In the Shadow of Lakecrest(81)
Marjorie had joked about orgies, and I felt strangely let down to find out she was right. It all sounded so tawdry, such a betrayal of Cecily’s noble ideals.
“The others watched, with no shame at all! Then Cecily motioned one of the girls over, and the man called out. It was only one word—‘Come’—but it was enough. I recognized my father’s voice.”
Hannah’s voice had dropped to a murmur, as if she barely had the strength to accept what she’d witnessed.
“You’ve read his book,” she said. “I saw it, here in your room. He was a brilliant scholar. He’d studied such perversions, but to act on them? I’d never have believed it if I hadn’t seen for myself.”
I remembered the inscription Dr. Rieger had written to Cecily: My muse and inspiration for a most divine madness. He’d spent his whole life studying and treating madness. And Cecily had inspired him to experience it himself.
“What happened next?” I asked.
“I ran out of there in tears! Never said a word to either of them about what I’d seen. I learned I was expecting not long after, which was a mercy. Children give women a purpose. It’s why I know this baby will be good for you.”
If Hannah was set on telling the truth, it was time she answered for everything. “Did you do something to make sure I’d get pregnant?” I asked.
“Oh, my dear, what kind of powers do you think I have?” She shook her head dismissively. “I was so happy in those early years, after the twins were born. I thought they’d put everything right, and for a time, they did. Jasper was such a proud father, and Cecily softened toward me, too. I worried about her influence on Matthew and Marjorie—who wouldn’t?—but I couldn’t deny how good she was with them. And they adored her.
“As the children grew older, Jasper spent more time away from Lakecrest. Times were changing, with shipping lines giving way to railroads, and the Lemont fortune suffered accordingly. Every investment Jasper made to cover the shortfall went bad. It’s quite an awful realization, Kate, to find out your husband is a fool and your family is close to ruin. Jasper’s personal failures were even worse. I know you are familiar with the chamber beneath Obadiah’s office. After Obadiah’s death, Jasper cleared out the things that had been stored there and claimed the room for his own purposes. I don’t feel comfortable describing his preferences to someone in your delicate condition. Suffice to say, Jasper took pleasure in punishment, and he brought in women who satisfied his unsavory tastes. I saw him once, escorting one of his fancy girls out the service entrance. She had the same tumbling curls and wide eyes as Cecily. He’d even dressed her up in one of his sister’s white gowns, though whatever he’d done had left the fabric in shreds. There were welts all over her cheeks and arms.
“I’m sorry if this disturbs you. It’s the only way you’ll understand. Jasper was infatuated with Cecily. His rages were nothing but bluster to hide his shameful feelings. He loved her and he hated her, because he knew she’d never be his.
“Cecily wasn’t innocent, of course. She enjoyed provoking Jasper, as I’m sure she enjoyed toying with my father. But the children had a calming effect. She spent hours with Matthew and Marjorie, playing and telling stories. Whatever else I thought of her, I never doubted her love for them. She began painting more, spending time outside in the gardens, having fewer girls to stay. When my father died—a heart attack at a medical conference in Vienna—I assumed her debaucheries at the Labyrinth were over. For years, we lived together in peace. And then, when the twins were ten or eleven, Cecily fell in love.”
“Karel?” I guessed.
Hannah nodded. If she was surprised that I knew, she didn’t show it. “You’d never guess it now, but he used to be quite handsome. Not that I paid much mind to the groundskeepers, but Cecily was just the kind of person to find a laborer romantic! She managed to keep their liaison secret from almost everyone, but I saw them holding hands and whispering. I thought it was nothing more than a flirtation. I had no idea how deep Cecily’s feelings went. I truly didn’t; otherwise, I might have understood the repercussions of my actions.”
Hannah paused, collecting herself. I’d never seen her look so genuinely upset.
“When the summer fête came round,” Hannah went on, “I kept my eye on Cecily. I didn’t trust her not to make trouble, not on that night. She was acting very odd: laughing too loud, slurring her words, always checking the watch she wore on a chain around her neck. I was quite sure she was planning to meet Karel under that full moon, but she was still at Lakecrest when the party ended. I said good night to her and Jasper at the top of the stairs and retired to my room. I changed into my nightdress and brushed out my hair, and then I heard a door creak and footsteps pattering down the hall. Not long after, I heard another door open—Jasper’s, next to mine—and more footsteps. I peeked out and saw Jasper going downstairs.
“I looked out my window and saw Cecily on the lakefront path. Jasper was lurking in the trees behind her. Well, I thought, if Jasper wants to spy on Cecily, then I’ll spy on him. I was flustered, in a rush, and I suppose I wasn’t as quiet as I should have been. I had no idea Matthew heard all the commotion and followed me. I went straight to the Labyrinth, and I was about to enter when I saw Karel approaching. He was clearly startled to see me, and before I could think what to say, he’d mumbled some excuse and left. I was sure he’d come to meet Cecily and didn’t want me to see them together. I was about to leave myself, when I heard sounds from inside the Labyrinth.