Page 19 of Long Live the Baron
Fuck! Is the coroner here to take me away?
He nearly swooned with relief when he caught sight of Halmesbury and Richard entering. He came rushing back from wherever he had been transported to, sound and color a painful cacophony as he returned to the present.
The duke stood near the door, sunlight framing him from behind, and Brendan realized he was talking. He frowned quizzically, struggling to make out the words in his shock.
The duke spoke again. “Are you well?”
Brendan shook his head. “Briggs … is waiting for the coroner to make an arrest.”
Halmesbury stepped forward. “Saunton, see to Briggs. Ridley needs a drink.”
The duke grabbed him by the arm and steered him to the library, where Brendan dropped into the large, worn armchair he had been using since they had sealed the study. “I just sent a footman to find you. We need to find an alternate suspect, Halmesbury!”
“I agree. That is why Richard and I are here. We realized we spent too much time lamenting the situation yesterday and we need to take more action. This Grimes is bad news, from what my men tell me, and we cannot rely on him to investigate this matter properly.”
Brendan nodded, taking the drink that Halmesbury had poured and gulping it down. The shock slowly dissipated, and his wits slowly returned. “We need to put as many men as we can on this. I did not do this, I swear it.”
The duke had dropped into a seat next to his. “I know you did not do this, and we will do whatever it takes to clear your name. Annabel and I will not allow this travesty of justice to occur because this weasel coroner is too focused on his political ambitions to do his job. Besides investigating this matter, I have tasked my men with finding out about this Grimes. He does not strike me as a man who is aboveboard, and we might uncover evidence of his true motives.”
Brendan cleared his throat. “Am I to be taken to the Tower or to … Newgate?”
The duke frowned. “I have not heard they intend to do that, but I will definitely insist that they take you to the Tower. Lords will not wish a matter of this import to be tried at lower courts. You might not be confirmed as the baron, but it is well known that you are the legitimate heir.”
“Even with the news of my parentage being discussed?”
“It does not signify. The law recognizes you as Josiah Ridley’s son, no matter the circumstances. He was married to your mother at the time of your birth. The prosecution may introduce that as motive, but it does not alter your legal status.”
Brendan nodded, leaning back in the armchair to rest his aching head. He had never been more thankful that the duke was his brother-in-law. Halmesbury would leave no stone unturned to defend him, and Richard was a tenacious friend. Somehow, they were going to navigate this disaster and he would be cleared of this terrible crime.
* * *
Lily wasthe smallest member of the Abbott family. A fact that she could use to her advantage under normal circumstances. It allowed her to remain hidden when she wished, as long as she kept her mouth shut.
These were not normal circumstances.
“Lily Beatrice Anne Abbott!”
Her heart sank. Mama had found her out.
“Where have you been, young lady?”
Lily slowly turned on the stairs, pinning a bright smile on her face. It was usually easy for her to smile, it being second nature to embrace the world with good humor.
Today she had to force it.
Today was not a normal day.
“Mama! I am so happy to see you. I feel as if we have barely spoken, what with the coronation and everything happening this week! So many late events without me. Did you enjoy …” Lily, for the life of her, could not think where her parents had been last night. “Last night?” she finished, barely stopping herself from cringing at her weak delivery.
Usually, she would attempt to chatter for a greater length of time, but words were currently failing her. She had discarded one burden of guilt to hoist a new one on her slim shoulders. She would eventually have to work up the courage to break the terrible news to her marriage-minded mama.
But not now.
Now she wanted to make it to her room, throw herself on the bed—after she scaled the step to reach its lofty heights—and mull over her new future now that she had ruined herself so thoroughly.
All because of that awful man, Grimes! If he had done his job and investigated properly instead of targeting Mr. Ridley …
Lily shook her head to focus on her glowering mother. It was too late for regrets.
