by Madison Kent
Davis pulled out a two fat cigars from his inner pocket, and said, "Young man, I can see we will get along just fine. Will you have a cigar?"
"I will, sir. But dinner is being served. May I join you afterward? I would like to know more about you so that I may present an accurate portrayal of you in my article."
Davis left without so much as introducing Deputy St. John or acknowledging Madeline and Hugh. She didn't care. However, she was delighted that Jonathan had secured an interview with him. She felt any information gleaned from the crusty old man would give her a better insight as to how this city functioned.
She commented to Jonathan, "Perhaps that's even a better plan. If you keep Davis and St. John busy, I won't have to fear them watching my movements."
They went to dinner, the three ready to execute their scheme.
Chapter Fifteen
Intrigue
Madeline estimated that at least one hundred people sat at the long, elaborately decorated tables. This time, no one delivered any speeches, but several people stood and gave heartfelt toasts to the South, which were answered by cheers from the audience.
She could tell many of the people were slightly intoxicated, because they did not behave as formally as the attendees at the other dinner party. This crowd was more celebratory than before, and she knew this was to her advantage. Madeline hoped as the evening progressed, they continued to be even more boisterous. She believed the noise would enable her to meander through the estate, with less chance of detection.
Hugh said, "I wonder where Oliver is? Are you surprised to see Austin seated next to Emma?"
She replied, "Honestly, I somehow think that it's Austin the family hopes Emma will marry. Although Oliver is distinguished, Yale-educated, and also comes from an influential family, Austin's family has the political connections I think Corinne covets."
Jonathan said, "For someone who has achieved such notoriety, she certainly is young. I would say she looks no more than eighteen, but she is lovely."
She said, "She's twenty-two but acts more like eighteen, or even younger. I suppose it is difficult to mature in an atmosphere where she's granted every wish by indulging parents, and anxious suitors. I'm sure you would find her just as interesting to engage with as Davis."
He replied, "I'm not sure about that. I have met many a spoiled young girl, but not many eccentric, Confederate-sympathizing, policemen."
"Touché," she replied.
Hugh offered, "You might change your mind after meeting her. I've spent an afternoon with her, and she can be quite captivating."
She laughed and said, "Be sure she doesn't do so tonight, I need you to assist me.
"For Oliver to miss an affair like this, there must be a good reason. Perhaps he and Emma had a falling out, or maybe his gambling addictions do have a hold of him, and he is in an all-night poker game somewhere."
Hugh said, "If his true intentions are to marry Emma, I can't imagine that he would offend her, or her domineering parents, by not attending."
When they finished dessert, Jonathan said, "Inspector Davis is waving me over to him. I believe he is anxious to give me a narration of his life accomplishments. It can be the best way to trap someone into revealing something that they wouldn't otherwise.
"I'll keep the two officers at bay―good luck. Tread carefully. If you're caught snooping, It would be impossible to get anyone to talk to you about the case, or maybe even talk to you at all. They might just shun you. It's obvious, Mrs. St. Fleur is something of a drug to these people."
Madeline and Hugh mingled with the dozen or so people who were also strolling around the estate and viewing its unique stained glass windows, and murals of the South.
She said, "I hope I'm leading you in the right direction. I noted that one of the murals near the guarded area was of Confederate soldiers on the battlefield. It should be just around this next corner."
As she predicted, no one noticed that the two had drifted away from the main ballroom.
When they approached the area, Madeline said, "This may prove easier than I thought. There's only one guard, and he isn't standing erect like the Queen's guards. The last time I saw them, they looked like soldiers protecting the crown jewels. He's reading a book and is drinking a glass of wine."
Hugh commented, "Perhaps they needed to utilize the other guard for some other purpose. I'm certain this ball required a great coordination of services.
"I suppose I will feign an injury, and plead with him to assist me back to the ballroom. Even if he takes me a short distance, as soon as we are out of sight, you can slip past. If that doesn't work, I may have to enlist Jonathan's help."
Madeline moved out of sight and waited to enter the hall.
She heard Hugh say, "Sir, could you help me. I seem to have twisted my ankle."
She heard the two converse for a moment―the guard saying he could not leave his post―and Hugh proclaiming he could not move without assistance. After a few minutes, she heard the guard say, "I suppose I could walk you out to the divan in the outer hall. Someone should see you there, and be able to assist you to the main ballroom."
Hugh professed his gratitude and continued talking, asking the man about the book he was reading.
She hurried to the cordoned off area, and a chill came over her as if she was going into a lion's den.
Buckets, paint, and other tools were in the corners. The hall was dusty and appeared nothing more than what it was―an area under construction. After listening at the first door, and hearing nothing, she peeked in. It was a large room filled with more supplies and a few large statues. She thought, How disappointing! Was I that wrong about Mrs. St. Fleur? Perhaps I have let my imagination run wild.
After opening six doors, and finding nothing, she decided to look for a way back to the ballroom that didn't entail sneaking past the guard.
