The Gilded Curse: Will the young heiress be the next victim of her family's curse? (9 page)

“Well, shall we continue our ride?”

“Sure. You up to it?” Lexie cocked her head at him.

“Ha! I barely noticed you were there!”

He held the bicycle while she climbed back on. As they left the beach and turned onto the beach road, the image of the lighthouse planted itself in her mind. She envisioned the keeper standing in the tower, scanning the horizon with his telescope, looking for submarines. At least he could spot the dangers out there and knew who his enemies were. In her life, though, it wasn’t so easy.

She didn’t know who her enemies were or even why she had any. Why would someone want her to come to the island? Why not approach her directly?

Whoever was behind this charade would be found out. She’d make sure of it, even if she had to stay long enough to uncover the truth herself.

Chapter 9

R
ussell watched the golden curls in front of him dance in the wind as he pedaled the bike. A telegram, huh? So that’s what prompted her to show up on the island again. Wonder who sent it? Could it be Abner? The guy was pretty protective of the place. No. Abner wasn’t the type to be mysterious. He was pretty upfront about things and didn’t bother keeping his feelings to himself.

Whoever it was, though, Russell wanted to pat them on the back. He was glad she’d come so he could change her plans to sell Destiny before it was too late. He just needed to keep her here longer–one job he didn’t mind.

Boy, was she adorable. When she stepped out in those flowing pants with that scarf tied around her goldilocks, he almost swallowed his cigarette. She had no idea how great she looked, and he didn’t think she even cared. She was different—always had been. Not like the prima donnas that demanded attention. She got attention without even trying.

Russell steered the bike down the beach road toward the clubhouse passing other guests who laughed and pointed at the two of them. Well, this was one way to get attention. He hadn’t planned the day to turn out quite like this, but he wasn’t complaining. It wasn’t every day he had the privilege of riding a beautiful woman around on his handlebars. He smiled and nodded at the curious onlookers. Wouldn’t tongues wag tonight!

Speaking of tonight, maybe he could coax her into watching a movie. Wonder what they were showing? He hoped she wouldn’t get tired of him, but it wouldn’t surprise him if she did. What else did she have to do, though? Of course, it wouldn’t take long for the other club members to invite her to their social events. The pretty new girl on the island would provide a welcome change to their groups. Floyd and his mother were already attempting to gain her attention. What red-blooded male wouldn’t?

Soon as they got back, he would arrange for the cottage to get
cleaned up. Maybe once she saw it in better shape, she’d reconsider her intentions. He shouldn’t be too pushy though. It had to be her idea, not his.

They pulled up in front of the clubhouse, and he helped her down while onlookers watched, apparently amused at the sight of them.

“Feel like a movie tonight?” He offered her his most charming smile.

“A movie? There’s a theater here?”

“Down at the tea house. We get the latest movie reels, you know, so maybe you haven’t seen it already. I’ll have to check and see what’s playing.”

“I doubt I’ve seen it, since I haven’t seen any movies for a while. But I don’t think so tonight, Russell. I’m pretty tired.”

“From all this exercise?” He teased her, loving the reaction she gave him. Some things didn’t change.

She frowned and pouted her lips. “No, maybe it’s just the company.”

“Ouch! Okay, okay. We can catch it tomorrow maybe.”

“I’m going back to the cottage tomorrow, remember?” Her hands perched on her hips.

“I remember. I’m sending some people over to clean it before you go, so wait until after lunch, please.”

“All right. I’ll catch up on my reading in the morning.”

She turned and walked up the stairs, favoring her right leg. She must’ve whacked it good when she fell.

“Sure you don’t want to go to the infirmary and have that leg checked?”

“I’m sure. After a hot bath, it’ll be better.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Russell straddled the bike, ready to ride it back to the bike shop. “I’ll look for you in the dining room at lunch.”

Lexie relaxed in the tub, letting the warm water massage her soreness, thankful one of the rooms with a private bath had been available. She studied the lump on her leg. That would be purple tomorrow, for sure. She reached out and touched it, wincing when her fingers felt the tender skin. Her side was sore too. How could she have been so careless? She replayed the accident in her mind. If Russell hadn’t called to her, she wouldn’t have turned her head and she would have seen the tree in time to stop. If Russell hadn’t distracted her … he couldn’t possibly have
known about the tree, could he? She shook her head. What a ludicrous thought. Why would Russell want her to have an accident? She must put those suspicious ideas out of her mind and quit suspecting everyone she met.

A noise came from the adjoining room. She sat upright, her heart thumping. Did she hear the door open? She held her breath and hoped the pounding of her heart wouldn’t be heard as she listened for another sound. A floorboard creaked, and she grabbed the towel lying on the edge of the tub. Was someone in her room again?

Her eyes wide, she glanced to the vanity where the delicate gold necklace lay. There weren’t many things she owned that were valuable, but the gift from her father was special. It was a daily reminder of the affection they had for each other, and all she really had left of his love. But it was private, so she wore it tucked inside her clothes against her heart.

“Hello?” Lexie called out. “Anyone there?” Perhaps a maid would answer. On the other hand, a burglar may not.

She waited a few, painfully slow seconds, then called out again. “Hello?”

