Madison's Gift

by Marie Higgins

  She turned a corner and the light slipped away. Thankfully, the candle kept her company and gave her enough illumination to see. The door to this room creaked as she opened it. Spider webs were the first to greet her, and she quickly brushed them away. As she stepped inside, her foot knocked against a box. That’s when she realized the space was filled wall to wall with boxes. She scoped the perimeter. Now she knew where the dust had gathered. Still, that didn’t explain why Rosie cleaned the main room in the first place.

  Madison stepped to a box and placed her hand on the lid. Nothing.

  A creak echoed through the room, and she stilled. Holding her breath, she listened closer. She was the only one up here...wasn’t she?

  Then again, it was probably her conscience playing tricks on her. She shook her head and rolled her eyes. Of course, that must be it. She didn’t believe in ghosts.

  She moved back toward the door, allowing the candle to show her the way through the shadows. Suddenly, something tall and wide blocked the doorway.

  She gasped. Her heart pummeled crazily against her ribs. With a shaky hand, she brought the candle up to see what could have taken away the very little light from that direction.

  CAMERON PEERED TOWARD the candle, trying to see the shadowy figure behind it. He’d been in his bed chambers when he’d heard odd noises from the attic. But never in his life had he expected to find Madison roaming around.

  She expelled a gush of air. “Cameron? What are you doing up here?”

  “Madison? Is that really you?” He stepped closer, still not believing his eyes. “What in the blazes... I came up here to investigate when I heard noises. I didn’t think a mouse could have such a heavy step.”

  She rolled her eyes. “It’s just me. I came up here because Alice remembered seeing Rosie leaving the attic the day before she disappeared.”

  Her statement took him off guard and he belted out a sarcastic laugh. “Rosie? Up here? Impossible.”

  “That’s why I’m here...hoping to get a vision.”

  He noticed a spider web strand caught in her hair, and without asking, plucked it out. “Has it worked?”

  “Not yet.”

  She watched his hand as he shook off the web. Now that his eyes had adjusted, he noticed the lovely gown she wore. The lavender color complimented her dark brown hair that flowed perfectly over her shoulders. Although he still couldn’t see the color of her eyes, he was certain they were alight with wonder right now.

  As his gaze wandered down her body, he noticed the lower cut bodice that showed a hint of her ample bosom. The dress fit snug against her chest and thin waist. Long sleeves hung loose on her arms, gathering at the wrists. His mouth dried and he forced his gaze back to her eyes, but it was extremely difficult.

  “I was thinking about checking the other room.” She motioned her head to the north of them.

  “Oh, yes. Let me help you.” He held out his hand.

  “Oh, don’t be silly. I’m sure I can find the way by myself.”

  He reached for the candle, and at the same time, she jerked it away. The quick motion tilted the candle off the holder. As it fell to the ground, the flame blew out. Darkness surrounded them.

  “Oh, dear.” Her voice rose in panic.

  “Don’t worry,” he answered. “I’ll find it.”

  Cameron’s eyes adjusted slowly. He knelt to the floor, searching for the candle. Unintentionally, he brushed by her booted feet, bumping his hand against her ankle. She hitched a breath and dropped to her knees—probably to assist him so he wouldn’t touch her feet again. Instead, their fingers met.

  On instinct, he took her hand into his. Slowly, the small amount of light from the other room crept their way, and through the shadows, she lifted her head to look at him. He couldn’t quite see her eyes, but she was so close, her warm breath blew against his face. She smelled like she’d been eating berries...and honey. It was all he could do not to lean a few inches forward and cover her mouth with his. But he resisted, as difficult as it was.

  She didn’t move, and neither did he. By the way her breath fanned his face, he knew she was breathing heavily. Remarkably, so was he. He grinned. Was she as interested in him as he was in her?

  Falling victim to temptation, he lifted his other hand and grasped a lock of her hair. Slowly, he rubbed it between his finger and thumb. Indeed, it was as soft as it had looked. The urge grew, and he wanted to rub her hair against his cheek. She gulped loudly, and he copied the action.

