by Madison Kent
"I didn't see anyone, so I felt an ease walking through the halls and opening doors. I was surprised to find nothing of interest, just piles of tools, dirty cloth, and other work related items. Some rooms stored such items as rugs, statues, and paintings―nothing of curiosity.
"I found an exit through an enormous room; it may have been a study. But then, I decided to take one more turn around the hallway and traveled down a flight of steps. When I reached the bottom, I peeked through the slight opening of the door, and I could see a good number of men in the room, maybe thirty or forty."
Jonathan said, "That's odd. During a ball, people still continuing to work on the house in some downstairs room, and at such a late hour―that's peculiar."
Hugh said, "You say there were thirty or forty young men?"
"Yes...perhaps even more. They were serious, spoke quietly, and seemed absorbed in their work, whatever that was."
She went on at length, describing the small-scale model structures displayed on several tables. She said they looked similar to government buildings.
Hugh said, "Do you think it could be as simple an explanation as the St. Fleur's are planning to build something on land they've purchased elsewhere? They may have hired a team of architects to finalize the floor plans."
Madeline said, "Oh, Hugh, you're so practical, I never thought of that. It's possible. They're so ridiculously wealthy; they could very well be planning something like that. After all, they have the money to envision and build whatever kind of little city they want. And, you're right, they would choose to conduct their meetings in secret, so that their competitors would not get the gist of it."
"Yes, that could all be true, but the reporter in me says it's worth looking into, given the other outlandish events that have happened. Without the other factors at play, the meeting, in the room you discovered, would mean nothing in itself. But considering everything as one picture, I still say, it's suspicious. We need to get back down there―the three of us―and thoroughly investigate the place, as we did at the Harrison Hotel."
It was midnight when they arrived home, but Charlotte met them at the door and welcomed them home, saying she had brewed a pot of coffee for them.
Hugh said, "Will you both join me in the kitchen for a hot cup of tea?"
Jonathan replied, "Coffee for me, but yes, I'd like to continue our discussion."
"I need to go to my room, but I'll return in a moment."
Madeline stood by her bed and emptied the contents from her satchel onto it. She wanted to verify that nothing was missing. She clenched her fist, and thought, How could I have been so careless as to have dropped my bag? This is terrible!
She rushed downstairs, and into the kitchen, where Jonathan and Hugh sat at the table.
Madeline said, "You recall, I told you that I dropped my satchel. I've just searched it, and several things are missing―the pictures of Lonnie and Clifford, and the piece of metal that I found on the property, where Hugh sustained the gunshot. I thought I had recovered everything that had fallen out of my satchel, but it was so dark, I must have missed these items, and now they are somewhere at the foot of the staircase."
Hugh said, "Good Lord, if they find the items, they may discard them as mere scrap. But if anyone in that room is the murderer, they'll know it was one of us who wandered into their fortress. That could prove dangerous."
"I have an idea. Emily and Edgar are still there. I can say I've lost my money clip, and ask if I may look around for it," said Jonathan.
Hugh suggested, "No, it makes more sense for me to do it. After all, I was in the area we need to go to, where the guard witnessed my feigned injury. They're more likely to believe that I dropped something while I was hobbling along on my bad leg.
"We must hurry back before the ball concludes. It's just past midnight, there should still be a good number of people who remain, and that will give us cover."
Charlotte was good enough to wake Frederick. He brought around the carriage, and although he was sleepy-eyed and yawning, he stayed true to his good-natured spirit saying,
"I know it must be important, Miss, whatever the reason you want to go back there at this time of the night. I hope you'll be careful, whatever it is you're up to."
"Thank you, Frederick, and we are up to something, all right. We're trying to recover some items I lost, and...well, let's just say, we're trying to put the final pieces of this puzzle together."
Frederick smiled at her, but squinted his eyes together, as if he were confused by her statement. She hoped someday soon she could tell him the truth.
When they arrived at the St. Fleur's, Corinne was surprised to see them. When Hugh explained his dilemma, all Mrs. St. Fleur said was, "I see."
Madeline added, "It was such a beautiful night―perfect for a midnight ride―and, of course, another chance to see your magnificent estate."
Corinne replied curtly, "Mr. St. Fleur and I have been very fortunate, that is why we are involved in so many charitable events―so that we may share with our community."
Hugh said, "May I look around for my lost clip?"
She replied, "One moment, Austin is still here. He will take you through."
Hugh replied, "That's not necessary."
She said, "Oh, but it is. I wouldn't want you to lose your way. Please wait."
The trio stood in the foyer while Corinne sent one of the servants to summon Austin. Corinne did not leave their side so that they were not able to have any discourse amongst themselves about how to proceed.
A few minutes later, her father and Austin came into view. Dr. Donovan had decided to stay behind with the Montgomery's, as he told Madeline that he was enjoying himself immensely.
"Madeline, what's this? Why have you returned? Is anything wrong?"
"It's nothing, Father. Hugh thinks he may have misplaced his money clip earlier when he was walking about the estate."
Austin said, "Come on, old man, I'll help you look for it."
