Haunting Secrets (3 page)

When she reached the third floor, she peeked in every open room. Even those with closed doors. She casually glanced inside, trying not to appear obvious in her search. She found a library, a den, and another parlor. Noticing the room with a pianoforte, she paused.

Memories from years past washed over her like waves on an unsettled sea. Images of her father standing beside the pianoforte as she played a simple children’s song filled her head.

She walked closer to the instrument. Brushing her fingers across the keys, she closed her eyes. Too bad she couldn’t remember how to play. If only she could, her childhood memories would come to life again, her spirit would soar and she would be filled with the want to dance and twirl. Life had been so carefree back then. She missed it greatly.

It didn’t take long to finish her self-made tour. Although she tried not to act as if she’d walked toward the East Wing on purpose, she studied each door, searching for the entrance to that part of the manor. She must have passed it along the way because she couldn’t see how to obtain access.

As she wandered outside, she kept close to the edge of the house. The East Wing loomed before her as gloomy as when she first arrived. She stopped and glanced up toward the window where she’d seen a movement earlier.

The curtains moved again, and she sucked in her breath. Indeed, somebody
was
there.

* * * *

Victoria Fawson must leave this place. Now.

He’d heard she would arrive today. Foolish woman. She had no clue what her life would be like as Mrs. Jonathan Maitland.

Justin Maitland dropped the heavy curtain into place and stepped away from the window. He couldn’t let her or anyone see him. It was far safer for all if he was never seen again. Dead. A
ghost
.

By now, his brother’s guest would know the rumors. Roderick and his wife had the servants scared out of their skin to even look toward the East Wing.

Just as well. If the rumors didn’t frighten them, the truth would.

Justin flopped into his heavily cushioned chair, relaxing his head against the back. He closed his eyes and drew slow breaths, breaking the overwhelming silence. The solitude didn’t bother him any longer. Music had become his constant companion. If not for the songs he wrote, there would be little meaning to his life.

A vision of Victoria Fawson, ethereal and lovely, floated before his mind’s eye. He’d love to meet her. Peter Fawson had spoken so often of her that Justin felt he knew the girl already. Victoria had been away when Justin had visited her father, and Peter had seemed so upset at the poor timing, Justin wondered if his friend had been trying to arrange a courtship.

Sighing, he pushed his fingers through his hair, plastering the wavy thickness back on his head. Once in a while he gave into temptation and dreamed of a different life. A life without worries, pain, or grueling nightmares branded in reality. A life with a woman to love…and children.

Justin turned toward the low burning fire. Women like Victoria Fawson could not be permitted to stay at the manor. Victoria was in jeopardy because of her beauty. She was exactly the sort of woman he was easily attracted to. If a meeting had in fact occurred while her father still lived—Justin snorted. His mentor most certainly would have seen his wish come to fruition.

Peter must be desperate to get his daughter married for some reason. Why else would he match her with Justin’s younger brother, Jonathan? That young pup didn’t have a clue about real life, nor the problems it caused.

Justin rose from his chair and walked into the next room to his bed. Staying awake all night let him live in an existence without complications since everyone else in the manor was asleep. The only time he rested was during the day. He’d need plenty of sleep to finish composing the requiems he’d been working on for a fortnight. His music kept him sane.

He shrugged out of his robe and laid the rich burgundy velvet across the end of the bed before climbing between the sheets. His eyes drifted closed, strains of music running through his mind until a lovely visage interrupted his thoughts.

Victoria Fawson.

The woman’s beauty had captured his attention from the moment she’d climbed down from her carriage. Even now he could see the chestnut curls dangling beneath her bonnet surrounding a heart-shaped face and alert eyes. Because he had loved and admired her father, Justin knew he must protect Victoria. He must warn her away from this place. Her life depended on it.

With a grumble, he rolled over and slammed his fist into his pillow. Every aspect of the manor had changed since he was forced to step down as Master. A year ago, he was preparing to kick Roderick and Bethany out on their noses. His brother had been stealing from the coffers, and Justin would not have any more of Roddy’s deceitful ways. Justin also wanted to dismiss some of his servants at that time.

