Haunting Secrets by Marie Higgins

Author:Marie Higgins [Higgins, Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Victorian, Historical Romance, Romance, Paranormal, Teen & Young Adult, Ghosts, Witches & Wizards, Werewolves & Shifters, Literature & Fiction, Historical
Publisher: Canyonland Press
Published: 2014-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

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.

Ahead of them, the island grew closer. Tall trees lined the shore and hid the secret way into the caves. The ghost stories told about the island kept most people away. Except for the stubborn, curious ones.

People like Peter Fawson, Victoria’s father.

Bethany had wanted him to search the island and the caves within. While Peter Fawson studied every crevasse, every stone and the ancient drawings on the walls, she’d watched from afar with interest. She’d waited for the island’s curse to kill him.

It hadn’t. This led her to believe the curse was false. But she’d dared not test its powers yet.

Bethany had bided her time and waited until he wrote the book, wondering if he would mention the treasure map. She knew he had it. Rumors from her ancestors had her believing in its existence. His book may not have mentioned the location of the treasure, but Mr. Fawson’s words hinted of the knowledge.

Determination surged through her, making her more headstrong to find it. Especially when she’d confronted Mr. Fawson the day he’d died.

The insipid man wouldn’t divulge any information. She’d threatened to kill him, and when he wouldn’t budge, she was forced to follow through with her promise, using the poker from the fireplace to crack his skull. That was after he’d mentioned Justin’s name, of course.

Excitement had bubbled in her chest. The treasure was within reach. Yet Justin had been as stubborn as Mr.

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