  “Cam-Cameron? I...I...think—”

  His vision began to adjust, and her face became a little clearer. He was certain she could see him just as well because her gaze dropped to his mouth. His heart flipped with anticipation. Kissing her now would be the perfect time. They were alone and so close...and he’d never felt the urge stronger than at this moment.

  Leaning closer, she sucked in a quick breath of air, yet she hadn’t moved away. He smiled and closed the space between them. Just as his lips touched hers, a creak from the floor echoed, breaking the stillness. A light moved slowly up the hall.

  Madison jumped away, bumping her head against his. “Ouch!” As he placed a hand on the floor to steady himself, his fingers brushed against the candle. “I found it.”

  He and Madison stood together, and he stepped away from her. He aimed his focus on the light floating up the hall.

  “Master Cameron? Is that you?”

  He frowned and nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Trumble. What are you doing up here?”

  “Mistress Alice bade me to come find Miss Haywood. She was worried about her guest.”

  “We are both here. Your timing couldn’t have been better. Miss Haywood’s candle dropped and we lost light for a few moments.” He reached over and lit his candle against hers. “We’re on our way down now.”

  “Oh, of course, sir.” The woman turned and hurried back into the main room.

  Sadly, the hypnotic spell that had been between him and Madison was gone. More than anything, he wanted it back.

  “Well, shall we leave the attic or did you want to keep looking?”

  “N-no. I think I’m done here.”

  He hesitated to return downstairs, but when she made no attempt to come any closer, he knew the sensual mood had been ruined. As he headed toward the trap door, he realized that today had just begun. There was more time to bring back the sparks between them.

  Smiling, he nodded. Today looked much brighter already.

  TEN

  Madison had never felt so embarrassed...and confused at the same time. Cameron had caught her with spider webs in her hair and dust on her gown, and yet he still tried to kiss her. Oh heavens!

  When they finally made it back to the sitting room where Alice waited, Madison was able to get a better look at him, mainly because she’d been too frazzled to meet his gaze before now. His green eyes were lighter than normal as he peered her way. The soft lift of his mouth was even different, and she could stare dreamily at them for the rest of the day, if necessary.

  Dressed in black trousers, a vest, and brown jacket with white shirt and cravat, he looked so handsome. His slightly damp waves were slicked back on his head. From where she stood, a whiff of his spice cologne nearly attacked her senses and made her weak in the knees.

  “Well? What did you find in the attic?” Alice asked in a rush, aiming her question to Madison.

  Frowning, she shook her head. “I didn’t find anything. I received no visions at all.”

  A loud sigh escaped Alice’s mouth. “Thank you for trying, anyway.” She switched her gaze to her brother. “I’m glad you’re finally up.”

  “Forgive me for not rising sooner, but I returned home late.”

  Alice nodded. “I’ve been anxious to hear what you found last night.”

  The pleasant expression on his face fell slightly. “Actually, I found nothing at Miss Trent’s. However, I did find something when I visited the police station and talked to the men who worked that night.”

  Madison
gasped. “You didn’t! Cameron, they could have arrested you.”

  He shook his head. “I overheard them talking about Mr. Bailey’s murder, and they had no idea what Captain Orwood had planned.”

  “Uh, Cam?” Alice’s voice wavered. “What does that have to do with Rosie?”

  He inhaled slowly and turned toward his sister, keeping his focus mainly on her. “Forgive me for not telling you sooner, but the man who was killed at the station, Mr. Bailey, had a connection with our dear sister. In fact,” he exhaled slowly, “Rosie had begged me to allow his courtship.”

  “But...” Alice shook her head as her eyes filled with tears, “didn’t Miss Trent say differently?”

  “Yes. However, I still need to find who killed Mr. Bailey. I feel responsible for putting him in the cell block, and of course, I don’t want to be accused of something I didn’t do.”

  Alice sucked in a quick breath. “Was Mr. Bailey...a criminal?”

