Some Saints Prey (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 4)

by Madison Kent

  "I understand that you worry about me. If my boys were still here, I would feel the same, Father. But the police in this town, for some reason, have chosen to look the other way, and I think are doing a great injustice to the men who have lost their lives."

  "Well, you have allies now. We'll support you."

  She stopped to hug him, as they walked arm in arm, to the estate.

  When she saw Jonathan and Hugh, she asked that they accompany her to visit Fitz.

  Jonathan said, "I'm anxious to hear what the old boy has to say and to know more about this fascinating case."

  Madeline said as she entered his room, "Good morning, Fitz. Father tells me you are doing much better.

  "These are my friends, Jonathan Franks, and Hugh Scott. You met them briefly yesterday, but I don't know if you were well enough to remember them.

  "If you're feeling up to it, we've come to talk to you about what happened."

  Fitz replied, "I remember them―not their names―but I surely do know they carried me into the house, and I'm grateful to you.

  "There's not much more to tell than what I said yesterday. I don't know why someone would want to hurt me, or why they didn't rob me, not that I own much, but I do have some money I keep in a jar."

  Madeline offered, "Perhaps the person who hit you wanted to be certain you didn't see recognize them. Perhaps you were near to them."

  "I saw a few people near the ledge, but none that I could recall if someone should ask me. Yep, the person, must've been right near me. That's what happened, all right.

  "I'm glad they didn't kill me, and just knocked me out," the old man stated.

  Jonathan said, "There wouldn't have been any reason for them to harm you further, and bring the police into it. Although I must say, that might have been irrelevant given what I've learned about your police force."

  Hugh added, "There are many things that would give one pause to wonder about the actions of the police and the people of the city. It is more than curious, there's something to it, we just don't know what it is yet."

  "Yet―but we will find out somehow," said Madeline.

  The trio left Fitz and wandered outside to enjoy the lovely day, and stopped to sit in the gazebo.

  Hugh said, "Austin informed me yesterday that Matthew is no longer in the clutches of Davis. His father's lawyer intervened, but according to Austin, the inspector tends to pursue Matthew, for the thefts at the church, and for the death of Jeffrey."

  Madeline said, "I don't think he was honest about his part in it. I believe Father John when he said Matthew was there. Perhaps we can cajole Matthew into telling us what his part in this is."

  Jonathan said, "And perhaps we can go into the city for some shopping. If I am to attend a ball, I will need some formal clothing. I'm afraid I did not bring any."

  "Nor I, " said Hugh. "And we can take Jonathan to Palms Place."

  Jonathan replied, "Palms Place?"

  Hugh stated, "It's a tavern on the water―there's a breathtaking view of the ocean and a congenial atmosphere."

  "Fine," he replied.

  They went riding and had luncheon with her father before starting out on their journey to confront Matthew St. George. Her father had included morphine in his medical supplies, in the event, that she needed it for pain. After her father's injection, she felt more reassured and calm, and ready to face whatever obstacles lie in her path.

  Frederick drove them downtown to a tailor shop known for providing quick service; while the three friends reminisced about their initial meeting, and their time spent in London tracking Jack the Ripper.

  Jonathan commented as they concluded their business, "I can certainly see why people here find the idea of "murder" so distasteful. The downtown area looks more like a vacation retreat than any city I've ever visited. It's clean, peaceful and picturesque―there is no comparison to the hectic atmosphere of Chicago. It's so serene; that I think I could fall asleep on a bench right here in the heart of the city."

  Madeline said, "And I think Inspector Davis will continue to use his influence to keep that portrayal of the city alive―that no one commits crimes in this city."

  They continued to Matthew's home but were disappointed to find he was not there.

  Hugh said, "Then it's off to Palms Place―I insist on having a pleasant evening, free of confusion."

  It was nearly six when they made their way up the steps, and to the outdoor seating at the Palms.