Madeline thought This was impossible! There will be no chance for us to return to the downstairs room. What bad luck that Corinne was here or was it?
When they returned empty handed, Corinne said, "We'll be happy to recoup your losses, Mr. Scott. Let my assistant know how much money you lost."
Hugh said, "I thank you, but that's not necessary, perhaps it may still turn up."
They said their goodnight's, and this time, her father and the Montgomery's returned with them.
The Montgomery's were in a separate carriage while her father returned with them.
Dr. Donovan said, "Madeline, what was that all about? Hugh, did you lose your money clip? If I found your actions odd, I'm sure Mrs. St. Fleur also did."
She replied, "It's my fault, Father. Hugh was trying to recover some items I dropped while snooping earlier. It's nothing, nothing at all."
Madeline did not wish to tell her father the entire truth just yet.
"Good. Jean has asked the men to join him on a fishing trip. What a great fellow! Jonathan and Hugh, I hope you don't mind that I accepted for all three of us."
Jonathan said, "Mind, on the contrary, I think it would be marvelous."
He and Hugh looked at her and smiled. She knew they we thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to spend some time with Mr. St. Fleur. He was, even more, difficult to get an audience with than Corinne.
Returning to the Montgomery's house, she retired to her room, feeling nervous and exhausted. She wondered if it were mere coincidence that Corinne had stopped them before they even entered the main estate.
Madeline tossed beneath the silk sheets for an hour, before returning to the window and staring out into the sparkling starlight. She sat reading for a while, hoping it would make her sleepy. Although painfully tired, sleep would not come. Her lost items were now either in a waste receptacle or in someone's hands which meant her harm. Even knowing her father was in the next room, did not ease her mind.
Tomorrow, she would confer with Hugh and Jonathan, ho
ping they could offer any suggestions on how to proceed.
Chapter Seventeen
To Catch a Fish
At Sunday morning breakfast, after a robust conversation about the ball, Emily stated that Corinne had invited her, Edgar, and Winnie and Odean to the theater. She commented that they would return by early evening.
When the meal finished, Madeline and her friends walked out onto the veranda.
She said, "I had a terrible night. I couldn't stop thinking about Corinne, and they way she behaved when we returned. I wonder if someone found the photographs and gave them to her. She had cat eyes when she looked at me―as if she could see right through us, and what we were about. I felt foolish being there."
Jonathan said, "We didn't give the best performance. I think her presence caught us off guard. But the opportunity has come again for us to attempt reentry. If the St. Fleur's will be gone, perhaps we can pay a call on Emma."
"I think the best way to do that is to appeal to her vanity. Madeline should stay behind. If Jonathan can keep Emma busy, I can try to get downstairs."
"I can draw you a rough diagram of the location. It's the best plan we've had. Emma is not Corinne. I think you're right, and she will spend her time flirting, and not suspecting anything is amiss," said Madeline.
Jonathan said, "As soon as we see the Montgomery's leave, we'll go, and hope to catch her without a visitor."
Madeline said, "Perhaps I can help with that. I'll ask Frederick to deliver a message to Oliver and Austin asking them to tea."
Frederick set out immediately, and Madeline was hopeful that this time, their scheme might prove fruitful.
The cook, Mrs. Blake, prepared a picnic basket for the three. They had wished privacy and walked the grounds until they came to an area of orange and lemon trees, ripe for the picking, to add to their noon feast.
Jonathan said, "You were right about old man, Davis. He's a character. I thought he would be eager to talk about Clifford and Jeffrey, but he hardly spoke of them, before beginning a tirade on the travesty that the South lost the war. He believed America lost its greatness afterward, and that, in many ways, he felt like an outsider in his own country.
"His silent partner, St. John, agreed with everything, actually becoming animated for a short while, and voicing his concerns over the way they ran the government.
"I think while I'm here, I will write an article on the Southern way, and its people."
When they returned, Emily and Edgar were preparing to leave. They wished them a pleasant day, and set out, with Hugh and Jonathan following, as soon as they were out of sight.
Frederick informed her that both men had agreed to her invitation, and would be there at three. Since it was only two, it would allow her the time to visit with her father and Fitz.
Both were in the drawing room, enjoying a cigar, and a drink of ale. Fitz was getting better each day―he trimmed his beard, and received a haircut from Charlotte, and looked ten years younger.
Madeline hugged them and asked, "Anyone for a game of poker?"
After a few rounds, Fitz was on a winning streak. She believed her father had the same thought as she, and they were both allowing Fitz to prevail.
"We will have two more to join us shortly. Oliver and Austin will be here at three. You will have partners for billiards, or we can continue to play poker, whichever you prefer.
"I'll return in a moment―I will ask Mrs. Blake to prepare an appetizer tray for our guests."
Oliver and Austin arrived after three―Austin bringing her father and Fitz a box of cigars.
Madeline thanked him, and Austin said, "It's nothing. I enjoyed your father's company at the ball. He's a loquacious storyteller and has a ready quip on any subject.
"And Fitz―he deserves some kindness―he's had such an ordeal."
