Dance of Death Read online

  “Well, William,” Justin asked after a moment. “What do you have to say to that?”

  William dropped the horse’s reins and came over to Justin and Madeline. “I’m sorry, miss,” he answered. “But I didn’t see anyone in the road.”

  William glanced at Justin. He fidgeted nervously with his cap. “If there was someone in front of that horse, I’d have seen him,” he continued. “I was looking straight forward the whole time. As far as I can tell, that horse just spooked.”

  Madeline shook her head. No! This can’t be happening. Not to me. Not so soon.

  “William,” she gasped. “You must have seen him.”

  “I swear to you, miss, the road was clear all the way to the crest of the hill,” William answered. “There wasn’t anybody standing in the road.”

  Chapter

  3

  Madeline struggled to control herself. “William,” she began, keeping her voice low and quiet. “You must have seen the man. He stood right there in front of the horse, waving his arms. You must have seen him, William.” Madeline’s voice began to rise. “You must have—”

  “Madeline, that’s enough!” Justin said firmly. “You hit your head and you’re confused.”

  His explanation made sense. She felt herself begin to relax. “I guess that’s possible,” she agreed.

  “I’m sorry, William,” Madeline apologized. “I’m sure Dr. Fear is right.”

  William shuffled his feet awkwardly. “It doesn’t matter about me, miss,” he said. “But your cousins, they’ll be worried. If you’re ready, I should be getting you home.”

  Home! Madeline thought. How good that sounded.

  “Thank you, William,” she answered simply. “Please take me home.”

  William helped Madeline back into the buggy, then swung up on the seat beside her. She glanced nervously at Buttercup, but the horse appeared perfectly calm.

  Justin took a seat on the other side of Madeline. “I’ll come along,” he said. “I want to be sure you arrive at your cousins’ safe and sound.”

  “Your cousins’ house is just over the hill,” William said. When it came into view, Madeline felt a bit disappointed. She’d been imagining an elegant home, with carefully tended grounds and a garden—like Dr. Fear’s house.

  Her cousins’ house stood several stories high, with odd turrets and towers poking out here and there. The porch sagged and the roof appeared in need of repair. Peeling gray paint and broken shutters added to the house’s decrepit appearance.

  Some tall, scraggly trees shaded the front yard. Madeline glanced around for a flower garden, but saw none.

  My cousins must not be as wealthy as I had assumed, she realized. I mustn’t judge them harshly just because they can’t afford to keep up repairs on such a huge, old house.

  As soon as the buggy came to a stop, a plump, blond woman ran across the wide porch and down the steps. Madeline guessed that the woman was about the same age as her mother had been when she died.

  The woman took one look at the cut on Madeline’s face and gave a sharp cry. “Goodness gracious! What’s happened?” she exclaimed.

  A tall man hurried up to the woman and put his arm around her shoulders. His thin face and silver-streaked black hair gave him a dignified appearance, Madeline thought.

  “There now, Deborah,” the man said soothingly. “Justin is with her, so everything must be all right.” He pulled the blond woman closer to him.

  “It’s just a little cut,” Madeline reassured them as Justin helped her get down from the buggy. “I’m sorry I worried you. I—”

  “Don’t be ridiculous, my dear,” the blond woman interrupted. “We’re just so grateful that you’ve arrived. I’m your Cousin Deborah, of course, and this is your Cousin Marcus.”

  Deborah hurried over to Madeline. “Are you sure you’re all right? What happened?”

  Madeline felt warmed by her cousin’s concern. It had been so long since anyone fussed over her.

  “That horse of yours got spooked by a shadow in the road,” Justin answered. “Miss Simms had to jump from the buggy.”

  “Oh, my dear.” Deborah sighed. She wrapped Madeline in a warm, almost smothering embrace. “What a terrible thing to happen, and on your very first day in Shadowbrook.”

  How kind she is, Madeline thought, as Deborah led her into the house. Everyone is being so kind.

  The interior of the Simms house was dark and gloomy. Although the sun shone brightly outside, all the curtains were tightly drawn.