She heard the sound of muffled music, and thought perhaps a door, with a bright, golden knocker on it, would lead her back. She opened it slightly, and she could see another large room, that would perhaps take her back. She was about to give up her search when she turned around and thought she would go down one more hall. This time, when she quietly opened the door, she found there was a landing with a staircase going both down and up. She tip-toed onto the landing and descended the steep set of stairs. When she had stepped down eight stairs, she heard voices. At first, she thought it may just lead to the outer ballroom, but as she continued down to the bottom step, she secured herself so that no one could see her, and then looked out. There she saw thirty or forty young men sitting at tables filled with paperwork, and small-scale replicas of buildings. They were speaking so quietly that she could not hear what was said, but one word she was certain she heard repeated was "the cause", and the "South." She also thought she heard Corinne's name mentioned several times, but could not be sure.
Her heart was racing, as she knew she must get back upstairs undetected. She didn't know what she had seen, but it certainly was strange. She thought she heard someone coming toward the staircase, and moved back, hitting her head against a beam. She managed not to let a cry out but dropped her satchel. It opened, and items fell onto the floor. She panicked as she hurried to gather them up.
Racing up the stairs, she could now see someone down below, starting up the stairs, and they called out to her. A young man's voice called out to her, "Is that you, Anna?"
She grunted affirmatively, hoping to deceive him, and continued to the room she had seen before that led to an exit. She flew into the area, straightened herself and walked around looking for the exit back to the main area. One overly-ornate door, with rose carvings around the perimeter, stood out. It was secured, but she had brought with her, the lock-picking tools that she had learned to master. She practiced whenever she could, for it took a delicate, and extremely calm hand to do the deed.
She could hear the man still calling out the name "Anna", and knew she had only minutes before discovery was imminent. Then, she heard the door
click, and she was in. She rushed away from the area, believing the person would follow her out. As a subterfuge, she forced her way into a conversation with several, older ladies, who were talking about knitting patterns. Her mother had taught her to knit as a child so that she easily joined in the conversation.
The young man did pass them by, still calling out the name "Anna", but soon turned around and returned from where he came. She took a hard look at him, trying to remember the details of his face. Perhaps she might even try to do a rough sketch of him. She had the abilities to do it, but she didn't know whether her memory would serve her well enough to last till she arrived home and was able to put charcoal on paper.
She was maneuvering through the long hall back to the main ballroom when she heard a voice from behind her call out, "Madeline, what you are doing in this part of the estate? Did you get lost? You're out of breath?" asked Oliver.
"Oh, Oliver. I did not see you at dinner. I'm glad you're here. I had thought this was the way to the room where the hunting trophies were on display. I hoped to show my friend from New York the amazing animals.
"I suppose I may have been walking too fast, and became a short of breath."
"May I have the honor of a dance this evening?"
"Of course, if I may have a sip of absinthe. My throat is parched, but then I will be delighted to dance."
She sat on a high chair, with carved silver leaves, and thick, plush cushions. Oliver had volunteered to bring her an absinthe. Spending time with Oliver was never fruitless, not only did she like him, perhaps more than she should, but he seemed to enjoy throwing little tidbits of intriguing gossip at her. It was like he was teasing her to find out what the truth was that lie hidden within the recesses of his colorful stories.
She knew he did not believe her story, for even as she said it, it sounded ridiculous to her. She knew she would have to become more adept at fabricating believable explanations if she were ever to become a successful sleuth.
Oliver returned with her absinthe and a bourbon for himself.
"Now, tell me again what you were doing here?" Oliver asked.
"Oliver, you know I've had an insatiable curiosity to see more of the house, especially the areas that are closed off to visitors. I suppose I just wanted a peek at the place, hoping to find something interesting."
"That's more like it. I think you're looking in the wrong place. Follow the inspector, and you're more likely to find peculiar activates. However, I will do this for you; I'll see if I can solicit Emma's help to find out if there is anything going on that she knows about. There may be some simple explanation. I'm sure as a child, she snuck behind many closed doors and observed things. She'll tell me―trust me."
She thought, Yes, maybe she will, but then would you tell me the truth? Oliver, my friend, I'm afraid I no longer trust you.
Madeline replied, "Thank you, my friend―that would prove very useful. It may be nothing, but the place is so vast, and Corinne so unusual, it makes me believe there are secret activities going on behind locked doors."
"And perhaps your Sherlock Holmes stories that you love so well are interfering with logic?"
"Perhaps. That's why it is up to you to find out the truth. I don't know anyone else that could, except Austin."
Madeline deliberately interjected Austin's name, once again, to discover what Oliver was up to with Emma. She had yet seen him display any true emotion of any kind whenever she mentioned Emma's name. If he loved her, he should show some display of jealousy concerning Austin, his competitor for Emma's hand.
He turned to her, and unexpectedly kissed her forehead, "Shall we dance, Miss Madeline, or should I say, the most beautiful woman at the ball. If you are looking for me to be jealous, well, I am. I am jealous of all the time you spend with your two friends, Hugh, and Jonathan. I wish you looked at me the way you do them.
"Does that satisfy your curiosity?"
