Some Saints Prey (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 4)

by Madison Kent

  "Lonnie boy is in heaven. Of that, I have no doubt," he proclaimed.

  Jeffrey introduced her and then went on, "That's why we're here. Madeline and I want to find out what happened. Did you see him anytime right before Clifford's murder?"

  "See him! I was probably with him when it happened, but no on will take the word of an old codger, like me, who they say has lost his mind. He had come 'round more often the last few weeks―something was troubling him.

  "I find it curious that what was eating at him was that he thought his friend, Clifford, might be in some trouble. He said he thought he had gotten himself in over his head with that girl, Emma.

  "She sure has caused a stir around here. I hear tell one boy lost his canoe on a bet that she wouldn't go to a dinner party with one of his friends. It seems it was a competition―the more unattainable she was, the more the boys sought after her. Lots of folks seem to like her, but many more don't," he finished, slapping his knee for emphasis.

  Madeline ventured, "If I may ask, the people I have met in this town don't seem the sort you'd be comfortable with? What brought you to this city?"

  Fitzie laughed, saying, "No, they're not. My wife and I came down here from Missouri. She had family here, but they're all passed now. But, I have a peaceful existence here. The children come to talk to me and to fish with me. Leastwise, the ones that haven't been warned not to speak to me. But, I got use to the land and the ocean. I guess it's Mother Nature that kept me here after my wife died.

  "Then there were the few like, Lonnie, who became like a grandson to me. Don't have much, but I put him in my will, that's how fond I was of him.

  "I'll help you any way I can. I'm invisible 'round here. I can walk around and hear anything; no one pays any mind to me."

  Madeline said, "Would you? That would be wonderful. We haven't been able to find too many people who are even willing to admit there is a possibility Lonnie didn't do it, yet alone help us apprehend the real murderer."

  "I'm an old man, don't have much time left here on the earth, but if I can help clear Lonnie's name, that will give me great happiness."

  They thanked Fitzie and strode down the waterfront, attempting to speak to anyone they saw.

  One gray-haired, woman offered, "I didn't know the boy, but they'll be a church festival down at St. Mark's this Friday night. Everyone―of all faiths―attends. They give away hogs, and the like, for prizes for card games. There's plenty to do for the children, also. I would think it might be a good place for you to find someone who might help you."

  They left, with renewed hope that circumstances had turned in their favor.

  Returning home that evening, Madeline was delighted to find a letter had arrived from Hugh Scott.

  August 24, 1889

  Madeline,

  I've enjoyed reading your letters and have been attempting to put my affairs in order so that I may spend at least one week with you. I am fascinated by your 'Emma' and want to know more about her.

  I am taking the train this Friday, and should arrive in St. Augustine sometime on Saturday, September third, in the evening at eight. I hope I will not be an imposition to the Montgomery family.

  All my best,

  Hugh

  His letter had arrived on Tuesday, the first of September. She had spoken to Emily about the possibility of Hugh's visit. She wondered, however, with Edgar's opposition to her activities if he might resent, yet another person in his household, that he might not agree with. She knew Hugh would stand beside her in the investigation.

  She and Jeffrey spent the next few days together, once meeting at Palms Place with Austin and Oliver.

  Austin asked sarcastically, "How goes it with Emma?"

  "I've been away visiting with my father. I suppose you might know more about that. She told me you've been a frequent visitor the last few days," Oliver curtly answered.

  Jeffrey glanced at Emma as if to convey his displeasure. She knew he was probably thinking that he had told her things were amiss between them and that the two men were hiding something.

  Austin turned away from Oliver and asked Madeline, "Tell us your news. Have you discovered anything of use to help prove Lon's innocence?"

  Jeffrey and Madeline had agreed that would keep what Fitzie had told them to themselves for the moment.

  Jeffrey offered, "Nothing significant, but we hope to change all that at St. Mark's Festival on Friday. Most of the town will turn out to that event. I am hopeful someone will know something."

