Butterfly Palace

by Colleen Coble

  They exchanged items again, and he began to descend. He could only see a few feet at a time, so he eased his weight onto each tread before going on. When he reached the bottom where the path yawned to the right in the dark, he turned and called up for Lily to come down.

  He heard her scuffling down the stairs much too fast for his peace of mind. “Be careful.”

  Her eyes were wide in her white face when she joined him. “I’m totally turned around.”

  “I think we’re on the second floor on the west side.”

  “Near Belle’s room?”

  “Yes.” He lifted the light and looked around. “What’s this?” Another door was on this side of the wall.

  “I bet that opens into Belle’s closet. I heard something the other day when I was fetching her dress.” Lily ran her fingers over the wall. “Put the light here a minute.”

  He did as she asked, and she touched the wall. “I think this is a peephole.” She moved a small piece of metal out of the way to reveal a hole. “Look.”

  He watched as she put her eye to the hole. “See anything?”

  “No, it’s too dark. You’d only be able to see something when the closet door is open.”

  “Maybe that’s how an intruder could tell it was safe to get into the closet. I don’t like this, Lily.”

  She hugged herself and stepped away. “It’s scary to think someone is creeping around back here. Let’s find the stairs down and see if it goes across the yard.”

  He took her hand, and they plodded along the passage. It seemed to go on forever, and they went down two more flights of stairs. They found multiple doors and offshoots to the secret halls. Then the path veered to the right.

  He placed his hand on another door. “I think the back of the kitchen is here.” He pointed. “So that means this passage goes across the backyard.”

  Her fingers tightened around his. “It might go all the way out to the old servant quarters.”

  “Let’s find out.” He led her over the rough, uneven floor. It seemed like hours before they reached a final door and the end of the passage, but he knew it was only minutes. “This must be it.”

  She reached past him and twisted the release. The door swung open, revealing the bed with its new sheets. “So that means whoever has been living here has a way to get into the house.”

  She stepped into the bedroom, and he followed. “I think this means whoever has been using the passage isn’t a member of the household, which is some comfort.”

  She turned back to face him. “If Jane is going to stay here, we need to figure out how to make her safe.”

  “And you.” She looked so beautiful standing there. He couldn’t resist reaching out and wrapping an escaped curl around his finger.

  She caught her breath, and he looked into those eyes he loved so much. He wasn’t consciously aware of moving until she was in his arms, and his mouth was on hers. She tasted of cinnamon and something sweet. He crushed her against him, and she burrowed deeper as if she couldn’t get close enough either.

  The bed was right there, and he took a step toward it, then caught himself. He tore his lips away from hers, though everything in him resisted the restraint he knew he had to have. “I’m sorry,” he whispered against her cheek. “We’d better get back.”

  She nodded, and the disappointment between them was as thick as smoke.

  Mrs. O’Reilly wiped her hands on her apron, then draped the towel on the front of the cookstove. The scent of the morning’s bacon hung in the air. “I must say, I don’t see the need for you to move in with Jane. And what will Miss Belle say if she needs you and I have to send someone clear to the back of the property to fetch you?”

  Though Mrs. O’Reilly had already capitulated the night before, Lily felt the need to reassure her again as she headed toward the back door with her suitcase of meager belongings. “She never awakens in the night. I’ll wait to go to the cabin until she’s asleep.”

  “It’s a nasty place, Lily. I don’t feel right about you staying out there. Not with the attacks and all.”

  “You’d feel worse if something happened to Jane when she was all alone.”

  Mrs. O’Reilly sighed. “Very well. You seem determined. Do you need any help?”

  Lily shook her head. “This is all I have.”

  “Get on with you, then. And be careful.”

  Smiling at the housekeeper’s concern, Lily hurried through the darkness. Once she stepped past the shrubs, she could see the dim glow of a candle in the window. Jane must be there already. She touched her lips. There would be no kisses from Drew tonight.

