Haunting Secrets (23 page)

Her heart wrenched, and she bit back a sob. Right now it seemed like an impossible request. Was there a future for them or should they just take what they could when they had the chance?

She kissed the side of his face and held him tighter. “We will be together. Forever. I promise.”

He caressed her cheek. “Victoria, I have to say this now, even though I’m certain it’s too early, but I love you. I can’t believe how I’ve come to care for you. Deeply. You’re the only woman I’ve felt this way about.”

Tears of happiness filled her eyes. “Oh, Justin. I’m in love with you, as well.”

She fell into his embrace as they kissed passionately. Meaningfully. And so heavenly. Victoria didn’t want it to end, but knew they couldn’t rush it.

She was the first to pull away. His warm gaze made her melt.

“Thank you for loving me,” he said.

“Thank you for returning my feelings.”

“Victoria, as much as I don’t want to let you go, I fear my brother might come looking for you, so you’d better get back to your room.”

She slipped her arms around his waist and snuggled against him. “You are correct. As much as I want to stay right here, I fear your family might suspect I’m hiding from them. I don’t want them to become suspicious.”

Arm in arm, Justin led them back through the tunnels to her room. He looked inside first, and then allowed her in. He kissed her passionately one more time, before leaving. With a heavy heart, she sat on the edge of her bed. Thankfully nobody had interrupted them, but how fortunate would they be next time? And there
would
be a next time!

* * * *

Victoria believed it was Bethany was the witch.

Pacing the floor in her room, Victoria’s thoughts spun in her head like a tornado. Justin kept her in his bedroom because he wasn’t afraid of the witch interrupting them. Which meant the witch had to be Bethany, since she’d gone to town to run errands. Then again…

Victoria scratched her head. What if the witch was Anne? According to the Maitlands—and pretty much everyone who lived here—when the white wolf attacked, he killed innocent women. Anne was not innocent in the least. Come to think of it, neither was Sarah, since she’d been carrying on a tryst with Roderick, too.

Victoria paused in thought. Yet why was Anne attacked if she was the witch. Unless—a diversion, perhaps?

Either way, Victoria couldn’t mark Anne off her list just yet. What about Mrs. White? But why would the witch be the housekeeper? Out of everyone in this house, Mrs. White looked out for the Maitlands and cared for them. The older woman even treated poor Jonathan with love and respect.

Victoria would bet money the witch was Bethany. She was a selfish, mean woman with a cold heart, just like the witch. And, she used to love Justin. He’d mentioned once that all the witch wanted at first was his love, but now she wanted the treasure map. Bethany believed very strongly there was treasure on the island.

Now the question was, if Bethany and the witch are one of the same, how could Victoria kill her? If the witch has powers, then what could stop her? Also, the witch would have to lift the curse before Victoria killed her.

Grumbling, she walked to the vanity and picked up a brush. As she pulled it through her hair, the bristles punished her scalp. Worry expanded in her chest, and she knew the only way the witch would lift the curse was for Justin to give her the treasure map.

Victoria sank in her chair and stared at her reflection in the mirror. Although she may not have the answers, at least she suspected who the witch was. In order for Victoria and Justin to spend some private time together, Victoria may just have to place some sleeping powder in Bethany’s tea.

A chuckle bubbled up from her throat as she finished her toilette. That wasn’t a bad idea at all. Roderick may even want his wife asleep all the time which would give him more room to dally with other women.

Victoria hurried downstairs toward the dining room. Had everyone returned home since this morning? Or would she eat dinner by herself. As she passed the drawing room, Bethany’s voice rang through the stillness like shards of glass piercing Victoria’s skin. She turned and walked slowly into the room, trying to smile like she didn’t loathe the woman.

“Good evening, Mrs. Maitland. I wondered if you had returned from your errands earlier today.”

“I had a splendid time in town today.” Bethany grinned. “I purchased some new gowns and some costumes for Jonathan’s party.”

Victoria stepped closer. “While you were in town, did you drop in to the hospital to see how Anne is faring?”

Bethany flipped her hand in the air. “I didn’t have time for that. Besides, Roderick and Mrs. White were with her.”

“Are they back? Has there been any news of Anne’s recovery?”

