Adora stepped closer. “His wife was not in the military,” she whispered.
“His...wife?” Chills ran up Vicky’s arms and down her back. “He killed his wife?”
Nodding, Adora’s fingers toyed with the handle of the satchel. “He did, but his mind blocked it out.”
“Then how, pray tell, do you know he did it?” Vicky asked as irritation grew inside of her. If she didn’t know better, she would think that Adora was purposely trying to break Vicky’s heart.
The maid sighed as she moved to sit on the edge of the bed. “Cole was ill and had a high fever. He and Rebecca argued and she stormed out of his room. He followed her and pushed her down the stairs. Her neck broke, and she died.” Sadness encased Adora’s expression. “He watched her fall, and then he turned and walked back into his room.” She touched the tip of her finger to the corner of each eye as though she was crying. “He was delirious for a few days, and when the fever left him, he didn’t recall pushing her down the stairs.”
Vicky’s lips grew dry, so she licked them. “Perhaps it was an accident,” she said timidly.
The slow motion of Adora’s head shaking back and forth made Vicky sick to her stomach.
“No. All of us could see his dislike for Rebecca when he returned home after being injured. They yelled at each other constantly. Cole accused Rebecca or coddling the servants, and Rebecca accused Cole of being a cold-hearted husband who had no feelings.”
“But...” Vicky swallowed hard. “They only married for money, correct?”
“Yes.”
“So then why would Rebecca feel Cole should love her?”
Adora shrugged. “I’m only telling you what I’d heard that night before he pushed Rebecca down the stairs and killed her.”
“No, I cannot believe it.” Vicky moved away from the maid, trying to rub away the pound in her forehead. “I think this was probably an accident. Cole doesn’t have a temper.”
“You are wrong,” Adora answered too quickly. Her eyes grew wider. “Toppy’s death is because of...Cole.”
The servant’s words were like pointy ice chips being thrown all over her—very cold and sharp. Vicky couldn’t believe it. She wouldn’t believe it. And yet, the maid’s serious expression made Vicky’s thoughts halt. Had she really known Cole? She knew only what she saw him do and say. They hadn’t known each other very long, so perhaps he was showing her the man he wanted her to see, instead of the man he really was.
“How do you know this?” Vicky asked with a squeak in her voice.
“Earlier, Cole had caught Toppy and two other servants gambling. He ordered them out of the house. When they didn’t leave as quickly as Cole had wanted, he helped them out. Toppy was struck in the head during the process.”
“But,” Vicky shook her head, “that could have been accidental.”
“Miss Owens,” Adora said with a whine in her voice, “let me remind you that I’ve known Major Baldwin a lot longer, and I can assure you, he has a temper. Today with Toppy was not an accident.”
As hard as Vicky’s heart tried to convince her that Cole was not the monster the maid had painted him out to be, Vicky’s mind reasoned that she didn’t know him at all. He very well could be violent, and he indeed could have killed Rebecca and Toppy. Her eyes stung with unshed tears, but she didn’t want to release them in front of this servant.
“Will you be able to take me to Baroness Baldwin’s estate so I can begin my new job?” Vicky asked with a shaky voice.
Adora nodded. “Yes. Cole has me take things to his mother all the time.”
Vicky’s throat became tight. “Splendid. I shall be ready within the half hour.”
The maid rushed out of the room, closing the door behind. Vicky’s legs were shaky as she packed the few belongings she had. The thought still hung in her head that if Cole’s temper could kill two people on his estate, would he still be trustworthy to pay Murphy the money today as promised? Or would Vicky’s sister be sold to slave traders?
Finally, the tears fell down her cheeks. She curled on the bed and waited for the time she’d leave this place. Her heart wrung with sadness and confusion, but she must think of her sister now and do what was best for Annette.
Nothing else mattered.
TORI HAMPTON CROUCHED behind a cluster of bushes as she peered across the yard toward Grand View. Every minute or so, she peeked behind her to make certain nobody could see her spying on the estate. Thankfully, she’d been out here for what seemed three hours without being spotted.