Justin had his secretary write the dismissal letters. After the secretary left,
that woman
came to see Justin. She’d overheard he was going to dismiss her. Begging for affection, she tried everything to get him to change his mind, and when he didn’t…

He took a deep breath and rubbed the ache growing in his forehead. Memories from what happened that day brought bile to his throat and his stomach twisted in horror. That was the day he learned about many more secrets residing inside these walls. And now he’d never be completely human again.

Having Victoria on his mind would be disruptive, yet living under his brother’s roof would put her very life in peril. Just as all the women who came to court Jonathan.

To save her life, Victoria Fawson must leave. There was no other way.

The “ghost” in the East Wing was more dangerous than people expected. Justin couldn’t have strangers coming to ask questions.

There was no ghost, just the beast who haunted Maitland Manor.

Chapter Two

Victoria’s thudding heart threatened to snap the ties binding her corset as she stepped into the parlor to meet Jonathan Maitland. She had to make a good impression. She dared not give him reason to turn her away from the manor before she had a chance to ask questions.

Pressing her hand to her ribs, she took a deep breath, attempting to slow her heart’s wild rhythm. Jonathan stood by the hearth with his shoulder against the smooth gray stones and one ankle crossed over the other. His waistcoat fit snug across the arms, and his white shirt and blue cravat emphasized the light tone color to his face. His muscular frame surprised her when earlier she’d wondered if he was obese. He lifted his gaze from the slow burning fire and looked her way.

Handsome.

Devilishly so.

Sandy brown hair waved back from his forehead, and when he grinned, his blue eyes sparkled. He pulled away from the hearth and straightened, his smile stretching wider the longer his gaze swept over her.

Physically, there appeared to be nothing wrong with him. A man of his quality could easily find a wife. So why was his sister-in-law matchmaking? Surely, Victoria wasn’t the first young woman to be paraded before him. When she left, another would certainly arrive to take her place.

              Bethany Maitland sat in the same chair she’d occupied earlier, but Roderick was absent. “Miss Fawson, may I introduce my husband’s younger brother, Jonathan Maitland? Jonathan darling, this is the young woman I told you about the other day.”

Jonathan strolled closer. “What a pleasure it is to finally meet you, Miss Fawson.”

Victoria smiled, enjoying his British accent. “I appreciate your kind invitation to visit the manor.”

Bethany flicked a limp wrist at her brother-in-law. “Jonathan, darling, when I met Miss Fawson in town, I knew she’d be perfect for you.”

Victoria’s throat dried, so she swallowed. “Thank you. Please, Mrs. Maitland, just call me Victoria. And I thank you for thinking I’m perfect, but I must let you know I’m far from perfection.”

“I happen to agree with my sister-in-law.” Jonathan offered Victoria his elbow. She laid her hand on his gray coat sleeve and he led her to the sofa then sat beside her.

Up this close, she realized how his blue eyes danced with excitement.
Such a flirt.
He was going to be a hard man to resist.

“Forgive me for being blunt, Miss Fawson,” Jonathan said, “but I’ve heard you’re an adventurous woman. Is this so?”

She grinned and glanced at Bethany, knowing the other woman had been the one to tell him. Then again, everyone in Devonshire must have heard about Victoria’s life. The way she lived wasn’t a secret, and it didn’t matter who knew. She wasn’t ashamed of the headstrong woman she’d become.

Meeting Jonathan’s gaze, she nodded. “I enjoy experiencing the fullness of life.”

Both Jonathan and Bethany laughed. Bethany lifted her teacup, took a sip then lowered the delicate china to the matching saucer. “Ah, to be young again.”

Victoria stifled a laugh. Most women her age were married and had children by now. She wouldn’t consider herself young. Not really. In a couple years, she’d be an old maid by society’s standards.

“I wouldn’t say I was young, Mrs. Maitland.” Victoria shrugged. “However, I don’t think I’ll ever allow life’s problems to discourage me. I always search for those things uplifting to my soul. After all, that’s the only way one can stay youthful in their heart.”

Bethany nodded. “Well said.”

