Angelina's Secret

by Diane Merill Wigginton

  “And?” she prodded.

  “He made love to me on the boat that night. Well, sort of. We didn’t go all the way, but in the process, my corset was removed. It was the very same boat the murdered prostitute was found on, wearing my corset and wig,” I said solemnly as she gasped. “Have I completely scandalized you now?” I asked, concerned about what she must be thinking.

  “It is just that . . . well, it’s a lot to absorb all at once,” she said, giving me a puzzled look.

  “Then you are really going to have a hard time with the rest of it.” I was beginning to wonder if it was a good idea to confide in her.

  “The rest of it? You mean there’s still more?” Surprise registered on Sarah’s face.

  “I had another dream just before dawn, Monday,” I said, looking away as tears formed in my eyes.

  “Well, how do you know this dream means that another girl has been murdered, like the last one?” Sarah asked, turning my face to hers.

  “Because they are just different, that’s how,” I answered, wiping at a stray tear rolling down my face.

  “Different how, Angie?” I hesitated a moment trying to think of a way to word the entire thing that didn’t make me sound completely crazy. “Don’t keep me in suspense, Angie. How are these dreams different?” Sarah’s attitude changed from shock to curiosity.

  “Because when I dream it I also experienced every terrifying moment. I felt her pain. I mean physically feel everything.” I unconsciously grabbed my chest as the remnants of the last dream came flooding back.

  “How awful!” She sat pondering what I had just revealed to her a moment, chewing on her finger nail. “You said you had another dream yesterday. Why haven’t we heard about the murder yet?” she added, standing to pace in front of the bench.

  “I don’t know. All I do know for sure is she was part of a pagan ceremonial ritual, and I think they cut her heart out while she was still alive, because I felt this terrible pain throbbing in my chest.”

  Sarah stopped her pacing and turned to me, her face going pale as she gasped for a second time. “How could they have done such a thing? Didn’t she struggle and scream out?”

  “I think she was drugged because she could see everything going on, but she couldn’t move or stop them,” I said as I related some of the dream to her. “But just before she was stabbed in the chest she managed to scream out. Everyone was wearing strange masks and no one tried to stop it or help her.”

  “You have to tell someone,” Sarah said, suddenly very serious.

  “I can’t, Sarah. They will think me crazy and lock me up in the nearest asylum.” Fear gripped me by the throat. “That is why I am telling you. I have been feeling like someone is watching me and I think they are coming for me.”

  “Now that is crazy. Why would someone be after you?” she asked, pacing back and forth again.

  “But I get this strange feeling every so often, like this entire mess leads back to me somehow. Like everything that has been happening lately was not just coincidence. And yes, I know it sounds crazy, but I feel it getting closer,” my words trailed off. Saying it out loud sounded crazier than when I said it in my head.

  “What is this ‘it’ you speak of?” Worry distorted her face.

  “I don’t know. I never see a face. I just have a feeling and it is terrifying.” A shiver crawled up my spine.

  “Now I am terrified for you.” Coming back to sit beside me, Sarah took me in her little arms to offer comfort.

  “I don’t know what to do.” Tears rolled freely down my face. “You can’t tell anyone, Sarah, you swore,” I said sternly through my tears.

  “I will take it to my grave, Angie, I swear it,” she assured, patting my back as she began to rock me back and forth in her arms.

  15

  WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8;

  EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT

  ONATHAN HAD PICKED SARAH UP earlier in the day and brought her back to our home so we could all leave from here by four o’clock for dinner with Jude’s family. It was now four thirty, and I had just slipped into my dress. Anna fastened the last of the buttons.

  I realized I was being childish over the matter of Jude and my father discussing me as if I were a piece of property. And somehow, the two of them felt it all right to work out the details of my purchase between them. But for some reason, I was not of the same attitude.

