Madison's Gift

by Marie Higgins

  Cameron sucked in a quick breath. Rosie did have a day dress of that description. As for the handkerchief, he didn’t recognize those initials. Unless... What was Mr. Bailey’s first name? Did it start with a G?

  “That’s all you saw?” he asked in a tight voice.

  “No.” Closing her eyes, she rubbed the back of her neck. “The vision changed, and for a minute, I wasn’t certain if it was of Rosie or not.”

  “What did you see?”

  “This vision reminded me of the first one I thought I had of Rosie, except the voice I heard crying was of a child. I could see a small room with old, brown drapes on the window, a child’s bed with a faded canary yellow quilt, and a worn blue strip of rug on the floor by the bed. I saw a rag doll, and a hairbrush. As in my vision before, I couldn’t see the girl’s face, but I heard her cries. This time she cried out for Momma, and Papa.”

  Confusion filled Cameron and he frowned. “That couldn’t possibly be Rosie. Our mother died when she was nearly six.”

  Madison heaved a sigh and shook her head. “I don’t know what to think. Why would I see two visions of the same child here in your house?”

  “It is very curious, indeed.”

  “I know it’s hard to believe,” she frowned, “but I can feel the fear and sadness coming from this child. There must be a reason for that.”

  “Indeed, there must.” Cameron still didn’t know what to think, but at least he didn’t feel Rosie was in a frightening situation any longer. If Madison was correct, then Rosie was in a house holding a man’s monogrammed handkerchief.

  “Was there anything else about your vision that can tell us where Rosie is right now?”

  “Unfortunately, no.”

  He sighed and patted her hands gently. “Well, at least that small vision gave me hope that my sister will be all right.”

  “Yes, for now.”

  He stood and gently pulled her to her feet. “Are you better now?”

  “Yes. I’m only weak for a few moments after my visions.”

  He motioned his hand toward the hall. “Would you like to return to the dining room?”

  Madison shook her head. “No, but I was thinking I should probably go back home.”

  His breath caught in his throat. “Umm...will you return tomorrow?”

  Her lovely eyes widened and her mouth dropped open for a mere second before she closed it again. Her slender neck constricted as though she’d swallowed hard.

  “You...really wish me to return?”

  “More than anything. I truly believe now that you are the person that will not only locate my sister, but that you’ll be able to find the person who killed Mr. Bailey.”

  “I’m most grateful for your vote of confidence, but I’m sure you are a wonderful investigator. With your help, we shall be able to solve both cases quickly.”

  “Exactly.” He nodded. “So, can you stay for a little while longer? I think if we went over the details of Mr. Bailey’s death—of what you know compared to what I know—we might find some leads.”

  Slowly, her mouth stretched into a smile. “I think that is an excellent idea, Mr. Westland.”

  “I would like it if you would call me Cameron.”

  Her cheeks darkened, but this time she didn’t look away. “You would?”

  “Very much...as long as you allow me to call you Madison.”

  “Yes. I think that’s a splendid idea. After all, we’ll be working closely together.”

  “Indeed, we will.”

  Madison’s smile widened as she turned back to gaze upon the furnishings, but her focus mainly stayed on the bookcase. “This is rather unique. I don’t believe I’ve seen anything like it before.”

  “My father made it.” Cameron stepped past her and up to the glass case. He opened one of the glass doors, lifted a knick-knack off the shelf, and handed it to her. “My father needed a place to keep his creations.”

  Gingerly, she took the wooden box. She ran the tip of her finger over the carvings of a rose, two birds, and a butterfly. “This is very lovely.”

  “My father would have been happy to hear you say that. He made so many things over the years. It helped him think better, for some reason. The music box upstairs was his favorite, though.”

  “Why was it his favorite?” She looked up at him.

  “It was one of the last things he worked on before he got to the point in his life when he didn’t want to build anything.”

  Cameron’s thoughts returned to yesteryear and the great heartache he and his sisters had gone through while watching their father’s illness became worse. No matter what Cameron or his sisters tried to do, his father could not recover.

  “Besides knick-knacks, what other things did he make?” Madison asked, handing the small box back to him.