Jonathan tapped Victoria’s arm. “Please tell me everything about yourself. I find your buoyant personality extremely refreshing.”

“Not many people will confess that, Mr. Maitland. In fact, my boldness shocks most everyone I meet.”

He shook his head. “I’m not like most everyone you meet, as I hope you’ll eventually discover.”

His warm smile and charm relaxed her. She studied him closely, hoping something in his appearance would help her understand why his sister-in-law had taken charge of finding his future wife. He must be a gambler or womanizer, but that hadn’t stopped women from marrying, especially if the man was wealthy. From the looks of their estate, the family was
very
wealthy.

When he spoke, she watched his actions and facial expressions. Her father had taught her how to read people. So far, though, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. He was very well mannered.

“Miss Fawson.” He turned to face her. “Would you enjoy an afternoon ride? I’d be honored to escort you around the estate today.”

“Certainly.” Her heart lightened. “I’d very much like an outing.”

Bethany wagged her finger at him. “Not before we take our mid-day meal, I hope.”

Jonathan stood, walked to his sister-in-law and patted her shoulder. Admiration flickered in his eyes when he looked down at her. “Of course not, dear Beth. I don’t want to ruin your plans.”

Victoria found Bethany and Jonathan’s mutual respect—their family devotion—refreshing. Victoria had missed having a mother to bring her up, and watching Bethany and Jonathan brought back that yearning, especially now that her own father was gone.

Jonathan crossed to Victoria and held out his elbow. “In the meantime, would you like to take a stroll outside? I fear I’m a restless man, and can’t stay cooped up for very long sipping tea like my sister-in-law.”

Victoria stood and placed her hand on his arm. “Ah, there is something we have in common. I don’t like to sit idle, either, and would very much enjoy a stroll.”

Jonathan instructed the butler to fetch Victoria’s wrap. The younger Maitland surprised her by his thoughtfulness. Stride for stride, she matched him as he walked down the hall. His strong, sturdy step pounded despite the plush carpeting. He was such a gentleman. So what was wrong with him that he couldn’t find a wife?

Perhaps he was shy. Yet, he seemed very forward and eager to please. Still, suspicion niggled the back of her mind. Why did he need a matchmaker? Although Victoria wasn’t a gambler, she’d bet money it had something to do with the ghost, or whatever it was the family kept hidden in the East Wing.

They strolled outside. The wind had calmed since her arrival. The sun’s rays poured upon them and took the slight chill from her cheeks.

A movement to her right drew her attention. Not far down the slope from the house, the figures of a man and woman stood close together, leaning against the house as if in secret. Jonathan didn’t look their way, but Victoria’s suspicions grew. It appeared as if Roderick and a maid were trying to have a private moment. By the leery grin on Roderick’s face and the giggle of the servant girl, this was obviously something Victoria should not be witnessing. It looked as if other secrets existed in the Maitland Manor.

Victoria jerked her attention to the path in front of her. Hopefully, the Master of the house didn’t see her spying.

“Mr. Maitland, tell me about your home.” Victoria started the conversation, trying to get her mind off Roderick and the maid’s most intimate position.

Jonathan slid his hand over hers and squeezed. “My great, great grandfather was a duke and lived in Essex. He had a grand estate and stables. As lads, my father and uncle came upon this land while looking for their own lands to own, and my father knew this is where he wanted to live. When he had Maitland Manor built, he constructed it to resemble my grandfather’s house.” He pointed toward a body of water beyond the garden wall and nodded. “My father wanted it to face the small island.”

“Slumbering Giant?”

“Yes.”

She chuckled. “Whoever created that name for the island was probably heavily into their cups.”

He stopped and looked down at her. His clear blue eyes bore into her. “The name was taken from the legend.”

“Well, the storyteller who created the old legend was as talented as my father.”

“You don’t believe the story?”

“Of course not. Do you?”

“Not about a witch turning it into a slumbering giant, but I believe there are caves of silver and gold hidden on the island.”

She shook her head. “For years, people have tried to find the treasure, and failed. My father researched the story before he wrote a book about it. There is no treasure. Every bit of information he had gathered was a myth.”