  My dress was especially stunning for the evening’s festivities. I wore an emerald green Italian silk gown cut low in the front, coming to a point just between my breasts. A delicate white lace hanky slipped into my décolletage preventing any accidental viewing of breasts with the slightest hint of rounding mounds peaking over the top. This gave the gown a provocative feel. I realized at the time that I was playing with fire, but I did not care. The collar grazed my shoulders, showing off plenty of creamy skin, with tiny crystal beads sown along the edge. I was assured this would drive Jude crazy only being able to look but not touch. The skirt of my gown opened in the front as I walked showing the petticoat beneath made from delicate white crepe.

  Anna had piled my hair high on my head with small delicate curls cascading down the back. She had allowed small pieces to escape at the sides, creating an alluring affect.

  A thin ribbon tied at my throat with small crystal drops dangling caught the light as I moved, completing the outfit. One last look in the mirror and I was ready to go. Kissing Anna on the cheek as she handed me a black velvet wrap, I headed for the stairs. Yes, by the night’s end Jude Deveraux would know the true meaning of patience.

  Descending the stairs as the clock chimed forty-five minutes past the hour, I smiled sweetly to Father standing at the bottom.

  “Might I remind you that there is something known as fashionably late, and then there is just rude,” he said quietly between his teeth, offering his arm guiding me into the parlor where everyone waited.

  “Heavens, Father, one might think that you are the one being inconvenienced.” I innocently smiled up at him.

  “And I thought your mother and I raised you better than that,” Father said, as he gave a jovial laugh as we entered the room. “Well, here she is everyone, and isn’t she a vision,” he announced. “One might even say well worth the wait, wouldn’t you say Lord Deveraux?” Walking me over to Jude, he placed my hand into his.

  “Well worth the wait,” Jude said with a smile that didn’t quite make it all the way to his eyes. “I believe our carriage is ready.” Taking my arm, he moved toward the door.

  I glanced over my shoulder to see Jonathan and Sarah just standing there as Jude hurried me through the doorway into the hallway and out the front door. Looking up at him, I noticed his face was set.

  “What game are you playing, Madam?” He finally broke the silence as we reached the carriage.

  “Whatever do you mean, good sir?” Playing coy, I smiled, looking into his stormy eyes.

  “I told you we would be leaving by four but now it is nearly five and you glide into the room as if you have all the time in the world,” he said with indignation in his voice. “And not even a word of apology for your tardiness,” he said. Palpable anger hung in the air.

  “Father informs me that you and he had a meeting the other day.”

  “Is that what this is about?” he asked, stopping me midway up. “I asked your father’s permission to court you.” Understanding dawned on him. “So you have made us late because you are displeased that I talked to your father?”

  Sheepishly looking at him through my eyelashes, I suddenly felt ashamed and foolish. “I am sorry, Jude. I was being ridiculous.”

  “Next time you are displeased might I suggest you simply tell me instead of manipulating the situation.” His anger began to dissipate. “You certainly know how to provoke me.”

  “Yes, and again, I am sorry, Jude. Sometimes I can be a handful, but I never wish to be any man’s property, Jude,” I said thoughtfully while studying his face.

  “And I do not see you as such.
But speaking to your father of my intent is only proper.” Bringing my hand to his lips, he gently placed a chaste kiss in my palm.

  “If you were angry at me, perhaps you should not have worn that particular gown this evening, Mademoiselle,” he said, looking up at me with hooded eyes, as Jonathan and Sarah arrived.

  I smiled provocatively at him and climbed in the waiting carriage. Sarah climbed in and sat across from me, lifting her eyebrows, as if to say what happened? A half smile played on my lips letting her know that I would tell her everything later.

  The ride to Jude’s parent’s home took us nearly an hour. They had been provided with lovely accommodations near the Buckingham house, where the king resided for the season. We were led to the parlor as beautiful music drifted into the hall. A pianist and harpist played a duet as a young woman sang. We slipped into empty seats in the back row so we didn’t disturb the private concert.

  Jude’s mother, Countess Genevieve Deveraux, turned her head and looked at us as we took our seats. I said a little prayer for the floor to open up and swallow me whole.

  My father’s words came back to me like a slap in the face. “There is fashionably late and then there is just rude.” I believe I had made us the latter.