  "What a beautiful view of the ocean. Of course, it's a little too quiet for me. But I certainly will remember this vision on a cold, snowy, winter night, and wish I were here," said Jonathan.

  As the evening progressed, the crowd continued to increase. They were still there at eight, when Matthew walked in, with two other men that she did not recognize.

  Before she could say anything, Hugh stated, "There's Matthew. I'll invite him and his friends to join us."

  Within a few minutes, only Matthew walked over and said, "I can only stay for a bit―my friends and I are meeting young ladies here shortly."

  After introductions, Jonathan said, "As a newspaper man, I can't help but ask you about your dealings with this Davis man. He seems to have a hold on you."

  Matthew replied, seeming insulted by what he said, "He's an arrogant, old fossil―been in charge for too long―should've been retired years ago. My lawyer has advised me not to speak to anyone about this, but I will tell you, the matters is nearly settled. Davis has no concrete evidence of any wrongdoing on my part.

  "I hope that is not the only reason you asked me over to your table, or I should be obliged to leave."

  Observing how insulted Matthew was by Jonathan's remark, they quickly withdrew from questioning Matthew any further―only speaking to him about the upcoming ball. He told them he did not receive an invitation, but given that Davis and Corinne were such good friends, he did not find this surprising.

  They parted amicably with Matthew and returned to the Montgomery's estate.

  The next day, Friday, was spent in preparation for the upcoming ball on Saturday. Fitz was well enough to come down to dinner. The infection on his foot had improved greatly, and the morphine Dr. Donovan gave him seemed to ameliorate his discomfort.

  At dinner, there was a great deal of excitement about attending the ball, and for the moment, there was no talk of murder. Dr. Donovan did not have anything suitable to wear, but Edgar lent him a tuxedo. While not a perfect fit, the seamstress was called to make adjustments.

  After adjourning to the drawing room; she played chess with her father while the gentlemen enjoyed the competition of billiards. Emily was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed playing for them, smiling the entire time, as if she were again at peace. Fitz remained with them, although he was not healed enough for activity, he sat contently in a velvet cushioned chair. Emily and Charlotte continued to pamper him, and he continued to enjoy it.

  When Madeline retired to her room, she sat for a long while at the window―for the first time in a while―thinking of nothing but the beautiful moon, and the black sky filled with starlight. She was again stirred by her feelings for both Hugh and Jonathan, wondering if anything would come of them. Perhaps now they become set in their roles of endearing friendship, and it would be awkward to evolve that mindset into one of romance. She thought, Who would I choose to marry if I were so fortunate that either would ask me? How could I possibly let go of one of these two men?

  Then she scolded herself for complicating the moment. It was more than enough to have Hugh and Jonathan as her dearest companions.

  And tomorrow, she would find a way to enter the guarded hall in the St. Fleur's estate.

  Saturday morning, the house was a brimming over with excitement―everyone busy with any last minute details that their attire required. The sun was streaming through her window, falling in shadows on her bedroom floor. The breeze fluttered her draperies causing them to appear like they were dancing. Emily had loaned her yet another dazzling frock, and her
nervous energy, waiting until the time when she could don her new clothing, was evident. The bath she had intended to soak in for at least an hour did not hold her for more than ten minutes.

  She walked alone through the grounds to dispel her agitation and settled at the gazebo for a time.

  They would be here at six, and by three, Charlotte was piling her hair high on her head, affixing a butterfly jeweled comb, at the back of her head. Her soft-hued, lavender dress was square cut in the front, forming a v to her waistline, with large puffed sleeves embroidered with dark purple contrasting lace. There were six tiers of taffeta silk that graced the gown, and she felt like a grand lady when she stepped into it.

  Madeline gracefully walked down the flight of steps and saw Hugh at the foot of the staircase. He was dressed impeccably, as always, and he looked so handsome, she faltered for a minute.

  "Madeline, how beautiful you are, I don't know if I've ever seen you look so stunning. I mean..."

