Butterfly Palace

by Colleen Coble

  “I stand by that recommendation. This is a terrible mistake, Mrs. Marshall. You’ll see.”

  The older woman pursed her lips. “To think we harbored someone who would help steal Everett’s prized possession. She will no longer be in our employ, even if she didn’t murder that poor woman.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Isn’t the baby darling though?” Belle hugged Hannah to her chest. “I want to help take care of her until Jane is released. And if she never gets out, I’ll keep her.”

  “You’ll do no such thing! You’re taking on a huge responsibility, and your future husband may have something to say about it.”

  “We’ll see.” Belle’s chin tipped up. “I’m sure Stuart will have no objections.”

  The open draperies did little to block the afternoon sun slanting into the drawing room. The space felt stifling, and Drew tugged on his tie.

  Dressed in a gray morning coat, Everett stepped into the room with an abstracted air. He shook Drew’s hand. “It’s a nasty business, Drew. You heard one of our housemaids was arrested?”

  Drew’s next breath hitched in his chest. “No, I hadn’t heard. What’s happened?”

  “Our cook’s assistant, Jane White, let that woman in to steal the butterfly I’d just received. She and Mrs. Karr were at odds in the past, and the White girl has been accused of the murder.”

  Drew exhaled. At least it wasn’t Lily in trouble, but he liked Jane and knew Lily would be distressed. He couldn’t imagine quiet Jane killing anyone. “I’m sorry to hear it. Has your butterfly been found?”

  Everett shook his head. “I told Karr if I got it back safe and sound, I wouldn’t press charges, but he looked me in the eye and denied he had it.” He moved to the table and poured himself a drink. “Scotch?”

  “No, thank you.” Everett glanced at the window, then frowned. Drew turned to look too and saw Lily and Belle getting out of the carriage. Belle was carrying something, and a closer look revealed she held Jane’s baby. Lily had several bundles in her arms.

  “What the devil is she doing?” Everett muttered. The entry door opened, and he called his niece’s name.

  When the women entered the room, Drew moved to help Lily with the bundles. The items were soft, likely clothing. He tucked them under his arm.

  “This is Hannah, Uncle Everett.” Belle’s smile was coaxing. “Isn’t she adorable?”

  “Where did you get this child?”

  “Her mama is Jane White, who is in jail. Someone had to take charge of her, so I decided to do it.” Belle kissed the little one’s cheek.

  His brow raised, Drew glanced at Lily, who shrugged. While it was good news for Hannah that Belle had taken such interest in her, he had to wonder how long it would be before her interest waned. She didn’t seem the motherly type, but maybe he was wrong.

  “I bought her some things, and I’m putting her in my old nursery. My old baby bed is being scrubbed and assembled.”

  Everett tossed back another Scotch. “I’m surprised at you, Belle. The child’s mother is a common thief.”

  “Where’s your charity, Uncle? The poor waif must be fed and clothed. I’m not turning her over to the orphanage.” She smiled and turned the baby to face him. “And while I was in town, I stopped by the newspaper office. They’re sending out a photographer to take a picture of you with the baby. Your generosity will be front-page news the week before the election.”

  Everett stared at her, then smiled. “You will be the consummate wife of a politician. I’m astonished at how well you think things through.”

  Belle smiled and went to sit on the sofa with the child. “Stuart doesn’t know what he’s getting yet, does he?”

  “Does he know you’ve taken on this child?” Drew asked. They had to get more details from Vesters. The election was approaching much too quickly, and they still didn’t know how he planned to murder Everett.

  “Not yet. He’s coming by this afternoon, and I’ll tell him them.” Belle reached forward and selected a cookie from the silver tray on the table.

  The baby squawked, and Lily hurried to take her. “She is hungry. I’ll feed her in the kitchen.”

  “Bring her back to me when you’re done.”

  “I’ll go with you.” Drew was eager to find out what had brought about the transformation in Belle.

