“Oh?”
“When he came to check on Daniel after the picnic, he gave it to them with both barrels.” A smile peeked out from the curtain of hair shielding her face. “I must admit, I rather enjoyed it.”
“What exactly were they saying?”
“Just as I told you. That you were trying to do something sinister to Daniel.”
“Ridiculous,” Maddie squeaked.
“That’s what Doctor Merrick told them. And that’s why I wanted to come see you today. Uncle was furious after Doctor Merrick left. Oh, how he carried on.” She sipped her tea. “Gertrude forbids me from speaking to you in public, so I’m telling you now. I do not share their opinions.” Dolly set down the cup. “If a man as smart and handsome as Doctor Merrick intends to marry you, I surmised you couldn’t be as bad as they say.”
Maddie blinked, and Dolly gasped at the words that had just snuck out of her mouth.
“I only meant—” the girl stammered.
“It’s all right, Dolly,” Maddie assured her. And strangely, it was. Maddie liked this girl. Dolly spent her days following in Gertrude’s shadow, and that couldn’t be easy. By seeking out Maddie’s company at the Sutter estate, she’d made a giant step in her own direction. The girl had admirable courage, but she was walking a fine line with her family. “I’m so glad you came,” Maddie said with genuine warmth. “You mustn’t tell them you were here, though.”
Dolly lowered her eyes. “They probably don’t even notice my absence. With the exception of Matthew, no one does.”
“I know a bit about being invisible.” Maddie nodded. “In fact, I expect the wedding weekend to amount to one long continuous snub.”
“I can’t say I’m looking forward to it, either,” Dolly blurted, looking instantly sheepish at her admission. “I’ve never been at ease in large crowds, you know.”
Maddie offered her a plate of cookies. “I used to love attending big affairs,” she said, thinking back on happier times. “In fact, I lived for them. The dancing, the excitement, the attention.” Maddie sighed. “Of course, that was a long time ago.”
“I’d trade places with you in a minute.”
Maddie winced. “And why on earth would you want to do that?”
“Despite everything, you’re still beautiful.”
Oh, Dolly, Maddie thought as her mind drifted to her days as one of the Fair Five. Back then all that mattered were the latest fashions and hairstyles, flitting to parties and receiving attention. Vain and trivial ambitions that now seemed so empty. She and the Fair Five would never have welcomed a girl with Dolly’s imperfection into their circle. Yet everyone in Misty Lake had loved Maddie then. They couldn’t get enough of delightful Miss Madeline Sutter. The fact shamed her now. The accident had rendered her a pariah, and yet as strange as it seemed, she was a better person for it.
“Physical appearance is not everything, Dolly. More than anything, I want to be judged for who I am inside.”
Dolly nibbled testily on a ginger snap. “Oh, I know vanity is a sin, but I can’t help wishing I had something to be vain about,” she huffed. “Especially if it meant I could land a man as dreamy as Doctor Merrick.”
Maddie shifted in her seat. If only the girl knew the truth of how Maddie had “landed” Jace.
“Uncle says my mark is my mother’s punishment.”
“Punishment? For what?”
Dolly shrugged. “For some immorality she committed before I was born but now refuses to name.”
Maddie frowned.
“Mother insists her only transgression was eating too many strawberries while carrying me. The result of which I carry here.” She tapped her stained cheek.
“You don’t believe any of that, do you?”
Dolly shook her head, and Maddie was glad the girl was too bright to credit such silly superstitions.
“I can’t,” Dolly said. “If I blamed my mother, I’d be incapable of loving her as I do.” She shook her head. “I couldn’t live like that.”
Maddie nodded in understanding.
“I suspect Uncle blames you for Elizabeth’s death for a similar reason.”
“What do you mean?”
“He can’t blame God, Madeline. It’s easier to blame you.”
Maddie considered this, suspecting Dolly might be right. She was wise for her years and much tougher than she seemed. “Dolly, have you ever attempted to treat the mark?”
“Heavens no,” she said. “My family would never allow it.”
Jace’s warning echoed in Maddie’s head. She knew she was playing with fire by interfering, but she felt compelled to help this remarkable young woman.
