by Madison Kent
"I am glad your friend will be here. Now about the incident with Jeffrey, you may find many who will shy away from you, and not want any part of it."
Smiling, Madeline said, "Yes, I'm certainly aware of that, but I must carry on.
"Your kindness is such a comfort to me.
"I think I will spend a restful day, and then have Frederick take me to the train this evening."
During their trip to pick up Hugh, Frederick stated, "Miss Donovan, I hope your friend will help you find who did this to Mr. Jeffrey.
"Strange things have happened here. Somehow Mr. Davis believes every suspicious death is accidental. It's occurred before. I've never understood it. You see it, I know you do."
"The Inspector is an honored man in this town, but that is my impression, too. Keep your ears open for me, Frederick."
"I will, Miss. I'll see if any of the other staff from the neighboring estates know anything.
"We're here, Miss, I will check if the train is on time."
The station was bustling with people―St. Augustine was a favorite tourist destination―and today was evidence of that. She waited anxiously for Hugh, needing more than ever to see his face, after the loss of Jeffrey.
"Miss, the train will arrive promptly, it should be more than ten minutes," reported Frederick.
They waited on the platform, and Madeline could hear the train whistle in the distance. When it arrived, the passengers descended amidst the rolling steam from the engine.
"Frederick, there he is, Mr. Scott!"
Hugh had not seen her yet. She watched his head turning as if he were searching for her. She sped up her pace and called out,"
"Hugh, Hugh."
He hurried towards her―taking her hands in his―he said, "Madeline, it's only been a short time since I have seen you, but it seems like ages. Chicago was not the same place, knowing I could not walk down Erie Street to your home and visit with you.
"But, you do not look well. Have you been crying?"
Frederick looked uncomfortable with his intimate words, and said, "I will take the luggage to the carriage."
"Hugh, it's the worse news. Yesterday, the man who has been helping me investigate, Jeffrey Lang, met his death, after someone pushed him from the church bell tower. The assailant attempted to harm me, but I held him at bay with my derringer. He quickly disappeared, as people began streaming up the stairwell after they saw Jeffrey fall."
Hugh stopped walking, and said, "Madeline, good Lord, what have you gotten yourself into? In your letter, this case sounded more like an intimate quarrel between two rivals for the hand of a lady. There must be something much more sinister going on in this town. I'm glad I'm here, and that your father doesn't know."
"I truly underestimated the danger. Whatever is transpiring has many veins to its heart―an intricate web of riddles."
As Frederick drove through the scenic town towards Montgomery House, she spoke to Hugh of the events of the night before, and her innermost thoughts and suspicions, things she had not even voiced to Jeffrey.
Hugh surmised, "You believe Mr. Montgomery is against your continuing? As you're his guest, you will have to tread lightly. This business of the silver―thirty pieces―that's a rather obvious statement.
"It certainly was an opportune time to commit a crime, monks prevalent in the crowd, with no hint of suspicion falling on anyone who wore the same garment."
"I would like to go back to St. Mark's, so you can see the tower for yourself, and to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the act. I'm sure there were nuns and other personnel who may have been present."
"We will go to the tavern, I think you called it "Palms Place", and you can continue to tell me about Miss Emma, and your friends, Oliver, and Austin."
"I'm sure Edgar will feel more at ease without me being underfoot."
They only stopped long enough at Montgomery House for Hugh to leave his belongings in the guest room and introduce himself to Emily and Edgar. Frederick then drove them to St. Mark's.
It was nearly ten when they reached the church. Madeline had thought there might be curiosity seekers milling about the area, but when entering, there were only a few nuns, some dusting the pews, some praying. She asked permission to enter the bell tower―at first receiving objection― then one of the superiors nuns said she could see no harm in it.
Ascending the stairwell, she turned to see Hugh's face, momentarily needing reassurance. He smiled at her saying, "Do you want me to go ahead?"
"No, it's all right. I don't know if I will ever be able to forget the vision of Jeffrey falling from the open arch."
Reaching the top, she said, "Everything's gone. All that remains are the stains from the spilled liquid. There were several crates of wine stacked against the wall. Here is where I fell―you can see a trace of red―that's the blood from my wound. The chair with the funeral shroud is gone― the black box was under it."
"The tight space between the bells and the opening; it would have proved difficult for someone to fight off an attacker. You are fortunate to have escaped harm," said Hugh.
They searched the small space, looking for any clues, but it was obvious someone thoroughly cleaned the area.
Madeline said, "Perhaps one of the nuns will talk to us."
A dainty nun was in the back of the church and was about to leave when Madeline asked her if she would step outside to speak with her. She nodded and said, "Come, dear. We will not disturb the sanctity of the church―we'll walk onto the grounds."
She introduced herself as Sister Patricia Rose, and then said, "I know why you've come. You're the poor girl in the tower. I saw the young man carry you out.
"The sisters and I have been praying for the departed soul throughout the day. There will be a special mass for him on Sunday. But you've come to see if we saw anything, correct?"