  Belle smoothed her hair, then pinned on a smile and stepped into the parlor. She should go on the stage. It was quite clear she had acting ability. “Hello, Stuart, I’ve been counting the minutes until you arrived.” She offered her cheek to him and managed not to grimace when his whiskers ground into her skin.

  She skittered away as quickly as possible. “I’ve ordered tea. A reporter from the newspaper is coming soon to take a picture of me.”

  His eyes went wide in his round face. “Whatever for?” He smiled. “It seems I came at the right time. Is it for an engagement announcement?”

  “Partially. I don’t think you’ve met our kitchen maid Jane.” She told him about the events that had transpired since dinner the night before.

  Stuart absorbed the news silently at first. He turned his back and went to pour himself a drink at the sideboard.

  “Tea is coming, as I said.”

  “I think I need something stronger than tea.” He turned with the glass in his hand. “Let us get something straight right now, Belle. I expect my wife to consult me before she makes any major decisions.”

  “Helping care for a baby is hardly major.” She attempted a laugh, but it came off hollow. Even though she knew she wouldn’t marry him, his hostility took her aback. “And the picture will be good for Uncle Everett’s election.”

  He waved his hand. “That hardly matters when I’m discussing what I expect from a wife.”

  She had to bite her tongue to keep from spitting out a tart reply. The maid came in with tea and cookies. “Put the tray on the table.” She took a couple of deep breaths to regain her composure and think about how to answer.

  Emily’s gaze darted from her to Stuart and back again as if she felt the tension in the air. “Anything else, miss?”

  “Bring the baby to me when she awakens.”

  “Of course.” Emily scurried away.

  Belle sent a coaxing smile Stuart’s direction. “Once you see the baby, you’ll understand why I did this.”

  “I have no desire to see the squalling brat.” He gulped down his drink in one big swallow.

  “I find your attitude most peculiar. It gives me pause about our engagement. I want to have children, of course. I thought you would like children and would make a loving father.”

  His stern expression softened. “Our own children will be quite different, of course.”

  “Will they? And how will I know that? The poor little mite has been left all alone, and yet you would deny her love and support for the few days Jane will be in jail. I thought better of you, Stuart.”

  “The child is not the point. Doing this without asking me is the base of my objection.”

  She lifted her chin and narrowed her eyes. “I am a modern woman with a mind of my own. I find no need to ask permission for every decision. And furthermore, I refuse to do it. If that’s going to be a source of conflict, then you can take your ring back right now.” She wrenched it from her finger and held it out.

  He backed away and held his hands up. “No, no, Belle. I love your independence. But can’t you see how any couple needs to discuss decisions of great import? I wouldn’t make a major decision myself without talking to you. I would not have taken on the care and support of a child without making sure you had no objections.”

  She let the silence hover between them a moment before she nodded. “I see your point. Perhaps I should have let you know what I was thinking, but there was no time. The child was hungry, wet, and in need. It was the Christian thing to do.”

  “Of course, of course. I was speaking without thinking. I see now I was wrong.”

  She let him take her hand and lead
her to the sofa. “I accept your apology.”

  He swallowed hard. “Let’s put it behind us, my dear. It was a very minor spat.”

  Lily stepped into the parlor with little Hannah in her arms. “She’s awake, Miss Belle. I swear, she was looking around as though she missed you. I changed her and brought her down.”

  Indeed, the little mite appeared to brighten when she spied Belle. She reached pudgy fingers toward her, and Belle stood to catch her as she lunged. The baby smelled deliciously of talcum and soap. “I assume she’ll be hungry soon?”

  “I fed her when she awakened.”

  Belle had been looking forward to cuddling the little one while she took her bottle. “Next time I’d like to feed her myself.”

  “Of course.” Lily’s gaze locked on Stuart.

  Belle glanced at her fiancé and found him staring at the baby. His expression was most peculiar—part repulsion and part fascination. “Are you all right, Stuart?”

  He blinked before his gaze moved to her. “Of course. Sh-She looks like her mother.”

  Belle’s pulse jumped in her throat. “You know Jane?”