  "I didn't attend last year, but I heard that the men enjoy card games, and there's lucrative betting on the side, " said Austin.

  Oliver said, "You must come, then. If I am unable to go, you may take my Emma. She enjoys that sort of thing."

  Once again, Oliver seemed bent on goading Austin into an argument.

  Austin replied, "But, old man, you are the one with the unquenchable desire to gamble, and she favors that activity, also. I'm sure Emma would prefer your company."

  Madeline interrupted the quarreling duo and said, "Gentlemen, there is a question I meant to ask you about this unique curiosity attached to your city. How did the names of Mandrake, Bradley, and Lang arrive in this town without the surname Saint attached to them? It is amazing how many individuals I have met who's surname begins with the word Saint."

  They all smiled, with Oliver answering first, "That's easy, I didn't escape it―my mother's maiden name is St. Claire."

  Austin added, "The reason we located here was due to my father's sister-in-law's powerful, political family. His brother married my aunt, Catherine St. Thomas. My grandfather was a state senator in South Carolina, and my father now has the same position. They wish me to run for office, and I believe I will someday. Our family has grown into a political dynasty of sorts. My uncle is a congressman."

  They all looked at Jeffrey, "Sorry, I am the one without any saintly connection, maybe that is the reason the nuns were so harsh to me in school," he laughed.

  "Oliver, what does your family do?" asked Madeline.

  "My grandfather worked for Carnegie, handed down quite a fortune to my father. Sometimes, I'm not quite sure what Father does. He is always meeting with men and making investments. My grandfather's still alive and lives in New York. I think he does what his father commands.

  "Either way, it has made for a comfortable lifestyle for our family, if not an idle one. Perhaps that's why I gamble―it's a family tradition," he laughed.

  "What a distinguished group. I am the poor relation of a physician. Most times we get by, but there are very few luxuries."

  Jeffrey replied, "In that we are the same. Perhaps another reason I never thought of pursuing someone like Emma."

  "Doesn't your father own a fish market?" asked Oliver.

  "Yes. We are not without funds, but our meager financial standing does not enable us to fit into the aristocratic circles of this town. Besides that, it is considered low brow to earn your money in such a way."

  "Those days are passing. None of us believe such nonsense anymore," said Austin.

  Jeffrey replied, "But that attitude does exist here in St. Augustine."

  "Doesn't everyone mix at the festival?" asked Madeline.

  "Yes, it is one of the interesting things that happens. Some of the upper crust children play together with the unholy poor, at least for the day," Jeffrey said disgustedly.

  "Don't tell me that bothers you? Isn't it nicer to have money than not. No one can refute that?" asked Oliver.

  "I can tell you at some time, over a hundred years ago now, my family did not have much, and my father told me stories about how it devastated their lives. I can tell you that I feel very blessed and appreciate money all the more after learning how they suffered without it," said Austin.

  "I've never had the benefits Emma does, but even though we struggled, we had many good times together as a family, despite not having money," said Madeline.

  Austin commented, "I hope I did not offend you. Of course, one can ha
ve a most distinguished life without wealth, but I confess I find it easier with it."

  "As do I," said Oliver, for the first time looking at Austin in a kindly manner.

  "Gentlemen, this is where we must part company. Madeline and I have a commitment," stated Jeffrey.

  She did not know what Jeffrey was referring to and was surprised by his comments, but followed his lead.

  As she and Jeffrey rode back to Montgomery House, she asked, "Why did you wish to leave?"

  "I've things I need to do with my father, and they were getting my dander up. There was something about their petty bickering over Emma and glorification of money that was so insulting to me, that I felt my head ache. When one of our friends meets his death by murder, and there is an accusation of murder brought to another, it does make their fighting over Emma seem like the actions of children in knickers.

  "I would have thought they would have taken more of an interest, of course, unless one of them is guilty of something."

