Haunting Secrets (15 page)

Through the fog, yellow eyes floated toward her, and within seconds the outline of the wolf appeared. He bared his teeth as he stared at her, stalking closer.

Victoria whimpered. “Please, don’t.”

The animal stopped and tilted his head, no longer threatening her with his nasty snarl. His eyes blinked. Against her ribs her heartbeat thundered, shaking her body even worse. Would he pounce on her and kill her immediately?

This was definitely the calm before the storm.

Even through her fear, she realized she’d never seen a more beautiful animal. Pure white fur covered the animal. Perfect ears standing straight on top of his head. Bushy tail unmoving as the animal stared at her.

Several minutes passed. She dared not move for fear of provoking the animal any further. Yet the beast looked at her curiously, as if even he didn’t quite know what to do.

If the rapid speed of her heart didn’t kill her, the wolf certainly would. She couldn’t let either happen. Silently, she prayed Justin would save her as he did the last time. But as each minute passed, her hopes sank lower.

Finally the white wolf moved, taking a step closer. Clutching her shaking hands against her chest, she squeezed her eyes closed and whimpered. It didn’t matter that he wasn’t growling, his very presence threatened her.

The heat of his breath fanned her cold hands. She waited for the pierce of his sharp teeth to sink into her skin. Instead, soft animal hair rubbed against her in a gentle movement.

She peeked at him, keeping as still as she could. His head tilted up toward her, his big, wondrous eyes stared. He whined and nudged her with his nose before rubbing his head on her leg again.

This was all so very strange. If she hadn’t been mistaken, she would have thought the beast friendly. Yet hadn’t he killed women already? Wasn’t he the animal who killed Sarah, the Maitland’s servant?

The white wolf sat in front of her and lifted his paw. Letting out a whine, he rested his paw on her leg. Her fearful heart jumped. The animal toyed with her, to be sure. She thought she’d heard once that these kinds of animals usually play with their victims before they killed.

Keeping his eyes on her, the wolf touched her again. He let out a soft whine and tilted his head. She tried swallowing the lump in her throat. What was wrong with this animal? He should be gobbling her up right now.

She licked her lips. “Wh—what do you want?” she whispered.

The wolf rose to all fours and stepped in front of her as if he was leaving. He took a couple of steps then turned and looked her way. He whined once more before taking two steps. Stopping, he peered at her through yellow, glowing eyes.

Perhaps all the rumors of the white wolf had been false. Obviously, the animal wasn’t trying to hurt her, but help her. She clasped her cold, shaky hands and walked toward him on quaky limbs.

Victoria kept a few steps away from the wolf as he led her through the trees. Every so often, he turned and looked at her as if to make certain she followed.

Soon, the lights from the manor shone through the night like a beacon in the fog. Tears gathered in her eyes. Safe! At last.

The wolf stopped at the edge of the cluster of trees and motioned his head toward the house. Her lips quivered as she smiled at the animal, and with a shaky hand, softly patted his head. “Thank you.”

She hurried to the house. It wasn’t until she reached the door when the animal retreated into the ominous night. What a remarkable experience. She couldn’t wait to tell the Maitlands how wrong they were about the white wolf legend.

Victoria’s weary legs weakened as she staggered into the house and crumbled to the floor. Relief poured through her and she couldn’t stop the sobs wrenching from her throat. Heavy footsteps pounded in the hallway and Roderick appeared.

He sucked in a quick breath and ran to her side. “Victoria. Good heavens, what happened to you?”

She couldn’t speak. All she could do was cry and shake her head. Roderick lifted her in his arms and brought her to the drawing room’s couch next to the fireplace.

He knelt beside her and rubbed her cold hands. “My dear, what happened? Were you attacked?”

“No.” Her voice squeaked.

“Why is your face so pale?” His hands moved to cup her face. “You’re as cold as ice.”

She shook her head. “The white…” She cleared her throat. “White wolf.”

His eyes widened. “Did you see him?”

She nodded. “He…saved me. I was l—lost in the thick—thicket and he found me.”

Roderick’s brows creased. “How did you escape?”

“The wolf didn’t try to k—kill me. He showed me the way back to the m—manor.”

