An Agent For Magdala Read online

  “You look as if there’s something you want to say but haven’t. What is it?”

  “When I was talking to Dominic yesterday, he made a mistake. I admit I was fishing for clues and asked him what language his family spoke at home. He said Dutch.”

  Cloud held out his hands and moved as if he were pulling a rope.

  “Very funny, Your Graceless. The thing is, if he was born in Antwerp as he says, he would have spoken French. The Dutch language wasn’t taught in schools or spoken until a few years ago. That was due to politics, which I hate. Anyway, I thought that was odd.”

  “Good catch, Maggie. You think he isn’t from Antwerp or what?”

  “I don’t know, Cloud. He acted uncomfortable answering my questions. I suspect he’s weaving a web of lies. So are we, but we have good motives. Why would he lie about such a simple thing unless he didn’t know the correct answer?”

  “Perhaps it isn’t so simple and his reason is covering something else. That’s the sort of slip that tears down a scheme. Glad you mentioned it. Could be important.”

  She let his acknowledgment have too much weight. “And, maybe it’s nothing but I feel better for having told you.” She checked her lapel watch. “Time to dress for dinner.”

  Cloud muttered under his breath. “Changing clothes several times a day is crazy.”

  “I don’t know why you complain when men don’t have to change as much as women. We have a morning dress, day wear, dinner wear, plus specific clothes for every activity. Wear this to market, that to visit a friend, the other to go for tea. I have no idea who conceived this ridiculous way to live.”

  “Whoa, guess I hit a nerve. I thought you probably liked all the fancy clothes you’ve worn on this trip.”

  She hadn’t meant to snap at him but he mentioned her pet peeve. “You thought wrong. I do like pretty clothes, but I detest having to change them every few hours.”

  Geneva rapped at the door. “Your Highness, it’s time to dress for dinner.”

  Cloud slid the registers and their notes into the case. “Come in, Geneva.”

  Magdala rose to greet the maid. The green faille dress she’d worn for the carriage ride was one she especially liked but it wouldn’t do for dinner. Not if they wanted to maintain their roles.

  From the armoire, Geneva brought the blue silk dress trimmed in navy velvet. The low neck was perfect to display more jewelry. Maggie stepped behind the screen and changed clothes, draping the green over the screen for Geneva to deal with.

  Maggie’s jewel case was hidden in her steamer trunk. She retrieved it long enough to select her diamond and sapphire necklace and earrings. The tiara she’d chosen was all diamonds but was not flat enough to be stored with the other jewels. It and two others were kept in a box inside the armoire.

  When she was ready to go to the dining room, she stood in front of Cloud. “Will this do for tonight?”

  He gave a slight bow. “As usual, you look perfect, just as a princess should. Are you going to wear the fur cape?”

  “I believe I will even though I shouldn’t need it in the dining room. I believe the fur is part of the image, don’t you?”

  Once in the dining room they were seated a table not far away from the Rambler brothers. Johan stood and bowed. “May we join you again, Your Grace?”

  Cloud smiled and gestured to the empty chairs. “Please, take a seat.”

  When both brothers were seated, Johan asked, “Have you had a pleasant day?”

  Cloud tilted his head in a slight nod. “Yes, and turned out to be quite interesting.”

  Johan leaned forward. “How is that?”

  “I’ll explain in a moment.” Cloud waved over the McMillans. “Perhaps we can move another table against this one to make plenty of room.” He signaled a waiter and made his request.

  Two waiters quickly complied by scooting another table up to theirs. Cloud made the introductions. The McMillans sat down with George at Cloud’s right side and Ava beside Maggie, who sat opposite Cloud. Dominic was on Maggie’s right and Johan beside his brother.

  Maggie was pleased as this gave Cloud access to conversation with George and Johan, and left her able to speak to Dominic as well as Ava.

  After they’d placed their orders, Cloud explained their day to the brothers. He sketched a bow to George. “Here you have the day’s hero who caught the pickpocket who’d lifted his wallet.”

  George gestured to Cloud. “And here’s the hero who saved my neck by stopping the pickpocket’s partner from conking me on the head or worse.”

