Some Saints Prey (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 4)

by Madison Kent

  Dear Hugh,

  What an interesting place St. Augustine has turned out to be―not at all the sleepy, quaint city I had expected.

  It seems an odd place, in some ways. I can't say what it is, but it's almost as if the people of the city all share the same secret. They wish for Nirvana and are attempting to get it, even if it means hiding the truth.

  It is too much to tell in a letter. I wish I could discuss it with you in person.

  Whenever I pass one of the historic buildings, I think of you. I know you would be captivated by the cities history.

  She went on to describe the landscape, and the grand Southern homes, and a paragraph about Oliver Mandrake. She ended with another request.

  It would be wonderful to see you. I hope you will consider traveling to St. Augustine to visit and explore the city.

  Your dearest friend,

  Madeline

  While soaking in the tub, she thought again of Corinne St. Fleur. She seemed such an eccentric and arrogant person, yet Emily believed her to be a stellar person. Even though she had not known Emily for very long, Madeline formed the opinion that she was a wonderful person, with a warm heart. She wondered how Emily could perceive Corinne to be so marvelous. Perhaps she would learn more about the Lady St. Fleur today.

  Charlotte knocked on the door, entering as Madeline finished dressing.

  "Come in, Charlotte."

  "May I help you with your hair, Miss? I've been known to do a lady proud."

  Madeline felt this a pleasant opportunity. She did little to her hair but pin it up the best she could.

  "I would like that very much."

  Charlotte proceeded to sweep her coiffure atop her head, creating a becoming look for Madeline. Charlotte finished the look by attaching to the back of her head, a delicate blue ribbon with embroidered red roses.

  When Madeline saw the finished look, she said,

  "Charlotte! You are a wonder. I've never seen myself like this. I feel beautiful."

  "You are, Miss. I will be happy to assist you with your hairstyle while you're here."

  "Thank you, and perhaps you can teach me to recreate it," requested Madeline.

  Charlotte agreed―smiling at her when Madeline beamed, after seeing her reflection in a standing oval mirror.

  "I believe Mr. Montgomery has called for the carriage, Miss," Charlotte said.

  "Please tell them I will be there momentarily."

  Madeline's pale, blue, bell-bottom dress had several layers of lace at the bottom hem. The high neck and ornate, puffy sleeves accented her slender figure and made her feel confident and attractive. She felt the bolster to her self-esteem would assist her in facing the challenge of interacting with Corinne.

  Emily stated when she saw Madeline, "My word, don't you look splendid!"

  "As do you," said Madeline smiling.

  Madeline's heart raced, as the carriage bumped over the rugged terrain, as she contemplated her encounter with Mrs. St. Fleur and what strategy she would employ.

  After arriving, they were taken to the outside courtyard for their lunch. It was another beautiful, summer day, and Madeline thought that would be enjoyable. The St. Fleurs' were not yet in attendance.

  When they sat down, Madeline was captivated by the impressive garden, but that wasn't what caught her attention most. There were, at least, twenty small children playing in the spacious grounds.

  "Emily, that is quite a sight. Are those children part of the St. Fleur family?" she asked.

  "No," interrupted Edgar, "there's much about the family I'm sure you will find fascinating. I'm sorry, 'Em' dear, you were about to speak."

  "I told you she was an intriguing lady, but you will come to know that for yourself. Those poor, little ones are without either one or both parents. Some are orphans, and others, one of the parents are widowers. A few times a month, Corinne brings the children here for a day of fun. They're given riding and music lessons, besides a day of joy and companionship. For them, it is like a trip to an exotic island. They laugh, and for a while, can find peace. Those tender babes deserve every kindness, and they give it to them," proudly stated Emily.

  Madeline was surprised at this revelation. Perhaps behind Mrs. St. Fleur's haughty demeanor was a genuinely caring person.

  She replied, "I agree, it is a wonderful thing she is doing. She deserves praise for her beneficence."

