Maggie gave Detective Blanchard the list of events and information she had recorded during her search.
He took a few minutes to read through the pages, then he looked up and met Maggie’s gaze. “This is a good bit of detective work, Miss Lounsbury.” His mustache rose on one side, giving a hint of a smile. “I’d better be careful or you’ll be taking my job away from me.”
“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that. I only wanted to find out who was responsible for what happened to my family. I have no desire to solve any other mysteries.”
Detective Blanchard flipped through the pages once more, then glanced at Maggie again. “May I take these?”
“Yes, please.” Her heart lifted as she watched him slip her notes into his inside jacket pocket. It made her proud to know he appreciated her work and thought it would be useful in the investigation.
Detective Blanchard rose and turned to Nate. “I think we have all the information we need now. We’ll be in touch if we have any more questions.”
Maggie blinked. Were they leaving so soon? What would happen to Helen and Roland Dixon? Ever since Maggie had read her father’s journal, she’d been driven to make sure those who were responsible for the boat going down were held to account, but her attitude toward Helen had softened since their confrontation with Dixon and Helen’s change of heart.
Maggie stood and faced the detectives, determination coursing through her. “I hope you’ll do all you can for Mrs. Harcourt. She may have been wrong to hide her past all these years, but I don’t believe she intended to harm my parents or sister.”
Nate looked her way, his eyes shining with approval.
Detective Blanchard tucked his notebook and pencil into his pocket. “My job is to investigate the case, interview the witnesses, and collect the evidence. The prosecutor for the Crown will decide who will be charged.”
Maggie bit her lip and glanced at Nate. They both hoped Helen would not face criminal charges, but it was not up to them any longer.
The detective seemed to notice her concern. “I will say this, Miss Lounsbury. Shortly after Dixon’s arrest, he confessed to drilling a hole in the boat’s hull. He also told us Mrs. Harcourt knew nothing about his plans.”
Maggie released a breath. “I’m so glad.”
“You can expect she’ll be called as a witness at the trial.”
Nate’s brow creased. “I don’t suppose there is any way to keep my stepmother’s past and the blackmail private?”
Detective Blanchard stroked his mustache. “I doubt that, sir. It will probably be in the newspaper sooner rather than later, but I wouldn’t worry. Dixon’s confession overshadows it all. Knowing she was being blackmailed by him, along with her injury, should put Mrs. Harcourt in a sympathetic light.”
“Yes, I suppose so.” Nate thanked the detectives and shook their hands, then the two men walked out of the library. Clara and Owen followed them into the great hall.
Maggie turned to Nate. “I think that went well.”
“Yes, better than I expected.” He stepped toward her, a teasing glint lighting his eyes. “They seemed very impressed with all the information you collected. Perhaps you should reconsider your future plans.”
She lifted her chin and matched his tone. “I suppose I could do some private investigation work when we’re not too busy at the millinery shop.”
Nate’s lips twitched. “That wasn’t exactly what I was thinking.”
Her heartbeat quickened. “What did you have in mind?”
He looked past her shoulder, and his grin faded.
“What is it, Nate?”
“I’m sorry. There’s more I want to say, but if I don’t leave soon, I’ll be late for that meeting with Samuelson.” He frowned at the clock, then looked back at her, a plea for understanding in his eyes.
“Of course,” she said, pushing away her disappointment. Then an idea struck, and she looked his way again. “I could stay here while you go to Heatherton. That would give me time to look in on Clara and Helen, and when you come back, we could continue our conversation.” She had something more in mind, but she would rather let that be a surprise.
Relief flashed across his face. “Yes, please stay.”
Her smile returned. “All right. I will.”
“Thank you.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek, then turned and strode out of the library.
She lifted her hand and touched her cheek, and a prayer rose in her heart. Please, Father, go with him, guide his steps, and give him Your wisdom.
Maggie climbed the stairs and walked down the upper hallway toward Helen’s bedroom. She stopped by the door, gathered her courage, and knocked twice. She wasn’t quite sure what she would say, but she had the strongest impression she should speak to Helen.
“Come in.”
Maggie pushed the door open, expecting to see Clara with her mother, but Helen was the only one in the room. She lay in her bed, wearing a light-blue dressing gown, her arm bandaged and propped up on a pillow beside her. Helen’s eyebrows lifted when she saw Maggie in the doorway.
“I don’t want to disturb you if you’re resting.”
“No, I’m wide awake since the visit from the police. Come in.”
Maggie closed the door and crossed to Helen’s bedside. “How are you feeling?”
“My arm is sore, but the medication Dr. Hadley gave me helps relieve some of the pain. At least it’s better than it was yesterday.” Helen glanced toward the hallway. “Have the police gone?”
“Yes, they left a few minutes ago, and Nate drove into Heatherton to meet with Reverend Samuelson.”
“I see.” She chewed her lower lip, then ran her hand over the bedcovers, smoothing them out. “I told the police the truth.” She looked up and met Maggie’s gaze. “All of it.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“I thought it would be dreadful, admitting everything I’ve kept hidden for so long, but it was actually a relief. I’m just sorry I waited so long to do it.” She sighed. “Think how different my life could’ve been if I’d confessed it all to Mr. Harcourt years ago.”