  Johan appeared amazed. “Where are the criminals?”

  Cloud glanced at George. “In jail, where they belong. Apparently they’d been run out of town only a month ago.”

  Johan shook his head. “They should have listened.”

  Their food was delivered and the conversation drifted.

  Maggie addressed Dominic. “His Grace and I have considered going from here to Austin and then to Galveston. We thought you and Johan might have advice on where we should stay in each place.”

  A wide smile graced Dominic’s face. “We’ve learned where to and not to stay in both cities. In Austin, you’ll want to stay at the Excelsior. In Galveston, so much was wiped out by hurricanes. You’ll enjoy the Lafitte because it’s been built recently and is very modern and luxurious.”

  Maggie clasped her hands at her waist. “Thank you so much, Dominic. Having your personal recommendation will help us.” She turned to Ava. “Where are you and George going next?”

  Ava sighed. “He hasn’t decided for certain but might want to go to Nagodoches. Since it’s a very old town he thinks he may find more grants. After that, he hasn’t decided.”

  Dominic asked, “Wouldn’t he go to the state capitol in Austin?”

  Ava gestured dismissively. “No, according to the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, the state officially recognized the grants made by Spain and Mexico but the district courts are tasked with handling the grants.”

  Dominic laid a hand on his cheek. “I had no idea they would be valid still. So, this is what your husband does then, he buys these grants?”

  Ava nodded. “Among other things. Right now he’s concentrating on the old grants. I’m not part of the business but enjoy travel—especially when we are in lovely places like the Menger.”

  Happy she’d acquired the information she wanted, Maggie wanted to ask Dominic about the argument he and Johan had in the market earlier in the day. She decided not to alert him that he’d been seen in confrontation.

  Across the room, she spotted the third person from yesterday’s altercation. “Isn’t that Mr. Kennedy? Did you see him snap his fingers to attract a waiter? Apparently his food isn’t prepared to his standards. I thought ours was delicious.”

  Dominic followed her gaze and frowned. “Not a pleasant person, Your Highness. He’s one to stay clear of if possible.”

  She harrumphed. “Last evening he asked His Grace how much my jewels were worth. Can you imagine anything so rude in a place like the Menger?”

  Dominic’s features hardened. “I’m not surprised at anything that man does. My brother and I try to steer clear of him. He travels to some of the same places we do, you see, so crossing paths is impossible to avoid.”

  “His Grace and I will avoid him if at all possible. We prefer congenial people like our present company.”

  Ava looked toward Louis. “Pity you can’t visit more with the Mengers.”

  “I know but we knew he and Mary would be busy before we came. We’ve enjoyed the time we’ve spent in San Antonio even though we haven’t been able to spend much time with them.”

  Before anyone could ask how they came to know their hosts, she changed the subject. “Dominic, have you heard from your insurance company yet?”

  “No, and we’re worried. I don’t know how much longer we can afford to wait around.”

  “Where had you planned to go from here?”

  “To Austin, but we’ll probably have
to go to Galveston. That is, if our family can afford to send us another shipment. We’re waiting for word from them, too.”

  He rubbed his temple. “All this waiting around is hard on our nerves. I’ve had a terrible headache all day.”

  Maggie pretended sympathy. “I’m so sorry for your problems, Dominic.”

  He gave a weary smile. “You’re kind. Ah, here’s dessert. I see you’re having the mango ice cream again.”

  Ava tasted her ice cream. “My, isn’t this refreshing and so unusual?”

  Louis stopped by their table. “I hope you enjoyed your day. Finnegan made sure I knew His Grace and George were heroes in the market. I trust none of you is the worse for the experience?”

  George looked at the hotelier. “Recovered my wallet with His Grace’s help. Finnegan had warned us to be on alert.”

  With a chuckle, Louis glanced around the table. “Who knows where Finnegan acquires his unusual clothes but he knows his way around town.”

  Cloud chuckled. “All in all, we had a lovely day. A little excitement is good for a person, especially if things turn out well.”

