The Jezebel (Taskill Witches 3)

“I haven’t been well for some time,” she began, “and then it became apparent to me that Cyrus was eager to be your husband, instead of your guardian. At first I couldn’t comprehend it. But it began to make sense. I grow weaker now and I lie here hour after hour, and I seem to see things from afar.” Beth squeezed her hand. It was a feeble grip, but Maisie felt her effort. “I think he has hastened my path to the grave. That is how much he wants you.”

Maisie reeled, horror-struck.

Then she understood. The physician had told them Beth was growing weaker, but would be with them for many months, perhaps even years, if properly cared for. But within a matter of days her health declined rapidly. Listless and unable to rise from her bed, Beth faded away from them. The physician gave little hope. It was around that time Cyrus had made his intentions known to Maisie. He’d started to be seen out about the town with her more regularly, ordering lavish gowns to be made and bringing her expensive trinkets on a daily basis. That very morning, when he had told her he would make her his wife, it all fell into place.

She gripped Beth’s hand, looking deep into her eyes. “Beth, mother of mine, I trust you implicitly, but I must ask...are you sure?”

“I doubted it myself at first, and then I watched him. He asked to sit with me during my suppers. One night I saw him add something to my broth once the servants had gone. I asked him what it was, and he assured me it was a tonic. He wasn’t offended when I said it might be making me ill. He had a black look in his eyes and his answer was too easily given. I turned the food away, hoping I would improve, but I fear it is too late. The damage has already been done.”

Maisie wiped away the flood of tears that gathered. “You should have told me this before now.”

Beth moved her head against the pillow. “I made my own mistake with Cyrus, long before you came along. I agreed to stay with him no matter what, for he supports my family, and they have no other income.”

“Your sister and her children?”

Beth nodded. On the last Sunday of every month Beth had visited her widowed sister.

“I often wondered why you never allowed me to accompany you on your visits. I thought you might be ashamed of me.”

“Good Lord, no. Cyrus said it wouldn’t be appropriate for a young lady such as you. Perhaps he feared you would discover my debt to him.”

The hidden secrets rolled out, each hideous treachery dependent on the other. Maisie rested her head on the bedcovers a moment, for she ached with grief. Could it be true that Cyrus had poisoned his wife, in order to be with her instead? She felt as if her heart was breaking.

“I’ve always wanted you to be happy, child. When you walked in here with such fear and regret in your eyes, I knew I had to tell you everything.”

Everything Beth said only added to Maisie’s turmoil. Beth would have slipped away silently if Maisie had been happy with Cyrus’s advances—that’s what she was inferring.

“I’m so confused. This morning I felt as if I must flee from him, but I don’t want to leave you, especially not now.”

Beth’s lip trembled, but she squeezed Maisie’s fingers in her own. Her life force was fading all the while.

“I can scarce believe he has done this to you.” Maisie shook her head. “I will attempt to make you well again. I believe it is possible.”

“No, you must go. Escape this trap he has set for you.”

Escape this trap. The words echoed in her mind.

“Go home to your birthplace, Margaret. Cover your trail well and live a safe and happy life in Scotland.”

“I have thought on it often. I do not know if I am strong enough to undertake the journey alone.”

Beth breathed a laugh. “You are. You will find your true kin.”

Maisie lifted her head. A new dread filled her. “Cyrus told me they were safe, Lennox and Jessie.”

Beth shook her head. “We know nothing of them. Cyrus lied to you about that, too.”

It was the final confirmation, the thing that mattered the most to her. She had been duped and betrayed for all these years, while she thought her siblings had been offered salvation like her. All those times she’d felt concern for their well-being, Cyrus had reassured her. It was all lies. The reality of her situation struck her anew.

“That day, he selected you when he looked across at you from the coach. He paid highly to have you brought to us unharmed. I saw your sister that day, too, and it broke my heart to split you from her. I begged Cyrus to take you both, but he refused.”

Jessie. Maisie covered her face with her hands and wept.

Mama Beth touched her forearm, encouraging her. “Go, go now. There is some coin in my special jewel box. You’ll find it in a red satin purse. Take it and anything else you think might help you.”

“I cannot leave you.” The frustration that she’d felt about Beth’s illness still haunted her. She was sure she could cure her by magic. Maisie had never undertaken such a thing, but she could try. “I will bring healing herbs and you will get better. Now that I know about Cyrus, I will guard your food.”

Beth shook her head. “No. We cannot go on this way. Neither of us will be safe. I’m ready, and I am weary of this life. All I wanted was to watch you grow. You’re a fine young woman now, so I am at peace to say goodbye to this life of mine.”