The Lightkeeper's Ball Read online

  The warmth of the fabric enveloped her, and Olivia let out a sigh. “I’m so cold,” she said.

  “Sit by the fire.” Katie pushed her gently into the folds of an overstuffed chair. “Let me dry your hair.” She took out what pins hadn’t been removed by the sea until the heavy dark locks hung on Olivia’s shoulders. Katie toweled it briskly. “Your hair is so lovely.”

  “Thank you.” Shuddering, Olivia sank back into the warmth of the chair. Katie put down the towel, then tucked a quilt around Olivia. “I shall call the constable as soon as we get you settled. What was the name of your ship? Do you have companions who will be worried about you?”

  “It’s the Atlantis. My maid will be quite upset when she can’t find me.”

  “I’ll make sure she is informed of your whereabouts when Will gets back.”

  Who would have thrown her overboard? She hadn’t spoken to anyone but Goldia. When the cat at her feet meowed, she remembered the cat on the ship and the shadowy figure of a man she thought she’d seen. What if someone had overheard her talking to Goldia and realized she was really Olivia Stewart? Could the man have had something to do with Eleanor’s death? Maybe it was even Harrison. And the man who had rescued her. He’d come from the ship. Had he seen something in spite of his statement to the contrary?

  Olivia reached toward Katie as she started for the door. “I’m registered as Lady Devonworth. May I ask you not to mention the name Olivia Stewart to anyone?”

  Katie stopped and stared. “I don’t understand.”

  Olivia hardly knew where to begin. “I’d rather people know me by my formal title,” she said. “My father was a duke who came to New York in his twenties.”

  Katie frowned. “Stewart. Are you related to Eleanor Stewart?”

  Olivia couldn’t lie. Not when the woman had been so kind. “She was my sister. But no one must know that. Not yet.”

  Katie bit her lip. “I don’t like deception.”

  “Please, only for a little while,” Olivia begged. “I need to find out who wants me dead. I want to find out what happened to Eleanor. What did you hear of her death?”

  “I know only that she drowned while swimming.”

  Olivia shook her head. “Eleanor was terrified of the water. She would never have put one toe in the ocean.”

  Katie’s eyes widened. “You fear she was murdered?”

  Murder. Such an ugly word. Olivia nodded. “I know of no other explanation.”

  “She was not herself the week before she died. Somber and unhappy. Could she have done away with herself?”

  “Not Eleanor! And even if I could be persuaded of such a fate for her, she would not have drowned herself. Not with her overwhelming fear of water.”

  “Someone tried to harm you. I must admit that bolsters your suspicions. You must tell the constable.”

  “Not yet,” Olivia said. “I don’t want to run the risk of anyone finding out I’m investigating. We can tell him of the attack, but he only needs to know my formal title. I intend to keep it that way for now.”

  “Very well. But may I tell my husband?”

  Olivia wanted to ask her to keep it to herself, but she could hardly come between a man and his wife. “He will keep it to himself?”

  “Of course. Will is a man of honor.”

  “Very well.” At least she’d found a friend and ally her first day in Mercy Falls.

  THREE

  HARRISON STRODE ALONG the quay under the glow from the street lamps. The Atlantis bobbed offshore. Several dinghies plied the waters with lanterns, but he heard no shouts of discovery. The wind freshened and brought the scent of rain to his nose. The first drops fell moments later.

  Will glanced at him. “It’s been more than an hour.”

  Rain began to patter harder, and Harrison adjusted his hat to keep the moisture off his face. “Now that she’s missing, I’m beginning to rethink her account. Maybe someone really did toss her into the sea.”

  “You told the constable her story?”

  “Yes. He seemed to give it as little credence as I first did.”

  Will shrugged. “She’ll turn up sooner or later. Nothing we can do with the storm coming in. Come to the house for coffee. Katie made cookies this afternoon. And fresh bread.”

  Going back to the empty manor house didn’t appeal. Since Eleanor’s death, Harrison found himself seeking out friends. Being with Will and Katie held more allure than he could resist. “My thanks. If you’re sure I wouldn’t be intruding.”

