Some Saints Prey (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 4)

by Madison Kent

  It was mid-afternoon, after stopping for luncheon, Madeline requested a detour into the downtown area. She said, "

  "Hugh, I would like a new hat and gloves. I suppose I am seeking a little boost to my mental health. Do you mind?"

  "Not at all―and afterward, we shall stay out of the rain, and retreat to the Palms Place."

  She replied, "Yes, I would like that."

  Madeline thought of their dinner at the St. Fleur's and knew it was just what she needed, to pamper herself. She had been very careful in spending the money the St. Fleur's had paid her. However, after the distress she had felt from the incident at the pier, she felt it was time to indulge herself.

  She purchased a Dahlia blue, wide-brimmed, floral hat, along with a nosegay of matching flowers to pin at her petite waist. The simple act sparked her feeling of good-will and reignited her purpose to finding Jeffrey's killer.

  Arriving at Palms Place, Hugh said, "I see the rain has brought the beach goers inside―it's rather crowded today."

  Madeline and Hugh returned to the intimate area in the back of the tavern where they found Emma and Oliver already seated.

  Oliver said, "I see we must have had the same idea―nothing lovelier, on a rainy day, than a private niche where you can still observe the beautiful view. But you must observe it from the inside with a good bourbon to warm you inside."

  Emma sat demurely next to him; her gloved hand placed over his. She was behaving differently than normal, letting Oliver take the lead, and doing very little talking.

  Hugh said, "May we join you?"

  Oliver replied, "We were just about to leave, but, please do."

  Emma said, "Oliver told me about what happened to you―I don't know if it something like that happened to me if I could survive. It does seem a man's job, these things. Did it make you think of relinquishing this role as an amateur sleuth?"

  Madeline replied, "I'd like to think I am more than an amateur, but no, I don't think I would ever give it up now. It's exciting, a difficult puzzle to be solved, and when you do, it's most gratifying. When you see the faces of those that have discovered the truth about their loved ones, it is a very satisfying feeling.

  "We've just seen Lonnie's family―soon―I hope I will be able to offer her that same solace of knowing the truth of what happened to her boy."

  Emma replied sarcastically, "It seems rather juvenile, thinking you can do something the police cannot. It must take quite an ego to believe that."

  Madeline could feel the men staring at her, waiting for her rebuttal.

  "As a matter of fact, it feels wonderful to be doing something that is traditionally a man's job, and having some success at it. I think it is a noteworthy profession for either gender."

  Emma stated, "Oh, there are too many dances to attend, and exotic places to travel to, for me to understand someone who would like such a thing as you are doing.

  "I'm bored, Oliver, and there is that dinner party tonight. I suppose we must go. The only thing that will not make it insufferable is that you will be there, Hugh."

  Emma touched Hugh's hand and said, "I begged Mother to have you to dinner. I would like you to see so much more of the estate; my Father has many interesting collections. You have such a keen eye for fine things; there's no one I more enjoy talking to about the European imports. You have such knowledge that others do not."

  She concluded glancing backward at Oliver as if directing her words at him.

  Oliver looked at Madeline and shook his head as if resigned to her insulting behavior. She thought, Is there something to it that he wants to marry this arrogant, obnoxious girl for her money? Why would a man like Oliver desire such a creature? Perhaps it's true that he is over his head in debt and is forced to pursue her. It seems her primary assists are her beauty and her money.

  She looked over at Hugh, who was now the recipient of Emma's fawning behavior. If Madeline didn't know better, she might think he was enjoying himself―maybe he was. Perhaps men are not as adept at seeing through a woman like Emma, and this is why so many have fallen into her net.

  Chapter Twelve

  The Confederacy

  After Oliver and Emma had left, they remained for a short while later.

  She said, "You seemed to be enjoying yourself with Emma?"