Oliver seemed embarrassed to arrive empty-handed, but Madeline said, "Oliver, it's your company we desire, not your gifts. It's most kind that Austin brought the cigars, but unnecessary.
"Now, what will it be―cards or billiards?"
"Gentlemen, I'm sure you'll agree that my daughter's presence would be most welcome, so I will say "poker," said the doctor.
The men were quick to acquiesce, and Madeline smiled, vowing to learn the game of billiards so that she could be included in that competition as well.
She did not do as well, in the game, as she hoped―unable to stop thinking about Jonathan and Hugh, and if their venture was successful.
Oliver and Madeline were out of the game temporarily, and he asked if she would join him on the veranda.
"I wanted to let you know that I saw Matthew, and he was in good spirits, saying his lawyer assured him he would not be guilty of anything―should he go to trial."
"Well, someone is guilty, aren't they? Sooner or later, the person or persons will make a false move, and we will catch them."
He replied, in a strange tone, "I'd like to say I agree with you, but I think whoever did this just may get away with it."
"I can only say that I hope you're wrong.
"How is Emma?"
"Emma? I honestly don't know. It seems her affections are mercurial―I think she favors Austin at the moment. But, I haven't given up," Oliver said, smiling.
"May I be so bold as to ask, do you love her?"
"Love―what does love have to do with marriage? I see by your face, you disapprove. Families like ours, Austin's, and, of course, the St. Fleurs'―we marry for purpose. It is what our relatives expect, more than that, it's necessary."
"When you say things like that, you make me think Clifford's murder was truly because of his intentions toward Emma."
"Perhaps it just may have. Enough of this, my friend. It's a sordid business―one we must do our best to forget. Come, we'll have one more hand of poker before we take our leave."
She thought This is another world I've trespassed into; he didn't seem callous when he spoke about Emma, just factual. Perhaps, after all, these deaths were the result of the zealous quest of men wishing to obtain the prestige and power of the St. Fleur family.
Madeline, her father, and Fitz stayed behind in the drawing room for one last drink.
The doctor said, "Fine boys, just like Jonathan and Hugh. That young lady, Emma, is very fortunate to have men like that seek her hand in marriage."
She said, "I don't know, Father, if she is as lucky as I once thought. I wonder if any of her suitors has ever sincerely loved her, or just her money."
"That may be true of some, but could never be said of Oliver or Austin."
Madeline did not comment further, believing it did no harm to have her father think well of the two men, even though there might not be justification for those kind remarks.
Dr. Donovan kissed Madeline on the cheek and said he would like to take advantage of the beautiful weather, and stroll the grounds.
When he left, Fitz seemed agitated, and when Charlotte came into the room, he requested another ale.
She said, "What is it, Fitz?" I can see something's bothering you."
"I don't like to say, Miss. You all been so nice to me and took me in, and all."
"There's nothing that you could say that would change how we feel about you. You're a welcome guest and a friend to everyone in the house."
"Well...you see..."
He sat for a minute, scratching his beard and seemed undecided whether to continue to speak or not.
Then he said, "You see, it's those boys. I know how highly, you and your father, think of them, and who am I to cast any doubt on that good opinion."
"What do you mean, Fitz? Please, go on."
"I think it might have been one of them that I saw that day, the day when you went into the water."
"That's possible―they were both there that day―talking with the inspector."
"I mean, one of them might have been the one that pushed you in."
"Why do you think that?" Madeline said, in an alarmed voice.
"Over and over again, I kep
t thinking about that day. I remember looking up, and seeing the figure of a man, same height, and build as those two men. It just could've been..."
Madeline interrupted, "But one has shorter blonde hair, and the other long, black hair. Their build is the same, but nothing else."
"I know...cannot remember that part. I may be wrong, Miss, that's why I didn't tell you before. But I thought you should know my suspicions, just the same. I saw the man standing near the wall, looking at you so calmly flailing in the water. Everyone else was yelling, and calling for help, but not him, he just stood there and then disappeared. I didn't think nothing of it at the time, but then later wondered why he was the only one who acted that way like it didn't matter you were practically drowned.
"That's when I went in the water after you, and you know the rest."
"Oh, that is disturbing," Madeline said, as she got up and paced the floor. "I can only hope that you're mistaken, yet I admit I've had moments when I thought they both were hiding something.
"I think I will follow my father's lead, and take a walk. I need to think.
"Please don't tell my father about this, I don't wish to distress him any further."
"Of course, Miss...and as you said, I could be wrong. I hope I am."
Madeline was returning to the house when she heard the noise of the carriage wheels rolling against the rocks in the drive. She was delighted to see Hugh and Jonathan, and anxious to hear the news concerning their time with Emma.
Charlotte was sweeping the steps that led to the estate and said, "Miss, would you like me to prepare lemonade and some slices of cake?"
"Charlotte, that would be lovely. Could you bring them to the gazebo?"
The three walked to the gazebo, chattering about the lovely weather, the magnificent estates, and the gardens they viewed on their journey.
After Charlotte delivered their refreshments and was no longer in the area, Hugh said, "Madeline, our trip was not in vain. It proved to be the most advantageous time to go."