Maggie tensed. “You were not the only one hurt by those secrets.”
A guilty shadow crossed Helen’s face. “Yes, that’s true. My choices had a ripple effect, and they ended up wounding many people.”
“Especially my family,” Maggie added, her voice thick with emotion.
“Yes, you and your family.” Helen closed her eyes for a moment. When she spoke again, her voice was softer. “I’m sorry for what happened to them. I wish I’d never said anything to Roland.”
“But you did, and now my sister and I will carry those painful memories for the rest of our lives.”
Helen’s eyes filled and a tear slipped down her cheek. She lifted her hand and brushed it away. “I didn’t realize what would happen. I only thought of myself and what I wanted.”
“That sounds like a very lonely and painful way to live.”
Helen’s lips trembled, but she managed a brief nod. “It is,” she whispered.
The images of Maggie’s mother, father, and sister flashed in her mind, and she gripped the side of her skirt. Helen’s selfishness and Roland’s greed had taken so much away from her that day on Tumbledon Lake. They’d put an end to her parents’ and sister’s earthly lives, but that was not the end of the story. Her parents and sister lived on in heaven, and she would see them again one day. She would hold on to that promise and allow it to help her along on her healing journey.
She swallowed and focused on Helen again. “For years I let hurt and anger rule my life because of what happened to my family. I hardened my heart and refused to listen to anyone who told me God could comfort me and heal those hurts. But that was a foolish choice that caused me even greater pain. In the last few weeks, I’ve seen how wrong I was to turn my back on God. He is the only One who can heal our hurts and give us new life when we turn to Him.”
Tears flooded Helen’s eyes again. “I know that�
�s true, but I don’t deserve God’s forgiveness, not after everything I’ve done.”
“None of us deserve it, but that’s why Christ came—to pay that price for us.”
Helen pressed her trembling lips together and seemed to be soaking in Maggie’s words.
“I have a long way to go on my faith journey, but I’m learning to trust God and allow Him to rule in my heart again. I don’t understand it all, but I have more peace now than I’ve had in a very long time. I suppose I owe my grandmother a great debt. She never stopped praying for me or reminding me of the truth. And Nate has helped me too by his example of living out his faith.”
“He’s a good boy, though he does aggravate me at times.”
Maggie smiled, unsure which amused her more, Helen calling him a boy or her admitting he aggravated her. “He’s the kindest and wisest man I know.”
Helen sniffed and blinked away her tears. “You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”
Tingling swept up Maggie’s neck and into her face, but she was done hiding the truth. “Yes, I am.”
“Does he feel the same?”
“I believe so.”
“Has he proposed?”
Her heart deflated just a bit. “No, he hasn’t.”
Helen huffed. “You see, I told you he could be aggravating.”
Maggie’s smile returned. “So you wouldn’t mind if he does?”
“No, not anymore.” Helen brushed the moisture from her cheeks. “The events of the last few days have helped me see everything much more clearly.”
The door opened, and Clara walked in. “Oh, Maggie, I didn’t realize you were still here.” Her gaze darted from her mother’s tear-stained cheeks to Maggie’s glowing smile. “Is everything all right?”
Helen sniffed. “Yes, it is, but hand me that handkerchief and then open the drapes. I’d like to see the sunshine.”
Clara sent Maggie a quizzical smile as she passed, then took a handkerchief from the bedside table and handed it to her mother.
“I’ll leave you now that Clara is here.” Maggie waited until Helen looked her way again. “I’m going down to the kitchen. Is there anything I can get for you?”
“No, but thank you for asking. I appreciate you coming to see me…and I want to thank you for what you said.”
Maggie smiled. “You’re welcome. I hope you’ll be feeling stronger every day.” With that, she turned and left Helen’s room, her steps lighter and her burden lifted.
Nate walked through the front door at Morningside, eager to see Maggie and tell her the good news about his meeting with Samuelson.
Jackson shuffled forward to meet him. “May I take your hat, sir?”
“Yes, thank you, Jackson.” Nate removed his hat and handed it to the butler. “Is Miss Lounsbury in the library?”
“No, sir. She said to tell you she’s waiting for you in the servants’ hall.”
Nate’s eyebrows rose. That seemed an odd place for her to wait, but he remembered her saying she was good friends with one of his maids. “Very well.” He dismissed Jackson and strode through the great hall and down the servants’ stairs.
Laughter drifted through the passageway. Nate stopped at the doorway to the servants’ hall and looked in. Maggie sat at the long wooden table with three maids, a footman, and the cook, Mrs. McCarthy. He stepped into the room, and the servants all rose to their feet.
“I’m sorry to interrupt. I’ve just come looking for Miss Lounsbury.”
The servants exchanged smiles, and he suddenly felt as though they were all in on some secret that was still a mystery to him.
Mrs. McCarthy grinned at Maggie. “She’s right here, sir.”
Maggie rose from the table and picked up a large basket. A blue linen cloth lay over the top, concealing whatever was inside. She smiled and held it up.
“What’s that?”
“It’s a picnic basket,” she announced, her eyes sparkling.