  The music ended twenty minutes later, and we all stood and clapped for the performers. People began to mingle about and the staff provided refreshments before dinner. Jude took me by the arm as Sarah and Jonathan followed us to greet the hosts.

  “Momma, Poppy, so sorry for our tardiness, but it really couldn’t be helped. The carriage I ordered up broke down, and I had to wait for a new one to arrive.”

  I squeezed his arm grateful for the lie as I curtsied to his parents. “What a pleasure it is to see you both again,” I said as I came up, making eye contact with each in turn.

  The count was gracious as he greeted me taking my hand in his. “The pleasure is truly all mine,” he said, grasping my hand and placing his other hand over top, his sincerity evident in his warm smile.

  Jude kissed his mother on both cheeks and I offered my hand to her in greeting. “How lovely it is to see you again, my dear. You simply look stunning in that color. I don’t think I noticed your lovely green eyes before.” she said warmly, taking me by the hand. “I have to introduce you to some people.” Wrapping her arm around my waist, she guided me toward a large group standing off to the side. I felt somewhat astounded by her sudden warmth and familiarity toward me.

  “Please allow me to introduce you to Eli Collins, Inspector General of Scotland Yard. And this is Charles Keats and his wife, Louisa. Charles is the head inspector of the local magistrates.

  “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” I said, bobbing my head to the group as Jude came up on my left with Honore.

  “Jude, you remember Juliette Maureau Walters, the Marquise of Bourbon, don’t you?” Lady Deveraux asked.

  “Lady Walters, I was so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing,” Jude said as Honore cursed in French under his breath.

  “I’m sorry, Honore, I didn’t quite catch that. Would you care to repeat yourself?” Lady Walters said with sarcastic undertones and a piercing stare.

  “My apologies, Lady Walters, I meant no disrespect to your late husband,” Honore countered with a mocking bow. “If you will excuse me, I see some acquaintances.” Walking away, he picked up a glass of wine and downed it with a toss of his head.

  Jude took a hold of my arm in a show of possession. “Momma, I promised to introduce Lady Stewart to some friends, if you will excuse us, please.” Not waiting for an answer, he led me to the balcony terrace.

  “So, would you care to elaborate about what just took place?” I asked when we were alone.

  “Would you care to explain this dress that I am unable to tear my eyes from?” Jude countered, attempting to guide me away from my line of questioning.

  “Are you trying to distract me, Jude Deveraux?” Suspicious of his motives.

  Reaching up he ran his thumb along my jaw line as he stepped closer to whisper in my ear. “Have I told you how enchanting you look tonight?” sending a tingle up my spine and causing me to shiver.

  “You are trying to distract me, but I don’t care,” I said as I reached up to pull his mouth to mine.

  “We had better go in before I change my mind about staying for dinner.” Jude’s words, meant as a warning as his smoldering eyes caused me to shiver again.

  “Here you, two are, I have been looking for you,” Lady Deveraux said as she came out on to the terrace. “We are just going in for dinner.”

  Jude turned slowly to look at his mother and their eyes met. A cryptic message was passing between them, but I didn’t know how to read it. “We were just coming in, it seems that Lady Stewart is feeling rather chilled.” He rakishly smiled at her then down at me.

  Wrapping my arm over his, we followed his mother to the dining room. Jude seated me in my assigned place at the table and then escorted his mother to her chair at one end. I noticed he bent over to say something in her ear and she got a stricken look on her face. Moments later, she looked up again and stared straight at me as he left to find his own seat.

  I was seated next to Lady Juliette Maureau Walter, the Marquise of Bourbon on my right and Mr. Eli Collins on my left. Sarah had been seated to the left of Inspector Collins and his friend, Magistrate Charles Keats sat across from Sarah. To the left of Mr. Keats sat Honore, Mrs. Keats, Jude and finally Jonathan.

  I was thankful that I had allies around me and prayed the evening would pass quickly. I was feeling a bit put out as Lady Deveraux’s eyes seems determined to bore a hole into my skull.