  The hosts entered, and Edgar said, "Jean, Corinne, thank you for inviting us to tea. I don't know if you have met our guest; this is Mrs. Madeline Donovan."

  "A pleasure," said Jean.

  Corinne stated, "Welcome to our home, Mrs. Donovan. I hope you will have a pleasant visit."

  To Madeline's relief, there was no sharpness in her voice, but she thought it odd that Mrs. St. Fleur did not acknowledge meeting her. After the brief salutation, she ignored Madeline, and only spoke with Emily.

  She thought it would be a tiresome few hours but then Oliver and Emma appeared.

  Emma spoke first, "Mrs. Donovan, oh, may I call you Madeline? It is a lovely day, isn't it?

  I hope you enjoyed yourself last night. Mother thought it was quite the success.

  "It is devastating that Clifford met such a cruel fate, but we must put these things behind us now."

  "Please do call me Madeline. I have never been to such a dinner. The magnificent hall, and the orchestra, well, it was a delight."

  Oliver said, "Madeline, we must go riding. It is too lovely a day not to take advantage of it and see something of the area. I'm sure Emma would agree."

  "No, dearest, I have a music lesson and a dinner engagement that I must attend with Mother. But, of course, you must take Madeline riding―St. Augustine has such sites to see," said Emma in a devilish tone.

  Emma's words were said in such a way as if she were baiting him.

  "I will take you home, Madeline, and we shall go from there," Oliver replied.

  She felt like a chess piece they were both manipulating, but she didn't care, in fact, she rather enjoyed watching them spar.

  She was about to answer when a servant announced that Miss Emma had a visitor, a Mr. Austin Bradley.

  In the midst of everything that was happening, Madeline had not thought of the fair-haired man she had met earlier in the week. She did not know if he was one of the many men who sought Emma's favor, but he was there now. She saw Oliver's lips tighten, but Emma smiled broadly and said, "How wonderful! Austin is back from his trip. Please show him in, and escort him to the courtyard."

  Jean greeted the man but unexpectedly Mrs. St. Fleur warmly said, "Welcome, Austin, please join us."

  Madeline was told that Mrs. St. Fleur did not care for any of Emma's suitors, but that did not seem to be the case with Austin. But then, she had not yet seen the warm side of her and was perplexed by her charitable acts, and her kindness toward Austin.

  It was impossible to tell what Austin was thinking when he came into view and saw Oliver and Emma together. While Oliver seemed irritated that he was there, Austin was jovial when he greeted Emma and Oliver. He then turned to her and said,

  "Madeline, I am delighted to see you. I had planned to call on you. But now that you are here, I hope I can entreat you to have dinner with me tomorrow," asked Austin.

  Austin had caught Madeline off guard, and when Emily and Edgar nodded to her in the affirmative, as if they wished her to accept his invitation, she agreed.

  Austin added,

  "As a matter a fact, I am at my leisure this afternoon, and simply must have a companion."

  "Join us. Madeline has kindly accepted my invitation to go riding," said Oliver.

  "I will, old man, I will," said Austin in a burst of laughter, "it will be a perfect day."

  She could almost see the beads of perspiration forming on Emma's face. Although people like that professed never to sweat, she was obviously disturbed by the attention Madeline was receiving.

  "Gentlemen, I see you seek the company of Mrs. Donovan, and I feel a headache c
oming on. I will hope to speak to you both after your excursion," said Emma, with an emphasis on the word "Mrs.", and in an unmistakably sarcastic tone.

  Both Oliver and Austin stood, watching her walk away and looking confused by her actions.

  Oliver then turned to her and said, "Well, Madeline, are you ready to start our adventure?"

  Emily and Edgar bid her farewell and said they would expect her for dinner.

  The three were about to depart when Mrs. St. Fleur entered the foyer and asked Madeline to step into the library with her.

  "Austin and I will wait for you outside," stated Oliver.

  Corinne pace was so brisk that she walked as if someone was chasing her. Madeline felt foolish trying to keep up with her and decided to maintain her natural walk. She couldn't imagine why the lady wished to converse with her.