  “You’re one of Katie’s favorite people. And Jennie’s. My daughter will be in your lap before you can take your first bite of cookie.”

  Harrison’s spirits lifted at the thought of the little girl. She’d taken a liking to him last summer. Will and Katie had thrown a party on their anniversary and the whole town had come out for it. Jennie had attached herself to his leg all evening.

  He’d thought he might have a little one of his own in the next year. Until he saw Eleanor’s true nature.

  He noticed a captain approaching along the shore with another sailor and hailed them. “Are you in charge of this ship?” he asked, gesturing to the floating hulk in the waves.

  “Yes,” the man said.

  “I pulled the woman out of the sea. What have you heard?”

  The captain tipped his hat back on his forehead. “I didn’t see her go overboard, but First Officer Nettles here did. Nettles, tell this man what you saw.”

  The other man was about forty. Slim, with a weathered face and a hooked nose. “Wasn’t much. I heard a shout and rushed to the railing. I saw Lady Devonworth in the water. A few minutes later a man dived overboard.”

  “That was me. She screamed?”

  Nettles shrugged. “A scream or a shout. Not sure what it was.”

  The same shout he’d heard. “Was the sea rough enough to cause her fall?” He hadn’t thought it that rough, but perhaps a woman leaning on the railing could have been pitched overboard.

  The captain shook his head. “This was before the storm moved in. Mild seas and just a little wind. Not even any rain.”

  “Then how did she get into the water?” When the men glanced at one another uneasily, Harrison stared at Nettles. “Did you see anyone else at the railing?”

  “No, sir.”

  “No footsteps, nothing?”

  The man hesitated. “There’s often folks on deck, sir. There’s always footsteps.”

  Lady Devonworth. She was titled, so maybe she had money. A kidnapping might have netted a blackguard some money, but she was worthless dead. Unless it was a kidnapping gone wrong?

  “Thank you for your time,” he told the men. When they walked away, he turned back to Will. “That coffee is sounding better and better.”

  Flames danced in the fireplace. Dry now, Olivia’s hair lay on her shoulders and she’d finally stopped shivering. Katie’s simple blue dress fit Olivia’s slim figure perfectly. What was she going to do? It was clear someone wanted her dead. If the man discovered he’d failed, he would try again. She was tempted to get on a boat and head back up the coast, then take the first train home. But no. She was here to find out what had happened to Eleanor.

  Katie bustled back into the room with more tea on a tray. “Now that Jennie is down for the night, we can chat. You have color in your cheeks now,” she said, putting the tray on a table. “My, you’re quite beautiful. Your hair is lovely. And such dark eyes. Like a Spanish dancer.”

  Heat rose in Olivia’s cheeks, and she began to wind her hair back up on her head. “I can’t thank you enough for your hospitality. I’m so sorry to impose in this way.”

  Katie poured tea into a cup and handed it to her. “It’s not an imposition at all! I shall quite enjoy feminine company.”

  Olivia glanced at the clock on the mantel. “It’s only eight? It feels like much later.”

  “You nearly drowned. That would wear anyone out. There are fresh linens on the bed in the guest room. Whenever you are ready for sleep, I�
�ll show you to your room.”

  “You’re too kind.” Olivia was ready to lay her head on the pillow and forget a murderer stalked her. She added sugar to her tea, then heard steps and male voices outside on the porch.

  Katie rose. “That’s probably Will. Let me tell him what’s happened.”

  “Who is with him?”

  “Let me check.” She went to the window and pulled back the lace curtain. “Will has Harrison Bennett with him.”

  Olivia held back a gasp. “You can’t tell him I’m here!”

  “Will he recognize you?”

  The front door opened and footsteps came down the hall. “I don’t think so. I was only ten the last time I saw him, and he barely noticed me.”

  Katie stepped toward the door. “Stay calm. You have to meet him sooner or later.”

