The Secret of Stavewood (Stavewood Saga Book 4) (9 page)

Eighteen

     
T
imothy Elgerson peered under the hood of the touring car, inspecting the Duesenberg engine.

      “That’s quite a car,” he said to Talbot who stood proudly beside him. “You wouldn’t mind putting it up with the other cars near the mills when you and Loo come back from dinner, right?”

      “Not at all, sir,” Talbot replied. “Your home is quite beautiful.”

      Timothy looked up at the big Victorian. “I always had it in my mind to keep it safe and tucked away from the world. I have to say, not everyone has always understood why I wanted it that way.”

      “It really is very peaceful here. I suppose I didn’t understand when Louisa explained she came from Minnesota. I figured she was a farm girl, but with impeccable manners and a refined upbringing. Now I understand much more clearly.”

      Timothy walked around the sporty car, inspecting the leather upholstery carefully. “Loo says you are her business partner and that you will be publishing her next novel.”

      “Yes, sir. I will. We’re quite excited in fact. While we are out this evening we’ll be going over the research she has collected thus far. She is always talking about her mother, and you. I suspect she even gets a bit homesick on occasion.”

      Louisa stepped out from the kitchen door dressed smartly in a tailored, woolen suit, her skirt pencil thin and the jacket buttoned at the waist. Her hair was waved neatly and her lipstick a deep red.

      “There she is!” Talbot exclaimed. “How fashionable you look, darling!”

      Timothy looked at his daughter with mild surprise. The nearby city of Billington had grown quickly over the past few years. Now there were cars in the streets and fewer carriages and buggies sat in front of the large shops. Yet, even with the recent modernization, he knew that Talbot and Louisa would clearly stand out with their flashy sports car. In their expensive couturier suits and Louisa’s noticeable lipstick they plainly looked like city folks, the likes of which Billington was not yet accustomed to seeing. He found it difficult to imagine his daughter ever leaving behind the home and history she once loved. Maybe he was just old fashioned, he thought, and wanted to mold her to his own ways. Maybe this fellow was what she really wanted and would bring her happiness. Or maybe, like Mark, there was something out there in the world she needed to find first.

      Talbot opened the car door and Louisa stepped into the vehicle. As they drove away she waved happily.

      Timothy took notice that Talbot pulled away from the house slowly, the engine percolating in a low rumble. Then, in the distance, the motor revved loudly as he pulled out onto the roadway. Timothy Elgerson shook his head. He wanted the best for his only daughter and he had hoped that when she found happiness it would be at home, at Stavewood.

      “We’ll have dinner at the hotel and I want to hear about the work you have done so far,” Talbot called out over the roar of the engine. “Did you bring your notes?”

      Louisa nodded enthusiastically. Later, as they drove into Billington, she looked around. Now, she was not just the daughter of Timothy Elgerson. Louisa was her own person. She was a famous author and a well-known mystery writer. She wasn’t living in her family’s shadow. She was successful entirely on her own. She was an independent woman with a fine bred gentleman on her arm.

      Talbot pulled the car up in front of Billington’s finest restaurant. He walked around and held open Louisa’s door. She stepped out, her head held high and recognized a young mother she had known from school. Louisa nodded to her and the woman looked up from her toddler. She nodded back but there was no recognition in her eyes.

      Louisa frowned. If she had been wearing one of the feminine, calico dresses her mother had made and had waved openly, the woman would have known her immediately. The name Louisa Elgerson meant something entirely different in Minnesota.

      “Before we eat,” Talbot said as he took her elbow and led her down the alley alongside the building, “I’d like to make a stop.” They walked quietly up to an inconspicuous metal door. He knocked three times, paused and then knocked twice more. The din of loud music, booming drums and raucous voices spilled into the alleyway as the door was opened from the inside. Talbot and Louisa quickly entered.

      The music and boisterous sounds of celebration in the speakeasy were deafening and Louisa held her breath. She knew the type of business that went on in the private club. They had visited several in New York City. But she never imagined that any existed here in Billington.

      “How did you know about this place?” she shouted, close to Talbot’s ear.

      “It’s my business to know.” He flashed a mischievous smile, winked knowingly, and led her up a set of metal stairs. In the loft was a long, smoke-filled bar vibrating with the sound of a live band. Talbot ordered two tall drinks from the bartender, laying down a large bill as payment.

      The jazz ensemble played piercingly loud in the close nightclub and Louisa looked around curiously. As a child she had known all of Billington, the shops and the shopkeepers, the residents that lived on the side streets, the well-to-do and the poorer places in town. There had been a pub and of course, Rival’s Saloon. The madam there had closed her doors long ago and had become a mail-order-bride herself. She left Billington hoping to find a better, more respectable life. No establishment in Billington ever came close to the bawdy place she was standing inside now. Talbot kissed her cheek and Louisa forced a smile.

      Afterwards, in the alleyway, Louisa giggled. “I think I may have had a bit too much to drink.” She touched her fingers to her lips, hiccupping softly.

      Talbot smiled at her affectionately. “You’ll feel better after we’ve eaten. I’ve reserved a private table for us.”

     They entered the stately hotel restaurant and Louisa tried to maintain her balance as she followed the maître d’ to their table.

      Louisa ate heartily, but Talbot barely touched his food, which was not unusual. Her appetite had returned as soon as she was home and the delicious steak quickly helped her to feel better. As soon as the plates were cleared, Talbot asked that she set out her notes.

Nineteen

     
T
albot studied the papers on the table, reading each one thoughtfully. “Is this everything?” he asked.