  Corinne closed the door, and for a moment, she felt a chill as if someone had trapped her in a cage.

  When she turned to speak to Madeline, her face was stern, and her disdain evident.

  "Mrs. Donovan...I understand from Emily that you are here to rest. I would highly recommend that you do just that. Mixing with people that are not your own, and could never be, is a waste of time for everyone.

  "I don't mean to sound harsh, young lady, but you do understand you are not one of us. I heard you don't even own the proper attire to attend a dinner.

  "And as for this business of being a detective―really―how gauche!"

  She was so angry about what he said, Madeline felt like she was on fire.

  "Mrs. St. Fleur, I realize I am a guest. In Chicago, that means one is treated with dignity, respect and made welcome.

  "I am not certain what your reasons are for your ill treatment of me, but I will take my leave."

  Turning her back on Corinne, Madeline walked to the entrance as calmly as she could.

  Austin said when he saw her walk onto the outside steps, "You don't have to say anything. She can be as unpleasant as anyone I've ever known when she chooses to be. I've also seen a side of her that is kind and generous; I don't know who the real person is."

  She replied, "I choose not to comment because I cannot think of a response that would suffice for what I feel about that woman."

  "I think the ride in the countryside will be all the more pleasing now. Let the wind blow through your hair, and let go of the thought of St. Fleur," said Oliver.

  Austin followed behind on horseback, as she and Oliver traveled together in his carriage.

  "Miss Emma seemed to taunt you about our riding together. She will be hard to tame if you intend to marry her," Madeline said frankly, at the moment, not caring about propriety.

  "If I should choose to marry her, she will agree.

  "Let us discuss my friend, Lonnie. You heard old Stoney and his wild tale. Madeline, there is no truth to it. I would hire you myself to find out what happened, but the political atmosphere does not allow me to embark on such a thing. Most of the people in this city would boycott me from their homes if they felt I took any action to challenge Stoney."

  "Truly, I want to delve deeper into this, but feel I have no authority. I don't even have a client, nor do I know how long I will be welcome at the Montgomery home if Corinne should say something to influence Emily otherwise."

  They arrived at Emily's home to allow Madeline to change into her riding outfit, and for the use of the horses. She was familiar with Sapphire―the animal was not a firebrand―and she was comfortable with her.

  After the three had covered some ground, riding four or five miles away into an open field, they stopped near an abandoned hut that had left behind a table and several stone chairs.

  Austin asked, "Tell me more about the dinner and what the Davis said. I've only lived in St. Augustine for this past year, but I knew them both. I've heard the news about Lonnie, but frankly, I find it hard to believe."

  Oliver said, "I agree, but maybe it is time to leave it alone. Davis has concluded the case―so has everyone else.

  "Before the summer ends, we must not waste any more of it on things we can never change now."

  Austin did not seem to be troubled by what Oliver said, but his feelings disconcerted Madeline. His sudden coldness regarding his friend's fate was disturbing.

  Austin added, "You're probably right, my friend. How goes it with the untamable, Emma? If you don't make a move soon to marry her, you may find yourself with some friendly competition."

  Oliver's face remained unchanged, as he said, "Austin, you are new money. I don't think Madame St. Fleur would ever let you get too close to Emma.

  "All's fair, as they say. If Emma were such a girl as to try her hand with you, I wouldn't want her."

  Austin's face became solemn, but he said nothing in reply. Madeline assumed Oliver's comments had wounded him. She hadn't realized the animosity that existed between the two, or she would have never agreed to the outing.

  Changing the subject back to Lonnie, she said, "I understand that upsetting the applecart in this city is considered a great faux pas. But as long as I am here, I intend to look into Lonnie's culpability concerning Clifford's death. It's all too convenient, and now I am disappointed that the two of you appear to have given in."

  "You don't know the people here, they can be immovable if they wish something unpleasant to fade away," explained Oliver.

  Austin suggested, "Let us take advantage of the day and continue with our ride. Then, I insist you join me for dinner, Madeline."