No answer. The water had chilled in the tub, and she shivered. Time to get out and face whoever it was. She stood and wrapped the towel around her. A knock sounded on the door from the hallway and she jumped. Her heart thumping in her ears, she stepped out of the tub. She tiptoed to the edge of the bathroom, snatching her bathrobe off the hook. She peeked outside the doorway, half-expecting to see another face looking back.

Another knock sounded at the door. After surveying the room and seeing no one else there, she exhaled. Throwing on her bathrobe, she shouted at the door.

“Who is it?”

“Room Service, ma’am.”

Of course. She’d forgotten she ordered it. That must have been the noise she heard—someone at the door, not in her room. Goodness, she was jumpy.

“Please leave it outside the door.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Lexie noticed a hint of sadness in the waiter’s tone at losing his tip.

She paused, giving him time to leave, then crossed the room, still searching for a sign of anything unusual. Opening the door, she glanced
each way to make sure no one was in the hall, picked up the tray, and brought it in. The smell of roast duck, a house specialty, awakened her hunger as she placed the tray on the small table in her room.

One last glimpse around the room and she exhaled a sigh of relief. Assured she was alone, she bowed her head to bless her meal. As she recited her usual blessing, the irony struck her. Did she really believe God heard her rote prayer? If he did, would he listen to anything else she asked? She hoped he wasn’t offended by her lack of church attendance. Even though she’d attended chapel at college with her classmates, she hadn’t been in church since she graduated a year ago.

And now that she was here, he certainly didn’t expect her to attend the island chapel. If he knew all things, then he’d know why she couldn’t go. But if he really knew everything, there were a lot of questions she wished he’d answer.

For instance, who sent the telegram and why. Would they reveal themselves before she left? She hoped the truth wasn’t as frightening as not knowing.

As she lifted a bite to her mouth, her eyes were distracted by a piece of paper poking out from beneath her plate. She lowered her fork to her plate and pulled the folded sheet out. Now what? Russell could certainly be persistent.

But when she unfolded it, she stared at the message.
We’d appreciate the favor of your company for breakfast tomorrow. See you at 9:00 in the main dining room
. This note was not signed by Russell though. It was signed by Floyd Appleton.

Chapter 10

L
exie steeled herself as she entered the dining room. The last thing she wanted to do was spend time with Floyd and his mother, but curiosity forced her to join them. Maybe they were the ones who sent the telegram, and they were ready to tell her why. Of course, it wasn’t signed by them, and it was a strange thing to do, but Floyd and his mother were a bit on the strange side after all.

She spotted them near one of the windows where Mrs. Appleton waved with enthusiasm. As Lexie approached, Floyd stood and pulled out a chair for her.

“I’m so glad you could join us,” Mrs. Appleton said, beaming like the Cheshire Cat.

“Thank you for inviting me.”

“You look lovely, dear. Doesn’t she, Floyd?” Mrs. Appleton bobbed her head and Floyd nodded.

“Yes, indeed. Lovely.”

Lexie smiled, wondering if Floyd had an original thought.

“I truly believe young ladies look much nicer in skirts.” The emphasis on the last word revealed the woman’s knowledge of Lexie’s pants the previous day. Fortunately for her, Lexie’s pants were being cleaned after yesterday’s spill. “Don’t you agree, Floyd?”

Floyd nodded. What else would a puppet do?

“So you saw the cottage. How terrible that it’s been neglected so long.”

“Yes, I agree. But I was pleasantly surprised that the grounds looked so nice.”

“Oh, you’re right about that. It’s a good thing your family kept the gardener.”

Lexie nodded, unwilling to offer any explanation.

“You
are
planning to restore the cottage to its former beauty, of course.”

Lexie hoped she could get the cottage repaired, but wasn’t sure she’d
have to in order to sell the house. Anyone who bought it would likely want to change it to suit themselves. She struggled with an answer that would satisfy the woman, but the waiter arrived to take their order and the conversation paused.

Eager to change the subject when the waiter left, Lexie faced Floyd and ventured a dialogue with him.

“What kind of business are you in, Floyd?”

“The family business—our chain of laundries, of course.”

“Of course.” Lexie would have been surprised if he said anything else.

Mrs. Appleton beamed her pleasure. “Floyd’s doing a wonderful job running the cleaners.”

Lexie was grateful when their food arrived and the conversation took a backseat to the meal. She had hoped to learn something from her time with the Appletons, but so far, it had been a lost cause. She would have enjoyed herself more back in her room reading a book. Maybe she could draw them out with a few more questions.

“I was surprised to see your note when I received my room service last night. How did you know I was eating in my room?” Lexie looked from Floyd to his mother for a hint of conspiracy.

“When we didn’t see you at dinner, we inquired of the hostess, and she said you were dining in. Floyd asked them to put a note on your tray.”

So much for revelation. She’d give it another try.

“Isn’t it amazing that you recognized me after all this time? You know it’s been ten years since I’ve been here.” Once again, she studied their faces.

“It took me a while, but you really don’t look all that different than you did when you were a child. Pretty as ever!” Mrs. Appleton affirmed with a nod.

So it wasn’t them. They weren’t likely candidates after all.

“Well, if you’ll excuse me, I need to take care of some things.” Lexie placed her napkin on the table and began to push her chair away.

To her surprise, Floyd leaped to his feet to help her. “May I escort you out?”

She nodded as he extended his hand for her to walk ahead. Once they stepped outside the dining room, he came alongside her.