Finally, the very person she waited for exited the manor and climbed up into a wagon being driven by one of Major Baldwin’s maid’s. Excitement bubbled inside of Tori as Miss Owens drove away from the house. Very soon, Tori wouldn’t have to worry about the other woman getting in her way again.
Tori moved carefully to her horse and using the tree stump near the animal to help her, she mounted. As she shifted in the saddle, she grinned. So far things were working out according to plan. Now that Miss Owens wasn’t living at Grand View, it would be easier for Tori to finish her revenge and finally obtain her mother’s money.
Earlier, Tori had convinced the disgusting man, Barclay Murphy, to talk to Major Baldwin. When Murphy reports back at the manor today at ten o’clock to collect his money, he will do what he can to break the major’s other leg.
A chuckle bubbled up inside of her. Poor Major Cole Baldwin would be useless, and in great need of her help. Once she wormed her way inside the manor, she would slowly kill the major, just as she’d ended her poor husband’s life. Arsenic came in handy, especially at tea time.
Tori urged the horse into a trot as she followed the wagon taking Miss Owens to Baroness Baldwin’s estate. Tori would keep the distance between her and the wagon, because she definitely didn’t need them seeing her now. Because servants love to gossip, Tori knew about the clause attached to the Baldwin’s estate.
Killing Miss Owens was a must, now. First off, Tori couldn’t have the lovely young woman returning to help Major Baldwin in his time of need, and she certainly couldn’t have Miss Owens arriving at the Baldwin’s estate to start her new duties, either. Tori wanted Cole to suffer in every way. He’d rue the day he decided to take advantage of Tori’s wealthy mother.
She glanced up at the sky. The journey would probably take Miss Owens and the servant a few hours, Tori was certain. But unfortunately, the young woman wouldn’t make it there alive. In another hour, Murphy would be coming to collect his money from Major Baldwin. Everything would go as planned, which meant, by suppertime, she’d be in charge of Grand View. Just as it should have been in the first place.
Tori gripped her fingers around the reins, urging the horse slightly faster. She’d lived a sad life, and it was finally time fate smiled on her for once. As a young girl, Rebecca had sent her away to boarding school. Tori’s older brother attended Eton. At first, her mother came to see her, and she was sent home during the summers. It didn’t take long for the visits to become few and far between. Of course that was when Rebecca had married Cole Baldwin. When Tori realized her mother didn’t want her around, that’s when Tori looked for a man—any man—who would marry her and take her away from a loveless mother.
Malcom Hampton had been older than her by ten years, but at least he wanted to marry her. Tori convinced herself this would be all right. However, he drank too much, and he became violent. After a year of marriage, she knew she wanted out. Unfortunately, it still took several more years before she became desperate enough to want to end his life.
She enjoyed being a widow because it gave her more freedom. And it gave her more power to do what she needed to do.
She peered in the direction Miss Owens and the maid had driven. Tori smiled. Perhaps Adora would be of some use to Tori, after all. She knew how to blackmail, and now she knew something about the maid that could get her sent to the gaol. Poor Toppy. He hadn’t even seen the maid raise the shovel and smack him over the head. Indeed, Adora would do anything t
o keep from going to prison.
Tori spotted the wagon. Her heartbeat quickened with anticipation. Miss Owens was a petite woman, and Tori was certain she could wrap her fingers around the younger woman’s neck and squeeze the life right out of her.
She’d have to hurry with her plans soon. Major Baldwin’s mother’s estate wasn’t very far. Tori couldn’t end Miss Owen’s life on the other estate. In fact, Tori would have Adora dump the body into the river so nobody could find it.
Tori diverted her horse onto another path toward the Baldwin estate. She needed to get in front of the wagon in order to accomplish what she needed.
Maneuvering the animal around bushes and trees, she pushed the horse faster. Up ahead, the path wound back toward the main road. On the other side of the road, not far from her, was a ravine with a deep slope. This spot would be perfect for her plan.