  She replied, "Yes, let us go on. I'm afraid I must delay in my answer―it would be rude not to check with Emily first to see if she has arranged other plans."

  Madeline stalled in her answer, not knowing what to think about their inference that they also believed the case concluded. They traveled across the picturesque landscape, and the vigorous physical activity revived her.

  By the time they reached Montgomery House, she had decided to accept Austin's invitation to dinner; he had stated that he would return for her at seven. She bid Oliver farewell, and he stated he would be in touch with her soon.

  Madeline had not yet formed an opinion of Austin, having known him only briefly, but Oliver, there was something about him, faults and all, that she admired. She wondered if those feelings were interfering with rational thought and did not allow her to see Oliver for the person he was. She was certain of one thing only―Emma St. Fleur, unwittingly or not, had brought chaos to St. Augustine―and linked to the death of the two boys.

  It was after five; she would have just enough time for a bath, and perhaps a chat with Emily before Austin came for her.

  Charlotte approached her, "Miss Montgomery wished me to tell you she'd be away to visit one of the neighbors who took ill. She said to be sure to give you this letter that Mr. Jeffrey Lang left."

  "Thank you, Charlotte."

  "Will you be taking dinner in your room then?"

  "No, I have an engagement. Would you mind telling Mr. Montgomery that I will be away for the evening with Austin Bradley," Madeline requested.

  "Yes, Miss. I will draw your bath."

  "Oh, thank you, Charlotte―I was just about to request that."

  The warm, scented water, that Charlotte prepared for her bath, soothed her mind and body. She lay thinking of all that had happened, almost forgetting about Jeffrey's note. Opening it now, it read,

  Madeline,

  I've just come from my friend Lonnie's home. As you can imagine, the family is inconsolable. The Armstrongs are so dismayed by the conviction of their son, that they have vowed to leave St. Augustine. However, they said they would not do so until their son's name was cleared.

  When I told them about you, they were quite intrigued. They felt no one, who was from this area, would be impartial, or not under the influence of Davis and the townspeople. They would like to meet with you as soon as possible to contract your services as a detective.

  Mrs. Montgomery has informed me that you are expected to arrive home before six If you do not have an
engagement; I would like to come by this evening and take you to their home. I will call on you at six for your reply.

  Cordially,

  Jeffrey Lang

  She was delighted at the prospect of having a true ally in finding the buried truth about what had happened to Clifford. If she discovered that the inspector's conclusions were accurate, she would have investigated the situation and be satisfied it was the real truth, and not just the inspector's version of the truth.

  She decided she must meet with Jeffrey. There was not the time to notify Austin, and she hoped he might join them.

  Madeline sat sipping tea on the veranda, waiting for both gentlemen.

  Jeffrey arrived first, smiling and greeting her warmly.

  "Madeline, I hope you received my letter, and that you can join me."

  "I did, and I wish to go with you, but I have made a prior engagement with Austin Bradley. He should be here shortly. If he agrees, do you mind if he comes along?"

  "Oh―another one of Emma's admirers―at least he is a more likely suitor than Clifford ever was. No, of course, he is welcome," replied Jeffrey.

  "Good. But what do you mean about Clifford?"

  "He was no match for Oliver―I would say even Lonnie might have been somewhat of a better union. When I spoke to Clifford, he was under the impression he had a chance with Emma. He was smaller in stature, only five-foot-six or so, and had a little belly we use to tease him about. Considered lazy by the gents, he was an unlikely person to be courting Emma."

  "Hence, perhaps why she dismissed him so readily when I spoke to her of Clifford," replied Madeline.

  "What did she say?"

  "She spoke as if they had only a mutual acquaintance. She seemed insulted that anyone thought she and Clifford had an intimate relationship."

  Jeffrey commented, "That's her way, though. She might say the same thing about Oliver. It's Emma's arrogance that gets her into trouble."

  "I know she is beautiful, and the money must be appealing, but there must be other lovely ladies in this city. Why is she so sought after?"