  Madeline had briefly given the idea credence but then dismissed it, never speaking those thoughts aloud to Jeffrey.

  She replied, "I suppose any of the two men's friends could be suspected."

  "I'm not sure about that. Perhaps any friends who also had an interest in Emma, and that would leave only Austin and Oliver.

  "We'll meet tomorrow then?" Jeffrey asked.

  Madeline agreed, and then spent the next morning downtown, and at the riverside, dropping in to visit Fitzie to bring him a bottle of wine. Nothing of importance happened, but she was looking forward to the festival that evening. Madeline was particularly happy, because her friend, Hugh, would be arriving the next day.

  Chapter Eight

  St. Mark's Festival

  The festival began at noon, and Jeffrey and Madeline arrived shortly after that. There was a minstrel show playing, and their pleasant music filled the air. Croquet, horseshoes, and other lawn games were set up for the adults and the children. Ponies gave small children rides, and tubs filled with water for bobbing apples had toddlers lined around them.

  Inside the church were long, wooden, brown tables set up for the adult's gaming, such as cards and chess. These activities would begin at nightfall.

  Ribbons flew from the kiosk's that sold bread, and pies. There was also a section where one could purchase rosaries, holy cards, and other religious paraphernalia.

  "This will be an enjoyable day, no matter what we learn. Sometimes it's nice to have a pleasurable day," said Madeline.

  "I suppose, but I don't feel much like having fun. I just want to find something, any morsel of information, that might lead us to discover what happened to my friends," said Jeffrey without a trace of a smile.

  Madeline knew she had chosen the right advocate, for every time she saw him, he had become more resolute in his quest to find Clifford's' killer.

  They drank lemonade, and questioned several nuns and priests, but found them stoic in their replies, saying "it's in God's hands now", and that they believe the matter closed.

  She said, "I've never come across anything like this―people act as if we're bothering them when we only want answers. Answers that should be important to everyone in this city, not just us."

  Jeffrey suggested, "Madeline, they feel you are invading their privacy about a matter that already settled. They wish it put behind them, and to get on to more pleasant things, like the festival. This city strives for harmony, as you can see."

  Madeline said, "I hope you don't mind, but I should like to return home to freshen up, and change my attire before tonight's festivities."

  Jeffrey added, "With free-flowing ale, and some rowdy men, it will be much more exciting.

  "And hopefully, revealing."

  Madeline asked, "Before you go, you never completed your thoughts about Austin and your obvious dislike of him."

  "Honestly, it's not so much that I dislike the man. He's amiable enough―doesn't cause any problems―and is respectful. I question the family and their intentions. The way I understand it, Austin's family has fallen on hard times. The father, Senator Bradley, supposedly used most of his maternal grandfather's inheritance for his campaigning expenses. Now, he wishes Austin to prepare to campaign for political office, perhaps a state senator. However, there's no money, no big benefactor to rescue their bid for office. Austin's aunt is contributing, but they need the backing and money of someone like the St. Fleur's. Truthfully, I think if Jean and Corinne thought anyone should marry Emma, it would be someone that has political alliances. They already have all the money they need, now Corinne craves power, the kind the Bradley family can offer. Oliver's family has money and influence, but they don't have the powerful friends in Washington that Austin's family has. I think it would be a shock to Oliver if he got thrown over for Austin. Although, it's hard to feel sorry for Oliver, after all, his motives are selfish ones, also. I don't believe for a moment that he loves her, just observing the way he looks at you; one can see he has not given his heart away," said Jeffrey.

  She thought it best to overlook his last comment about her.

  "Until tonight, my friend, I am excited about the prospect of meeting our foe. It will be the first time everyone will be afoot, the guilty person or persons could be in our sights tonight. Perhaps they will behave in some way, or say something that might give them away," said Madeline.

  "We can certainly hope, and we can also hope for a night of enjoyment and gaming," said Jeffrey with a smile.