  Chapter Nine

  Maggie and Cloud decided to wire the hotels suggested by Dominic and ask if there had been robberies there. Cloud picked up the two sheets of paper on which he’d written telegrams.

  He glanced at Geneva and Alec then leaned forward and whispered, “I’ll post these and return immediately.”

  Maggie held his arm. “Shouldn’t I go with you? We could stroll along after breakfast as if we were indulging in shopping.”

  He shocked her by giving in to her. “You’re right. Dukes don’t dash off without excuse, do they?”

  She smiled. “They might, but more likely would be sending a servant on the errand. In this case, we need to spend some time with Mary and Louis. Why don’t we eat breakfast then go for our stroll, and try to see the Mengers either before or after we return?”

  Speaking normally, Cloud surprised her again. “When we go down to eat, I’ll check with Louis to see what time we can visit with him and Mary.”

  He escorted her out of their suite and down the hall and stairway. She was certain there was a spring in his step. Seeing him smile when he didn’t have to was welcome.

  Usually Cloud was like a bear coming out of hibernation when he woke. He must be in a great mood today. Perhaps the action in the market elevated his frame of mind. He was a Pinkerton agent, after all. She supposed he craved adventure.

  So did she, which was why she’d signed with the firm. So far, nothing was as she’d expected. For one thing, she hadn’t expected to acquire a husband. After learning about the marriage requirement and partnering, she had anticipated a real partnership.

  Perhaps Cloud was finally accepting her as a worthy colleague.

  He flexed his shoulders. “Two nights in a real bed and no jarring stage has restored my energy. I feel a hundred percent better today, don’t you?”

  She sighed. So much for her opinion of the reason for his good humor. “Yes, ours is a comfortable mattress. A welcome change from sitting in a stage coach all night.”

  In the dining room, breakfast service was underway. Cloud guided her to the table at which the McMillans were seated.

  “May we join you?”

  George stood. “Please do.” He took his seat once they were sitting. “Your Highness, your contact has already responded to my inquiry. He’s definitely interested and we’re working out the details. I appreciate your sending me to him.”

  Maggie smiled at him. “I’m pleased I could be of help.”

  “Oh, and he’s not just an investor. He wants to become a partner. He’s coming to meet with me. He’s coming to Galveston on his yacht and then making his way by rail to San Antonio. Ava and I are waiting here.”

  Maggie fought to keep her expression from revealing the dread enveloping her. “How long did he estimate that would take?”

  “He said seven to eight days, depending on the weather. He planned to leave early this morning. Sure appreciate your help, Your Highness. I’m looking forward to meeting him.”

  All thought deserted her. She managed to stammer, “How interesting.”

  Reeling from the thoughts of her father confronting her about her marriage, Maggie composed her features. A lifetime of training allowed her to hide her feelings in public. At least, she hoped it did. She breathed slowly, hoping to calm her pounding heart. She and Cloud would have completed their case by the time Papá arrived.

  Beside her, Cloud laid his serviette on the table. “Please excuse me just a moment while I consult Louis.” He stood and walked toward the hotelier.

  George briefed her on the wires he’d exchanged with her father. She hoped she nodded at the correct time. What had she been thinking when she gave Papá’s name to George?

  After a brief consultation, Cloud returned. “I had to confirm plans with Louis. We’d planned to get together with he and Mary later and I wanted to be certain his plans hadn’t changed.”

  Maggie calmed enough to remember she was a Pinkerton agent and had to carry out her assignment. She’d deal with her father when necessary. Right now she was half of a team to catch those robbing Menger guests.

  To ward off questions about their friendship with the Mengers, Maggie turned to Ava. “What are your plans for today?”

  “We’re taking things easy today. I’m still pretty tired from our trip. I hate riding in a stagecoach.”

  Maggie leaned toward Ava and patted her hand. “I agree. If I close my eyes, I have the sensation of still bouncing. At least the Menger has nice rooms and good service.”

  Ava shuddered. “You wouldn’t believe one of the stops we had. Or, maybe you would. I refused to lie on the bed. I could actually see insects crawling on the covers.”