"Yes, his name was Jeffrey Lang. We were looking into the death of Clifford St. Alder―I received a note stating there would be information in the tower that could prove important."
Sister Rose said, "Mother Superior has given us a stern warning to be careful what we say about the matter. Deputy St. John instructed us last evening that we should not get involved.
"Unfortunately, all I can offer you is that I did see him fall, but that's all. I've heard the talk that a person in monk's clothing may have pushed him, but I saw no one other than Jeffrey. It was a moonless night, that fact, and the large bells would have given cover to the attacker.
"We are not supposed to know, but the tower is a place where the priests and monks go to smoke their pipes or cigars. The church frowns on these habits, so they look to the solitude of the tower. I don't think anyone would have thought it peculiar to see a monk in the area."
Madeline asked, "The wine stored in the tower―isn't that an unusual place―I would think the cellar would be appropriate? I would have thought the heat and light would ruin the wine."
She replied, "You are right. The wine did not belong there, but I have been forbidden to speak about that subject. We will meet again; I must get back. Come again, in a day or two, and I will see what I can find out.
"Bless you, child. I will keep you in my prayers."
Leaving the church, Frederick continued to their Palms Place destination.
Hugh commented, "I already understand what you mean―the ambiguity of Sister Rose words was telling. Why wouldn't they all be interested in discovering what occurred? It is unique that, even a nun, is reluctant to speak."
"You can see Palms Place from here―a hidden respite where one can hide in the shadows.
"I think I will take great pleasure in partaking of an absinthe tonight, or maybe even several."
Hugh looked at her, raising his eyebrows slightly but said nothing.
They took a seat in the back, where their group had sat before. She was no closer to the truth, and now Jeffrey was gone.
She said, "I wonder if the person who left the note will attempt to contact me again."
"If they did, they'd be a fool, for you would then have your murderer. Even if you did not know their identity, you would have the next best thing, something in your hand that could convict them."
"I had that very thing. If I had not lost the note, I would have evidence to show to Davis and a sample of their writing. It might have been enough to find the person. You're right―I doubt they would employ that tactic again."
They had been there nearly an hour when Austin and Emma walked in.
"Hugh, there she is, Emma, and she is not with Oliver, the man she supposedly holds in high regard at the moment and considers to be her love. The man she's with is Austin Bradley, considered to be by the St. Fleur's as a better match for her because of his families political background. It is said that Corinne St. Fleur would enjoy the celebrity of having a senator's son in the family."
"Indeed, she is a stunning woman."
Hugh stared at Emma approvingly, before returning his attention to Madeline, and for a moment, she was jealous. Enough so, that she resented Emma even more than she already did. She thought, What is this power this woman has over men? Not Hugh, he cannot possibly admire someone like her!
Hugh said, "I suppose we should engage them in conversation; perhaps invite them to our table."
"I don't wish to act that eager. If I have judged Emma right at all―once she sees us―she will take it upon herself to come over."
It did not take long for Madeline's prediction to come to fruition.
Austin appeared and said, "Madeline, I'm surprised to see you out. I thought you would be unable to...I mean, after Jeffrey."
She wasn't sure whether he meant that as an offensive statement or not, but replied,
"My friend, Hugh Scott, has just arrived from Chicago. We have just come from the station," she said, deliberately omitting their other activities.
Austin said, "I'm happy to see Madeline has a friend to confide in now. Emma has asked if we may join you for a drink? There is a comfort in the company of friends at times like these."
Hugh replied, "Yes, please do join us."
Once again, Madeline was surprised at Hugh's enthusiastic response to meeting Emma.
Hugh stood, and requested that Emma sit beside him.
She accepted asking, "You're English. May I ask what your business in America is?"
Hugh replied, "I have a home in Chicago. After meeting Madeline in London, I traveled to Chicago for a visit. I thought it a remarkable city, and I knew my good friend resided there. After the occurrence of a fortunate financial development in my life, it allowed me the luxury to purchase both a residence here and in London."
Emma asked of Hugh, "And St. Augustine? Did you come to witness our terrible scandals? We are quickly losing our aura as the city of dreams, to the city of fear. I'm certain Madeline has told you of our recent tragedies."
"I hope to assist Madeline in finding out who the responsible party is who carried out these monstrous acts," Hugh added.
The beauty said, "It's not as bad as all that. There may be a simple explanation for it. After all, people die from accidents every day."
Madeline said, "It does seem unlikely that three such occurrences should happen. If people opened up, we might learn the truth."
"As a lawyer," Hugh added, "I feel the facts don't prove murder, as of yet."
Austin suggested, "You see, Madeline, even your friend agrees with the possibility that there might be nothing to it."
"Perhaps I will have one or two more drinks of absinthe, and it will give me the state of mind to agree with all of you. For it is only with a head full of fluff, that I would. I don't think sober I would come to the same conclusions you have put forth," Madeline said with a reluctant smile, attempting to kid them and feeling betrayed by Hugh.
Austin turned toward her and said, "Madeline, I have not heard such a bite in your oratory before."
"My dear, Austin, before this, my friend, Jeffrey, was still alive."
