Page 27 of Charlotte's Story
I moved to the tree to study the variety of ornaments. There were glass baubles with tiny living flames, sparkling silver stars, and icicles that chimed softly as their dripping water vanished before hitting the floor.
William followed me over, his admiring gaze glancing over the tree. He tapped the icicle a few times so it let off soft chimes. “It’s very pleasing, isn’t it?”
“Indeed.” I bent closer and held a hand toward one with a flame inside. A pleasant heat emanated from the ornament.
“This one is my favorite.” William picked up one of the glittering silver stars. “Lady Catherine has these ornaments specially enchanted so that each one holds a wish. If you hold it tight and think about what you want to see, it can give you a glimpse of it. As long as it has to do with Lady Catherine.”
“Wow.” It was fascinating in so many ways. Even the magic had to revolve around her.
William closed his eyes, and after a moment, a soft smile covered his face. It was another few seconds before he opened his eyes again. The glow left the star until it was now just a dull silver, as if his request had drained the magic from it.
“What did you ask to see?” I couldn’t help but ask.
“Our wedding.”
“Oh.” My cheeks flushed. That must’ve been acceptable since Lady Catherine had attended it. I couldn’t help but wonder what part of our wedding in particular he’d asked to see, but I didn’t want to ask.
William handed me a fresh ornament. “Here, you can try.”
I turned it over in my hand. “Is it okay for me to use one?”
“Of course.” He nodded emphatically. “She makes them for her guests.”
If I needed to ask about something to do with Lady Catherine…. a charge went through me. Had Lady Catherine just given me the thing I needed to solve this case? I squeezed my eyes shut and thought,Show me Dahlia’s murder.
If this worked, then it could give me the proof I needed to take to Tessa.
In my head, a memory started playing like an old movie, the voices and colors muted but still clear.
Dahlia poked around in a room. Based on the elegant decorations, it was probably Rosings Park. She picked up a letter sitting on a desk and started to read it, her brow furrowing.
“What are you doing in here?” Lady Catherine stormed into the room. “The event is that way.”
“I’m s-sorry. I got lost.” Dahlia dropped the letter.
Lady Catherine’s gaze caught on the fluttering piece of paper and hardened.“You will forget every word you’ve read tonight, and if you do not, you shall answer to me.”
The reel ended, and I opened my eyes, blinking as the crackling fire and sparkling tree grounded me in the present once more.
“So, what did you think?” William asked with an eager smile. “Did you also ask to see our wedding?”
“Oh, um no.”
His expression fell, but then he shook his head. “Of course you wouldn’t need to. You still remember everything.”
“Firth, I need you over here,” Lady Catherine called.
“Okay.” William gave me a regretful look, then brushed his finger lightly against the back of my hand. He quickly pulled back, cheeks coloring as he walked away.
I watched him go, my fingers tightening around the star. One of its sharp points jabbed into my finger, jolting me back to the memory. I put the no-longer-glittering star back on the tree. What had I seen? It didn’t prove that Lady Catherine murdered Dahlia, but it sure didn’t look good. But it also didn’t feel like firm enough evidence to take to the police. I’d asked to see the murder and that was all it had given me.
“Did you come over here to intimidate me, Darcy?” Lizzy’s voice drifted over the sound ofThe First Noel. “Maybe to remind me what an exceptional piano player your sister is.”
“I know better than to try to intimidate you.”
“Good, because I don’t respond well to intimidation. In fact, I’d say it has the opposite effect on me.”
A small smile flitted over his features. “You can tease me as much as you want, but I know you well enough to know that’s exactly what you’re doing, Elizabeth.”