“Ah, I see.” He studied the basket, his delight with the surprise growing by the moment. “That must mean we’re going on a picnic.”
Maggie nodded. “Good thinking.”
“Very well, lead the way.”
She came around the table and started for the door, toting the basket. When she reached the hallway, she looked over her shoulder with another fetching grin.
“I’m right behind you.”
She laughed, then pushed open the door to the courtyard.
“Let me take that basket for you.”
She passed it to him, her smile revealing a dimple in her left cheek.
“Do you have a spot in mind for this picnic, or would you like a suggestion?”
“I was thinking of the viewpoint on the north drive.”
“An excellent choice.”
Her smile dimmed a bit, and her steps slowed. “But I wondered if we might stop by Tumbledon Lake on the way.”
His breath hitched in his chest. “Are you sure?”
She glanced away for a moment, then looked back at him. “I haven’t been back since the accident, but I think I’m ready.”
At the mention of a picnic, he’d imagined a romantic afternoon on a sunny hillside and finally having time to tell her everything in his heart, but if some time at the lake was what she needed, then he would wait. He nodded to her. “As you wish.”
They walked to the stable, loaded the basket into the motorcar, and set off up the north drive.
Feathery green ferns and dainty bluebells lined the path Maggie and Nate followed through the shady woods toward Tumbledon Lake. They’d left the motorcar parked in a safe spot and walked the rest of the way. Golden shafts of sunlight filtered through the leaves and dappled the forest floor. They rounded the bend, and Maggie caught a glimpse of the deep-blue water through the trees.
She knelt and carefully picked a small handful of bluebells. Lifting them to her nose, she closed her eyes and inhaled their sweet, spicy scent. It mingled with the cool air and the rich aroma of the moist earth, all scents her father loved and had taught her to love as well.
Nate laid his hand on her shoulder. “Are you all right?”
She rose and looked up at him. “Yes, just enjoying the moment and remembering how much my family loved it here.”
He nodded, his warm gaze reflecting his empathy.
She took his arm, and they strolled down the path toward the lake. When they reached the water’s edge, she slipped her arm from his. “I need just a moment.”
“Take your time.” He stepped back.
She walked a few steps away and gazed out over the shimmering water. Memories came rushing back, and tears filled her eyes. She lifted her face to the sunshine and let its warmth penetrate her heart and ease her pain.
This was the last place she’d seen her father, mother, and Olivia. But they were not here. Only the memories echoed back across time. Her family members were healed and whole, enjoying all the glories of heaven with the Savior they’d loved and served.
She pulled in a slow, deep breath, letting that truth comfort her heart and restore her peace. Grieving was a long journey, but at least she was finally headed in the right direction and taking the steps she needed to move forward in life.
She swallowed another round of tears, knelt by the water’s edge, and tossed her bluebells into the lake. They floated off, bobbing on the ripples and taking with them some of her heartache.
She rose, and Nate stepped up beside her. He slipped his arm around her shoulders, and she let her tears fall as she rested her head against his arm. Then he turned toward her and embraced her in a gentle hug.
The wool fabric of his jacket brushed against her cheek. Beneath it she could hear the solid thump of his heartbeat, and it sent a comforting wave through her. She slipped her arms around his waist and rested against his chest.
He held her close and kissed the top of her head, waiting until she loosened her hold and stepped back.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “I needed to say good-bye
one last time.”
He nodded and waited a moment more, tender understanding reflected on his face.
How thankful she was for his kindness and patience. She wouldn’t have wanted to share this moment with anyone else. How glad she was that their friendship had been healed and restored. “I’m ready to go.”
“All right.” He took her hand, and they walked back up the path toward the motorcar. Nate collected the basket and a light blanket from the backseat, and they set off up the hill toward the viewpoint.
Maggie lifted her skirt a few inches so she could step around the rocks in the path. The exertion of climbing the hill washed away the sadness of her visit to the lake. It was time to push ahead and make the most of this lovely day.
“How was your meeting with Reverend Samuelson?” she asked.
Nate chuckled and looked over his shoulder. “You’ll never guess what happened.”
“Tell me.”
“When I arrived at his house, five members of the board from Clifton were there, and three leaders of the workers.”
“How did he manage that?”
“I have no idea. But he convinced them all to come and urged us to work toward finding an agreement.”
“And were you successful?”
“Yes, but you’ll never believe how he did it.”
Maggie laughed. “Stop teasing me and tell me the rest of the story.”
He grinned, obviously delighted by her comment and brighter mood. “First he reviewed some of the points from his sermon, emphasizing that we must all make every effort to live at peace with one another. Then he said the main sticking point in resolving most conflicts is that pride gets in the way.” Nate turned back and offered her his hand to help her around a large rock.
She took hold and stepped up. “Go on.”
“Then he said everyone must be curious to know what happened at Morningside, so he asked me to give them a report.”
Maggie stopped. “Really?”
“Yes, I wasn’t quite sure why he thought that was important at the moment, but I told them the facts. Partway through, Samuelson interrupted and asked me to explain why I’d pulled back from our search after we learned my father could be at fault.”
Shine Like the Dawn Page 34