  At home, she was busy laying out several dresses that, Miss Sara, the dressmaker, had been so kind to alter for her. Madeline was, without a doubt, lacking in the finer things a young lady of her age might have.

  She chose a black and blue high-collared dress, adorned with rows of flat-black, galloon lace, and intricate black embroidery, alternating every three rows at the bottom of the dress. A long, satin, black bow hung down from the back of the bodice. She finished the look with a pale, yellow straw hat over a French twist hairdo, and added sheer yellow gloves.

  Edgar and Emily dressed in breezy, light afternoon wear, and they looked charming.

  Emily said, "Madeline, that dress becomes you. It will be a day of frivolity―let's have no talk of murder. Everyone looks forward to this festival―even the Presbyterians that Father O'Donnell tries to convert each year.

  "Oh...this note came for you. Reggie said someone slid it under the door―how odd. He saw no one about. It doesn't sound like it would be from your friend, Mr. Scott," concluded Emily.

  "Excuse me," said Madeline, as she walked over to the veranda to read it.

  If you want to know who owns the rosary you found―go to the Bell Tower at St. Mark's Church tonight at nine. Under the golden skirted chair, you will find a black box, put twenty dollars into it. Your answer will follow in a telegram the next day.

  She didn't have to worry any further whether the festival would provide results. The note guaranteed that something was about to happen. The fee, she was paid from Lonnie's parents, would be used for payment demanded in the letter. If it led to the perpetrator, the money spent would be inconsequential.

  Per her request, Reggie brought Madeline an absinthe.

  "Everything all right, Miss?" he asked.

  "I'm a little nervous about meeting all the aristocrats in the community. I hear tonight is an annual event that everyone waits for."

  "It is, Miss. It's like a Christmas party in the summer. Oh, the children can't sleep just waiting for it―frivolity, gifts, and laughter―the ingredients of a great time," Reggie added.

  Reggie informed them that Frederick was outside and awaiting them. Edgar remained at the estate and had invited several gentlemen to play cards with him, saying such things as, "festivals were for women and children". He said Emily would be meeting her lady friends there, and didn't need a grumpy, old man tagging along.

  She sat with Emily in the carriage chatting about the festival and Hugh's upcoming visit. Madeline did not speak about the note she received, nor did
Emily ask.

  As soon as they were in visual distance of St. Mark's, they could hear the singing of children, directed by one of the BVM (Blessed Virgin Mary) nuns.

  "Lovely...isn't it? Those sweet, angelic voices give one pause to think of the beauty of the world," said Emily, who seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood.

  Yes, she thought, Jeffrey and I will probably be the only ones at this gala that will be thinking of murder, instead of cherry pie.

  "I belonged to the choir at my school, and so enjoyed it. It gives one a sense of peace," replied Madeline.

  "I see Austin and Oliver, my friend Jeffrey probably isn't far away. We were to meet at the church entrance," she continued.

  "And I see my friend, Mrs. Davis."

  A lovely, silver-haired woman, with a fine figure and captivating smile, waved at them.

  "Is that, perchance, the wife of Inspector Davis?"

  "It is. Oh, she's nothing like him―as gentle a soul, if ever there was one, and cook, she could cook for a duchess."

  "Mr. Davis is a lucky man."

  "It's nearly seven. Shall we meet back here at ten?" asked Madeline.

  Emily said, "If I should decide to leave earlier, I will return home with Mrs. Davis."

  Oliver said, "Madeline...welcome. It's an amazing crowd. I didn't remember there being such a turn out last year. I think the scandal has brought our neighbors out to find out as much as they can."

  "It's quite a gay atmosphere; I'm sure that has something to do with it.

  "Have you seen Jeffrey?" she asked.

  "I did. He was off speaking to one of the priests a little while ago, but I haven't seen him recently," said Austin.

  "I'll wait here for him," said Madeline.

  Oliver offered, "May I get you both an ale or glass of wine?"

  "White wine, please," she requested.