The Mystery at Belle Magnolia (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 3) Page 23

  "Over here," said the officer, "this one's still breathing, but better hurry. If we could get an extra hand, sir, to carry the man out," he asked, directing his inquiry to Andrew.

  As they lifted Pierre and began plodding through the brush, another figure arrived on the scene, bringing the familiar aroma of incense and burning flesh.

  Dressed in black with a crown of white roses wrapped around her head, Madame Clarice dramatically appeared saying, "I knew you would bring death to our community. The scent is strong around your head. Perhaps you are a witch yourself. You have much to atone for. There is nothing left for you here but to end like these here. Return to your home, witch. Return now or suffer the consequences."

  Standing and wiping the blood from her hands, she turned to confront her, but like a mirage, she was already gone.

  "Hannah, did I just imagine that woman here? Did you both see her?" asked Madeline.

  "We did. She was something more supernatural than human. It gave me a shiver straight down my back. She is the one you have been going to see? I would have met her once and never wished to see her face again. She is frightening."

  "Come. My carriage is not far from here. Let us go and forever put the memory of this deadly place behind us," said Andrew.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Resolutions

  Once again Madeline found herself in the most profound of situations, returning home with her garment soaked with blood. Her Father bounding down the steps towards her lost his footing and tumbled down the last three steps. Although he was unhurt, the look of shock on his face made Madeline filled with regret that she had caused him so much distress.

  "Father, I am so sorry. I am uninjured, but harm has befallen those around me, as you can see from the blood stains they left upon me."

  Jonathan and Hugh ran to her side and helped her and her father back up the stairs to Belle Magnolia.

  "Jonathan, old man, I knew we should have followed behind. All of my instincts told me to do so, but Jonathan believed we should allow you your freedom. He said you had chosen this path, and since we couldn't always be with you, you would have to learn to face danger by yourself," said Hugh.

  "And he was right, Hugh. I have chosen to do this, and there always will be a certain amount of danger. I have been fortunate thus far to avoid being put back into hospital like I was in London. It was a terrible ordeal, but now there were answers. Some are surmised because of what transpired. I am hoping Pierre DuPont will live long enough to divulge whatever it is we still do not know," said Madeline.

  "Pierre DuPont, Marguerite's brother?" asked Walter.

  "Yes, he has proven to be the key to everything," said Madeline.

  "Hannah, how do you happen to be here with Madeline and Andrew?" asked Belle.

  "I hope you have bourbon in the house, it is needed for us to tell the bizarre story of what just happened," said Andrew.

  It was after midnight, and once again Samuel was gathering water and heating it in a kettle over the fire he made so he could bring her soothing, warmed water for her bath. She requested that they not start without her, and assured them she would be down quickly, as soon as she could wash the blood from her arms and face. She would not cry now, for she knew they would not understand or accept tears for a confessed murderer, but she knew she would cry, probably more than once, for the lost soul of Mario.

  They had pushed the furniture in the drawing room to create a circle. The chairs almost touching, it made the setting intimate and allowed them to reach for a hand to touch if need be. Madeline wished she could curl up in her Father's lap, as when she was a child, and he could just tell her everything would be all right, but those days would never come again. Still, she sat next to him, pulling her chair as close as possible, kissing his forehead as she sat down.

  "Begin with why you were you at that place with Mario. We thought you were at his family's residence for the garden party," said Father.

  She produced the note she received and gave it to Father.

  "This is the message I received yesterday. I didn't tell anyone what it said because I believed I would have opposition to the meeting, or as Hugh had stated, someone might be tempted to follow me. If you would read it aloud to everyone, Father, afterward I will begin."

  Father read the note then passed it around the circle. Everyone commented about the aroma of smoke that still lingered on the paper.

  She narrated the tale of what transpired at the garden party. Then she continued telling them of the secret meeting at the river, including Mario's startling confession. Belle was waving her fan in front of her face and patting her cheeks as if she were about to faint. No one there was unmoved by what they heard.

  Pierre's appearance and the actions that followed, with Marguerite appearing from nowhere and saving her from being shot at by her brother, drew gasps from Father and the men.

  Hannah told her story on how she happened to be there with Andrew, and how she happened to come upon them.

  She finished by telling them of the uncanny arrival of Madame Clarice, her subsequent threat, and then the priestess vanishing as if she were a spirit herself.

  They said their good-nights, Father taking Madeline's arm to escort her. However, Hugh intervened and requested he be the one to take her. Father nodded graciously and continued on to his room.

  When they were out of earshot, he said, "I saw that look on your face. What are you about now? Before you say you must do whatever it is alone, this time, I will follow you if need be."

  "I know I have at times been fool-hearty, but being around dangerous people means risky behavior is all a part of it. My last attempt to put everything in order, however, presents no risk at all. I intend to find Marguerite. I think she can fill in whatever information we don't know. She's always at Pierre's side. She knows everything that has happened. That is how she happened to be a Hannah's cabin. It was not accidental. She knew her brother was after Hannah, and she was trying to save her. She is the heroine in all of this."