  Hugh replied, "Did you think so? It's curious that even while I know what she's doing, the warmth of her charm breezes over you like a soft wind. And some of the nonsense lands on you, despite your shaking it off. I suppose it is human nature. I'm so happy you are not like that, Madeline."

  Madeline listened to what he had to say and wasn't sure it was complimentary. She was not adept at all at the art of seduction―if she thought of romance at all―she tended to feel guilty rather than aroused. She wondered if she had ever behaved that way towards Russell, she no longer remembered, but perhaps, she may have employed some of Emma's theatrics.

  Hugh said, "I took your lead and did not mention the shooting."

  "I'd hope you wouldn't. I want to leave that tidbit for our dinner party tonight. I'd like to see the St. Fleur's reaction, especially since they are of the same notion as Davis, that these incidents are isolated and not a threat to the community."

  He observed, "I've beginning to have my suspicions about Oliver. Why would he tolerate someone like Emma?"

  He hesitated for a moment, then added, "I retract that statement―money and power are as addictive as opium―and I think he would like both."

  The rain had now become a tropical storm, lightning sliced through the sky, and the wind pulled on their carriage, as they returned to the Montgomery's home.

  After she had bathed, she felt refreshed, and had asked Charlotte to come and sweep her hair into a knot, and decorate it with jeweled hair pins.

  Charlotte said, "Your new hat is quite beautiful, Miss. Will you still wear it on this rainy day?"

  "Oh, yes, Charlotte. It will ameliorate the gloom of the sky, and it will make me step a little lighter if I feel lovely. And I think I need to feel lovely when I am at the St. Fleur's home―it is an intimidating place to be."

  Moving down the winding staircase, Hugh was the first to see her.

  "Madeline, that hat certainly suits you. You look quite beautiful."

  "Thank you, and for being here. It will make the evening so much more pleasant."

  Through everything they had experienced, she and Hugh had remained great friends, the only other person who completed their friendship circle was Jonathan Franks. She had thought of him many times these last few days and would write to him tonight.

  They took two carriages, in the event that Edgar and Emily might wish to remain longer than Madeline and Hugh. Reggie was their driver tonight. Reggie was more likely to be open about his opinion and was not at all reticent about speaking his mind. She enjoyed his company.

  Madeline said, "Reggie, I expect you to be my eyes and ears tonight and help me discover anything that might be amiss. Take nothing for granted. I've brought a notebook for you to write in that you may keep and use for conveying your thoughts about these cases. You know these men, as well as anyone in the community."

  Reggie said, "I'd be proud too, Miss, and no one will suspect I'm keeping a watchful eye on them. I won't let you down."

  She said, "I knew you wouldn't, my friend. I hope we shall both have a productive evening."

  They walked into the dining area, and to her surprise the placement cards seated Hugh on one side of Corinne St. Fleur, and Madeline next to her husband. She thought It will be a challenge to see who'll get more information from whom. We shall see if the older and wiser, or the younger and cunning, get the best of one another.

  Oliver and Emma entered, Emma saying, "It will be an intimate gathering, according to mother, just the eight of us. I can't remember when mother invited so few people to dinner. She seems most content when there are a hundred people frolicking in noisy gaiety. One can barely hear the person next to them talking during these events. It is more
to my liking."

  Madeline asked, "Will Austin be present tonight?"

  She replied, "I invited my fine friend, but he said he would only be able to join us for drinks later."

  Perhaps it wasn't socially correct to ask, but she was anxious to stir emotions, and try to bring to the surface what was truly going on behind the veiled remarks everyone hid behind.

  "Hugh," Emma said, "I hope you will join me again for a tour of the estate. I will take you to the Southern end of the building, where mother's treasures adorn the shelves."

  Mrs. St. Fleur arrived and said, "I insist we go together. I'd like our guest to feel free to walk about the estate and view the areas that interest them most. We have one room that boasts my husband's trophies from Africa. He is a consummate hunter, the finest in these parts. This gallery may be of interest to the men, and perhaps the women, if they have the stomach for that sort of thing. Myself, I find it nothing short of divine, man's ability to conquer the most savage of creatures.