      “No, not exactly.” Louisa looked up into his blue eyes. “This is just an overview of what I’ve put together so far.”

      Talbot rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I would much prefer to see your original notes and the manner in which you are putting together your story. Still, this will do for now.” He pulled out one particular sheet, set it on the table between them and studied it for a moment.

        “This says your mother was kidnapped and nearly killed. That is really quite dreadful, she’s so delicate and refined.” He picked up another sheet. “This woman here, this Diana Weintraub,” he said, pointing to the name on the page. “Not only was she the woman who did the kidnapping, but, according to this, she was robbing the local trains as well.”

      “Yes.” Louisa pointed to the list she had made of all Diana’s activities that she had uncovered so far.

      “With this fellow?” Talbot held up the page entitled
Jude Thomas
and Louisa nodded. “He was a train robber, you say, and he was your father’s enemy as well. How was he involved with this woman? Were they lovers?”

      Louisa rubbed her temples. “No, no. Jude Thomas and Diana were related. I believe he was her nephew.”

      “Did he live at the Weintraub ranch? I wonder how well he knew the area and the surrounding properties. Maybe even Stavewood.”

      Louisa looked up at Talbot and considered his question. “I don’t know,” she replied honestly. “I was really young. I could find out though. My brother, Mark, would know. He would definitely know.” Louisa suppressed a yawn and Talbot smiled at her.

      “Have you lost your enthusiasm for the nightlife, my dear?”

      “Oh, Talbot. I’m sorry. I am simply exhausted. I didn’t sleep well at all on the trip, and then I was up quite late again last night putting my notes together. I’m having such trouble concentrating.”

      “Understandable,” he said. “Let’s do this. I’ll take you home and we’ll work tomorrow. There’s quite a lot to do but I’ll help you every step of the way. With the two of us working together you’ll have your story in no time. We can work at Stavewood, where I’m sure you will be more comfortable, or in my room here if you prefer.”

      Louisa nodded and suppressed another yawn. Talbot settled the bill and led her out to the car.

      In the stillness of the night the headlights flashed along the countryside and several, terrified deer darted across the road. She sighed with relief as she directed Talbot onto the drive that ran behind the estate to the family mills. The night watchman stepped out onto the mill platform and she waved a greeting as Talbot cut the engine.

      The couple walked arm in arm along the edge of a nearby, flat meadow in the bright moonlight. Within a few feet of the path to Stavewood, Talbot stopped and turned to face her.

      “I have missed you terribly,” he said, his voice low in the darkness.

      He pulled her to him and she felt his kisses warm and hungry against her lips. He cupped his hand behind her head and she leaned into him as he pressed into her. Despite her meal she still felt the effects of the strong alcohol. She felt drained and surreal.

      She wanted him. Her body ached for a man to be close to her. She felt her pulse rising and her skin tingling. She had waited all her life to be in the arms of the right man, the man she was sure would make her feel all the things she longed to feel.

      “Talbot…” She whispered his name, her breath soft against his neck as his face brushed against her shoulder. He pushed aside her jacket and blouse and Louisa felt a hungry chill run over her body. He kissed her along her collarbone and unfastened a button. Louisa caught her breath.

      Talbot’s lips pressed against the rise of her breast and she moved into him. Louisa let her eyes close, surrendering to her passions. She felt his eagerness as he pressed his thigh into her own.

      Louisa wrapped her arms around his neck, letting her head fall back into his arms. His kisses moved deeper along her neckline and she opened her eyes to watch him kissing her there.

      Louisa gasped.

      Talbot looked up suddenly. “What is it, my love?”

      This time Louisa was certain. Across the meadow, on the edge of the woodland was the sinister figure of a man on horseback.

      “Someone is watching us,” she whispered. “There!” She pointed across the field.

      Talbot tugged at his coattails and squared his shoulders. “Who?”

      “I don’t know. I don’t recognize him.” Louisa craned her neck to peer into the darkness but the rider was gone.

      “Maybe it was that fellow you were riding with earlier.”

     “No, certainly not him. No. This man was not as tall as Luc. And I saw him when we were riding so I know it’s not Luc.” Louisa did not care for Talbot’s suggestion.

      “Then we shall see.” Talbot marched boldly into the meadow towards the woodland.

      “No! Talbot, don’t,” Louisa called after him and caught herself. It was late and she didn’t want to wake the entire household. She bit her lip.

      Talbot stopped and turned back towards her. She could see he was visibly angry.

      “Please, don’t go after him!”

      “There’s no one there.” Talbot cleared his throat loudly as he walked back.

      “But I did see someone. I’m sure of it.” Louisa took his hand in hers. “Talbot, please stay here tonight. You can use the guest room. I don’t like the idea of you walking back to the car alone. Or I can get my father to walk you.”

      “I’m not sure I would be entirely comfortable with your father escorting me to my car after trying to have my way with his daughter in the yard.” Talbot looked out across the field for a moment and then turned back to her. His mood softened. “Of course I would be a fool to turn down an invitation to be closer to you. And we could get much more done on the story too, couldn’t we?” He straightened his jacket and Louisa buttoned her blouse. “And of course, we could resume, some other evening, what was just happening here in this lovely moonlight.” Talbot winked at Louisa and took her hand, kissing it slowly.

      “Let’s get up to the house. I’ll feel better in the morning,” she promised. “Please be patient with me.”

      “Louisa, darling. I strive to be everything you want of me.” He kissed her cheek and led her up the path towards Stavewood.