  “No, but I threw him in the cell when he wasn’t giving me the answers I needed after asking him about Rosie.”

  Lowering her hand, Alice shook her head. “Do you think the two cases are related?”

  “Possibly.” He turned to Madison. “Madison? Would you enjoy an outing with me today?”

  Startled by his question, Madison’s mind went blank. Of course, his smile and warm eyes didn’t help the matter. “Uh...an outing? Are you not supposed to be in hiding?”

  “Of course, I am. You will be traveling with Uncle Henry, if that meets your approval.” He chuckled. “But I thought about taking you to the station and to Mr. Bailey’s cell to see if you can get a vision there.”

  Eagerness snapped her out of the stupor. Of course, knowing they’d be alone heightened the excitement shooting through her, as well. “Certainly, Mr. Westland. I would love to go with you this morning.”

  After she’d said it, she could have slapped herself. Why had she answered in those words? She didn’t want him thinking she looked forward to their time alone...even though she was.

  He glanced at Alice. “Is that all right with you?”

  A mischievous grin stretched across Alice’s face, making her green eyes twinkle. “But of course, dear brother. With Miss Haywood with you, I won’t have to worry about your getting arrested.”

  “Exactly.” He nodded.

  “Brother, dear? Do you want me to ask Mrs. Trumble to make you a lunch basket, too?”

  Madison’s cheeks grew hot, and she hoped her face didn’t reflect her embarrassment. Why was Alice trying to pair them together—and so openly? The young woman should have been a little more discreet.

  Cameron nodded. “That’s a splendid idea.”

  Alice clapped her hands excitedly. “I shall inform her right now.”

  As the other woman spun out of the room, Madison silently groaned. Alice was making a bigger deal of Madison’s morning ride with Cameron than it really should be, and it was quite distressing. And yet, the twinkle in his eyes as he chuckled made her question his motives. He couldn’t possibly entertain the idea of a relationship with her. She had ushered that notion out of her head several years ago after realizing men would never understand her visions, or tolerate how she wanted to help others because of her gift.

  She prayed Cameron wouldn’t toy with her feelings.

  CAMERON GENTLY TAPPED the reins, urging the horse to pull the small carriage that carted Madison and him—dressed as Uncle Henry—toward their destination. Slightly cooler than yesterday, today’s weather held a light wind that blew from the east. Madison sat next to him, clutching the shawl draped over her shoulders as she stared straight ahead. He enjoyed the way the lavender color of her dress brought out her lovely blue eyes and highlighted her deep brown hair.

  Of course, after their encounter in the attic, he’d probably like her no matter what dress she wore.

  “I thank you for agreeing to go with me,” he began after a few minutes of silence.

  She tilted her head and peered at him. Her eyes reminded him of blue iris flowers. He’d always liked that flower, but it had been years since he’d seen one—or even presented one—to a girl. And why did Madison’s dark eyelashes seem longer today?

  Had she been thinking about him this morning? He didn’t dare ask her. Although he wanted to bring up the subject, he wasn’t certain quite how to do it.

  “I hope I’ll be able to see something that will help with your investigation.” She casually moved her gaze back toward the road.

  “That’s my plan, too.”

  She met his gaze again. “So tell me, what had delayed you for so long last night? I waited for you to return, but I knew I had to get home before it became dark.”

  “You see, I first went to Miss Trent’s house to spy on her, but as the day wore into the evening, I realized the woman wasn’t going to give anything away during that time. That’s why I left.” He chuckled. “I wondered at first if she knew I was watching her, but then, knowing Miss Trent as I do, I’m sure she would have come out to greet me, believing I was calling on her.”

  Madison laughed. “True. The woman seems quite taken with you.”

  He rolled his eyes and looked back toward the road. “That’s putting it mildly. I suspect the only reason she became friends with Rosie over a year ago was to put herself in my path so I’d notice her.”

  “Did it work? Have you noticed her more?” Madison nudged his arm with hers and raised her eyebrows.

  He laughed. “Not at all. She is looking for a husband, and I’m definitely not that man.”