He gasped. “Impossible.”

“It’s true, I tell you.” She wrapped her arms around her, trying to control her shaking body.

“My poor, dear girl. Your ordeal has made you forgetful, or insane.” He hurried to the liquor tray, poured her a drink, and brought it back. “Here. Drink this wine. It will calm your nerves, I assure you.”

With his help, she lifted the glass to her lips and sipped. Fiery liquid scorched her throat as it slid down, making her cough. Roderick encouraged her to take another sip, and another. In the back of her mind, she reasoned that what she was drinking tasted too strong to be wine, yet in her confused state, she didn’t say anything.

“What were you doing out at this time at night when we specifically told you not to go out after dark?” Roderick stroked her arm.

For a moment her brain shut down. Why had she been out? Then in a flash, she remembered her maid, and the haunting memory of her maid’s voice calling Victoria’s name.

She sat up and grasped Roderick’s hand. “My maid, Francine. Someone has kidnapped her. We need to find her.”

“What?” Roderick’s eyes blinked as his brows creased. “Are you addled? Why would anyone kidnap your maid?”

She pushed past him to stand, but he held her on the couch. “You don’t understand. I saw her outside. Someone dragged her toward the trees. I heard her calling me for help.”

“Calm now, my pet,” Roderick cooed as he ran his palm down the side of her face. “You have been through quite an ordeal. I’m certain your mind is playing tricks on you. Francine is probably helping Mrs. White as we speak.”

“No!” Victoria tried to push past him again, but he held her to the couch with his upper body, pressing her against the cushions.

“Take another drink. I’m certain you’ll feel better soon.”

Tears gathered in her eyes as helplessness spread through her. “But, I
did
see her. She needs my help.”

“Shhh…” He stroked her hair. “Calm yourself, now. I’ll have Horace locate your maid posthaste, but you need to relax, my dear. It’s not healthy to be in such a dither.”

She nodded and took another sip of the strong wine. Slowly, warmth spread through her body, very relaxing. The liquid didn’t burn as much this time as it coursed down her throat.

“Now there.” Roderick smiled. “Feeling better?”

“A little.”

As she sank into the cushions, she became heavy with exhaustion. The weight of Roderick’s body continued to press against her, and she hoped she’d be able to remove him. Their position was quite improper, even if she had been through a mind-scrambling ordeal.

His gaze dropped to her lips. Fear sliced through her again, much different than when she’d been with the white wolf. Pushing the heels of her hands against his chest, she tried to move him, but he didn’t budge.

“Please, Mr. Maitland. I—I don’t think I need your assistance any longer. I am well, I assure you.”

His fingertips slid down her cheek and to her bottom lip. “I’m pleased to hear this, but nonetheless, I feel as if I should continue to assist you.”

“Please, Mr. Maitland—” She turned her head, trying to remove his touch.

“I insist you call me Roderick.”

She gulped. “Please. I—I cannot breathe with you on me like this.”

He didn’t move, just adjusted his body slightly, lifting off her bosom only a couple inches. His gaze darkened. Shivers of disgust ran over her and she wanted nothing better than to slap his face. But the liquor had weakened her limbs, and she feared the worst. Would he take advantage of her in her condition?

Justin? Where are you?

“As it is, Mr.—um—Roderick, I’d very much like to retire for the evening.”

He nodded and lifted off her. She breathed as a loud whoosh came from her throat. Thank goodness he complied so quickly. He held out his hand and hesitantly, she took it.

“Victoria, let me help you to your room.”

She froze, knowing she couldn’t allow that to happen. What if Justin was there waiting? Then again, what if Justin wasn’t and Roderick wanted to make improper advances?

“That’s unnecessary, Roderick. I’ll be fine.” Proving it to him, she took a couple of steps toward the door, but her legs shook and she swayed.

He grabbed her with one hand while the other arm slipped around her waist and he pulled her against his body. Biting her bottom lip, she allowed him to walk her out of the room. What else could she do? She couldn’t fight him off in her weary state.

Roderick didn’t say anything as he helped her up the stairs. Tears glistened in her eyes as she silently prayed nothing unforeseen had happened to Francine. Perhaps all of this was Victoria’s imagination? After all, look what happened before. Since arriving at this place, strange occurrences had happened, making her believe she’d gone insane.

