Haunting Secrets (7 page)

If she didn’t know her father was dead, she would think he was writing another mystery novel, using the Maitland family as his characters.

Sighing, she ran her fingers over the thick stones bordering the hearth. Deep down, she knew things were not right. There was a missing piece to the puzzle.

She glanced over her shoulder toward the door. Somehow, she needed to find a way into the East Wing, especially now she’d found the entrance. But not during daylight hours.

She’d go tonight once everyone had retired for bed.

* * * *

              Wearily, Justin lifted his aching body off the floor. Chills ran over his bare skin, bringing him to awareness quickly. He rubbed his forehead and groaned.

He’d shifted. Again.

He actually remembered something. For the first time images of his hours as a wolf floated through his head. He recalled feeling a cold breeze against his body, and a woman’s scream.

He looked at his hands, his chest, and the rest of his body. No cuts or marks, and thankfully, no blood. Perhaps it was his beastly presence that had caused the woman to scream.

He could only hope.

On shaky legs he staggered into his room to dress. He needed to sneak downstairs through the hidden tunnels of the manor to discover what had happened last night. If there had been another killing, he’d know soon enough.

Keeping a prayer in his heart, he pulled on his clothes. He didn’t know how he’d react if he discovered he’d killed again.

After donning his long, black hooded cape, he snuck through the secret tunnel passageways that only he knew about. The first room he stopped at was the parlor. That was where his brothers and sister-in-law would be at this time of the day. Since he’d gone into hiding, he’d spied on his family. Many years ago, his father had created these magical mirrors when he’d been having problems with his servants. From inside the room, it appeared like a normal mirror, but outside in the secret tunnels, it was used as a window. This was how Justin stayed in touch with the real world.

The cold draft coming from the dark tunnel swept across his feet. He located the spot on the wall and pulled back the covering over the mirror to look on the other side.

Instead of seeing Roderick and Bethany, the only person in the room was Victoria. His heart sank. She hadn’t heeded his warning last night. What could he do to get her to leave? She must. For his well-being and especially for hers.

He knew he shouldn’t watch her, but her beauty hypnotized him. She looked prettier this morning in her bright yellow day dress. Instead of curls framing her head like yesterday, her hair hung over her shoulders in long waves, the sides pulled back on top of her head and secured with a yellow ribbon.

Victoria moved through the room, running her fingers lightly along each piece of furniture as she passed it. When she reached the pianoforte, she stopped and glanced over her shoulder toward the door. She turned and sat on the stool as she placed her fingers over the keys. Closing her eyes, she smiled.

Excitement leapt in his chest. It wasn’t very often he witnessed the joy on someone else’s face when they sat at a musical instrument. He liked seeing this. Liked it too much.

Her fingers lightly grazed the keys, but she didn’t play. Could she be afraid of being reprimanded? Then again, maybe it was a good thing. Bethany absolutely hated having anyone play the instrument since she didn’t want anyone to play better than her. And most people did.

Heavy footsteps pounded down the hall, tearing Victoria away from the pianoforte. Seconds later, Jonathan appeared. The young pup smiled, stepped to her and took her hands in his.

“Are you ready?”

She nodded. “My maid should be here momentarily, although, I still feel going out for a ride is not right while your household is in turmoil.”

Justin’s heart sank.
Turmoil?

“No need to fear, my sweet. As I told you before, Bethany and Roderick will take care of everything. Bethany will make certain Sarah’s body is prepared for burial.”

“I still can’t believe what happened.” Victoria sighed. “It seems unreal. Tell me, Jonathan, does this sort of thing occur often?”

“No. Three, maybe four times a year, perhaps. But don’t fear. I’ll protect you from the white wolf. Sarah must have gone outside after dark. That’s the only way the wolf could have attacked her.”

A sharp pain twisted through Justin’s chest. He squeezed his eyes closed and leaned his head against the wall. He’d seen the servant girl yesterday with Roderick before they disappeared behind the stables.

Justin growled and hit his fist against the wall. Why her? He’d never had any kind of feelings for the servant, and that was the only emotion that made him shift. Perhaps his growing attraction for Victoria had caused him to seek out someone to kill last night.