  "It is what we do, tame the unruly, make them conform to a conservative society that is for the good of us all. There can be no prouder ambition than to set things right that have gone wrong."

  Madeline made mental notes of what she said. Her remarks showed clearly how she had lived her life, and how Corinne, the indomitable, had created her persona in St. Augustine.

  Dinner consisted of exotic entrees that included octopus, snake and boar's meat. Madeline tried not to call attention to herself by not eating any of it, so she ate as much as her jumping stomach would allow.

  Hugh, once again surprising her, seemed to relish something new that he had not experienced before and was very complimentary to his hosts.

  Corinne said, "Thank you, Mr. Scott, it's good to see an Englishman at peace in a Southerner's home. It was not so many years ago; that could not have been."

  Hugh added, "It is good that all the wars are over. Your Civil War decimated your beautiful country, and it is only with the great effort of people like yourself that it has flourished and returned to the grand state it is now."

  "It does not seem to us at times, that the war is over. There remain so many injustices," she said, touching the Confederate flag that stood against the wall behind her.

  "You will attend our Confederate Ball. We do it once every year to remind us of our treasured heritage, our fashions, and what we hold dear. It is the celebration of the season, and most look forward to it as much as the Christmas holiday. All faiths attend, so it is a community bonding―a grand time for all. It will be this coming Saturday; I'm surprised our Emma hasn't spoken of it."

  "Mother, not all of St. Augustine finds the Confederate Ball to be a suitable festival, some take offense to it."

  Corinne replied, "Heavens, they should move from the state, whatever few of them there are living in this city. Florida will always be a Confederate-sympathizing state, it is the will of the people. Certainly, Austin's family believes that, and they are a power in the Senate. They know how the state leans."

  Madeline watched Oliver as he stared at Emma's mother. It certainly seemed like a veiled comment, as to who she preferred to one day be her son-in-law.

  Oliver replied, "My family is in alliance with you, Mrs. St. Fleur. My grandfather was a prominent figure in the Civil War. He was in Stonewall Jackson's regiment. We proudly display his medals in our library."

  Mr. St. Fleur said, "Yes, I remember your grandfather―a fine soldier. He would take us boys out into the wilderness, teach us to shoot, and to tell us war stories. I think he knew President Davis."

  Emma interrupted, "Father, I don't believe it's considered appropriate to refer to him as "the president." I believe it was the honorable Mr. Lincoln who held that title."

  "In name only, child, Jefferson Davis will always be our president. President Davis knew us, identified with our Southern ways and beliefs―our love of the land. Inspector Davis has the privilege and honor to boast a direct lineage to him―did you know that?"

  Emma replied, "Oh, yes, Father, he has made that known to us since we were children."

  They continued the conversation at length talking about the "cause" lost to them, and the hopes that someday the South would return to its full glory. Madeline had never observed Mrs. St. Fleur in such good humor. She robustly continued speaking about her beloved ancestors, and the cotton plantation they lost in the war. She spoke of her family with great pride, and how they still struggled with debt. However, with the St. Fleur's financial support, they were able to live a modest life.

  When Corinne spoke about the love of her family and her state, albeit, the Confederate state she wished it was, Madeline thought that she seemed likable. It showed a side of her Madeline had not seen before.

  After they had enjoyed a glass of fine champagne, Corinne and Jean requested the guests accompany them through parts of the estate. Jean was anxious to have Oliver and Hugh see the heads of the animals he had slain, including that of an Indian tiger. His fortune had allowed him the luxury to dabble in such things as big game hunting. He said Corinne had encouraged his escapades into Africa, for it let her redecorate the estate in peace without him underfoot.