  He placed it on the shelf and closed the glass door. “He made many things—chairs, beds, cabinets. The small table you nearly knocked over before your vision was made by him, too.”

  “How remarkable.” She smiled. “What a talented man.”

  “Yes, he was.”

  “What made him stop?”

  Cameron recalled the gradual demise of his father, and his heart wrenched with sorrow. “He worked at the station, just as I do. He solved many crimes, but there was one he couldn’t solve. It angered him to think he couldn’t solve the case. Over time, there were more cases he couldn’t solve. The weight of his job caused him to drink too much which caused him to spiral downward. Soon, nothing mattered to him anymore. Not even his family.”

  She laid a hand on his arm, and he raised his gaze to meet hers. Sadness covered her pretty face.

  “I’m truly sorry for your loss.”

  The mood between them somehow shifted, and the pull of attraction became stronger. Was it wrong to look at her as if she was a desirable woman? Especially if they were going to work together? Would she constantly distract him in the worst way? Would he always remember what it had felt like to hold her against his chest when he’d helped her to the sofa? And how she smelled like a flower garden? Maybe it was better off for both of them when he’d thought of her as someone who was losing her mind. But now...he saw her as an amazing woman, and he couldn’t think any differently.

  “I thank you for your kindness,” he told her.

  From out in the hall, quick footsteps echoed on the polished floor. He moved his attention to the door just as Alice hurried inside. Her eyes were wide and her face flushed.

  “Cameron, Miss Trent is here. She believes she has some information for us about Rosie’s disappearance.”

  Hope sprang with Cameron again. Miss Trent was one of Rosie’s best friends. He prayed the young woman could tell him something useful now—since she hadn’t been very helpful when he’d asked her questions the other day.

  “Oh, no!” Madison gasped and grasped his hand. “Cameron, she cannot know you’re here.”

  He grumbled and threaded his fingers through his hair. His mind turned with ideas of ways to get around the sticky situation. “Where is my wig?”

  Alice jabbed her thumb in the direction of the hall. “Don’t you recall taking it off right after we entered the house?”

  “You ladies need to keep her entertained while I go and get back into my disguise.” Miss Trent wouldn’t be fooled by his old man appearance, so he had to make it look convincing.

  SEVEN

  Madison walked beside Alice as they entered the sitting room. Unease settled in Madison’s chest, and she wondered if she really should be visiting with the Westland’s friend. And yet Cameron didn’t bat an eye when he asked her to help his sister keep Miss Trent entertained. Had he finally started to trust her? She wanted so badly to believe him. Still, something in the back of her mind nagged at her to be cautious. Throughout the years, men had led her to believe they cared, and the end result was her suffering with a broken heart.

  Men didn’t last very long in her life. She must remember that God had given her this gift to help others.
Obviously, she was not put on this earth to marry and have children like most women.

  When they entered the sitting room and Madison received her first look at Miss Trent, she was in awe of the young woman’s stunning beauty. Madison had always been jealous of girls with long, blonde hair that curled skillfully around their heads, making them look like China dolls. Miss Trent’s hair was styled with long, thick ringlets that nearly brushed the top of the girl’s shoulders. Thick lashes surrounded her vivid amber eyes.

  Miss Trent wore a gown and boots of the finest quality. The older lady accompanying Miss Trent didn’t speak much, and she certainly didn’t look at anyone in the room. Madison assumed this was the young woman’s guardian or companion. Glancing down at Miss Trent’s ungloved left hand, she didn’t see a wedding ring. Immediately, Madison’s gut twisted. Had Miss Trent already sunk her claws into Cameron, claiming him as her future husband?

  “Miss Trent,” Alice began, “what a pleasure it is that you came to visit us.” She motioned toward Madison. “May I introduce you to a family friend, Miss Madison Haywood?”

  Madison sucked in a quick breath. Family friend? Her heart softened. For years she’d longed for a loving family. And yet, she hadn’t known Alice very long, and already her heart warmed toward the girl who had become like a sister to her.

