by Madison Kent
Austin came to greet them, saying, "It is a good turn out, for such short notice. It's hard to believe, three dear friends gone, and at such a tender age―terrible business.
"What will you have to drink―an absinthe, and perhaps a beer?"
Hugh replied, "Bourbon, please."
To her surprise, Corinne walked over to greet her. "Mrs. Donovan, I've heard about your dreadful experience. What a tragic accident! The youth of our city has sustained a shock with these deaths.
"I'm sure you will be returning to your home soon, and you will be able to put these sad occurrences behind you. You are all too young to be suffering; your days should be spent dancing and attending parties."
Although all of what she said offended Madeline, she believed the most outrageous of Corinne's comments was that she had referred to Jeffrey's death as accidental. However, she was a guest in her home, and if denied access to the family, it would harm her investigation.
She only said, "I believe you may not be aware that I witnessed Jeffrey's death, and it was not accidental."
"Oh, my dear, fear, the darkness, a person's imagination can run wild, and lead one to believe the most extraordinary things that most people would deduce as irrational. According to our good Inspector Davis―it was accidental. I believe he will be to see you soon.
"Now, you will enjoy yourself. I see you have brought a friend. It's good to have friends, isn't it?"
Madeline perceived Corinne's remark meant she should not cross her because it would not be in Madeline's interest not to be her friend.
Hugh said, "Her daughter is vain but has not yet achieved a level of rudeness such as that."
"Emma is her step-daughter, but I believe she may well end up behaving like Corinne."
"What did you make of her remark about the cause of death?"
"I was afraid I would tremble right in front of her. She must be linked closely to Davis to have possession of that information, but then I suppose all of the socially elite of this town can claim that privilege.
"If they have determined Jeffrey's death to be accidental, it would make his holding any position of authority farcical."
Hugh replied, "According to her, we will know soon enough."
Austin returned with their drinks, with Emma beside him.
Emma said, "How good of you both to come. I wasn't sure you would feel comfortable here, Mrs. Donovan, after last night."
"Why is that? And do please call me, Madeline."
"Perhaps I thought you wished to keep this handsome man all to yourself."
Madeline thought, I have never meant anyone as brazen as you, and I'll be damned if you'll get the best of me in front of my dearest friend.
Madeline said, "As I am sure you have felt the same way about Oliver―he does so love the ladies. Oh yes, there he is now, conversing with that lovely girl. I was afraid when we talked this afternoon that I wouldn't get to see him tonight. He had said he had other plans.
"I do hope there is music tonight, as I did so enjoy dancing with him."
Emma replied, "And so you shall, as I must have a dance with Hugh."
Hugh interrupted the sparring, "Emma, you must show me your fabulous home. Some of the paintings look like they are from masters."
"Oh, yes, she began...," as Emma took Hugh's arm and walked away.
Austin said, "Madeline, she's a child, and you're a woman. If I could suggest that you keep that in mind, and not let her get under your skin."
"You're right, Austin. I don't know what came over me. She taunts me, and I respond when I know better, but her attitude dismays me. Did she care so little for Clifford and Lonnie? It is as if she is unmoved by their passing."
Austin said, "Emma is spoiled, young and rich, but she does have some good qualities. Like her mother, she assists when the orphans are here, and shows a genuine kindness to them. She also is generous with her money. It is not unusual for her to give financial assistance to her female friends.
"But, why don't we have a look around. The St. Fleurs' mansion is more like a museum, art objects from all over the world grace the rooms. Come, I will take you to see some of them."
Austin, like Oliver, was charming and attractive, and Madeline wondered how she would behave if she had Emma's money, and so many admirers chasing her. Perhaps it would cause one to become egotistical and arrogant―maybe anyone given Emma's charmed life would act the same.
As they went from room to room, Madeline marveled at the murals, intricately carved sculptures, and the abundant Chinese figurines. The mansion was a labyrinth of halls and passageways that led to other ornately decorated rooms.
One section of the estate, however, looked to be closed off.
"Do you know what is over there?"
"Oh, that is not an unusual sight. Corinne is always in the process of renovating. In the year since I've known the family, one area or another is under construction. I'm not certain, but I believe they are adding another library, one dedicated to just the Renaissance period. As you can see from their surroundings, they admire the geniuses of that time―evidence of that is obvious in the way they have designed many of the rooms.
Whenever Madeline saw a cordoned off area, that triggered the urge to see what was behind it. She thought, Is it as simple as that, just a room under construction. What I wouldn't give to see what's in that area!
Austin said, "I suppose we should return. It's almost eight and the dinner bell will ring any moment now."
Predictably, Emma seated Hugh on one side of her, and Oliver on the other. However, knowing Hugh's true feelings about the flirtatious Emma, she did not mind the seating arrangement. Austin and Matthew were seated next to Madeline further down the dinner table.
There were toasts to Jeffrey, and many of the men present retold a reminiscent story of a memorable event. Madeline felt her chest tighten in pain, thinking again of how Jeffrey met his untimely death.