  The door stood open when she reached the shack, and Jane’s dim figure flitted about in the shadows. She whirled when Lily’s heels clattered on the rough wooden floors. “There you are, Miss Lily.”

  “Just Lily.” She set her suitcase on the floor. “Where’s little Hannah?”

  “Sleeping in the bedroom.” Jane put her hands on her hips. “I don’t feel right about taking the bedroom and making you sleep out here in the main room.”

  “I have a cot we found in the attic.” Lily’s gaze sought and found it in the corner. “There are three of you with your brother here part of the time. This works fine.”

  Jane swallowed and put her hand to her throat. “I still can’t believe you’d do this for me. I’ve never met anyone as kind as you. Most people cross the street to avoid seeing someone in need. Why are you doing this?”

  “I could have been in your situation, Jane. One unfortunate circumstance can change our lives for the worst, and all it takes is an act of kindness to turn it around the other way.”

  “I’ll never forget this. Never.” Jane blinked rapidly, then grabbed the handle of Lily’s suitcase and hefted it onto the sofa.

  Lily studied the soft curve of her cheek. They were so much alike. “I have to confess, Jane.” When her friend looked up and turned, she hurried on. “I told Drew who Hannah’s father is. And what he did to you.”

  Jane’s eyes went wide. “Oh no.” The words were barely audible.

  “I had to. I fear Mr. Vesters is behind the attacks on you.”

  Jane took a step back. “That’s not possible.”

  “There are things you don’t know. He has political aspirations. If what he and Mrs. Karr did to you got out, he’d be ruined. The only way to prevent the possibility is to eliminate you.”

  Jane went white. “That’s quite horrible. I don’t think I believe he is quite that despicable.”

  Drew would be upset if she told, but Lily didn’t care. Jane needed to know how evil Vesters was. “He plans to murder Mr. Marshall and be appointed senator in his place. What he did to you is only the tip of his evil nature.”

  Jane said nothing for several long moments, then she blinked and shook her head as if bemused. “How do you know this?”

  “Drew has uncovered it all.” While she trusted Jane with the truth of Drew’s true profession, Lily had promised to keep it silent. It was bad enough they’d had to tell Belle.

  Jane’s lips trembled. “My poor little girl. Such a father.”

  “He should be supporting her, but I fear if we pursue that, his efforts to eliminate you will get stepped up.”

  “I don’t want anything from him.”

  “I don’t blame you.” What would he say if she ever confronted him? The thought of his dark eyes made her gulp and push away the notion, though she’d once thought to confront him.

  “Are you all right? You look pale.”

  Lily forced a smile. “There should be room in the little dresser I had sent over.” She glanced around and saw it behind the folded-up cot. She arranged the furniture the way she wanted it with the dresser against the secret door. Just in case.

  Jane pulled open the drawer and began to load the clothing into it. “Wait, what is this?” She turned with something in her hand.

  Lily stepped closer to examine the item. The light revealed earrings made from butterfly wings. “Those horrible
things!” She shuddered and pushed them away. “Someone sent them to me, but I threw them away.”

  The back of her neck prickled at the thought that someone could do something so malevolent. Whoever it was likely knew about her fear of butterflies. Emily? There had been some rivalry between them, but Lily had thought it was past. Was she wrong, or did she have another enemy in the house?

  She forced herself to pick up the earrings and drop them into the pocket of her apron. Right beside the gun. Her fingers touched the cold steel barrel. Its hard strength gave her courage.

  Whoever wanted to harm them would have to face this gun first.

  TWENTY-FOUR

  Since Stuart was going to be family, dinner was in the smaller dining room. The chandelier sparkled above the table set for seven. Belle stared at the spare plate, unsure who that seventh guest might be. When the doorbell rang, she thrilled at a familiar deep voice. Her uncle had invited Mr. Hawkes. It would be hard to keep her attention on Stuart.

  She straightened her garnet silk dress and smiled as both men stepped into the room. “Good evening, gentlemen.”

  Stuart flushed and pawed at her hand, then kissed her cheek. “You look lovely tonight, Belle.”