She stopped her horse and jumped off. After securing the reins around the trunk of a tree, she went in search of a weapon. Immediately, she saw the thick broken branch lying on the ground. Grinning, she snatched it up and rushed through the trees toward the road, purposely allowing the branches to scratch her and rip her clothes. Once she reached the road, she stopped to await the wagon carrying the other Victoria and the murderous maid.
When the wagon came into view, she moved her arm holding the weapon behind her, trying to keep it hidden from the others. Just as she planned, the wagon slowed. The women’s eyes were directly on Tori. She would pretend to be injured and weak. That would be the only way the other women would jump out of the wagon to come to her aid.
Nothing would stop her this time. Her goal was within reach, and soon Grand View would be hers!
THIRTEEN
Cole wearily entered the manor. His hands were covered in blood, as well as sections of his clothes. His gut clenched. Seeing Toppy’s lifeless body would be forever branded in Cole’s mind. Who could have hated Toppy enough to kill him?
Gunter and Samuel carried Toppy to the barn to take care of him and ready him for burial. Sadness was etched in their expressions, nearly breaking Cole’s heart.
He stopped in the middle of the corridor and sighed. He wasn’t prepared for this, and for a brief moment, he didn’t feel mentally strong enough to handle it. He shook his head as an inner voice inside of him commanded him to take control. He was the master of the manor. He’d been in the military and witnessed much more than just one person killed.
Straightening his shoulders, he inhaled deeply and resumed his walk into the house. Servants stood together in several clusters throughout the hallway. Their red, swollen eyes were testament of their grieving. But sadness wasn’t the expression on everyone’s faces. Instead, several of the servants glared at him in malice.
Confused, he scowled. Did they blame him for Toppy’s death just because last night Cole had released some of the servants? He groaned and scrubbed his fingers through his hair. It appeared that there would be more servants to release from their duties today. He’d had enough of their judgmental stares. He had not killed Rebecca, and certainly had not killed Toppy.
Reynolds stepped toward Cole, wearing a stern expression.
“Forgive me, but you have a visitor.”
“A visitor?” Cole shook his head, wondering who could possibly be paying him a visit at this time of the morning.
“Yes, Sir. It’s the same burly man who was here last night.”
Inwardly, Cole groaned. Barclay Murphy. “Where is he?”
“I showed him into the drawing room, Sir.”
“Fine. Keep him there. Tell him I need to wash up and change before I meet him.”
“Yes, Sir.” Reynolds turned and stepped toward the drawing room.
Grumbling under his breath, Cole hurried up the stairs, taking two at a time, even if it made his leg ache. He rushed into his bedchamber and directly went to the wash basin. With Murphy downstairs, Cole didn’t have time to take a full bath.
He poured the water into the basin before plunging his hands into the cool liquid. He took the brick of soap and scrubbed it over the dried blood. As his hands became clean, the water turned a dark red.
“Sir?”
Cole snapped his gaze toward the open door. His valet, Jensen, stood, wringing his hands against his middle. Out of all of the servants, Tim Jensen was the only servant Cole had hired himself after he returned from being injured in the war. He prayed he could trust this man over all the other servants.
“Yes, Jensen.”
“Would you like me to help you change clothes?”
“Indeed, I would. I have a visitor, and I’m most eager to give him the money and send him on his way.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Jensen, a short, middle-aged man with a round belly, waddled to retrieve Cole’s clothes. The brown, thin patch of hair on top of his head, flipped with his movements.
“Jensen, by chance, do you know if Vicky is still in her room?”
The servant’s eyes widened and his face lost color. “No, she’s not.”
“Do you know where she is?”
“Yes. She has left the manor.”
Cole dried his hands on a towel as he studied his valet. He didn’t like the way the servant acted so nervous as his gaze shifted from Cole to around the room. “Why did she leave? I instructed her to stay.”
Jensen shrugged. “I can’t tell you why, Sir, but she left with Adora.”