  Olivia rose and nodded as two men stepped into the room. She studied the face of the man who had caused her so much heartache. Harrison’s shoulders were broad under the cotton shirt he wore. She’d expected him to be in a suit and exuding wealth and power. His dark hair curled above his ears and along the nape of his neck. He reminded her of a sleek panther that hid its power and true danger until one least expected it.

  He stopped when he saw her. “There you are,” he said.

  She recognized the voice at once. Harrison Bennett was the man who had rescued her from certain death. Her words left her and all she could do was stare.

  “We’ve been scouring the sand and the dock for you, Lady Devonworth,” he said, glowering. “I told you to stay put. Do you have any idea how much worry you’ve caused?”

  She found her tongue. “I could hardly stay alone on a dark beach when someone had just tried to kill me. And I must say I resent your tone, sir. You hardly have the right to order me to do anything.”

  His scowl deepened. Then his dark gaze lightened and he laughed. “You’ve got a temper, Lady Devonworth.”

  Katie stepped between her and the men. “It’s good to see you, Harrison. I’m sorry to say Jennie is in bed. She’ll be so disappointed to have missed you.”

  Olivia didn’t care for the amusement on Harrison’s face. And she did not have a temper.

  The other man chuckled feebly at the obvious tension in the air. “You must be the mermaid Harrison pulled from the sea. I’m Will Jesperson.”

  Olivia smiled and held out her hand. “Your wife has befriended me when I needed it most, Mr. Jesperson. Thank you for your hospitality.”

  “We’re honored to have you in our home,” he said. “How did you end up here?”

  Katie helped him out of his anorak. “You can interrogate her by the fire. I’ll get some cookies and coffee.”

  Olivia watched Harrison. Surely women flocked to him. Confidence oozed from his broad shoulders. His square jaw was clean shaven, and his black hair curled a bit on his collar. He returned her perusal, and she averted her gaze.

  His brown eyes held no recognition, just curiosity. She extended her hand and glanced at Katie. “You know my name, but you have not introduced yourself.”

  He took her hand. “Harrison Bennett.”

  Olivia managed not to snatch her fingers away as he bent. When his lips brushed her skin, she nearly yelped. As soon as it was seemly, she put her hand behind her back. “Are you a businessman, Mr. Bennett?”

  “My father and I own some diamond mines in Africa,” he said. “We also have a silver mine or two and a few lumber tracts. Our newest acquisition is a black-diamond mine.”

  With his deep voice and smooth manners, she had no doubt he managed to sell investors on anything he wanted. “I’ve never seen a black diamond. How interesting. I should like to see one.”

  “The local jewelry designer recently purchased some. I should be delighted to show them to you.”

  Jewelry wasn’t something she was able to buy right now, but the ruse would allow her to spend time around him. “I need to let the servants at the Stewart manor know I’ve arrived and am unharmed. If you wouldn’t mind escorting me to the residence tomorrow, perhaps we could stop by the jewelry store on the way.”

  His brows rose. “There is no one in residence there.”

  “No indeed,” she said. “Mrs. Stewart is still mourning the death of her daughter, but she urged me to stay as long as I like. I’m quite tired of the season’s parties. The idea of spending time in the country is most alluring.”

  His smile faded. “If you are close friends of the Stewarts, why did you not immediately indicate you recognized my name?”

  “You’re right. I should have done so at once. I’m sorry for your loss.” The words of condolence nearly choked her, but she managed to keep her smile fixed in place. She settled into the chair by the fire.

  “Thank you.”

  His curt reply made her curl her fingers into her palms. Didn’t he care at all about Eleanor’s death? “What were you doing on the ship?” she asked.

  His brows rose. “The same as you. Coming here. I was returning from business in San Francisco.”

  Her cheeks heated. “Of course.” Could he have been the man who threw her overboard? How convenient he was on the same boat. What better way to gain her trust than to rescue her?

  FOUR

  THE MOTORCAR HIT a muddy pothole, and if not for Harrison’s quick grasp of her arm, Olivia would have gone flying. They sat in the backseat as the driver, Thurman, navigated the rough road, and she was conscious of his elbow brushing hers.