After dinner, Austin left them temporarily saying he needed some air. Matthew was understandably somber during dinner. He turned to her and said,
"I've found it hard to sleep, knowing what has happened to my friends. Even if I could comprehend that something went terribly awry, and maybe Lon and Clifford did fight, maybe Lon did end his life because he accidentally hurt Cliff. Even though it was improbable, I understood it could be possible. But, Jeffrey, what would he have to do with any of it? Why would anyone hurt Jeffrey? It makes no sense to me. It must have been a horrific experience for you to witness it. Would you mind telling me what happened?"
Madeline retold the story, being careful that only Matthew heard what she was saying. She finished stating, "The worst of it is, Mrs. St. Fleur told me this evening that Mr. Davis will not pursue this as a homicide, but will once again label it as an accident. Of course, I've yet to hear that from the inspector, I only have Corinne's words to go by, but I will let you know what the verdict is."
Matthew replied, "I once blamed Emma, or her family for this, but there is something else going on here. I couldn't see any motivation for the St. Fleur family to harm anyone. I feel awful saying it, but I have even thought Oliver or Austin could have their hand in it. It is well-known that Oliver's debts are mounting from his gambling addiction. Could he have snapped, destroying his rivals? I don't know.
"As for Austin, I know things about him that I would not like to repeat. I know he and his family have used some underhanded tactics to get those architectural contracts, and to get their senator father into office. They said that there were quite a few people that were roughed up and threatened if they didn't go along with the wishes of the powerful Bradley family."
"Why would Inspector Davis seem to be acting in the perpetrators interest?"
"He's an old buffoon. I don't think it's intentional. It's convenient, politically expedient, and it makes the people of the city feel safer if he classifies these crimes as accidents."
"Of course, he and his deputy seem cut from the same cloth."
"Robert S
t. John? Yes, he is the inspector's puppet. Whatever work that needs doing is handled by St. John. He's a good sort, a nice, decent man, but I think him being an orphan made him insecure, and just follows along with whatever the inspector's wishes are."
Oliver joined them saying, "I see my Emma is occupied dancing with your friend, so may I have the pleasure of a dance, Madeline?"
She hesitated, wishing to continue her conversation with Matthew, but then could not resist the smile of Mr. Mandrake.
While dancing, she said smiling, "Is this a game we're playing? Are you dancing with me, or trying to make Emma jealous?"
"First, I don't think Emma gets jealous. I don't believe she has those emotions, she covets, she craves, she desires but does not get truly jealous. You would have to care for that. Besides, you know I admire you, why would you think that?"
"It's nothing. I suppose, like everyone else, I've begun to think that everything does revolve around Emma."
"I'm so sorry about what happened. Thank heaven you were not hurt. I heard you took a shot at the man clothed as a monk. Did you wound him?"
"I keep a derringer in my boot whenever I feel there might be some danger we are facing. I'm not sure, I don't think so, but I don't even know whether it was a man."
"Oh, I just assumed..., the business about the silver―it's probably nothing, a prank."
Madeline did not know how to respond. She was surprised he knew about the black box. She had only told Hugh and Davis about it.
Cautious, she replied, "Yes, perhaps, just a prank."
She was beginning to feel suspicious of everyone. Without Jeffrey to confide in, she was grateful that Hugh was now by her side.
Oliver said, "Can we forget about this for a moment?"
"Yes, that would be nice," she said.
Being in Oliver's arms, seeing his inviting smile, and listening to him talk about his dreams of traveling the world one day, made her think of happier times.
When the dance concluded, Madeline and Hugh both returned to their table. It was nearly midnight, and Hugh said, "I am feeling rather tired, it's been a busy two days. Would you mind if we left, Madeline?"
Emma was close enough to hear him and said, "Oh, no, you mustn't."
When Hugh begged off, she continued, "Then I insist we all meet again soon. It was wonderful to meet you, Mr. Scott."
When they left, Hugh said, "Emma is a most engaging woman. If I didn't have the prior knowledge of her intrigues, I might have been swept away by her charm. She's an entirely different person when she is alone with you. I think I understand a little more how she has captured the heart's of these men."
This time, Madeline did not feel at all upset by his comments, but hopeful that Hugh might lead Emma to disclose private matters.
Madeline asked, "Did you see the part of the estate that was closed off for construction? Do you think you might get Emma to show you around there? It may be nothing, but I think it's worth a look."
"I think that's entirely possible. She seems intent on not only ensnaring me but irritating you. I will send word to her that I would enjoy another look at the antiques."
When they were driving down the winding road to the Montgomery estate, she said,
"It's is good to be home. Would you like some tea before retiring?"
"Yes, that would be most welcome."
"Good. After you've settled into your room, come down, and we'll go into the kitchen."
The residents were asleep, all that she heard were the rustle of crickets, and the odd, shrill noise of the cicadas. Even though it was a warm night, a hot cup of tea suited her needs. It made her feel as if she were at home. She had purchased Hugh's choice of tea, Earl Grey, when she knew he was to be here.
Hugh came down, dressed in his dark blue robe and silk pajamas, looking like the proper English gentlemen.
He said, "Now, this feels more like me. The ultra rich lifestyle of the St. Fleurs' made me feel like a hound in a dog show. Now that I have some money, I would like to think I will use it wisely, and not just to show off what material objects I able to afford."