When they reached her room, she tore herself away from Roderick and opened the door. “Thank you, but I’ll be fine now.”

“I think I should help you inside. You might need assistance getting undressed.”

She quickly placed her hand to his chest to hold him away from coming any further. “Don’t be ridiculous. I assure you, I’m fine.”

Ignoring her, he walked her to the bed. With a gentle push, she fell on the mattress. Quickly, she struggled to an upright position. Beside her, Roderick sat, his hands caressing up and down her arms.

Bile rose in her throat and she shook her head. “I don’t think you should be helping me. If you get a maid—”

“Nonsense, my dear. I’m capable of readying a woman for bed.”

Her limbs weighted more than she could bear and she was useless to fight him. Squeezing her eyes closed, she refused to look into the dark desire laced in his gaze.

His hands brushed over her shoulders and down her back. One by one, the buttons of her gown popped opened. When her dress fell forward, she clutched the bodice to her chest and whimpered.

“Here now, Victoria.” His voice came out deep. “I beg you to allow me to finish undressing you.”

Collecting her courage, she opened her eyes. His face blurred and she blinked to clear her vision. The strong drink was working faster than she wanted. If she didn’t get him out of her room, she feared what he’d do to her. She’d have been safer with the white wolf.

“Roderick, I insist you leave. This is improper and you know it. What would Jonathan think if he knew you were in here? I came to the manor to court him. Not you.” She lifted her chin in defiance. “Please leave now!”

He pulled back. A grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. “As you wish, my dear.” He leaned forward and placed a kiss on her forehead. “Rest tonight and on the morrow, you’ll feel better.”

“Thank you.” She held her breath until he left her side, walked out of the room and closed the door.

Crumbling onto the mattress, tears filled her eyes and she sobbed into her hands. What was happening? And why did she feel out of sorts, even before she tasted the liquor? She had to pull her mind and emotions together and figure out what was going on. The Maitlands treated her as an imbecile, as if she didn’t have a brain in her head.

Justin was the only person who understood her. He was the only person who could help. She must rely on him and do
anything
to obtain his help. The sooner she could locate the information she sought, the sooner she and Francine could get out of this place…assuming something hadn’t already happened to her maid.

She stopped her train of thoughts. Where was Justin tonight? He hadn’t come to her rescue like she thought he would. Had he abandoned her in her time of need? Her heart crumbled, imagining the worst.

The effect of the wine and the strenuous evening had her more exhausted than she was prepared for. Sleep. She needed sleep. On the morrow she could start a new day and figure out what had happened tonight.

Chapter Nine

Bethany shoved the maid into the boat before climbing in herself. Morris, her henchman, helped Bethany sit before he rowed them toward the island. She gathered the hooded cloak around her face, warding off the breeze while she kept her gaze pinned on the maid.

Francine shivered, her wide eyes searching their surroundings, probably looking for a way out, Bethany guessed. She smiled grimly. The girl would never find a way to escape. The servant’s prison for the next little while, or until she died, would be the island.

Francine wrapped her arms around her middle and looked at Bethany. “W—where are you t—taking me?” she asked through chattering teeth.

“To a place I need you more than at the manor.”

“Wh—what of Mademoiselle Fawson?”

“Don’t fret. Victoria will be well taken care of. She’ll play a part in my plans, too.”

“But she doesn’t know where I am. She’ll be distraught over my absence.”

“Nonsense. Jonathan will entertain her, I assure you.” Bethany lifted her chin and straightened. “Besides, once she reads the note written by you, she’ll believe you’ve returned home.”

The maid gasped and tears welled in her eyes. “She won’t believe it.”

Throwing her head back, Bethany laughed. “Oh, I’m not worried about that. I have ways of convincing her.”

The small rowboat tilted with the waves that splashed against the side. Bethany tightened the cloak around her, warding off the chill and trying to stay dry.

Morris pushed and pulled the oars, his muscles straining against the sleeves of his overcoat. A black patch covered one eye, but didn’t hide the pockmarks scattered across his face. Although hideous to look upon, he served her well.