  Mr. Collins leaned over and started the conversation rolling. “I hear you are the same Lady Stewart who defeated a pirate ship full of bloodthirsty men all by yourself,” he stated, sounding proud that he had such a good memory.

  “Well now, Mr. Collins, that would depend upon your definition of bloodthirsty pirates,” I dramatically added, leaning over giving him a wink in hopes that he would drop the subject and move on to a new topic of conversation.

  “Word is you took on a one-eyed shiftless lout to win the freedom of yourself and crew as well as retaining your family ship and cargo,” he said in awe.

  “Is that true, Lady Stewart?” Mrs. Keats asked from across the table.

  Looking at Jude and wondering how far I could take my wild tale before he and Honore started to squirm in their seats. Smiling mischievously at Jude and winking at Honore I began my wild tale with a lie.

  “To tell you the truth, Mr. Collins, the pirate captain and his first mate were not much of a challenge. It is true they were a shiftless lot, but there was barely a brain to split between the two of them.” Chancing a look at Jude, who was smirking, I knew he was enjoying my wild tale. Honore, on the other hand, was rolling his eyes, so I relished the telling of the rest of my story, all the more.

  “I made a bargain with the pirate captain and I never had to lift a blade. So you see, outsmarting them and liberating the ship and crew was not much of a challenge.”

  “You are either very brave or extremely lucky, Lady Stewart,” Lady Walters commented, leaning in towards me.

  “It isn’t a matter of luck, Lady Walters, I assure you. Lady Stewart is one of the bravest individuals I have ever had the privilege to meet.” Jude’s words carried an undertone of pride.

  “Is that so, Lord Deveraux?” Lady Walters inquired, raising her eyebrows as a show of skepticism.

  “It is true. Lady Stewart took on two highway men singlehandedly, killing one and leaving the other one on the ground cowering in fear,” Honore interceded, his dislike of Lady Walters apparent by the look on his face.

  “Weren’t you afraid, Lady Stewart, when you faced the highwaymen not the dimwitted pirates, I mean?” Mrs. Keats asked, sitting on the edge of her seat.

  “Yes. Of course, I was afraid. But the choice was clear,” I said, just a little surprised by her question.

  “What do you me
an your choice was clear?” Lady Walters asked sarcastically, her tone derisive as she scoffed, looking directly at Jude. I looked at him staring at Lady Walters, his eyes narrowed in anger.

  “The very definition of courage is not the absence of fear but the acknowledgment of it, with the will to go on. We all have fears, Lady Walters, whether we are afraid of growing older or of things that lurk in the shadows of our dreams,” I said. “It is how we choose to face those fears that shape our character, and who we are lies not just on the surface but deep down to our moral fiber.”

  “Here, here, Lady Stewart,” Mr. Collins said, encouraging me on.

  “Well, aren’t you a cheeky one!” Lady Walters said, looking around the table for support from anyone.

  “I could not have put it better myself, Lady Stewart. My son was right, you are extraordinary,” Philippe Deveraux said from the other end of the table, his voice booming through the room. “I wish to make a toast.” Standing, he raised his glass high as he looked down the table directly at his wife and then at me. “May we all have courage to face life as it comes. Never flinching from what we fear the most. And if the Devil himself comes knocking upon your door may you have the fortitude to spit in his eye.”

  A round of “Here, here” could be heard echoing around the table as they all raised their glasses, that is, except for Lady Walters, who seemed to be brooding as she brought her fan out and was using it to stem the color now staining her face.

  I looked down the table to Lady Genevieve who was looking at her husband with her glass raised high. She nodded her head then sipped her wine. Her eyes turned thoughtfully to her son as he looked intently at me.

  Finally, my eyes settled on Jude’s beautiful face. The way he studied me caused my cheeks to blush. I had seen that look in his eyes before. I smiled, unable to help myself, as he raised his glass to toast me with the promise of much to come later smoldering in his eyes.

  The first course was served. We enjoyed a lovely tomato bisque soup and crusty bread with amiable banter from Mr. Collins and Mr. Keats as they discussed several cases they had collaborated on.