Dance of Death Read Free Page A

for a flower garden, but saw none.
    My cousins must not be as wealthy as I had assumed, she realized. I mustn’t judge them harshly just because they can’t afford to keep up repairs on such a huge, old house.
    As soon as the buggy came to a stop, a plump, blond woman ran across the wide porch and down the steps. Madeline guessed that the woman was about the same age as her mother had been when she died.
    The woman took one look at the cut on Madeline’s face and gave a sharp cry. “Goodness gracious! What’s happened?” she exclaimed.
    A tall man hurried up to the woman and put his arm around her shoulders. His thin face and silver-streaked black hair gave him a dignified appearance, Madeline thought.
    â€œThere now, Deborah,” the man said soothingly. “Justin is with her, so everything must be all right.” He pulled the blond woman closer to him.
    â€œIt’s just a little cut,” Madeline reassured them as Justin helped her get down from the buggy. “I’m sorry I worried you. I—”
    â€œDon’t be ridiculous, my dear,” the blond woman interrupted. “We’re just so grateful that you’ve arrived. I’m your Cousin Deborah, of course, and this is your Cousin Marcus.”
    Deborah hurried over to Madeline. “Are you sure you’re all right? What happened?”
    Madeline felt warmed by her cousin’s concern. It had been so long since anyone fussed over her.
    â€œThat horse of yours got spooked by a shadow in the road,” Justin answered. “Miss Simms had to jump from the buggy.”
    â€œOh, my dear.” Deborah sighed. She wrapped Madeline in a warm, almost smothering embrace. “What a terrible thing to happen, and on your very first day in Shadowbrook.”
    How kind she is, Madeline thought, as Deborah led her into the house. Everyone is being so kind.
    The interior of the Simms house was dark and gloomy. Although the sun shone brightly outside, all the curtains were tightly drawn.
    It’s like a tomb in here. Why don’t they let any light in? Madeline wondered.
    Deborah pulled her over to a sofa in the parlor.
    â€œYou must be very tired. Sit here,” she told Madeline. A thin cloud of dust rose up as Madeline settled herself on the sofa.
    That must be why the curtains are drawn, Madeline thought. So no one can see how poorly kept up the house is. How good they are to take me in when they don’t have any money!
    Deborah’s hands fluttered around her face. “As soon as Justin has seen to your injuries, you must go straight to bed.”
    â€œThank you,” Madeline whispered. “I’d like that—” She paused, not certain what to call her new relation now that they were face-to-face. “Mrs. Simms,” she stammered.
    Deborah gave a trill of laughter. “Oh, you mustn’t call me that,” she protested. “Cousin Deborah sounds so much cozier. And Marcus will be Cousin Marcus, won’t you dear?”
    Marcus Simms nodded as he came into the room with Justin. He hardly speaks a word, Madeline thought. And Cousin Deborah never stops chattering. I suppose that makes them a good match!
    â€œI just know we’re all going to be great friends,” Deborah prattled. “Marcus and I are going to take good care of you, my dear. You’re very important to us. Isn’t she, Marcus?”
    â€œShe certainly is,” Marcus agreed, speaking up at last. “And even through her bruises I can tell she’s very lovely. Don’t you agree, Justin?”
    â€œI most certainly do,” Justin replied. Madeline felt herself blush at the warmth of his tone.
    He pulled a chair over next to the sofa and sat down. He leaned over and smiled at Madeline. “Noteven a few bumps and bruises can change that,” he added.
    Madeline felt her cheeks grow even hotter. What’s the matter with me? she thought. I never blush.
    â€œNow,