  The glowering clouds had temporarily stopped spitting rain, and she could only hope they reached shelter before the storm hit. The rain would ruin her new gown. The canvas top would block little of the elements. At least Will had retrieved her belongings from the ship.

  She grabbed the side and hung on for dear life as the open-body Cadillac bounced along the rough streets. She craned her neck to take in the town of Mercy Falls. It was quite attractive to her dazzled eyes. She’d expected nothing more than wooden storefronts in what she considered a backwater, but it was a bustling town with well-dressed men and women strolling the brick sidewalks.

  Being with Harrison Bennett set her on edge, but the only way to find out what happened to Eleanor was to spend time in his presence. He would make a slipup that would lead her to the truth.

  Thurman parked the automobile in front of a stately stone storefront that boasted a large display of jewelry in its picture window. Harrison leaped over the side of the car and came around to assist her. “The pieces in the window are of paste,” he said. “The real items are in the safe.”

  She lifted her silk skirt free of the mud puddle outside the motorcar and stepped onto the sidewalk with his assistance. “What a pretty town,” she said, staring at a charming white church with a tower.

  “I like it.” The bell tinkled as he opened the door for her.

  She stepped onto marble floors. Gold foil papered the walls. The tin ceiling was painted gold as well.

  A woman behind the counter discreetly poured tea into delicate china. “Would you care for sugar, Lady Devonworth?”

  He must have alerted the staff to her visit. “Two sugars, please.” She accepted the tea and sipped it as she moved toward the glass counters. Sparkling jewels captured the light from the chandeliers overhead. She caught her breath at one necklace. “That almost looks like lace,” she said, pausing over the display.

  The woman beamed. “The platinum adds to that illusion. The weight of diamonds in this piece is five carats total, though they are small to grab the light in a lacelike display.”

  What was she doing here? She couldn’t afford any of this jewelry, not until Bennett made good on his promise. All she had was the small sum she’d brought with her, and that had to last for the summer.

  The woman lifted the necklace onto the glass. Harrison lifted it from its black velvet home and draped it around Olivia’s neck. It was cold at first but quickly warmed on her skin. She touched the delicate filigree and fingered the glittering diamonds. They were of top quality and pic
ked up facets of light from every direction.

  “I quite adore it,” she said.

  He clipped dangling diamond earrings to her ears. The brush of his warm fingers against her neck made her shiver. She forced herself to stand her ground. He turned her toward the light from the windows and motioned to a full-length mirror. She was not a covetous woman, but seeing her reflection made her long to keep the necklace. “I’ve never seen anything so lovely.”

  His gaze never left hers in the mirror. “Nor have I.”

  Her cheeks burned at the intent in his gaze. What a rogue he was. “And the price?”

  “Five thousand dollars.”

  “I’ll think about it,” she said, turning away from the mirror. “If you don’t mind, we could stop at the manor and let the servants know where to pick up my things.”

  “Of course.”

  “If you would be so kind as to undo the clasp.” His warm fingers grazed the back of her neck again. She didn’t like the way her pulse leaped. The cad knew how to make a woman respond to his touch. No wonder Eleanor had been so enamored. Olivia vowed not to be as weak as her sister. She could see through this man’s mask.

  He handed the necklace to the sales clerk, and Olivia stepped away before he could remove the earrings. “I can get these.” She quickly took them off and handed them to the other woman.

  When his fingers touched her elbow, she didn’t move toward the door. Not when she had so many questions. She hovered over the display case. “Where are those black diamonds you praised?”

  “Right here.” He pointed to a bracelet studded with black and white stones.

  The black diamonds glittered against the white ones. “Did you buy any of these lovely pieces for your fiancée?” She glanced at him from under her lashes and saw him flinch.

  “Unfortunately, I saw Eleanor very little,” he said, his tone frosty. “When she arrived, I was on a trip to Africa. She died four days after I returned.”