  Appalled, Maggie rubbed her arms. “I’m grateful we didn’t have anything that bad. Our stage drove through the night. Food was a problem, though. When we started, we had a basket of sandwiches and jars of lemonade. Anytime we found decent food as we did in Santa Fe, we’d stock our basket.”

  Ava clasped her hands to her chest. “What a grand idea. I’ll find a basket while we’re here and we can do the same thing.”

  “Having decent food helped us bear our trip.” No matter how she fought for control, Maggie’s mind reeled with news of her father’s impending arrival. She searched for something to keep the conversation going but only stared at Cloud.

  Cloud must have recognized her panic because glanced at her and took over the conversation. “At one place, we didn’t even go inside because the odor was so bad. Rancid food, unwashed bodies, and thick smoke. I have a strong stomach but I’m sure I would have embarrassed myself by throwing up if we’d gone inside.”

  Cloud watched her as he kept the conversation flowing. He made an impressive duke. That set her pulse racing again. Papá would not be amused with her marriage, even though it hadn’t been consummated and an annulment was intended. Whatever else Papá thought, he couldn’t help being impressed by Cloud.

  Before she’d left home, her father had told her to be careful and not do anything to bring dishonor to the family. Maggie doubted he’d consider a paper marriage honorable. Actually, Cloud had been a gentleman about their time together. His ornery comments about their marriage and women agents aside, he had been protective of her.

  Their meal finished, Cloud stood and came to help her with her chair. “If you’ll excuse us, we’re supposed to meet with Mary and Louis Menger while they have a short break.”

  In the office, they found Mary seated with her feet propped on an upended rubbish bin. Louis sat at his desk.

  He rose and stretched a hand toward two chairs. “Please join us. Mama is working herself too much. I’ve tried to get her to turn over all food preparation to others but so far I’ve not been very successful.”

  Mary sent her son The Look annoyed mothers reserved for their offspring, even grown ones. “I worked hard to make the food here the best in to
wn. I don’t want that reputation damaged.”

  Maggie looked at Mary, noting her swollen ankles revealed by her propped up feet. “The Menger food is excellent. I’m sure if you designated a trustworthy supervisor, you could distance yourself. They’d still use your recipes and serve in your style, but you would be a… consultant.”

  Louis bowed to her. “Thank you, Your Highness. Exactly what I’ve been telling Mama. At least she doesn’t try to do everything but she is working and on her feet far too much.” He returned to his chair.

  Maggie reached out and patted Mary’s hand. “The measure of success is when you can delegate your job to someone else. Then, allow your successor to succeed.”

  Mary looked at her hands. “I know I’m not as young as I used to be. I can tell the job is taking a toll on me.”

  She gave a huge sigh. “I’ll tell Hallie Vinton she’ll be in charge now but accountable to me.” She looked at her son. “There, Louis, are you happy?”

  His wide smile answered. “Very happy, Mama. I know you’ll feel better. You deserve to relax now. If you want to work in the hotel, you can help me greet people in the dining room occasionally.”

  He turned to Cloud. “What have you to report, Your Grace?”

  “We’re sure we’ve determined the culprits but don’t have proof we need to involve the sheriff. I’m going to telegraph a couple of other hotels to see if they’ve had similar robberies when the people we suspect were staying there.”

  “Who are the suspects?”

  “The main two are Johan and Dominic Rambler. They may have an accomplice, but we’re not certain. If they do, my guess is he’s Mr. Kennedy.”

  Louis laid his hands on the desk. “I’m shocked. They’ve been so aggrieved by their losses. I’m having trouble processing this. Not Kennedy, for I dislike the man and would never trust him. But, the Ramblers are such likable men and have been coming here for years. If they’re guilty, they’ve completely fooled me.”

  Maggie met Louis’ gaze. “We’re pretty sure they’re your burglars. I’m sorry, too, because they’re interesting and likable people.”

  Cloud leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs. “When we receive the replies to our wires, we’ll have a better idea. In the meantime, we must keep up our guise as wealthy royalty traveling at a whim.”