  It’s like a tomb in here. Why don’t they let any light in? Madeline wondered.

  Deborah pulled her over to a sofa in the parlor.

  “You must be very tired. Sit here,” she told Madeline. A thin cloud of dust rose up as Madeline settled herself on the sofa.

  That must be why the curtains are drawn, Madeline thought. So no one can see how poorly kept up the house is. How good they are to take me in when they don’t have any money!

  Deborah’s hands fluttered around her face. “As soon as Justin has seen to your injuries, you must go straight to bed.”

  “Thank you,” Madeline whispered. “I’d like that—” She paused, not certain what to call her new relation now that they were face-to-face. “Mrs. Simms,” she stammered.

  Deborah gave a trill of laughter. “Oh, you mustn’t call me that,” she protested. “Cousin Deborah sounds so much cozier. And Marcus will be Cousin Marcus, won’t you dear?”

  Marcus Simms nodded as he came into the room with Justin. He hardly speaks a word, Madeline thought. And Cousin Deborah never stops chattering. I suppose that makes them a good match!

  “I just know we’re all going to be great friends,” Deborah prattled. “Marcus and I are going to take good care of you, my dear. You’re very important to us. Isn’t she, Marcus?”

  “She certainly is,” Marcus agreed, speaking up at last. “And even through her bruises I can tell she’s very lovely. Don’t you agree, Justin?”

  “I most certainly do,” Justin replied. Madeline felt herself blush at the warmth of his tone.

  He pulled a chair over next to the sofa and sat down. He leaned over and smiled at Madeline. “Not even a few bumps and bruises can change that,” he added.

  Madeline felt her cheeks grow even hotter. What’s the matter with me? she thought. I never blush.

  “Now, let’s see about that head,” Justin went on, his tone suddenly all business. “I’ll need some warm water, Deborah.”

  “Of course, Justin. I’ll see to it right away.” She left to summon a servant. A moment later, she returned.

  “The maid will be in with the water in a moment,” Deborah promised.

  A knock sounded on the drawing room door. “Enter,” Marcus commanded. The door swung open, and a young servant girl stepped inside.

  Madeline stared at her, awed by her beauty. Rich, auburn hair covered her head in a halo of shining curls. Her skin was as clear and white as porcelain. She reminded Madeline of a beautiful china doll.

  The maid carried a bowl of gently steaming water in her hands. She watched it carefully, to make sure it didn’t spill.

  “Put the water down right over here, Molly,” Justin said.

  The servant girl’s large green eyes jerked up to Justin’s face. Her hands began to shake so violently that water sloshed over the sides of the bowl.

  “Dr. Fear,” she whispered. “Dr. Fear.”

  “Bring the water over to me,” Justin said again.

  Molly’s feet stayed rooted to the floor.

  “Do as I tell you, Molly,” Justin ordered in a soft, commanding voice.

  Molly staggered forward. She twisted her head from side to side as if in agony. But her gaze kept returning to Justin’s face.

  “What’s the matter?” Madeline asked in confusion. “Is the water too hot? Did you burn yourself?”

  Molly stopped, shuddered, and lowered her eyes.

  “I won’t,” she cried. “You’re evil and I won’t come near
you. You can’t make me do it!”

  Chapter

  4

  “Now, Molly,” Justin crooned. “Don’t be silly. You know there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

  He rose and took a single step toward the girl. Molly jumped away from him.

  What’s wrong with her? Madeline thought.

  Molly crashed against a curio cabinet. The bowl of water slipped from her fingers. It crashed to the floor and shattered into dozens of tiny pieces. Water streamed over the dark floor.

  “Now look what you’ve done, Molly,” Justin scolded.

  Molly threw her apron over her head and dashed out the door.

  “Molly! You come back here this instant and clean this up!” Deborah shouted. The only answer was Molly’s hysterical sobs echoing down the hall.

  “I really must apologize, Justin,” Deborah said, turning to him. “That girl is so high-strung she’s hardly worth the trouble. I’ll see about more water myself.”