  She arched a brow his way. “Just tonight?”

  He went redder. “Always, Belle, always.”

  She gently pulled her hand away. “Would you care for a glass of wine? Uncle Everett will be down any moment. Aunt Camille has been gone somewhere all day, so I don’t know if she will be able to join us or not.”

  “I’m right here.” Her uncle, with Aunt Camille on his arm, stepped into the dining room with Christopher trailing behind. “Glad to see you’re taking care of our guests, Belle.”

  “Of course.” Her smile felt stiff at his unspoken rebuke. It was as if he wasn’t sure he could trust her in his absence.

  Christopher shot her a glance, then stepped forward to take her arm. “Is that a new dress, Belle? The color is most becoming.”

  The rough fabric of his jacket under her fingers helped settle her. “Yes, Lily made it.”

  “She’s quite talented. Such a good choice of a maid for you.”

  The men in Belle’s life noticed Lily way too much. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell Christopher how unsuitable Lily could be at times, but she restrained herself. Mr. Hawkes glanced at her, and she caught the warning in his eyes. He jerked his head a bit toward Stuart, so Belle strolled over to grasp her fiancé’s forearm as he stood talking with her uncle.

  “How’s the campaign going?” she asked.

  Her uncle raised a brow. “You usually show no interest, young lady. Are you picking up Stuart’s obsession?”

  She laughed. “It’s a wise move for a wife to take an interest in what pleases her husband.”

  Stuart patted her hand on his arm. “And I approve.” He glanced at her. “Your uncle is sure to be elected. His opponent has hardly any support. I wouldn’t be surprised if Everett garners twice the votes.”

  His tone held such jubilance she sneaked a peek at his face. Was that avarice in his eyes, or was she reading things into it? Could he possibly be as evil as she’d been told? “Have you ever met the governor, Stuart? I wondered if he was as honorable as he seems.”

  “He’s been a friend of mine for many years. We served on several committees together.”

  Confirmation of his friendship with his own lips. “You’re looking quite sour, Uncle Everett. You don’t care for the governor?”

  “Our policies differ,” her uncle said, his voice clipped. “I expect we will butt heads quite frequently once I’m elected.”

  She nudged Stuart. “I’m surprised you support Uncle Everett since he’s a Republican.”

  “I’m more an Independent. Your uncle has many good ideas I’d like to see instituted.”

  She knew if she asked him what those policies were, he’d rattle off a list. The man was collected and prepared. “Have you ever met the governor personally, Uncle Everett?”

  “Once.”

  “And . . . ?” She pushed on even though it was clear her uncle wished she’d change the subject.

  “The man is corrupt,” her uncle barked. “If he had his way, Texas would be provincial.”

  Stuart stiffened. “You’re being harsh, Everett. The governor sees the wisdom of taking careful thought of any radical change.”

  “I’ve seen no evidence of his wisdom,” Uncle Everett said sourly. “Let’s move to a more pleasant topic of conversation, shall we?”

  Stuart’s eyes went dark, and he nearly gritted his teeth. Her uncle didn’t see because Stuart turned away to pour a drink. Stuart’s expression was almost—murderous.

  Belle pressed her hand to her stomach. “I’m feeling a bit indisposed tonight. May I be excused to go lie down? I’ll try to come back for dessert if I’m feeling better.”

  Her aunt took her arm. “Of course, Belle! I’ll send Lily to you at once with some tea and toast. Should I call the doctor?”

  “No, I’ll be fine. Thank you.” Belle practically ran from the room. She nearly collided with Lily in the hall.

  “You’re white as a ghost,” Lily said. “What’s wrong?”

  “It’s Stuart.” Belle gulped and closed her eyes. “It’s all true. I could just tell tonight as they discussed politics. There was such rage in his eyes when Uncle Everett criticized the governor. I didn’t believe you, not totally. But it’s true.” She swallowed hard. “We have to stop him.”

  “We will. Calm yourself, then go back to the dining room. Ask him to allow you to see the house so you can make a list of changes you’d like. It’s a perfectly normal request for a soon-to-be wife.”

