Loving Madison

Fourteen

Madison walked beside Alice as they entered the sitting room. Unease settled in Madison's chest, and she wondered if she really should be visiting with the Westland's friend. And yet Cameron didn't bat an eye when he asked her to help his sister keep Miss Trent entertained. Had he finally started to trust her? She wanted so badly to believe him. Still, something in the back of her mind nagged at her to be cautious. Throughout the years, men had led her to believe they cared, and the end result was her suffering with a broken heart.

Men didn't last very long in her life. She must remember that God had given her this gift to help others. Obviously, she was not put on this earth to marry and have children like most women.

When they entered the sitting room and Madison received her first look at Miss Trent, she was in awe of the young woman's stunning beauty. Madison had always been jealous of girls with long, blonde hair that curled skillfully around their heads, making them look like China dolls. Miss Trent's hair was styled with long, thick ringlets that nearly brushed the top of the girl's shoulders. Thick lashes surrounded her vivid amber eyes.

Miss Trent wore a gown and boots of the finest quality. The older lady accompanying Miss Trent didn't speak much, and she certainly didn't look at anyone in the room. Madison assumed this was the young woman's guardian or companion. Glancing down at Miss Trent's ungloved left hand, she didn't see a wedding ring. Immediately, Madison's gut twisted. Had Miss Trent already sunk her claws into Cameron, claiming him as her future husband?

"Miss Trent," Alice began, "what a pleasure it is that you came to visit us." She motioned toward Madison. "May I introduce you to a family friend, Miss Madison Haywood?"

Madison sucked in a quick breath. Family friend? Her heart softened. For years she'd longed for a loving family. And yet, she hadn't known Alice very long, and already her heart warmed toward the girl who had become like a sister to her.

"Miss Haywood," Alice continued, "may I present Miss Trent, Rosie's very good friend."

Madison curtsied just as the younger lady had curtsied.

Alice motioned to the pink and white colored sofa. "Please, sit and tell us why we are privileged to have you come calling today."

Miss Trent sat in the middle of the sofa and her companion settled next to her. Madison lowered herself on the other side of the Westland's visitor. Alice took a seat on the coffee-colored leather cushioned chair.

The younger woman eyed Madison warily through a narrowed gaze. "I, um..." She switched her attention to Alice. "I was hoping to talk to your brother. Is he home?"

Madison's gut twisted again. Her instincts were correct. Miss Trent had an alternative motive for coming here.

"Oh, my brother isn't here now," Alice said, keeping a pleasant look on her face. "He's...um, he's..."

"He's in Sevenoaks," Madison finished for the other woman. "Remember? He went there looking for a suspect."

"That is right, Miss Haywood." Alice sighed and her body didn't appear as stiff as before. "He's in Sevanoaks."

Miss Trent moved her curious gaze back to Madison. "And who did you say you were?"

Madison tightened her hands into fists. She did not like this woman. "I'm a friend of the family."

Slowly, Miss Trent shook her head. "I don't believe I've ever heard Rosie speak of you. Are you a close friend?"

"Indeed, she is," Alice quickly said. "She's my very good friend, and just recently, my brother has become close to Miss Haywood, as well."