  “Have you told her?”

  He shook his head. “Not outright. I’m trying to tell her by my actions.”

  “Hmm...” She studied him through a narrowed gaze. “I honestly don’t think it’s working the way you want it to.”

  “Oh, don’t discourage me like that, because that means I’ll have to try harder.”

  Madison threw back her head and laughed. He couldn’t stop from admiring the smooth curve of her neck, and especially hearing the musical lift of her voice. She hadn’t laughed like this before, and he rather enjoyed the magical sound—like angels in play.

  His heart warmed, just as it had done before whenever they were this close. Of course, he’d felt some strange kind of spark after meeting her that first time. At least now he was glad to know they were finally comfortable around each other. So maybe he’d get another chance to kiss her.

  “Yes, Cameron, I believe you will have to try a lot harder. Women like Miss Trent don’t take subtle hints well.”

  “Are you jesting? Do you believe Miss Trent is really that way?”

  Madison nodded. “Oh, I’m certain of it. I’ve known many women like her.”

  “I’m in deep trouble, then.” Sighing, he scrubbed his chin.

  She chuckled again. “Enough about Miss Trent. I believe you were going to tell me about what you did after you left her house last night.”

  “Indeed, I was.” He tried to keep his eyes on the road, but the beautiful woman sitting beside him made it very difficult to concentrate. And whenever the buggy hit a bump in the road, she gently fell against him, but quickly righted herself. Would it be improper if he told her to just relax against his body and enjoy the duration of the ride? He’d certainly like it better that way.

  He explained to her what had happened last night when he asked the other men who worked at night in the office. Of course, he left out the bit of conversation between Flannery and Garrick in regards to Rosie.

  Madison seemed enthralled, and she kept her stare on him while he explained what had happened. It was rather nice to have a woman take interest in his work.

  “Have you talked with Mr. McGreer, yet?” she asked.

  “No. By the time I left the station, it was too late.”

  “Hmm...” She tapped her finger on her chin. “It does sound rather odd that a man with a broken leg would want to venture down the stairs—any stairs—into the cell block.”

  “It does, bu
t you know what else caught my attention?”

  “What?” she asked with wide eyes.

  He could stare into her mesmerizing eyes all day and never become bored. However, he still needed to watch the road. “It got me thinking... Mr. Bailey died because of a blow to his head. If Douglass McGreer had a crutch with him when he visited Mr. Bailey, that crutch just might be the murder weapon if it struck against his skull hard enough.”

  Her perfectly shaped lips parted as she gasped. Different expressions played on her face, and he smiled as her interest grew. She was indeed, very lovely.

  “Cameron, that’s brilliant.”

  He shrugged one shoulder and looked toward the road again. “But then there is still the matter of how he would have walked down those stairs with a broken leg.”

  “Very carefully, that’s for sure.”

  Her comment caught him off guard, and he laughed. “Yes, he would have to be careful, wouldn’t he?”

  Suddenly, her eyes grew large and her mouth shaped into an O. “Cameron. I just had a thought. Why don’t you take me to Mr. Bailey’s house? I might get one of my visions in that environment, especially if Rosie was involved. If I don’t see anything in regards to Rosie, then perhaps I’ll have a vision that might help you solve his murder.”

  Realization washed over him and he released his grip on the reins, which slowed the horse. Why hadn’t he thought of that? But it didn’t matter. He loved it. He would take her there today.

  “Madison,” he grasped her shoulders and pulled her closer. “That is an excellent idea.”

  She sucked in a quick breath and placed the palms of her hands against his chest as though she was going to push him away...but she didn’t. Instead, she stared into his eyes. Her breathing turned uneven, but then, so did his. Up this close her flowery fragrance wafted around him, clouding his head of everything else but her.

  His mind drew a blank. What should he say now? He hadn’t really meant to pull her up against his body in such an intimate position...or had he? Now that she was this close, should he make the best out of the situation and do the one thing he’d thought about since the attic—stealing a kiss?