The Mystery at Belle Magnolia (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 3) Page 24

  "Oh that, dear, we will explain it all to you at dinner," said Belle. "I think I hear Marguerite. She is always humming. Yes, there she is."

  Madeline moved towards Jonathan and Hugh, saying, "You wouldn't happen to know anything about my missing wardrobe?"

  Hugh looked at her quizzically, and she added, "No, how silly of me, of course not. I am imagining things," said Madeline.

  Madeline, Marguerite and her friends, Hugh, Jonathan and Walter all participated in explaining to Belle and Father all that had happened. Hannah had already told Belle the parts of the story that she knew.

  "So it was that boy, with the help of that fake witch, that brought on all the mayhem at our house. Did Clarice have a part in what happened to Wesley?" asked Belle.

  "No," answered Marguerite. "I heard them arguing about it. Madame Clarice had said Pierre had gone too far, but Pierre had gone mad. Something in him changed from the brother I loved so much. He made me afraid of him. He told her she was in it and that they would both hang together if they got caught. He said she got what she wanted. Her following had increased every night after the assaults and because her predictions were coming true."

  "I think we will have an end to it now. Samuel tells us the newsboys are running through the streets with the news. Guy Finaldi will finally have his peace and will no longer suffer harassment. I think finally the same will be true for Belle Magnolia. However, that doesn't mean I don't intend to leave the old girl for a while. Hannah and I will bring Marguerite to my cousins' home and stay perhaps till Christmas. I think it will take that long to let all this pass," said Belle.

  "Is that why you sent for Emily?" asked Madeline.

  "No, Madeline, several days ago, your Father and I took it upon ourselves to send for Emily. She is fairly a stone's throw away in St. Augustine, Florida. We are nearing September, and it will bring some of the loveliest weather of the year in Florida. The scenery resembles something out of a master painting in a museum," said Belle.

  "I have never been, but yes, I have heard it is one of the most beautiful places in the States, besides being the oldest city. Its rich history alone would make it a wonderful place to visit," said Madeline.

  "I'd be honored if you would accompany me to my home in St. Augustine," said Emily to Madeline. "Your bags are packed, and we have booked passage on the train for tomorrow. Your family and friends have convinced me you need to spend some time lying in the sun, thinking of nothing but picking berries for your tea."

  "Father, I don't know what to say. I had planned to go back to Chicago with you. Hugh's home is near completion, and Jonathan had said he would visit."

  "A few weeks away will not undue any plans. After what you have been through, you need a quaint, sleepy town like St. Augustine to pass your days. You can catch up on your reading and visit all the historic sites," said Father.

  "Now, don't scare the child away. We're not that sleepy. Just because we are a town full of saints, does not mean we don't have our sinners," said Emily with a coy look upon her face.

  Everyone laughed, but Madeline didn't have any idea what Emily meant. When Emily walked outside onto the veranda, she followed saying to her, "What did you mean in there?"

  "Well, my dear, the truth is, we have our own little mystery going on right in front of our noses. I'm sure you won't be bored at all. I didn't tell your Father or Belle because they might think you will try to get involved," said Emily.

  Now, Madeline was intrigued. "Please go on."

  "Well, some weeks ago, a very, close friend of the St. Alder's family was expected to be their guest at dinner, but never showed up. He had been courting a young lady there. He has been missing these two weeks. Then another young man, with ties to the same family, and dare I say, the same young lady, has now also gone missing.

  "We're getting ahead of ourselves. We will have plenty of time on the train to discuss it. Have I convinced you to go?"

  "Most definitely." She raised her glass of tea and said, "To St. Augustine and all its history—may it prove to be as interesting as New Orleans! Now tell me more about these missing men...

  The End

  Dear Reader:

  Thank you for reading. Every author appreciates that you took the time to read their novel. An Indie author, however, is particularly grateful for they know you have taken a chance on reading a work from an unknown author. If you enjoyed this book, I hope you will consider writing a short review, reviews are incredibly important for a new author.

  Book two in the series finds Madeline at The Harrison Hotel, a noted attraction on Goose Island in Chicago, but the reputation it gains for mysterious disappearances will soon cast a shadow on its fine reputation. The Harrison is now available for purchase.

  I am currently working on the fourth in the Madeline Donovan Mystery Series, which will be set in St. Augustine, Florida. Please join me in following Madeline's journey to fight crime, find love, and conquer her addictions.

  All my best,

  Madison Kent