  "But can you trust her to be mentally sound enough to believe what she says as truth?"

  "I think about the things she knows about this, yes. She was trying to protect her brother. It is too late for that now. She referred to letting there be no more killing. She knows everything. I'm certain of it. Besides, the girl must be found for her sake. She will need someone now to look after her. Between us, we should be able to come up with a sound plan for her."

  "The police will be here to question you."

  "Yes, that's why we must leave early so that I am not detained all day at the station."

  He embraced her and put her head on his shoulder, stroking her hair and telling her how relieved his was that she was safe. Grateful, she looked up and kissed his cheek. He began to turn her face toward his, and Madeline closed her eyes awaiting his kiss, when Father said, "Good-night you two, have a restful night."

  She wondered if that moment would come again, for she had openly wished him to kiss her. Now he seemed somewhat embarrassed, leaving her with just a nod of his head.

  It was only six when they left. The morning dew still nestled upon the grass like diamonds as the sun rose and glimmered across the property. It was a lovely sight to see.

  She left Father a note that she and Hugh had gone riding. He would not worry for her under those circumstances.

  "I feel we must find her soon, or she will slip away on a ship to Europe or be taken by an unsavory man who could easily manipulate her," said Madeline.

  "Yes, that does sound like something that could happen to her," said Hugh.

  Rather than have Samuel drive them, they went on horseback so that they would have better accessibility into the dense areas near the river. They started looking in the place Madeline knew she frequented, the oak tree, and throughout the area near the bridge.

  They came upon an abandoned cabin that had a hairbrush, some half-eaten pastries, and a blanket thrown upon the floor.

  "It certainly looks like sh
e may have spent some time here," said Hugh.

  They searched the place thoroughly, looking for clues that might lead them to where she might be.

  "Look at these picture books. They are fairy tales as one might read to a young child. I suppose she may have read to Armand. It would seem so like her. Do you think she might frequent the library?" asked Madeline.

  "It's worth a try," replied Hugh.

  When they inquired at the library, they were told they saw a girl fitting her description wandering down by the stables at the end of town.

  "Do you think she might try to leave town by taking one of the horses?" asked Hugh.

  "She might not think it a criminal act to take one of the horses, just a necessary one. Let's hurry."

  Their hunch paid off, as they could see the lovely, sunlit, beautiful hair blowing in the wind as she took off on the exquisite white horse she had taken. It was a sight to see, a scene any artist would love to paint. She hoped there could be help for this wayward girl.

  She turned to hear their calls that only resulted in her pulling away and riding like the devil was chasing her.

  Madeline pulled back and called to Hugh to slow down. She was afraid their chase may cause Marguerite to harm herself with their reckless riding. They followed her, but slowed their pace, keeping her in sight. Suddenly, she stopped and looked back and Madeline and waved. She dismounted from the horse and waited for them to get to her.

  "Marguerite, I am so happy you stopped. We are not here to harm you but to help you. You must trust me now," said Madeline.

  "I know. That's why I stopped. I know there is no one else I can trust. No one. I want to just keep running, by ship, train or horse and go wherever the wind might blow me," said Marguerite.

  "Yes, I can understand that with all you have been through, but there is only danger for you if you run. You are too young and beautiful to wander this world alone. Someday women may have the luxury and freedom to do just that, but not in our lifetime," said Madeline.

  "I am tired of being afraid. I am tired of being alone and hungry," she replied.

  "I will help. We all will help you. Do you remember my friend? This is Hugh Scott. He is someone you can trust, also," said Madeline.

  She nodded to him but did not look into his face. She was still too introverted for that, but she hoped someday that would change with the right environment.

  "First, you said you were hungry. We must return the horse. Then we will take you to town to get something to eat," said Madeline.

  "May we go to the special coffee shop, the one with the scalded milk in the coffee?"

  "Yes, of course," replied Madeline.

  Marguerite rode behind Hugh, and Madeline watched as she leaned up against him, like a small child looking for protection and love. The young girl closed her eyes and seemed at peace.

  At the coffee shop, she realized how slight Marguerite was, and that she would need some Southern cooking to put some meat on her bones. She was sure that Belle would welcome her in, at least temporarily, until they could find a place for her to live.

  Marguerite concentrated on nothing but consuming pastries and a pile of eggs with sausages. She barely looked up from her eating, except to smile at them periodically, as if in thanks for the meal. When she finished, she looked to Madeline and said, "I know you want to know why Pierre did what he did."

  "I think we may know that, but we'd like to know about Madame Clarice and his involvement with her and any other facts you can tell us about that you witnessed. You know you can't hurt your brother anymore by telling. His killing of Mario will keep him in jail forever or worse. I'm sorry for you both that all of this occurred, but perhaps we can still save you," said Madeline.

  She put her head in her hands and sat for a long few minutes. She didn't cry, but when she looked up, she was wide-eyed and seemed eager to talk.