  “I’ve seen her, of course. The blond woman. In fact, she and Lily look quite a bit alike.”

  Belle turned to stare at Lily. “You’re right. I’d never really noticed.” She glanced back at Stuart and frowned. He was staring at Lily with an almost murderous expression.

  It was all most peculiar.

  THIRTY

  Lily had waited in the wings while Belle posed with Hannah for the picture with her uncle. Stuart had stared at her nearly the entire time. He’d then sat with Belle for the engagement photograph. His glower cast a pall over the day until the door finally shut behind him.

  Belle had changed into her gray silk for dinner and sat in a chair in the conservatory. She looked lovely with her hair up except for one long curl hanging over one shoulder. Lily hated being in here. Too many butterflies stared at her from their frames on the walls. Some were even suspended from the ceiling.

  Lily straightened the cushions. “Will Mr. Vesters be back for dinner?”

  “Unfortunately, yes.” Belle gave a heavy sigh. “It’s an important dinner for my uncle’s campaign. The election’s in a week. Uncle Everett is trying to rally all last-minute support to seal his certain victory.”

  “Things seemed a bit tense when I came in with Hannah. Did you discover anything?”

  “Only that he seemed to have an inflated view of his importance in my decision making.” Belle picked a thread from her skirt. “The very idea that I should have to ask his permission for something like that.”

  “I noticed he stared at Hannah quite a lot.” Lily made sure to keep her voice neutral.

  “I saw that. I think maybe he hasn’t been around babies very much.”

  “Perhaps.”

  Belle stared at her. “Do you know something? Your tone is very strange.”

  “I’m just tired.” Lily wished she could tell Belle the truth, but it wasn’t her story to share. The truth would come out sooner or later. “Did your uncle hear anything when he went to the police station?”

  “He’s very angry. Jane can’t come back here, of course.”

  Lily’s eyes burned. “Can you not prevail upon your uncle for mercy? Jane was put in a very bad position. She didn’t know Mrs. Karr wanted to steal it. She was threatened. All she was doing was trying to save her job by what seemed a harmless peek at the butterflies.”

  “I can try, but surely you can see the position Uncle Everett is in. How can he trust her? He has very valuable things in this house. And the butterfly is missing.”

  “Jane didn’t steal it. I know she didn’t.”

  Belle’s gaze softened. “You’re a good friend, Lily.” She rose from the damask seat and wandered to study an orchid petal. She picked a bloom and handed it to Lily. “Put this in my hair, please.”

  Lily secured the fragrant white flower. “You look beautiful. Who are you trying to impress tonight?”

  “Stuart, of course. If I bewitch him, maybe he will let something slip.”

  “You did well to find the note about next Thursday. Just five days away. Perhaps Drew will uncover everything.”

  “I’m not hopeful. The conspirators seem to be very good. Their plan isn’t easily discovered. I’ll have to tell Uncle Everett.”

  Lily knew Drew wouldn’t want her to encourage Belle to do that, but she nodded. “I agree. Drew thinks it will do no good to try to dissuade your uncle, but we can’t let him walk into a trap with no warning.”

  “What if I came right out with the question to Stuart? I could tell him I’d heard a rumor there was a plot to kill Uncle Everett. I won’t say he was under suspicion. He might leave here and go straight to see his associates. It might tell us something.”

  Lily frowned and tried to examine the idea from all angles. On the surface, it appeared to have value. “Drew won’t like it.”

  Belle turned and smiled. “Drew doesn’t have to know.”

  “We’ll need someone to follow Mr. Vesters.”

  “We can do it.”

  “Your uncle wouldn’t want you out that late. I’ll do it. I can dress like a man and follow from a distance.”

  “Only if I go too. There is safety in numbers. We’ll take the buggy. It’s quieter than the automobile. He’ll never notice us behind him.”

  Emily stepped into the doorway. “Our dinner guests are arriving. Mr. Vesters has asked for you, Miss Belle.”

  Belle groaned. “Coming.” She put her fingers to her lips. “Stay close, Lily. And be ready.”