  They followed, and Corinne said, "You can see we had hired extra staff to transform the main ballroom's style to reflect the year 1860 before the terrible war began. It shall be all grandeur and panache, a celebration any Southern would be proud of."

  Hugh and Madeline relaxed their pace so that they could fall behind, and talk quietly amongst themselves.

  He said, "This will give you an opportunity to look for hidden doors like at the Harrison," he quipped.

  The Harrison Hotel was a place they had both investigated. In the mysterious building, was an alternate existence behind secret passageways.

  "I know you think I'm thinking of the hotel, and that no such areas exist here. You may be right, but I'd still love to wander about the construction sites to see if it might be true."

  As they walked, Madeline made mental notes of the areas she saw that she thought looked suspicious. One particular area, which had two servants standing guard, was of interest to her. There were other sites where the dust fell like rain and had many workers afoot. But this one, a hall, adjacent to the library looked to be relatively undisturbed. She wondered why it would need the two men prohibiting entry into the hallway. She pointed it out to Hugh.

  "You're right," he commented, "that is odd. Perhaps they have something valuable stored there. But, I agree with you, I'd like to know what's back there."

  After seeing several areas, including a gallery room, that was filled with paintings by famous artists, they retired to the drawing room.

  Mrs. St. Fleur said to Madeline, "I see you also enjoy a glass of absinthe. It has been a favorite of mine for a while―it has a lovely, sweet taste.

  "You must come to the Confederate Ball if you are still in town."

  "Thank you, that is most kind. We will certainly attend, and hope Hugh's shoulder heals by then."

  Madeline had decided not to mention the shooting at the estate at dinner, feeling Edgar and Emily might object. She also did not wish to interrupt Corinne's narrative.

  Corinne responded, "Did your young man have an accident?"

  "I wish that were all it was. An intruder on the Montgomery's property took a shot at him. Fortunately, the bullet barely grazed his shoulder. I'm sure he will make a full recovery, but he is in pain."

  "An intruder―does the inspector know of this? Did the person try to break into the estate?"

  Hugh replied, "We told Deputy St. John, and the inspector had planned to see us, but we received a note stating he had injured his ankle. He wished for us to come to the station instead.

  "We caught the shooter on the grounds, tucked into a group of pines, where it appeared he had set up something of a camp."

  Corinne replied, "Oh, a tramp. By now, he's probably escaped via one of the trains bound for Cuba. I'm sure you've no longer need to worry about him. They are a nuisan
ce, but usually harmless, looking to bed down for the night, and perhaps partake of some stolen fruit.

  "Now, have another drink. There's Austin just coming in to join us," she concluded.

  Oliver and Emma were standing close enough to overhear what Hugh said. They waved Austin over, and Emma said, "Austin, you must hear what happened?"

  Austin replied, "Let me get my bearings, and a glass of cognac before springing any more unwanted news on me. The rain has chilled me. Will you join me by the fireplace?"

  Madeline thought Austin looked more handsome now that he was disheveled. His damp windswept, burnished gold hair fell in tendrils about his face. Cheeks stained with rain, and his face brightened with a pinkish glow from exhilaration, made her wish she could have him sit for a portrait. She thought I wonder if silly Emma has any comprehension of the how fine the men are who seek her hand in marriage. Of course, assuming neither is a murderer.

  When Austin had a bourbon in his hand, and his pipe ready, he asked Hugh to begin.

  He stood to speak, and his audience moved nearer to him.

  He retold the story while Madeline tried to glean any information from their facial expressions. No one looked shocked and appeared more surprised and interested in what he had to say.

  Emma said, "I love a mystery. What could the person have wanted? They were there even while you slept? Oh, how eerie?"

  Oliver said, "It seems the mystery to all of this may lay at the footsteps of St. Mark's Church. This business of disguising oneself as a monk, whoever it is must have access to the church or the Abbey. They must have some connection; it just seems too coincidental otherwise."

  Emma asked, "But what would that have to do with Clifford's death?"