With her coarse words, the joviality of the group was instantly halted.
"It's late, but I insist you and Hugh come to dinner tomorrow. We must honor our lost friends," said Emma.
Austin added, "Please, do come."
After Madeline and Hugh had accepted their invitation, the two stood, and took their leave.
Madeline was silent, as Frederick grasped the reins of the carriage and began their journey home. The night was clear, stars glistening in the dark sky. She thought, If I lived here, I would never get tired of the beauty of a Southern night. Absorbed in observing the sky, she did not immediately notice Hugh staring at her. He then said,
"Madeline, you look lost in your thoughts. I hope you're not thinking about what a disappointment I am."
"Disappointment? Never."
"I saw your face when I was interacting with Emma. I'm sure you did not understand my actions, especially with this trauma you've just experienced.
"Take heart, my friend, my actions were for a reason. You remember I am a solicitor, skilled in the artfulness of tactics.
"Everything you have told me about Emma, and my initial impression, made me believe that it would be difficult to get the lady to remove the veil she hides behind. I think you would agree with me that anything she reveals might have a bearing on this case.
"It was my calculation that, if she believed I was not in alliance with you, it would attract her to me. It was fruitful. She reacted as I thought she might. If I can get close to her, she may let her guard down."
Madeline immediately felt better, and warmly smiled at her friend.
"I would never question your behavior, but yes, I did think your flirtation with Emma was odd."
"Flirting―I suppose I was," he laughed, "but it was for a good cause. I think I must be a rogue with Miss Emma, or she will not respond. Please do not take offense with anything I might do or say concerning her."
"It is not likely that I would ever take offense at anything you would do; my high regard for you will always be steadfast."
"Thank you for that. It must have been a bit of a shock for you to see me act that way when you are seeking my support. You never have to worry, you will always have it."
"Spoken as only you would, thank you, my friend―tomorrow will be an interesting day."
On Sunday, Madeline and Hugh took advantage of the summer day―horseback riding through the neighboring countryside, and stopping for lunch on a grassy nook beneath a willow tree. The Montgomery's cook had provided them with a picnic lunch, including a bottle of vintage white wine.
Afterward, they traveled to the harbor.
It was peaceful there, Hugh commenting, "I could sit here for hours and feel content to catch the glimpse of dolphins playing. I enjoy listening to the old, craggy, faced men telling their unique tales of struggling with a marlin―how serene and simple life is here."
"It is, I...," she squinted her eyes in the sun to see if it was Oliver she saw, beer in hand, talking to one of the men.
"Hugh, it's Oliver, the other man I told you about."
"The one, who is presumed, will capture the elusive Emma."
"The very one. Would you like to meet him?"
"After you, madam."
When she was within a few feet of him, she said,
"Oliver, how are you?" asked Madeline.
She introduced Hugh, as they walked together on the bank of the water.
Oliver said, "Another lovely day―I was hoping to meet Austin here and do a little fishing. I also hoped I might see old Fitz, and tell him about Jeffrey."
Madeline deliberately said, "I think Oliver had rather a late night. Hugh and I were fortunate enough to meet him and Emma at Palms Place last night."
She watched for a reaction, but he gave none. She thought He was a master at concealing his feelings.
Oliver responded, "She does not sit home while I play my games of chance. I am guilty of having been out most of the night in a highly, competitive poker game. If my luck does not change soon, I
feel I will have no choice, but to marry Emma for her money."
Oliver chortled, and Hugh and Madeline indulged him, and also laughed at his awkward joke.
Hugh said, "I say, old man, after meeting her last night, I would say that is the least of her attractive qualifications."
Madeline felt discomfited listening to the two expound their praises of Emma, but then Oliver said, "I would not have thought you would've even noticed my Emma when Madeline was there."
Hugh turned to her now, and said, "You're right, there are none to compare with my friend."
Changing the subject, Madeline asked, "Oliver, we have been invited to dinner this evening by Emma. Will you be there?"
He looked up at the sky as if trying to collect his thoughts, "We'll see. I may have another engagement.
"It was good to meet you, Mr. Scott. I look forward to seeing you again, but it does not look as if Austin is coming, so I believe I will visit my father. I have neglected my duties to my family of late, and must rectify that."
When Oliver was out of earshot, Hugh said, "He is rather rough at the edges, not the sort of person I would have thought Emma would choose."
Madeline thought that men were not always aware of how women truly felt, and what stirred their passions. He probably would be shocked to know how appealing Oliver was to her, too.
She replied, "It's that edginess that draws a woman in."
"I confess to not understanding the intimacies of a woman's desires.
"The hour is getting late, and I believe we should return so that we may be in readiness for this evening's dinner."
Madeline agreed, and they returned to Montgomery House.
Emily said she hoped they had an enjoyable evening at the St. Fleurs', and she looked forward to taking the breakfast meal with them.
Arriving at the St. Fleur dinner party, Madeline recognized several of the men present, as those she had seen in the harbor area. Apparently, Emma had invited many of Jeffrey's friends. She was glad of that, Jeffrey deserved to have people praise his name.