  Justin shook his head and sighed. “I thought Molly was over her fear of me,” he told Madeline as he returned to his place beside her. “But I see now that I was wrong. Molly’s brother had an accident not long ago,” he explained. “There was nothing I could do to save him. But I’m afraid Molly believes his death was all my fault.”

  Madeline felt a rush of sympathy. “How awful for you. It must be terrible to lose a patient and then be blamed.”

  Justin’s expression warmed. “That’s it exactly,” he replied. “I was afraid for a moment that Molly’s reaction would upset you. But I should have known that you would understand.”

  Madeline lowered her eyes. She felt shy suddenly. Why should Justin care what she thought? They barely knew each other.

  “Here’s the water,” Deborah announced, coming back into the parlor with a swish of skirts.

  “Thank you, Deborah,” Justin said. “Set it down on this table, will you?”

  Deborah did as he asked. “Take good care of my cousin now,” she teasingly ordered. “We wouldn’t want anything to ruin that beautiful face.”

  “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t want that either,” Justin answered.

  Deborah tittered. She walked over to Marcus and wrapped her arm around his waist.

  Justin moistened his handkerchief in the warm water. “Madeline?” he said softly.

  She lifted her eyes to his face.

  “I’m going to have to touch you,” Justin explained, his tone quiet. So quiet Madeline didn’t think Deborah or Marcus could hear.

  Without meaning to, Madeline shivered. She could still remember the cold, clammy feel of his hands.

  Justin sighed. “The idea of my touching you is upsetting, isn’t it?”

  “I don’t want it to be, Justin,” Madeline whispered.

  “Honestly?” Justin replied. “Maybe it will be easier if I explain things. I’ve been on many travels in the course of my medical studies. On one of them, I acquired a disease which affects my hands. It makes my touch somewhat—unusual. Not everyone can bear it.”

  Madeline felt terrible. He’s been so kind to me, so good. And I’ve been so ungenerous, she thought.

  “I don’t mind if you touch me, Justin,” she told him.

  “Don’t you?” Justin asked. “Do you really mean that, Madeline?”

  She nodded. He stroked one finger down the side of her face.

  Madeline imagined a disgusting snake slithering over her skin. She couldn’t help it.

  It took all the strength she had not to cry out and shrink away from Justin. But she managed to control herself.

  It isn’t a snake, she lectured herself. It’s someone who’s kind and good. Someone who only wants to help me.

  Justin.

  “Madeline,” Justin whispered hoarsely. “No one has let me do that since my illness. I can’t tell you what it means to me. I—”

  He broke off, and glanced over at Deborah and Marcus. Madeline almost had forgotten they were still in the room.

  Justin quickly bathed Madeline’s face and examined her cuts and bruises. His fingers were gentle and skillful.

  Madeline felt herself relaxing more and more. She felt certain that, given enough time, she wouldn’t even notice the strangeness of Justin’s touch.

  Maybe I don’t have to end up like Mama did. My life could have a happy ending after all, she thought.

  “There now,” Justin said softly as he finished. “Just some superficial cuts and bruises, nothing more. You’ll still be as beautiful as ever. But I want you to promise me you’ll get some rest.”

  Madeline smiled up at him. “I promise,” she replied. Without stopping to think about it, she gave him her hand.

  Justin stared down at her, shocked. Then he seized her hand eagerly. He bent over it and pressed his lips against her knuckles.

  Madeline felt the heat of his lips travel all the way up her arm.

  “Come, my dear,” Deborah urged, bustling toward her. “You must let me take you upstairs to your room. Let her go now, Justin,” she added playfully, when she noticed Justin still held Madeline’s hand in his. “You can see her tomorrow.”

  This time, Madeline felt pleased to see it was Justin who blushed. Then he laughed and released her hand.

  “Of course. Take good care of her for me until then,” he instructed.

  “You know we’ll do that,” Marcus promised.

  Madeline let Deborah help her from the sofa and lead her toward the doorway. Just before they left the parlor, Madeline turned back. “Thank you for your kindness,” she told Justin. “I will never forget it.”

