameron was considered a suspect. Maybe if he went to the station tonight, he could ask questions to the men working night shift with hopes that one of them saw someone enter with the key to Mr. Bailey’s cell. Cameron prayed he’d find a clue. Because only three men worked tonight, Cameron could sneak around the station and poke around for some clues.

  He pulled the reins and led the horse out of the bushes near Miss Kent’s house. Keeping a sharp eye out for her servants, he quietly mounted his horse and rode toward the station. Disappointment weighed heavy in his chest, making him that much more irritated. He had hoped to find something—anything—while spying on Rosie’s friend. But time only passed when his thoughts drifted back to Madison. What was it about her that interested him? It was more than her beauty that held his curiosity. As hard as he tried not to believe in her visions, he found himself wanting to trust her. She should hate him, and yet, she’d been more forgiving toward him than most people he’d known for years.

  It was hard to stay away from her. Whenever he drew near to Madison, her eyes lit up like diamonds against a velvety night sky. When he touched her, his heart accelerated, and the contact between them had left him weak in the worst way. How long had it been since he’d reacted so strongly to a woman’s touch? He couldn’t recall.

  Off in the distance, a dog barked, snapping him out of his thoughts. Cameron caught himself smiling like a boy in a candy store, and couldn’t believe a woman had made him act this way. He shook away the feelings and frowned. What was he thinking? He couldn’t possibly have any sort of relationship with Madison. There was too much going on in his life. And really, he didn’t know her well at all. Although, they’d certainly connected earlier while talking in the music room, and again after Miss Trent had left the room with Alice. It surprised him how easily he had opened up his feelings to Madison. He’d never done that before with a woman, much less one he’d only known for a day.

  Cameron made it to the station in good time and dismounted before tying his horse inside the barn. The street was empty. He wasn’t certain exactly what time of the night it was or if it was the next day already.

  He took careful steps when he walked inside, listening to the sounds around him. Hopefully, he was doing the right thing and wouldn’t get caught. But Orwood had specifically instructed Barton not to tell anyone. Cameron could only pray that command was still in effect.

  Inside the station, it appeared to be deserted. Frowning, he was filled with concern. Shouldn’t there be at least two men on duty, so where were they?

  Creeping through the building, he looked for those who should have been working tonight. As he started down the back staircase toward the cell block, whispers bounced against the walls in eerie tones. The different noises blended together, and he couldn’t decipher the words. Trying to keep his steps quiet, he walked softer and listened to the voices. Finally, the words became recognizable. The men were discussing a certain woman.

  Cameron made it to the bottom of the staircase without being detected. He flattened himself against the wal
l, listening more closely to their conversation. The man talking was Flynn Garrick, and if Cameron wasn’t mistaken, the second man was Luis Flannery.

  “My good man,” Garrick said boisterously, “don’t get me wrong. I usually don’t enjoy encouraging young girls such as this one, but she was an accomplished flirt. I couldn’t very well hold back my urges, especially when I could tell that the girl wanted me to steal a kiss from her.”

  Flannery chuckled. “Yes, I understand well, my friend. You are as accomplished in the art of seduction as she is. In fact, I think the two of you are perfect for each other.”

  “Balderdash.” Garrick’s voice was lighthearted. “As I’d mentioned, she is too spoiled for my tastes. She’s not my type at all.”

  “Although she’s spoiled,” Flannery added, “she is available for marriage. Am I correct?”

  A loud bark of laughter echoed in the cells. “Marriage? Who said anything about marriage?”

  “You don’t think the woman is after a husband?”

  “Absolutely not.” Garrick laughed again. “She’s practicing until she finds her husband.”

  “You are rotten to the core, I tell you. And let me warn you that if her brother ever discovers that you kissed his sister, you’ll be dead.”

  “Ha! There’s nothing he can do unless he wants his family’s name ruined with a scandal.”

  Cameron rolled his eyes. Haven’t these two men anything better to talk about? They were gossiping like henwits!

  “You are overlooking one thing, Garrick. A scandal has already ruined his family. It’s not every day that a father goes insane and becomes a complete embarrassment to his children.”

  Shock froze Cameron’s limbs. They were discussing his family? And his sister? Which sister... Bunching his hands by his sides, he realized he already knew the answer to that. Only Rosie could cause that kind of talk among men.

  His fingers itched to wrap around Garrick’s scrawny neck and squeeze until the bones cracked. How dare that man talk about Rosie in such a way? And yet...Rosie brought this on herself. He should have stopped her friendship with Miss Trent before it even started.