“I’m not suggesting you act against your family’s wishes, but I have a recipe for a poultice that may help fade the mark. I applied it to the scars on my leg after the accident.”
Dolly straightened in her seat. “Did it help?”
“Most effectively.” Maddie tilted her head. “Would you like to try it?”
Dolly eyed her warily. “What’s in it?”
“A simple mixture of snake venom and rat tails. Maybe some eye of newt thrown in for good measure”
Dolly gaped.
Maddie burst out laughing. Dolly giggled too. It was the first time Maddie had heard Dolly laugh at anything, and the wonderful sound did Maddie’s heart good. Suddenly she had no doubts about helping her.
“Come with me to the kitchen.” Maddie led Dolly from the room. She grabbed a small bowl from the cupboard and placed in on the table, working in her mind how she’d go about healing the mark without the girl suspecting anything out of the ordinary.
Maddie went to the pantry and returned with a jar of horseradish. She poured half the contents of the jar into the bowl, then added some sour milk. Dolly hovered closer. “It smells horrible.”
“Fortunately, you don’t have to eat it,” she said, eyebrows waggling as she mixed. “I can help apply it if you’d like. I can’t be certain it will help, but what harm could it do?”
“No harm,” Dolly beamed. “No harm at all.” Her eyes brimmed with excitement. Hope.
Maddie tilted her head. “Dolly, this is a simple poultice of horseradish and sour milk. The mixture has helped fade freckles. Even scars. We can apply it, but you mustn’t let the results—whatever they are—dim your spirits. There is more to beauty than what is on the surface.”
“Yes, yes,” Dolly said, impatiently. “I believe all of that, too, but I still want to try.”
“All right, then.” Maddie stood. “I must heat up the concoction before we apply it.” She glanced at the girl from the corner of her eye to gauge her reaction.
“Whatever must be done,” Dolly replied. She followed on Maddie’s heels, and they crossed the room to the stove. Dolly waited anxiously as Maddie spooned the slop into a pan and lit the range. The only way to disguise the heat her healing induced was to warm the poultice before application. Hoping the mixture wouldn’t curdle, she let it heat through and then placed it on the table to cool a bit.
“Have a seat, Dolly.”
Dolly slid into the chair at the small table, then removed her bonnet. She sat stiffly as Maddie dipped her fingers into the bowl and spread the goop onto Dolly’s cheek. Maddie massaged gently, closing her eyes. The heat radiated from her tingling fingers. Dolly shifted in her seat but didn’t complain. The poor girl was so desperate to be free of the mark she’d probably endure anything.
The thought heightened Maddie’s desire to help. She closed her eyes tighter, pressing both hands to Dolly’s face. She had to be careful. She hoped only to fade the mark, not erase it completely. A few moments later, she withdrew the pressure and returned to massaging. “Are you all right?”
“Yes,” Dolly replied. “It’s much warmer than I expected.”
“It didn’t burn you, did it?”
“No. It… It seemed to penetrate, though.”
“Good.” Maddie smiled. “That’s
precisely what it’s intended to do.” Maddie let the mixture set. “That’s enough for now,” she said. “You can take the poultice with you. If you can manage it, apply it twice more today and then three times a day after that.”
Dolly smiled. “I can manage,” she said. “And who knows, perhaps the next time you see me, I’ll be as pretty as you are.”
Chapter 21
With her bags finally packed and ready to go, Maddie headed downstairs to tell Grandfather she’d be leaving as soon as Jace arrived in the buggy. Grandfather sat outside on the veranda, staring out at the water and sipping his port.
“I’m leaving shortly, Grandfather.” She took a seat in the wicker chair next to him.
He took a long sip of ruby liquid and then placed his glass on the table between their chairs. “You’re certain about this?” His gentle tone was a departure from his usual gruffness, which told her much about his mood.
Worry filled his tired eyes, and he was so pale. The poor man was spending his final years fretting for her, and sometimes she wondered if Grandfather would do better if she weren’t around to burden him. But how could she leave him all alone? Whatever time he had left on this earth, they would spend it together. She’d been neglecting him these past weeks while working in town, but after the wedding, she’d make it up to him.