“None yet.” Bethany moved from her chair and strolled to the table in the far corner of the room. “I did buy you a gown, though.”

“A—a—gown?” Victoria blinked, not quite understanding.

“Yes. You’ll need a gown for the mask ball, also.” She picked up a box and handed it to Victoria. “Last night, Jonathan and I were talking, and he asked if I would buy you this gown.” Her grin widened. “I must say, he’s quite smitten with you.”

Victoria nodded and took the box. “Thank you, Mrs. Maitland. I appreciate your generosity.”

“It’s Jonathan who you should thank, you know.”

“I will when I see him next.” She glanced out the door. “Will he be here for supper?”

“I’m quite certain he will.” Bethany nodded to the box. “Take a look at what Jonathan wanted you to wear for your costume.”

Victoria carried the box to the couch and sat before opening it. Red silk touched her fingers, and as she lifted the gown, the most daring bodice was what she noticed first. Oh good grief! Only ladies of ill repute wore gowns like this. She swallowed hard.

“Jonathan and I thought you could go as a She-Devil.” Bethany laughed. “I thought it was a wonderful idea.”

Victoria hated it, but she couldn’t let anyone know it. Jonathan had been thinking of her, and she must appreciate his kind gesture. But obviously, Jonathan had been thinking indecent thoughts. Why else would he want her to show more bosom than she’d ever shown before?

“It’s a lovely gown.” Victoria smiled. “And I’ll tell Jonathan when I see him.”

Horace, the butler, walked in and handed Bethany a missive. She opened it and scanned the contents, then folded the paper.

“Thank you,” Bethany said. “And when you leave, will you take this box and have it delivered to Victoria’s room?”

“Yes, Mistress.”

When Horace walked out of the drawing room, Bethany stood. “I believe it’ll just be us for dinner tonight. Jonathan has been detained in town.”

“Oh, I didn’t know he went into town, also.”

Bethany shrugged. “Apparently he was worried about Anne.”

“How sweet of him.” Victoria surmised at least Jonathan had a heart, whereas Bethany didn’t.

After they sat at that table and the servants brought in their food, Victoria couldn’t allow the deafening silence, especially when it accompanied piercing glares from Bethany. But all that was on her mind to talk about was Justin and the witch. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Bethany cleared her throat.

“You will never guess who I saw in town today.”

How was Victoria supposed to answer that one? But at least the silence had been broken. “I haven’t any idea. Who?”

“Your uncle.”

Victoria stopped the fork halfway to her mouth as she stared at the other woman. “Uncle George?”

“Yes. He asked about your welfare.”

Victoria set the fork back on the plate without taking a bite. “Pray, what did you tell him?”

“I told him you were deliriously happy, as was Jonathan. And that your visit has brightened our lives.”

Bile rose in Victoria’s throat. Leave it to Bethany to over-exaggerate. “That was kind of you, Mrs. Maitland. What did he say to that?”

“He was greatly relieved. He feared you’d never find a man suitable enough to marry.”

Victoria nodded. Her uncle would say that, to be sure. “Yes, I’m quite certain he’s thrilled that Jonathan and I are getting along so well. Uncle George would like nothing more to get rid of me.”

Bethany sipped her wine glass then set it back on the table. Leaning forward, she rested her elbows on the table. “Tell me, why is your uncle so aggressive with finding you a husband? I received the impression he didn’t want you back.”

A sharp pain pierced Victoria’s stomach, making her lose her appetite. “My uncle wasn’t very happy when I came to live with him after my father died.”

“May I ask why?”

“Uncle George couldn’t tolerate children, and even though I was an adult when I entered his house, he still thought of me as a child. From day one, he treated me like a wayward child, punishing me severely for small things.” Victoria took a gulp of her drink. “It’s difficult to live somewhere you’re not wanted.”

Bethany sucked in a quick breath and placed her hand on her chest. “Oh, my poor dear. How awful for you.”

Victoria wanted to roll her eyes, but didn’t. Bethany wasn’t a good actress. The older woman didn’t care about Victoria’s welfare. Never would. Even though she didn’t want to return to her uncle’s house, it was still better than living her with the Maitlands. If only Justin could rescue her once again.