  "You can protect me from her? The powerful one sees all. How can I tell you anything without Madame Clarice harming me?" she asked.

  "She is just like you and me. Her power comes from her making people believe in her. She cannot harm you, but she makes people believe she can. Do you understand that?"

  "I wish that was true. You've seen her yourself. She makes people do things. She hurts people. I saw her."

  "What did you see?" asked Madeline.

  "I saw her with the snake. I saw her hurt you."

  Hugh looked at her with a startled look on his face.

  "I thought everything she did was theatrics. I never thought she would go so far as to do criminal activity. That's a serious charge, assault with possibly attempted murder charge," said Hugh.

  "Would you tell the police that?" asked Madeline.

  "Oh no, you wouldn't make me. I'd run away. She'd curse me for sure," she replied.

  Madeline knew Clarice terrified her. If she did nothing more but mutter a curse against her, it might be her undoing.

  All right. We will not ask you to do that. It is good that you told us. Go on. What else happened?" asked Madeline.

  "She and Pierre were friends. I didn't understand it. I heard Madame Clarice tell Pierre that it was good for her business to help him. They never paid attention to me, but I listened to everything. They came to your house and did all those things. I followed and tried to make Pierre stop, but he said you all deserved to suffer for what you did to Armand."

  "Is that when you dropped your things?" asked Madeline.

  "Yes. I saw her go about in the white robe. She scared me, just watching her. I thought, at first, it was Marie Laveau."

  "Marguerite, we will try to find a home for you. We promise you will be safe with us until then," said Hugh.

  "You'll have me at Belle Magnolia, even after all that's happened?" she asked.

  "You did everything you could to help everyone. You saved Hannah and me from great harm. I believe we all owe you a great deal," said Madeline.

  She smiled then and agreed to come along.

  When they arrived with Marguerite, Belle and Hannah looked puzzled as well as Father. Jonathan and Walter knew more about the complex situation and didn't seem surprised at all.

  She and Hugh also were surprised as there was as Belle Magnolia had a newly arrived guest, Emily Montgomery, yet another cousin of Belle's. A true Southern belle, she stood five foot five, a stately figure of a woman, buxom, a little plump, but distinguished looking in every way. There was a sweet, softness about her that was approachable, the kind of person you warmed to immediately. Her petal blue dress with puffy lavender lace sleeves suited her. For a woman of sixty or so, she still retained an attractive curved figure, with an actual waistline, unlike her lovable Belle. She would soon find out there was nothing accidental about her being there and the role Emily would play in Madeline's life.

  Father explained that Inspector Matthews had come by and stated Madeline would not be required to testify. Pierre DuPont, realizing he would hang for Mario's murder began to talk and implicated Madame Clarice in some of the criminal actions.

  "What extraordinary news," said Belle. "That woman will finally get her comeuppance after all the trouble she has caused in this community. Maybe the townspeople will see her for what she is now—flesh and blood—and living behind bars."

  "With a good solicitor, it may not be that easy to convict her of anything. No one else but Pierre would ever speak against her. But let us hope that is not the case, and she does spend some time in jail," said Hugh.

  After they had explained to everyone about why Marguerite was there, Hannah was the first to champion finding a place for her.

  "She has helped this family more than she could ever understand. We will do right by her," said Hannah.

  Hannah spoke to her privately about Andrew. He confessed to putting in false dates on the love letters and how he hoped it would create friction between them and perhaps drive Hannah to his side.

  "He was so ashamed and sorry that I wanted to forgive him, and maybe someday I will. If only he would have kno
wn how foolish he was, for Wesley never even told me about it. That's how much he loved and trusted me. Andrew doesn't understand that kind of love a man could have for a woman. His love for me is covetous and jealous, not the true love I had with Wesley. But perhaps he now can grow and mature from this and be a better man," said Hannah.

  "Now, take a nap before dinner for we have been busy and will tell you all at dinner," she continued.

  Madeline thought that statement curious but was too tired to give it much thought. She was right, all she wanted to do now was rest.

  She stretched in bed and wanted to stay even longer, but she could see the sun setting and knew she had even slept longer than she wanted to. When she went to her closet, she found one high collared blue dress, a hat, and gloves. All of her other clothing was gone. She assumed that Father or Belle had sent her things to the laundry, but thought it odd that they did no consult her first.

  Donning her blue dress, she proceeded to the dining area. No one sat yet, so she went to the drawing room to find most of the family gathered there.

  "Marguerite is the only one we are still waiting for. I think she set in the bath for almost two hours before she took her nap. That girl will need some looking after for a while. Emily and I think our cousin Elizabeth in Virginia would be just the person. Lizzie's demure and pleasing personality would suit Marguerite just fine. She has a daughter, Rose, who's just a little older than Marguerite. Perhaps they can be good friends," said Belle.

  "Belle, I noticed that my clothing is gone from...," said Madeline, but was interrupted by Belle.