“I’m certain I must honor my promise to Amelia,” she said, truthfully.
His bony hand clasped hers. “Then I’m certain, too.”
She smiled, staring out at the shimmering lake. “The weather looks to hold out nicely.”
He lifted his face toward the sun, closing his eyes. “I could sit here forever.” He smiled.
“Unfortunately, that would result in a terrible sunburn,” she said, adjusting the afghan on his knees.
“Leave off your fussing, my Madeline. This old skin is as tough as it looks.”
Maddie turned toward the sound of Rhetta’s voice. “Doctor Merrick just pulled into the drive, Maddie.”
Maddie exhaled a long breath. “Please send him out, Rhetta.” She turned to Grandfather. “I’d better get dressed.”
* * * *
Jace followed Rhetta to the veranda where Mr. Sutter sat in the sunshine. A bottle of port sat at his side. “Good afternoon, sir,” he said, trying his best not to sound as awkward as he felt. Maddie had explained the circumstances of their sham engagement to her grandfather, and Jace couldn’t imagine the man was pleased by their charade.
But the pretend engagement seemed a trivial issue when compared to what Mr. Sutter did not know. Jace had made love to Maddie in Sutter’s own carriage house, right here on this property. He could barely manage to look the ailing man in the eye. Instead, he shifted his weight and stared out at the lake.
“Watch over her,” Mr. Sutter said.
“Of course.”
“Attending this wedding is important to Maddie.” He squinted up at Jace. He didn’t look well. His color was ashen, and his eyes were yellowed and dim. “She resorted to this sham betrothal because of those jackals—she’d never have done it otherwise, you understand.” He glanced away. “She’s determined to face them, and face them she will.”
Jace wasn’t sure how to respond. “I will watch over her. I promise.”
“I wish I could say that makes me feel better, Doctor Merrick. As much as I trust you’ll do your best to protect her, I have little faith in Pastor Hogle and the rest of them.”
“I will protect her, I give you my word.”
“Give me back my granddaughter in one piece. That’s all I want.” He coughed. Hard. An alarming fit of coughing that rattled his fragile body for several long minutes.
Jace loomed over him until he finally caught his breath. “Your cough is getting worse.”
“I don’t need you to tell me that.”
Jace frowned. “Perhaps—”
“Ah, here she comes.”
The sound of the door had signaled Maddie’s approach, and the anxiety washed from the old man’s wrinkled face. Maddie breezed across the lawn, then stopped at her grandfather’s side. A beaming smile lit the man’s face as he took in the sight of her. Dressed in a deep crimson gown, she looked stunning. Jace could barely take his eyes off her.
“Are you all right, Grandfather?” Maddie knelt at his side, grasping his hand. “I heard you coughing again.”
“I’m fine, girl, quit your fussing.”
Maddie searched his face. “I hate leaving you for the entire weekend.”
“Rhetta is here. She’ll take good care of me.” He gave an affectionate pat to his bottle of port. “So will this.”
“You’ll be sure to have Gil come for me if you need me, won’t you?”
“Yes, yes,” he said, waving her away. “Now, off with you. Go have a grand time, and send Amelia my regards.”
“I will,” Maddie said. She kissed her grandfather’s gaunt cheek, then hugged him tight. “Wish me luck,” she said with a smile.
“You’ll do fine.” But something in the man’s trembling smile made Jace uneasy. “I love you, girl,” he uttered softly as his granddaughter swished away.
* * * *
The Crooked Lake House was a bustle of activity. Carriages lined the drive as the wedding guests arrived for the weekend. Maddie’s bags were unloaded, and she was led to her assigned room on the upper floor, near the other bridesmaids. Jace was staying on the floor below and already Maddie was planning her route to his room.
She unpacked quickly, then hurried down the hall to Amelia’s suite to help her get ready for luncheon. Caroline greeted her at the door. “It’s lovely, don’t you think?”
Maddie glanced around, smiling. It was a spacious room, with plenty of light, complete with a large mirror perfect for bridal primping. A plush carpet covered the wood floor beneath the four-poster bed, and floral draperies flanked the glass doors to the balcony overlooking the lake.