"Oliver, you're impossible and wonderful. Your Blarney falls from your lips as if you are Irish."
"Although, my ancestors are European, at last, they are not Irish, but Austrian. But everyone can benefit, at times, from the use of a little Blarney. You should try it more often. It would suit your lips, to speak with as much flare, as you scintillating, hazel eyes do.
"A man could get lost in your eyes, Madeline," Oliver said, as he took her hand in his.
"Now, my dear," he continued, "let's dance."
She was so dumbfounded by his flattery, that she thought saying nothing would be the most appropriate thing to do. She smiled and agreed to the dance. Madeline did not for a minute believe Oliver's words but wondered what end he sought by his flirtations. She thought, Is he guilty of something, and thinks I will not suspect him of any wrongdoing if he flatters me? He is more of a puzzle than any man I've ever met.
When she strolled into the ballroom on Oliver's arm, instead of Hugh's, she wondered if anyone would notice. It was convenient that he had come upon her―she felt it made her absence explainable. Most people that she had met had in some way offered their view that they thought it was obvious that Madeline was susceptible to Oliver's charm. Emma said that she concurred with that opinion. If they saw her now with him, she didn't think anyone would suspect anything except romantic mischief.
Dancing in Oliver's arms felt sinful; he had that something about him, a rugged handsomeness, and a certain suaveness that allowed him liberties with most women. She had noticed how the women sought his attentions whenever he was present. He enjoyed their submissive behavior and liked to play with them, complimenting them till they blushed.
Even knowing this, she could not escape his charm, and enjoyed being held by him as the twirled around.
"Oliver, I would be grateful if you could find out anything at all from Emma about any activities that go on. I'm sure as a juvenile; she must have had a curiosity about what went on in her home."
"As I promised, I will try. I see it is not a whim, but something of importance to you so that I will do my best."
"May I ask if you are here with her? Austin was at her side at dinner."
"I was unable to be here due to a business meeting. I assumed she would ask Austin to be her escort until I arrived. It is her nature; she cannot be alone."
She thought, Why can't I play this game to my advantage?
"It is a shame. I've missed you and hoped we could spend more time together. There are so many lovely restaurants that could offer a haven for two young people as ourselves for an intimate dinner."
"I know quite a few. I didn't know you were interested, but I would like of offer an invitation to you this minute to join me for dinner. I will choose a cozy place."
"But what of Emma?"
He looked frustrated at her remark, "Emma, and I see each other but remember we are not wed. I am still a very, single man seeking to live my life as I see fit. Now, you will not deny me this dinner, when you have so kindly brought the matter up yourself?"
"No, of course not, I will look forward to it as the birth of a summer day."
"You see, Emma does not play by any rules. Isn't that one of your friends dancing with her?"
She looked in the direction he was pointing and saw Hugh dancing with her. Jonathan was nearby still talking with the two officers.
She said, "I'm sure Emma is waiting for you, and my friend from New York that I spoke about is here. I'd like you to meet him."
Oliver and Madeline walked over to where the group was.
Hugh and Jonathan smiled at her, and she knew they were relieved she was safe. Hugh insisted on dancing with Madeline, and instead of Oliver, Emma requested that Jonathan dance with her. Madeline thought This is even better; it is good that Jonathan will get a taste of Emma's precocious behavior. I will be anxious to hear what he has to say about her if he still think she's just an ordinary rich girl."
The five young people stayed together, and within a short time, Austin had joined them.
Madeline had the first dance with Hugh. He whi
spered, "Good heavens, I stayed as long as I could in the area, but I could see the guard was getting suspicious, so I moved on. I could only hope you have found a way back. If you hadn't shown up soon, Jonathan and I had planned to search for you."
"I will tell you what I discovered during the carriage ride home when Jonathan is present, and we are free to talk."
Madeline then danced with Austin, who behaved in his usual kind, and courtly manner.
He said, "You seem to be enjoying yourself this evening. Your face has a nice, pink glow, and you seem excited, and, dare I say, happy."
Austin was correct in that she was flushed and excited, but because of her venture into the hidden room.
"Yes, my Father and my friend, Jonathan's unexpected visit have brought me great joy."
"Then will you all be returning to Chicago soon?"
"Perhaps...it seems there is nothing left here I can do. I tried my best for the Armstrong family and Jeffrey, but I will have to leave the investigation in the capable hands of Mr. Davis."
"You mean that facetiously, don't you?"
"Yes, but truly, I will have to. I have run out of leads."
Austin looked relieved to hear her say this and continued dancing with her, but with a lighter step, and a happier disposition.
When it was nearly eleven, the three took their leave and bid their guests good-night. Mrs. St. Fleur was pleasant and took the time to invite them back again for luncheon the following Sunday.
Emily and Edgar remained, as they usually stayed till the very end of the St. Fleur's events, which could continue, as late as two in the morning.
Chapter Sixteen
Discovery
Reggie drove the three home, the clouds still dripping a light, rainfall upon them.
As she began her story, Madeline sat between the two men, comforted by their body heat, and the feeling of safety they gave her.