  "Oh, no, I thank you for your compliment, and I agree. It is the second gown Emily has given to me, and I've nothing to compare to it. I can never thank her enough. For a few short hours, I will feel like a princess."

  He replied, smiling shyly, "Then may I be your prince for the evening?"

  "I think there is nothing I would like better, " she said, taking his arm.

  They would need two carriages tonight, necessitating both Reggie and Frederick to be at the reigns.

  Even though they promptly arrived at six, the ballroom hall was already filled with a large number of people. A multitude of chandeliers cast a lovely light against the gleaming ballroom floor. There were prominent displays of Confederate military uniforms, ball gown replicas from the Civil War, and other memorabilia in glass cases, for the attendees to view.

  Madeline pointed out Corinne to her father and Jonathan, and the latter said, "She doesn't look anything like what you described."

  The reason Jonathan observed this was because Mrs. St. Fleur truly looked amazing. She was smiling and moving through the crowd in a welcoming and warm manner.

  Madeline commented, "She doesn't look like it to me either. A ball such as this must be what brings her happiness―for a short time―reclaiming her Southern roots, before the horror of war destroyed her way of life forever. I've never seen her look so attractive. Usually, her face is so stern, and her lips so tight, she appears as if she didn't even know how to smile."

  Dr. Donovan said, "I hope I may get a chance to speak with her. It's like to hear her point of view, and what she thinks the future will hold for the South. As a died in the wool Yankee, I would find that fascinating. We look to be about the same age―but I'm sure that is about the only thing we have in common."

  Emily and Edgar, knowing most of the people in the room, moved away from their group and mingled, Emily looking radiant and happy.

  She had not seen anyone she recognized, except Mr. and Mrs. St. Fleur, until Winnie and Odean, the twin sisters she had previously met, arrived. They looked charming, and purely loveable in their matching deep burgundy Southern gowns, boasting large hooped skirts, with many ornate roses accenting their gowns. She decided she would make it a point to speak to them before the evening was over. Emma had not yet graced the ballroom, and Madeline wondered if it would be, Oliver or Austin, who would be Emma's escort. She knew Emma acted like such a child in so many ways and wondered if the young lady had any sense of how harmful her behavior was to the people around her.

  Her father, who immensely enjoyed socializing, and meeting new people, begged their pardon and left them. He said he would let the young people alone, and find someone to speak with that he could talk about the "old days".

  Jonathan said, "I've come to admire your father even more now that I know him better. He's a selfless man, whose life objective lies in healing and helping other people."

  Hugh added, "Yes, anyone would be fortunate to have a man like him for a father."

  She said, "And I never forget that for a moment. I don't think I could ever be as virtuous as my Father, but I never stop trying to, at least, walk in the shadow of his goodness."

  She took her two friends aside and said in a hushed tone, "Gentlemen, I must see what's behind that guarded hall, and tonight may be the only opportunity to do that. There should be enough commotion and noise that may allow me entrance, that is, your assistance."

  Jonathan asked, "What do you have in mind?"

  "I am hoping that the two of you can create enough of a distraction that I may slip behind the guards unnoticed. Of course, that will be the easier task than getting back out, but I hope I will discover another exit that will lead me back in without detection. If not, I can feign to be under the influence, and lost my way due to the pure ignorance of a poor Yankee. That might just satisfy the guards Southern arrogance enough for me to get away with the subterfuge.

  "I think the best time to attempt it would be directly after dinner when people are moving from the dining area to the ballroom."

  Hugh laughed and said, "Madeline, what is it you're looking for? Do you suspect her of making illegal alcohol, or having a gambling den?"

  Smiling, she said, "Honestly, I don't know. I can't imagine what she would have to hide, with all her wealth and power, there should be nothing. But my curious must be satisfied. Perhaps the Harrison brothers and their mysterious hotel, with all the hidden places, has influenced me into unrealistically thinking everyone has a deep, dark secret."