Amelia, Caroline, and Maddie enjoyed a tray of tea as they waited for Gertrude and Dolly, who were nearly an hour late. Maddie’s blood raced with anticipation at seeing Dolly and the result of her “poultice.” How wonderful it would be to discover the mark had faded well enough to conceal with powder. An ugly duckling turned swan…
The door to the suite flung open, and Gertrude charged inside, dragging Dolly behind her. “Look what she’s done, Amelia!”
Amelia blinked. “Look what who’s done?”
Gertrude pointed a stiff finger at Maddie, chest heaving. “Her!”
“Calm down, Gert—”
“I will not calm down. She’s an evil woman. And you’re a fool, Amelia, for not seeing what she truly is.”
Amelia shot to her feet as Gertrude shoved Dolly forward. “Look what she did to Dolly’s face!” Gertrude held back Dolly’s hair, exposing her face. “Look!”
Maddie gasped. Amelia and Caroline did too. Dolly’s swollen face teemed with welts. Nasty, angry welts that looked painful and sore. Maddie swallowed her horror. Her guilt. Not only was Dolly’s birthmark unchanged, but it now appeared more prominent on the raised skin beneath.
Amelia’s gaze flew to Maddie.
“It’s not her fault,” Dolly cried.
“It most certainly is her fault, Dolly, so quit defending her and keep quiet.” Gertrude took an imposing step forward. “She mixed up some concoction and rubbed it on Dolly’s face, promising to make her mark disappear.”
“I did no such thing,” Maddie said.
“Did you not apply it?”
“Yes, but—”
“Mads!” Amelia spun toward her, looking angrier than she’d ever seen her. “Whatever were you thinking?”
The censure in her friend’s face filled her with shame. “I—”
“Look at the poor girl.” Amelia grimaced, adjusting Dolly’s curls back into place to cover the unsightly blotches. “She looks atrocious.”
A sob rose in Maddie’s throat. “I’m so sorry, Dolly,” she croa
ked through her tears.
“That’s not good enough!” Gertrude stomped her foot. “My uncle is going to have plenty to say about this, I promise. How you coerced this foolish girl into participating in your trickery, I’ll never know, since she continues to defend you. But I do know you did something evil here, just as you tried to do to Daniel at the picnic!”
A hush fell over the room, and in that silence, Maddie heard what they all were thinking. That Gertrude was right. Maddie was an abomination. Looking at Dolly, Maddie couldn’t blame them. What had she done? Dolly had trusted her.
Maddie’s healing attempts weren’t always successful, but they’d never produced results such as this. She moved toward Dolly to examine her, but Gertrude pulled her away.
“Come along, Dolly.” Gertrude dragged Dolly to the edge of the room and out the door.
Now everyone would know what Maddie had done to the poor girl. Maddie slumped to a chair, head hung low. The weight of ensuing thoughts sunk her lower.
Dolly needed medical attention. Those welts on her face had to be painful. Jace might prescribe something to help. Jace…. Maddie cringed at his reaction to what she’d done. He’d warned her about getting involved. Of course, he feared Maddie would get Dolly’s hopes up and there’d be no difference in the mark. He hadn’t expected that Maddie would make it look worse.
“Damn,” Maddie uttered. She glanced at Amelia and Caroline, who were clearly irked at her, too.
“I was only trying to help.” The words sounded pathetic to her ears, and she despised her self-pity.
“I’m sure you were, Mads,” Amelia said. “But in light of the way the Hogles feel about you, perhaps it would be best to keep your distance from them in the future.”
“I agree,” Caroline said. “Why would you do anything that might make these people angrier at you than they already are?”
Maddie sighed. So Caroline had been informed of Maddie’s past after all. Maddie turned to Amelia, who lowered her eyes. The wedding weekend was off to a very bad start, and she began regretting coming at all. She feared Amelia harbored the same regret.
“Amelia, perhaps I should leave—”
“No!” Amelia took a deep breath. “Please, Mads, I need you here.”
The Lady Who Lived Again Page 19