Free Dance of Death by R.L. Stine Page A

Madeline confessed.
    â€œMadeline,” Justin whispered. “How horrible for you.”
    â€œBut don’t you see, Justin?” Madeline said urgently. “What if I’m just like my mother? What if we get married and then I go insane? What if I try to hurt you? Is that the kind of wife you want? Is it, Justin?”
    Justin leaned down and kissed her swiftly. “You aren’t going to go insane, and you aren’t going to hurt me. I’m not going to let you. I’m a doctor, remember? That makes me the perfect husband for you. And the only kind of wife I want is you.”
    Madeline felt her heart swell with happiness. Justin knew her darkest, most terrible secret. And he still wanted to marry her.
    â€œAre you sure?” she whispered, staring up at him.
    â€œVery sure,” Justin promised her. A smile played around the corners of his mouth. “May I have my answer now, please? I think I’ve waited long enough.”
    Madeline smiled back at him. For the first time since she arrived in Shadowbrook, she felt completely at peace.
    I was right. This place is a whole new beginning. I’ll build a brand-new life here. A life that will wipe away the horrors of the past. Alife where I don’t have to end up crazy, like Mama did.
    â€œThe answer is yes, Justin,” she answered, her heart singing. “I will marry you.”
    The rest of the day passed in a happy blur.
    Deborah and Marcus were overjoyed at the news of Madeline’s engagement. Deborah began planning a party to make the announcement right away. Justin insisted it be held at his house.
    Justin rushed around, making special arrangements for them to be married in just a few days’ time.
    â€œThere’s no reason to wait,” Deborah told Madeline gaily as they climbed the stairs at bedtime.
    â€œWe want you to become Mrs. Justin Fear as soon as possible. Oh, I’m so happy,” Deborah went on, giving Madeline a hug as they stood outside her bedroom. “This is just like a fairy tale. You go to bed now and get plenty of beauty sleep. Sweet dreams, my dear.”
    Madeline felt exhausted by the time she crawled into bed. But so happy.
    Who could have guessed I would be engaged to Justin in just two days? she thought. But I’m sure I’m not going too fast. Sure we belong together.
    Madeline fell asleep with a smile on her face.
    â™¦Â â™¦Â â™¦
    Madeline awoke several hours later, her heart pounding.
    What is it? What woke me?
    She sat up in bed and stared into the darkness, her ears straining for the slightest sound.
    Step … drag …
    Step … drag …
    Step …
    It’s the old woman Cousin Deborah calls Auntie! She’s coming down the hall. Down the hall toward my room.
    Quickly, Madeline threw the covers back and scrambled out of bed. She was determined not to let Auntie catch her off guard again.
    Cousin Deborah might think she’s harmless, but I’m not so sure I agree.
    She picked up a heavy brass candlestick and crept toward her bedroom door.
    Step … drag …
    Step … drag …
    Step …
    Madeline listened as Auntie came closer and closer. She heard the old woman’s heavy breathing just outside the door.
    With quivering fingers, Madeline reached for the doorknob. She flung the door open. Auntie stood before her in the hall.
    â€œMarry Justin Fear,” Auntie whispered, “and you will surely die!”

Chapter
    17

    â€œW hat nonsense! How dare you say something so cruel?” Madeline exclaimed.
    Auntie scuttled past Madeline into the bedroom. She closed the door behind them.
    â€œShhhh,” Auntie warned, raising a finger dramatically to her lips. “Not so loud. Nobody must hear us. Nobody must know.”
    â€œKnow what?” Madeline asked.
    â€œThat I came to see you. That I told you the truth.”
    â€œI already know the truth about Justin, Auntie. He loves me and he wants to marry