"Of course, there is no question, the place is unique in its beauty."
"Jeffrey was the person who could get inside, and find things out. It will be more difficult now to find the truth. But hopefully through Emma, you may be able to uncover more than either Jeffrey or I could."
"I'll try to see Emma tomorrow before she gets bored with me and tosses me aside for the next new thing."
"And before these cases grow cold, and people are no longer open to the fact it could be murder."
Hugh added, yawning, "I'm very tired, but tomorrow, we must find a cozy place to have our midnight talks. I have missed them."
"If it is clear, I would enjoy sitting in the gazebo."
"Lovely. Sleep well, my friend. We'll do this together. Have faith," he said, as he embraced her, and wished her a peaceful night.
Monday morning found the Montgomerys', Madeline and Hugh partaking of their breakfast in the courtyard. It was slightly cooler, with wedgewood blue skies, and an abundance of hummingbirds dancing through the blooming flowers.
Emily stated, "Madeline, I'm not sure whether you will find this good news or not, but we received word from the inspector that he and Deputy St. John will be here today. He seemed confident that you would be pleased to hear what he has to say."
"Unless he has news of who attacked Jeffrey; I can't imagine that would be the case. I suppose I can hope for that scenario."
Edgar said, "I know you have an impression of our Mr. Davis as a clumsy man, who neglects his position. But, in this city, people respect the job he has done all these years. I would ask that you be careful with your comments about the man."
Madeline smiled, talking about things that would not offend Edgar, telling stories of the evening before, and how his peers loved Jeffrey.
Edgar and Emily narrated their memories of Jeff, and Edgar became calmer in tone.
Madeline added at the end, "I'm sure I will be anxious to hear whatever Mr. Davis has to say― any progress made in Jeffrey's case will be worth hearing.
"Hugh and I will be at the gazebo. Please inform us of his arrival."
"I've asked Frederick to deliver my note to Emma. I asked her to go horseback riding this afternoon. We'll see if she responds," said Hugh.
"Oh, I think we know how she'll respond. You made quite the impression on her, but, that is not surprising, you did with me, too."
Madeline had never complimented Hugh in such an intimate way before, and he turned to her with an unusual look upon his face.
"Have I reason to believe your feelings toward me have changed to one of a romantic nature?"
She kissed his cheek and said, "I have come a long way since I met you, and it's true I have thought of you differently than I once did. Perhaps in time, we may become even better friends."
Madeline deliberately made her statement vague but was aware that women found Hugh attractive. She wondered if she did not act if she would lose him forever. But, then there was Jonathan, who she also had great affection for. She would leave those thoughts for another day.
They saw Reggie coming towards them―with lemonade on a tray.
"Miss, I believe I saw Mr. Davis coming up the road," said Reggie.
"Thank you. We'll be right in," she said.
They sipped their refreshing drink for a moment, continuing to converse. She took his hand, squeezed it, and said, "I do hope we will learn something of importance."
Entering the foyer, Reggie stated, "They're waiting for you in the drawing room."
The Montgomerys', Inspector Davis and Deputy St. John were talking, and laughing, as old friends do, but stopped when Madeline and Hugh entered the room. It made her feel awkward and unwelcome.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Donovan," said the inspector.
"Good afternoon, Inspector, this is my good friend, Mr. Hugh Scott."
After introductions, Mr. Davis said, "Please, be sea
ted. I have news for you."
"Would anyone like a brandy?" asked Edgar.
The tension in the room created a unanimous acceptance of his offer. They sat for a moment, twirling their brandy snifters, while the inspector slowly lit his pipe, coughing several times, deliberately prolonging his announcement.
He walked around the room at length, settling himself near the fireplace, then turned to address his audience.
"I find myself in the unusual position of having to discuss the findings regarding the sudden death of yet another of our community's youth. It is a subject I find most distasteful―and one unlike any other―to my recollection.
"Mrs. Donovan was unfortunate enough to be present and witness the incident. Out of courtesy to her, I am here to divulge the facts before relaying the information to the various news chronicles.
"Deputy St. John and I thoroughly investigated the incident at St. Mark's Church. The personnel and witnesses were cooperative, and the pieces of the puzzle fell together rather quickly.
"It seems there is a hornet's nest a setting under the roof of the church. Father Paul said artifacts are missing, as well as some imported altar cloth from Italy. It's worth a tidy little sum. The other little beggars also stole the wine the priest's sell to help support the church. People purchase the wine for its unique flavor. The priests hand make the wine in the cellar of the church.
"The wine bottles you fell over at the tower, Madeline, were there for pick up by one of the thief's clients. Your black box filled with money, well, that was nothing but the payment for the wine.
"The disguised monk you saw was, most likely, caught in the act of picking up his stolen merchandise. Seeing Jeffrey, and most likely thinking he'd be caught―he lashed out at him―and the poor boy fell to his death. The arched opening was crumbling and in need of repair. There was no place for the boy to grip onto once he started to fall."
Madeline thought, in some alternate world, what the inspector said might make sense. If no other men were found dead, if there weren't the note, maybe she would buy what Mr. Davis was selling.