  Jonathan asked, "Do you see your inspector? He is the one I would like to meet."

  Madeline said, "Not yet, but I can't imagine that he would not make an appearance."

  The three perused the items on display from the Civil War, which included love letters from soldiers so poignantly written, that Madeline had to stop reading for fear that she would weep.

  Madeline suggested, "I would like to introduce both of you to the St. Alder sisters. They're the epitome of sweetness. Would that be agreeable?"

  The two men said "yes" virtually, in perfect harmony. Gratefully, she smiled at them, thinking again how wonderful they were. She was feeling light-headed from partaking of absinthe, and perhaps from the morphine her father had given her. Madeline thought, I don't remember when I've had such a feeling of well-being. I feel calm and resolute in my purpose.

  Approaching the sisters, Odean saw her first and said, "Madeline, we did so hope we would see you again before you returned to Chicago. Isn't it marvelous? Mrs. St. Fleur is a wonder, isn't she? I was just telling sister how fortunate we are for her to count us amongst her many friends."

  Madeline said, "I'm delighted to see you―how perfectly lovely you both look in those beautiful gowns. You are the picture of the gentile South I imagined as a child. Being a Northern, I have not had occasion to be in an area such as this before."

  Madeline introduced Hugh and Jonathan to them, and they giggled like school girls when the gentlemen kissed their hands. Then Winnie said,

  "I cannot imagine being born in the North―God was good to me and allowed my birth to be on ground where my loyalties will always be. Of course, no one knows more about that than our Corinne. I suppose if I had to pick one person who is a true Southern spirit, it is her. I mean, after all, no one embodies the cause more than she does. She is at the forefront of all our efforts."

  Odean interrupted her sister, grabbing her hand, squeezed it and said, "My sister means that Mr. and Mrs. St. Fleur represent something of the past―like tonight's ball, a refinement, and elegance that is unsurpassed."

  Madeline responded, "I can certainly see that, but what did you mean, Winnie, about the "cause"?"

  Once again Odean squeezed her sister's hand, and answered for her, "She meant, of course, Corinne's ongoing efforts with the orphans in our community. She has taken them under her wing these many years and given them a chance at life they would not have. She is a charitable soul if ever there was one."

  "But Odean, I meant..."

  "Oh, sister, never you mind what
you meant, you're not going to let these handsome men stand before you and not request a dance?"

  Hugh said, "It would certainly be my pleasure, Miss Winnie, if you will join me in a waltz?"

  Jonathan followed suit and asked Odean.

  As she watched them saunter onto the dance floor, the contrast in age and style was enchanting, and she wished she could paint them as they were, and capture the moment forever on canvas. While she was waiting, she saw Inspector Davis and Deputy St. John arrive. The flamboyant Davis and the timid St. John went immediately to the Confederate displays. She hoped they remained there until Hugh and Jonathan returned.

  The orchestra stopped playing, and she observed the servants announce dinner.

  Jonathan returned, and she said, "I think we may still have time for an introduction. That is the inspector and his deputy standing by the weapons display."

  They walked over to where the inspector was, and Madeline said, "Inspector Davis―Inspector, excuse me."

  But Mr. Davis continued speaking with St. John and behaved as if he did not hear her.

  Jonathan tapped him on the shoulder and said, "Sir, I'm Jonathan Franks, a reporter from the New York Times."

  This time, he turned and said, "Good heavens, Lord have mercy, has the news spread so far. Inspector Davis, William Jefferson Davis―named after our president―nice to make your acquaintance, young man."

  Madeline turned her head so the inspector would not see her smiling at his arrogance. She thought, Does he believe the New York Times has sent a reporter to interview him? Jonathan certainly knows human nature and how to get one's attention.

  Jonathan aptly responded, "I'm in town on another matter. However, after hearing about your stellar reputation, the recent events, and you're solving the cases so quickly, I felt compelled to meet such a distinguished gentleman like yourself―an honor, sir."