  A fierce smile lit Justin’s face.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Madeline slept deeply. She woke to the sound of low, murmuring voices in her room. At first she thought she was still dreaming. Then she realized the voices belonged to Deborah and Marcus.

  Maybe they just came to check on me because of my fall, Madeline reasoned. But something in their tone bothered her. She kept her eyes closed and listened.

  “We’ll have to watch her very carefully from now on, you know that don’t you?” Madeline heard Deborah murmur.

  Madeline felt her heart pound.

  “Of course,” Marcus answered. “But nothing is going to happen while she’s asleep under our own roof. We might as well leave her alone.”

  “I don’t know,” Deborah answered. “We can’t afford to let anything happen. You heard what William said. She thought she saw somebody in the road.”

  “But Justin convinced her otherwise,” Marcus countered. “Relax, Deborah. Nothing is going to happen now that she’s with us. Everything will work out fine.”

  Madeline heard the squeak of the heavy wooden door as it opened and closed. Then she listened to the sound of their fading footsteps as they walked down the hall.

  She forced herself to lie still and counted to one hundred before she opened her eyes and sat up. Her heart continued to pound.

  Cousin Deborah and Cousin Marcus talked to William. They knew Madeline thought she had seen someone in the road. Is that why they thought they needed to watch her? Did they think she was insane, like her mother?

  Relax. Take deep breaths. Cousin Deborah and Cousin Marcus don’t know about Mama, Madeline told herself. They think the same thing everyone else does—that Mama and Papa died in a tragic accident.

  No one knows the truth but me. No one.

  And no one else is going to know it, Madeline vowed. Because I’m not like Mama. I’m not going mad. I only saw a shadow in the road, just like Justin said.

  Madeline threw back the covers. She crossed to the washstand. She filled the basin from a pitcher of water, then bathed her face.

  The water felt cool and refreshing against her flushed skin. She wet the cloth again and bathed her wrists and the back of her neck.

  Poor Mama and Papa. I won’t think about them anymore, she promised herself. She closed her eyes and pressed the washcloth against her face.

  I have a new home, a new life, she thought. I mu
st concentrate on the present. On Shadowbrook.

  Madeline slid the washcloth off her face. She glanced at her reflection in the looking glass.

  No!

  Chapter

  5

  The strange man she had seen on the road stood behind her!

  Madeline tried to scream. But her throat squeezed shut.

  The man took a step toward her.

  Madeline whirled around. “Who are you?” she cried out. “How dare you come in here? How did you get into my room?”

  The man did not answer. He shook his head from side to side. His hair hung around his face in matted clumps. His eyes were rimmed with shadows.

  And his white shirt … the front of his white shirt was drenched in blood. So was his waistcoat.

  Madeline backed up—and hit her dressing table. She was trapped.

  My only chance is to fight back, she thought. I can’t let him see how scared I am.

  “What do you want?” she demanded.

  The man raised one hand and pointed it straight at her.

  Madeline felt the skin on the back of her neck crawl.

  It’s me. He’s come for me!

  The man rushed toward her.

  Madeline closed her eyes. She raised her arms over her head to protect herself.

  She felt a blast of icy air rush by her.

  But no one touched her.

  Madeline lowered her arms. She opened her eyes and stared around the room.

  The man had disappeared.

  What happened? she thought. He ran straight toward me!

  Anger burst through Madeline. He’s playing a horrible trick. He wants to frighten me.

  She dashed to the bedroom door and yanked it open. I’m not going to let him get away with this! she thought.

  Madeline dashed out into the hallway. She saw a flash of white vanishing around the corner to the right.

  It’s him! She picked up her skirts and chased after the man. She dashed around the corner—and the hallway stood empty.

  But she caught another glimpse of white.

  Madeline ran down the narrow hallways, making turn after turn. Always a moment too late to catch the man.

  Her throat burned as she gasped for breath. Don’t stop, she ordered herself. You can’t stop now.