The gavel knocked thrice.
Dominic blinked and refocused his vision. After sparing a glance at Cassian––ruffled but clean and looking grim––he faced the judge and waited with the rest of them for the final verdict.
“I can attest to the final decision that this will not be going further through the courts,” Hanover announced. “What has happened is over, and there is no reason to draw this out. Once the verdict is read aloud, all parties must accept it.”
The room hushed. Several people moved forward.
What do I tell Verity if they do take Cassian to prison? Blast it, if it’s decided for the noose…
“In the case of the Ashbourne family, I find Lord Ashbourne not guilty.” Hanover looked at the viscount. “It was an unfortunate incident. Your remorse had been made clear over the recent days. Your time behind bars will satisfy any punishment, along with your efforts to restore the wealth of those left destitute by your relation’s schemes.”
That had been quite the surprise for Dominic to hear. He’d found new respect for Cassian to find how dedicated his brother-in-law had grown over the past couple of months to helping the victims of his uncle’s plans. An entire accounting book hadbeen brought when Cassian turned himself over, along with a few pieces of evidence, that showcased who was involved and how much. Fortunes couldn’t be replaced but debts could still be paid.
Leaning back in his chair, Dominic realized it was all over.
All the tightness in his muscles gave way. He relaxed on the bench. Looking over to Cassian, he wasn’t particularly surprised to see little relief on the man’s face. The viscount blamed himself still. His standoffish and rude manners were a defense, protection, albeit poorly founded in Dominic’s mind.
“All other points of the case are dismissed. Everyone is free to take their leave. This case is closed. Good day,” Hanover added and departed.
Then everyone was free to take their leave.
Several people moved to greet Cassian, congratulating him and wishing him well. It seemed best that Dominic do the same. He waited close by for the crowd to thin before it was just the two of them standing around the benches.
“Well, it’s over.” Cassian fiddled with his pocket watch. He looked at Dominic with a reluctant smile. “I suppose I should have considered doing this several months ago, eh? Would have saved some trouble.”
“Perhaps. Or perhaps it was for the best.” He thought of Verity and wondered how she would react with the news. “You should go home. Tell your family. They’ve been worried sick, I’m sure.”
Grimacing, Cassian gave a short nod. “I’m certain of it. I’m only relieved they all stayed away. If anything went wrong, I wouldn’t… I wouldn’t want them to see,” he said. His hand circled his other wrist as they both thought of the iron cuffs that could have dragged him from this room. “I must thank you again for your support.”
“You have thanked me enough. I’m only glad to not have any family trapped in prison. Shall we be on our way?”
“Yes, please.” Cassian was visibly relieved as they departed the room. They said little on their way out the door. There, Dominic hailed his carriage and both men climbed inside. “Stuffy thing you’ve got here. What, did you know I would walk away a free man?”
He tugged at the curtains as they started rolling. “I hoped.”
“Well, thank you.” The man grimaced. “I can’t seem to stop saying that to you.”
With a short nod, Dominic found he had little to say himself. The ride went in silence as they finally reached the Ashbourne residence. He let Cassian out. And then he started to close the door.
“Wait.” Cassian put his hand out. “Aren’t you coming in?”
“This is a moment for your family. I wouldn’t like to intrude.”
“But you are family.”
Dominic hesitated for a minute before he shook his head. “Not today. Go inside, Cassian. Your family needs you and I suspect you need them. Take care of yourself.”
When he tugged again, Cassian grudgingly let go. He gave a graceful nod before stepping out of the street. The viscount watched a moment longer and then turned to leave, while Dominic took to the road in his carriage.
He couldn’t bear the thought of going inside to see Verity. Not when she had made it so clear she didn’t want to be with him.
Falling back into the cushions, he sighed. He supposed he would need to fund her a separate residence. There wasn’t a chance in the world he could endure living in the same house without seeing her and talking to her. Or maybe he would go out to the country instead. It had been a while since he spent an extended period of time in his country seat.
It was a quiet house when Dominic returned. Nothing had changed, he supposed, and yet everything had.
He entered his study. This was where he spent his time most frequently, and it usually brought him comfort. At least, some comfort.
Papers filled the room as there was always work to do. Dominic sank down into his chair with a sigh. Though he needed the distraction, he wasn’t particularly thrilled about it. Rubbing his face, he decided to rest his eyes for a short while. Just a moment…