If only he could wrap his fingers around the witch who cursed him. If only he could end this non-existent life and become normal once more. But if he killed the witch, he’d surely die himself, as he needed her to retract the spell. There would be no way he could live his remaining years as a wolf.

He turned away and made his way back through the tunnels toward his room. One way or another, he had to convince Victoria to leave. He didn’t want her to become his next victim.

Chapter Four

              The afternoon breeze caressed Victoria’s cheek as she sat bundled in a fur wrap next to Jonathan. Francine perched beside her in the landau. The ride around Maitland Manor kept Victoria enthralled, as did the beauty of the grounds. Bordering the tall, iron gates, rhododendrons, azaleas, and herbaceous were nearing the end of their bloom. After they passed the garden, they rode upon the brown, stone arches of the bridge that stretched across the lake.

Jonathan couldn’t have been more accommodating during the ride. His sense of humor surprised her, and she enjoyed his company. Still, he seemed a mystery. Not once on their ride did he mention the dead servant girl. In fact, he chatted as if nothing had happened at all.

His behavior seemed strange, and she wanted to find out all the more about the Maitland’s secrets.

As they rode along, he asked questions about her life. She answered in a polite manner but sought ways to change the topic from herself to him. It was time Jonathan became more forthcoming.

When he asked her another question, she flipped her hand in the air and shook her head. “Jonathan, I’m dreadfully tired of talking about myself. Tell me more about you and your family.”

Tearing his gaze off the road for a moment, he smiled at her. “What would you like to know?”

She’d always been one who said what was on her mind. Yet this time she feared her question might be too bold. But she just had to know. “Why aren’t you married?”

He threw back his head and laughed. She smiled, relieved that he didn’t take her query the wrong way.

“Oh, Victoria. You’re an interesting woman.”

“Come now.” She elbowed his arm. “You cannot tell me no one has ever asked you that before.”

“On the contrary. That question has been asked quite a bit.”

“How do you reply?”

He slowed the horses and met her stare. “I tell them I’ve not found the right woman.”

“Then you must be a discerning man.”

He transferred the reins to one hand, covered her clasped hands with his, and squeezed. “Extremely.”

“What makes you so choosy?”

He shrugged as he gathered the reins in both hands again and looked back at the road. The laugh lines around his eyes and mouth disappeared. “There’s much for me to think about, Victoria. I not only need to decide what is best for me, but I need to keep Roddy and Beth’s wishes in mind, also.”

She scowled. “Why must you think of their desires?”

“Because if my future bride cannot get along with my brother and sister-in-law, then my life will be unpleasant. Since we all will be living under the same roof, familial harmony is best for all of us.”

“You intend to remain at Maitland Manor instead of finding your own home?”

He shook his head. “You don’t understand. Maitland Manor is my home. And the house is big enough for several families. There’s no reason for my bride and me to live elsewhere when there’s plenty of room here.”

“Very true, Jonathan.”

She shouldn’t say more, but she did have a strong opinion about this subject. However, she could take her questions in a different direction. While talking to him so far, she received the impression he didn’t know her father. Every time she brought up the subject during their brief times together, Jonathan didn’t say anything about knowing the man. No use asking about something Jonathan wouldn’t have a clue about. So now she’d ask about her friend, instead.

Victoria grinned, trying to bring back the humor in his expression. “So tell me, has any woman come close to becoming your wife?”

His smile returned and he laughed. “You’re certainly a curious lady.”

“Thank you. I consider that a compliment.” When he continued to look at the road in silence, she bumped her shoulder against him again. “However, there’s something that has been on my mind for some time.”

He glanced at her. “Indeed? I almost don’t dare inquire as to what it is.”

“Oh, it’s nothing of dire importance, I assure you. I’d just like to know about an old acquaintance of mine.”

His forehead creased and he slowed the horse again. “And you think I know this person?”

“Yes. I was told she had come to Maitland Manor as a candidate for marriage, just as I have.”