Frustration surged through Cole and he clenched his jaw. Why had Vicky chosen to ignore his wishes? And why was Jensen acting so jittery about it? Of course, since Adora was involved, Cole suspected he already knew the reason for Jensen’s response.
“Do you know where they went?” Cole asked in a clipped tone.
Jensen shook his head. “No, but Vicky had a couple of satchels with her. She appeared to be leaving the manor for good.”
Cole swore under his breath as he yanked off his waist-coat and cravat. “Help me change, quickly. There’s no time to waste. I need to find Vicky.”
“Sir? What about the man downstairs who is waiting to speak with you?”
“I’ll deal with him momentarily, but I must find Vicky.”
No other words were exchanged as Jensen assisted Cole with his clothes. Within ten minutes, Cole was dressed. Before he left his room, he moved to his gun cabinet and pulled out a pistol. He didn’t trust Murphy, and Cole would make certain he was protected. He stuffed the weapon inside his coat pocket as he made his way down the stairs. When he came to the drawing room, Barclay Murphy stood by the door with his arms folded across his beefy chest, glaring at Cole. In one of Murphy’s hands, he clutched a gentleman’s weathered walking stick.
“Ye took enough time gettin’ here.”
“Forgive me for interrupting your day, but one of my servants was murdered this morning. I thought that more important than dealing with you.”
Murphy narrowed his glare on Cole. “Do ye have my money?”
“Of course I have it. However, I’m not going to give it to you, yet. I have an offer to make you, first.”
“Offer?” Murphy’s bushy eyebrow lifted.
“Yes. Miss Owens has gone missing. One of the maids took her. I will pay you to help me find her.”
In silence, Murphy stared at Cole as he rubbed his whiskered chin. Cole figured a greedy bugger like this would jump on the chance to make more money.
“How much money?” Murphy asked.
“One hundred pounds.”
“Five hundred pounds.”
Cole shook his head. “Two hundred pounds, and that’s my final offer.”
Murphy grumbled. “Fine. I’ll do it.” He made a move to step toward the door, but then stopped and motioned his hand in front of him. “You first.”
Cole stepped ahead of the man, but an odd sensation rushed over him, causing the hairs on the back of his neck to stand. Something wasn’t right. The evil gleam in Murphy’s eyes, and the snicker in his voice made Cole very cautious. Perhaps hiring him wasn’t th
e wisest idea, but Cole was desperate. He’d do anything to find Vicky.
Slowly, he slid his hand into his pocket and wrapped his fingers around the pistol. Cole listened closely to the man’s footsteps behind him, becoming more alert with each step. Why wasn’t the man using his walking stick? It sounded as though he carried it because the click of the stick didn’t resound on the marbled floor. Strange, but Cole could also detect the rhythm of the man’s breathing. For some reason, his breaths seemed to increase the closer they came to the front door. Indeed, something wasn’t right.
Just then, Murphy’s footsteps increased, and his footfalls on the floor grew louder. Cole whipped around, bringing his pistol with him as he aimed it at the man. Stopping in his tracks, Murphy’s arm was raised with the walking stick. Cole clicked the pistol, preparing it to fire.
“You make one more move, and you’re a dead man,” Cole said with a steady voice.
Murphy didn’t move, except for his wide eyes that switched back and forth between Cole and the pistol. Sweat broke out across the man’s tanned skin. Slowly, he lowered his arm.
“You thought to do me harm?” Cole shook his head. “What are you about? Did you come here for Vicky’s money or not?”
“Originally, yes.”
“But now you want to injure the man who is going to pay you? Do you not have any smarts at all?”
The glare in the other man’s eyes darkened. “I am smart. Someone else just offered me more money, that’s all.”
“Someone offered you money to hurt me?”
Murphy nodded. “To break your other leg.”
Confusion filled Cole, once more. “Someone hired you to break my leg?”
“Yes.”
“How much money did they promise you?”
“A lot more than you offered.”
Cole rolled his eyes. “Who is this person?”
Sweet Memories Page 13