  “Miss Haywood,” Alice continued, “may I present Miss Trent, Rosie’s very good friend.”

  Madison curtsied just as the younger lady had curtsied.

  Alice motioned to the pink and white colored sofa. “Please, sit and tell us why we are privileged to have you come calling today.”

  Miss Trent sat in the middle of the sofa and her companion settled next to her. Madison lowered herself on the other side of the Westland’s visitor. Alice took a seat on the coffee-colored leather cushioned chair.

  The younger woman eyed Madison warily through a narrowed gaze. “I, um...” She switched her attention to Alice. “I was hoping to talk to your brother. Is he home?”

  Madison’s gut twisted again. Her instincts were correct. Miss Trent had an alternative motive for coming here.

  “Oh, my brother isn’t here now,” Alice said, keeping a pleasant look on her face. “He’s...um, he’s...”

  “He’s in Sevenoaks,” Madison finished for the other woman. “Remember? He went there looking for a suspect.”

  “That is right, Miss Haywood.” Alice sighed and her body didn’t appear as stiff as before. “He’s in Sevanoaks.”

  Miss Trent moved her curious gaze back to Madison. “And who did you say you were?”

  Madison tightened her hands into fists. She did not like this woman. “I’m a friend of the family.”

  Slowly, Miss Trent shook her head. “I don’t believe I’ve ever heard Rosie speak of you. Are you a close friend?”

  “Indeed, she is,” Alice quickly said. “She’s my very good friend, and just recently, my brother has become close to Miss Haywood, as well.”

  Madison held her breath, waiting for the younger woman’s reaction. Within seconds Miss Trent’s expression hardened. Even the color of her amber eyes turned darker.

  “You don’t say.” Miss Trent’s mouth thinned.

  “So tell me,” Alice quickly continued, “what is new with you, Miss Trent? You haven’t graced our doorstep for at least a fortnight.”

  The other woman lifted a haughty chin and turned a cold shoulder to Madison as she peered at Alice. “I came to inquire about Rosie. A few days ago, your brother visited me, asking such peculiar questions about Rosie. By chance, is she still missing?”

  Alice took a fast intake of breath and her face slowly lost color. “I fear, my brother still cannot locate her.”

  “I’m so sorry to hear that.” Miss Trent lifted her chin a notch higher in arrogance. “However, I have thought of something since I last spoke with your brother, and I would like to tell.”

  From down the hall came the oddest noise. Thump...scrape. Thump...scrape. Madison jerked her attention to the doorway just as a stooped old man with a cane entered. Dressed the same way he’d been in the carriage—men’s clothes that appeared to be at least ten years out of fashion—Cameron looked much older than he had earlier. Even the gray wig looked whiter as if it had been powdered slightly. His eyebrows appeared powered, as well. And he still wore the spectacles. He wore a blue and green flannel lap quilt over his shoulders as he limped inside the room.

  “Uncle Henry.” Alice jumped up and hurried to his side. “What are you doing out of your room? You are supposed to be napping.”

  “Nonsense,” he snapped in a gruff voice. “Napping is for babies and old people.”

  Madison tried not to grin. Cameron certainly had a bit of acting ability, and he definitely had some humor.

  “I heard voices,” he said, keeping the aged tone in his voice. “Do we have visitors?”

  “It’s only Miss Trent. And of course, you remember Miss Haywood.”

  Cameron glanced at Miss Trent before resting his gaze on Madison. “Ah, what lovely ladies we have here. The room has been brightened considerably.”

  Madison caught her breath. Was he speaking directly to her? Or were her girlish fantasies running wild again?

  “Miss Trent,” Alice spoke. “This is my father’s brother, Uncle Henry.”

  “Nice to meet you, sir.” Miss Trent nodded. “And this is my companion, Mrs. Neddles.”

  Cameron nodded. “Likewise, I’m sure.” He hobbled to the chair near Madison and sat. “Forgive me for interrupting. Please continue your chit-chat.”

  “Uncle Henry,” Alice said, “Miss Trent came to talk to Cameron about Rosie.”

  “Eh?” Cameron snapped up his head and leaned his right ear closer. “Nosey? You think I’m being nosey?”