He pulled the reins and brought the horse to a complete stop. He turned to look at her. Thankfully, he still wore a grin.

“You want to know about another woman I courted?” he asked. “Why, Victoria, you surprise me at every turn.”

“Thank you.”

He shook his head. “A brave woman, aren’t you?”

She shrugged. “I certainly try.”

“So who’s the person you want me to talk about?”

“Miss Amelia Hartley.”

She studied his eyes, waiting for an expression of remembrance. But it didn’t come.

He blinked. “I’ve never courted anyone named Amelia. Are you certain that was her name?”

Beside Victoria, her maid gasped. Victoria’s heart lurched. What was he talking about? Mrs. White wouldn’t lie, would she?

“Yes. Amelia Hartley. Mrs. White said Amelia came here to court you only a couple months ago.”

Francine leaned forward. “That she did, Monsieur. Mrs. White told me personally.”

Lines appeared on his forehead and he frowned. “Mrs. White said that? Why? I’ve not met anyone named Amelia Hartley.”

Victoria twisted her hands. What was going on? Why did everyone at Maitland Manor act like they were all unconnected with the real world? There was no reason why Mrs. White would lie. Yet, what reason could Jonathan have for lying? Or perhaps he had a short memory.

Without being able to stop them, tears stung Victoria’s eyes. She blinked them away. Frustration built inside her like a dam ready to overflow.

“Victoria, my dear.” He grasped her hands. “Why are you crying?”

“I’m…not.”

“But you’re about to.” He placed a finger under her chin and tilted her face so she could meet his gaze. “Why are you upset?”

She wiped her eyes. “Amelia was a good friend of mine. If she never arrived, that means…that means…” She shook her head and took a deep breath. “What if something terrible happened to her?”

“Shh, no need to fret, my dear. I shall contact the authorities and have them investigate the matter. We’ll find your friend, I assure you.”

Victoria tried to stay brave, but fresh tears threatened to stream down her cheeks. She couldn’t allow herself to cry. Not now. For as long as she could remember, she’d been strong in front of people. Never had she experienced a mental breakdown, but the more she was at Maitland Manor, the more she felt like she was floating on a cloud, looking down into a dollhouse.

She bit her lip and breathed deeply, forcing herself to stay strong. She had lost her father in a tragic way, and she didn’t know what she’d do if she learned Amelia had the same dreadful end. Where else could her friend be? Victoria must believe Jonathan would help her. That was the only hope she could hold on to at the moment.

* * * *

The hour was late, well past midnight. Justin walked softly down the corridor toward Victoria’s room, listening carefully for any sounds.

Thankfully, tonight his amorous brother had decided to stay in his own bedroom instead of visiting one of the maids. Justin shook his head. One day Roderick would pay for his infidelity. Hadn’t his brother learned from their own father’s mistakes?

It had been no secret Jonathan was the product of their father’s dalliance with one of the maids. Justin didn’t know who she was, but he’d been told the woman killed herself shortly after she bore the child because Henry, Justin’s father, wouldn’t marry her.

Due to the dubious status of his birth, Jonathan had never been treated properly as a child by the other children his age. It wasn’t fair, but children like Jonathan were always disadvantaged.

Justin stopped in front of Victoria’s door. Glancing up and down the hall, he made certain the corridor was clear. He took the key from the pocket of his hooded cape, gently slid it in to the keyhole, and turned.

Taking a deep breath, he edged open the door and slipped inside. Just as last night, the room was dark. A small light slid through the heavy drapes, barely outlining the form beneath the bed covers.

He crept to the foot of the bed, giving his eyes time to adjust to the darkness. Victoria didn’t move. Then again, she hadn’t last night, either. Not for a few minutes, anyhow. He’d give her a little time to hear the different sounds in the room before he made himself known.

He’d thought about her all day, wanting to talk to her as a man, not as a beast. Yet he was a beast. Justin didn’t dare tell her the truth, so he must convince her to leave in other ways. He couldn’t allow anything to happen to her.

Her beauty tempted him more than he’d anticipated. Those feelings were not allowed. With her in the house, he feared she would wreak havoc with his isolated world.