  The sun was beginning to set as Lily packed the last of her things in a crate to take to the big house, then handed it to Drew, who stacked it by the door. She couldn’t stay here with Jane in custody, so she would be moving back to the third floor with Emily, at least until Jane was released. Nathan was living here, and it wouldn’t be proper for just the two of them to be here alone.

  She tipped her head and listened. “Are those footsteps?” She went to the door and flung it open. Nathan stood on the doorstep, his green eyes desolate. He swept a cap off of his brown hair.

  She stepped aside to allow him to enter. “Any news? I’d hoped to see Jane with you.”

  He shook his head. “The police seem sure she killed Mrs. Karr. I know my sister, and it’s impossible.” He flung himself onto the broken-down sofa, then put his head in his hands. “I don’t know what to do. There’s only me and Jane left. I can’t let her go to prison.”

  Drew took her hand and squeezed it. “What evidence do they have, Nathan? Did they tell you?”

  “The servants have told the police lies. I don’t know how to counteract them.”

  Lies? Was there more Lily hadn’t heard? “What did the servants say?”

  Nathan’s head was still down so the words came out as a mumble. “Mrs. Karr told the servants Jane had stolen before.”

  “Jane is no thief!”

  “That doesn’t even make sense,” Drew said. “Mrs. Karr came to the house for a reason. I suspect she came to steal the butterfly. So she’s the thief, not Jane.”

  Nathan raised his head. “I told the police the same thing. Officer Pickle agreed with me, but he said Mr. Karr said Jane had given stolen goods to sell to a middleman. It’s his word against hers, and who do you think they’ll believe?”

  Lily clutched Drew’s hand to keep her outrage in control. “It’s so unfair!”

  “And it’s not true. My sister was a good girl. It’s not her fault she’s in this situation—it’s all the Karrs’ fault.” Nathan’s voice vibrated with rage. “Because of them, Jane is rotting in that jail without Hannah.”

  “Did you get to see her?” Drew asked.

  Nathan sat up. “No, but I’m sure she’s never stopped crying for Hannah. Where is my niece?”

  “At the big house. Miss Belle has taken a shine to her.” Lily told him how Belle had bathed the baby and bought her clothing. “She plans to care
for her until Jane is set free.”

  Nathan rubbed his forehead. “I don’t feel right taking her charity. Hannah should be here with me.”

  “And how will you take care of her without Jane? You have to work and so do I. Jane was the only one with the flexibility to come and go a bit.”

  Nathan dropped his head into his hands again. “I have to fix this, but I don’t know how. Jane will go mad in jail. She is afraid of tight places. Besides, she’s never been apart from Hannah, not even for one night. Has the baby cried for her?”

  “Luckily, she’s familiar with me. She refused the bottle for a little while, but once she was hungry enough, she took it. She seems content.” When Nathan hunched into himself even more, Lily rushed to reassure him. “Of course she’ll be missing Jane more tomorrow, but she’s a resilient little one. She’s used to being cared for by several of us. By the time she’s too fractious, Jane will be home. I’m sure of it.” She put more certainty into her voice than she felt because she wasn’t at all sure the police would investigate to find the real killer.

  “I hope so.” Nathan jumped to his feet. “I’m going back to the police station. I have to make them listen.”

  Drew let go of Lily’s hand and blocked Nathan’s path. “Let me go with you tomorrow. In your state, you’re more likely to do more harm than good.”

  “Why do you care? You don’t even know Jane all that well.”

  “Jane is important to Lily, and Lily is important to me. And even a casual acquaintance can tell what kind of person Jane is. Let me help.”

  Nathan stared at him, then nodded. “Maybe you can get them to let me see her.”

  “You’ll have to go to work soon,” Lily said. “I’d like to come too. Then if you have to leave, I can report to you how she’s doing.”

  “Thank you for being so good to her. You’ve been a good friend.”

  Lily blinked back the moisture in her eyes. “I wish I could do more. Do you have any idea what happened to the butterfly? If we could find who took it, we might get the police to listen.”