  Madison couldn’t stop the laugh coming to her throat, so she slapped a hand over her mouth. Beside her, Miss Trent actually did release a small laugh.

  Alice smiled and shook her head. “No, Uncle Henry. I said,” she lifted her voice, “that Miss Trent wanted to talk to Cameron about Rosie.”

  “Ah.” He nodded. “Then proceed.”

  Alice’s cheeks twitched as if she was trying to hold back a laugh. Madison knew she was struggling, herself. Cameron had better be careful if he didn’t want to blow his cover.

  “So, Miss Trent,” Alice said with a little more composure, “would you mind telling me what information you were going to pass onto my brother?”

  “Uh, well...” Miss Trent switched her gaze from Alice to Cameron, and then back to Alice. “I suppose I could. Are you certain he’s not here?”

  “Positive.” Alice nodded. “Miss Haywood talked to him in town a few hours earlier, and he told her he was traveling to Sevenoaks, posthaste.”

  “Oh.” Miss Trent frowned. “Well, I suppose I could tell you.”

  The young woman took a deep breath and lowered her gaze, appearing bashful. Madison snickered inwardly. That young woman didn’t have a bashful bone in her body, so why was she suddenly acting like it?

  “I haven’t stopped thinking about Rosie since Cam...uh, Mr. Westland talked to me the other day,” Miss Trent lifted her gaze to Alice. “I’d told your brother when we talked, that I didn’t know where Rosie was. However, I do have a bit of information for you.”

  “Go on.” Alice nodded.

  “I’m sure you know how much time Rosie spent at my house this past year.”

  “Indeed.” Alice’s expression turned serious as she watched the other woman.

  “Well, there is one thing I’m quite certain that Rosie never mentioned to you.” Miss Trent softly cleared her throat. “You see, Rosie knew I had many men come to call on me each week, and your sister begged for introductions.”

  Just as before, the color in Alice’s face began to fade. She glanced at Cameron. Although his face remained impassive, he clenched his fists.

  “Actually, Miss Trent,” Alice said in a tight voice, “I had suspected as much.”

  “As ha
ve I, my dearest Alice,” Cameron added in his gruff, older voice as he looked at Miss Trent. “That would explain how Rosie met a man named Mr. Bailey that she confessed to having feelings for.”

  Alice gasped, and her face turned completely white. The poor girl’s eyes were wide, and her mouth hung open. Madison cringed. Obviously, Cameron had forgotten that Alice didn’t know about Mr. Bailey.

  Madison hoped he would say something to rectify the awkward situation with his sister. Unfortunately, his gaze was directed solely on Miss Trent.

  Miss Trent arched an eyebrow as her expression changed to one of haughtiness. “Well, Mr. Westland,” Miss Trent snipped, “it’s not what you are thinking.”

  He cocked his head to the side. “Pray, Miss Trent, tell me what my old mind is thinking.”

  Miss Trent adjusted on the couch, sitting forward a little more. “Rosie was not in love with Mr. Bailey.”

  Cameron’s jaw tightened. “Then why did my niece tell me and her brother that she was?”

  “I don’t know.” Miss Trent shook her head. “But Rosie told me herself she wished Mr. Bailey would leave her be. Rosie considered him to be an annoying man and that he was too old for her. Whenever she spoke of him, she shivered in disgust.”

  Cameron kept his eyes on Miss Trent for a few unsettling moments before he grumbled something under his breath and stood. He paced the floor, thankfully, keeping in his old man character. Madison remained quiet, as did the other women in the room. During this time, Madison studied Miss Trent for any signs that she was lying to Cameron, but so far Madison found her sincere. The younger woman kept her hands placed on her lap and her expression didn’t waver.

  Finally, Cameron’s pacing came to a halt when he stood by the window and peered outside. Gripping the handle of the cane with both hands, he rocked gently on his heels. Madison could only imagine what questions swam in his head at this moment.

  “Miss Trent?” Alice’s voice squeaked when she captured everyone’s attention. “By chance, do you know if Rosie held another man’s favor?”