  Belle felt faint at the thought. “I could never marry him. Not now. Not even if he were to become president.” She clutched Lily’s arm. “What if we can’t find out the details? I don’t think Uncle Everett would believe me if I tried to tell him.”

  “Your aunt might.”

  “But he would still go to celebrate with his supporters. And he’ll be shot.” This panicked feeling must be hysteria. Belle tried to stuff it down, but it kept bubbling into her throat. The very thought of what faced them seemed too overwhelming.

  Lily took her by the shoulders. “Courage, Miss Belle. We’ll manage. You’ll see. Drew has many resources.”

  “Belle?”

  They both turned at Aunt Camille’s voice. “Lily was just helping me to bed.” Belle winced at the way she stammered. Her aunt was sure to be suspicious. What maid practically shook her mistress?

  “Help her to bed, Lily. And thank you for taking care of her.”

  Belle let out her breath when her aunt returned to the dining room. “What if I go over when he’s not there? Then I could look around in peace.”

  “How could you do that?” Lily sounded hopeful.

  “I could pretend I didn’t remember he would be gone and stop by. Then I could tell his servant I wanted to look around. He wouldn’t refuse me.”

  “It might work.” Lily’s blue eyes were lit with admiration. “Tomorrow?”

  Belle nodded, though her throat tightened. “Tomorrow afternoon.”

  The small cabin still smelled of carbolic and vinegar from the vigorous scrubbing Jane and Lily had given it. The night sounds came through the cracks around the windows in a comforting cacophony of katydids, crickets, and cicadas that nearly drowned out the sound of tree frogs.

  Lily could hear the even tone of Jane’s breathing through the doorway into the bedroom. Every muscle ached, and she rolled over on the narrow cot to try to get comfortable. Being out here in such a remote location still lifted the hair on the back of her neck. Who might be lurking out there in the night? No streetlights, not even the moon, lifted the inky blackness.

  The springs squeaked when she sat up and swung her feet to the floor. Maybe warm milk would help her sleep. She padded to the cookstove, an old one she’d worked on for three hours before it was clean enough for her standards, then opened the ol
d icebox to retrieve the milk. The ice was nearly gone, and she would have to ask Mrs. O’Reilly for more.

  She set the battered pan of milk on top of the stove, but a pinging noise behind her made her whirl. The sound came again, then she heard a male voice call her name. Her knees went weak when she recognized Drew’s deep tone.

  She rushed to the door and threw it open. “What are you doing here? It has to be after eleven.”

  “I’ve been watching Vesters. His lights went out about an hour ago so I came to check on you. All is quiet?”

  She hugged herself, suddenly aware of her feet peeking out from the hem of her simple cotton nightgown. Backing into the cabin, she snatched the blanket from the bed and draped it around her. Her face was hot when she stepped back outside.

  He grinned. “I can still see your toes.”

  She tucked them away and lifted her chin. “It’s hardly proper you’re here. But I have to admit I’m glad to see you. It feels very deserted and unsafe back here. I’m sure I’ll get used to it though.”

  He sobered and touched her arm. “You have your gun?”

  “I do. It’s beside the bed. I fear sleep isn’t coming easily though. I’m so afraid there will be a sound I’ll miss.”

  He tried the door. “The lock is solid?”

  She nodded. “Nathan strengthened the door, and the lock is new. The back door is a bit rickety though.”

  “Show me.”

  She led him through the shack to the narrow back door. It opened even without unlocking it. “I must not have gotten it latched properly.”

  “I’ll fix it tomorrow. Tonight I’ll sleep on the floor right here.”

  “I can’t let you do that!”

  He touched her arm, then his hand moved to her cheek. “I won’t leave you out here alone.”

  “Like last time?” The words were out before she could stop them. She wanted to back away, but that would mean leaving his comforting touch.

  His thumb moved back and forth across her skin. “I wish I could go back and change what I did, Lily. Can’t you forgive me?”