“It was certainly hard to live with him and all his rules,” she continued. “He wouldn’t let me have friends or attend parties. It was like he wanted me kept prisoner in his house.” She shrugged. “That’s why I was so excited when you asked me to come here.”

The other woman smiled and picked up her wine glass again. “And you may remain here as long as you like.” She took another sip. “If Jonathan has anything to do with it, you’ll be here indefinitely.”

Sadness washed over Victoria. She knew Jonathan was in love with her, and she didn’t want to hurt him anymore than she’d done. How would he take the news when she told him she loved his brother? Then again, Jonathan didn’t even know Justin was alive.

Until the curse was lifted and the witch dead, Victoria couldn’t make any plans with Justin. Which means, she’d have to continue leading Jonathan to believe she loved him.

There was no other way.

Chapter Fourteen

Justin didn’t shift last night.

Victoria grinned as she scooped up a fork of eggs from her plate during breakfast. It was a good thing she was alone at the table this morning, because she couldn’t stop smiling. She’d listened all last night for Justin’s howl, and she never heard it. They’d been together, kissed and confessed their feelings, so he technically, he should have shifted.

Then again, Justin said he
loved
her. He only shifted when he desired a woman. In her mind, they were two different emotions.

Her heart filled to capacity. She’d never met anyone like Justin before. He thought of others first, and he showed his feelings for her continually. He would make a fine husband, too.

Victoria finished her meal then pushed away from the table. Just as she stood, Mrs. White walked in. The housekeeper smiled at Victoria.

“You look happy this morning,” Mrs. White remarked. “Did you have a good rest?”

“Yes, I did.” Victoria neared the housekeeper and touched her arm. “But how are you? I haven’t heard anything about Anne and I’m worried.”

“Anne is still unconscious. She’s alive, and that’s good. The wolf nearly ripped out her throat, so the doctor fears Anne may not be able to talk when she recovers.”

Dread sank in Victoria’s chest. There had to be a way to find out from the maid if the wolf attacked her, or if it were the rabid dogs. “I’m relieved she’s alive.”

“As am I. She’s a good friend.”

Victoria clasped Mrs. White’s hand and squeezed. “You are the good friend, staying by her side the way you did.”

A tear formed in the housekeeper’s eye, and she blinked fast which removed it. “If you’ll excuse me, I must be on my way. There’s still much to do before Jonathan’s birthday ball. The days are just flying by, and I fear I won’t get everything accomplished.”

Victoria stepped into the large hallway and stopped. What could she do today? Without Francine around, the days became more boring. Since Justin slept during this time, there wasn’t much to do.

Horace walked passed her, and she stopped him. “Have you seen Master Jonathan? Is he still out riding this morning?”

He nodded. “I believe so, Miss Fawson. I haven’t seen him since last evening, but he usually rides in the morning.”

“Thank you.” She hurried up the stairs to her bedroom and changed into a riding habit. It was time she kept herself from going mad from boredom. Perhaps she could convince Jonathan they would make perfect friends—and not the marrying kind.

Forty-five minutes later, she strolled outside toward the stables. The sun stood high in the sky without any threat of clouds. Not even a cool breeze disturbed her. She reached the stable and requested a mare saddled. As she waited, she gazed across the acreage of fields, then off to the side where the forest began. Shivers ran over her. Those tall trees only brought back unpleasant memories. Her heart clenched for her maid. Hopefully, Francine was indeed alive, as Justin had mentioned. Soon they’d solve the mystery of her disappearance and her maid would come back safely.

Getting away from this dreaded nightmare was all she could think about, but she wouldn’t leave without Justin.

The stable boy brought the mare to her and helped her mount. She kept the animal in a trot as she studied the landscape. During the night, the place seemed most dreary, but now with the bright sun warming her face, everything appeared welcoming and cheerful.

She scanned the area for Jonathan, wondering where he rode every day. And why it took him so long. The estate was large, but surely it didn’t take that long.

Urging her horse faster, she rode to the top of a hillside that overlooked the island. She stopped and stared through squinted eyes. According to Bethany and Roderick, nobody dared set foot on the cursed island, fearing for their safety. Yet Victoria wasn’t afraid. If it meant saving Justin’s life, she’d do it in a heartbeat.