Page 89 of The Duke of Pain

“The lady is denying all knowledge, claiming the duke was under the impression he was entitled to the goods. Again, that will not hold up in court. Can you explain to me, Your Grace, how such a loathsome man such as the duke inspires such loyalty?”

“I wish I could. The past is full of such men. And I regret to say, the future will be full of them as well. Many in positions of power. What is the lady’s name?”

Rainer looked down at his papers. “Miss Annabella Day, daughter of Sir Simon Day, baronet. Should I contact him, Your Grace? I understand from Miss Day she is estranged from her family.”

“I would contact him. I doubt he wants his daughter’s name bandied about in public. Will she be sentenced?”

“I believe so. Miss Day will be having her baby in prison.”

“Sorry to interrupt, Chief Constable, but the Duke of Allenby wishes to see you and the Duke of Watford,” Belcher said, standing in the open doorway.

“Well, three dukes under my roof, that is one for the books, what? Show him in, Belcher, and make us all tea if you will.”

“And the prisoners, sir?” Belcher asked.

“Them as well. Let’s be civilized about it,” Rainer replied.

Rainer and Gideon stood as Christian breezed into the room. “Gentlemen. I caught the first train early this morning.”

Introductions were made, and Christian sat next to Gideon in front of Rainer’s desk. Belcher brought in mugs of tea for the men, then departed, closing the door.

Christian reached in his side pocket. “I have it, the writ. There will be a trial in the House of Lords. The members of the conduct committee assured me the dukedom will be taken from Whinstone. I mentioned that he was under arrest for theft of goods, and that convinced them. He is under arrest?”

“He most assuredly is, Your Grace,” Rainer replied. “He was caught with the goods and tried to escape. His Grace can fill you in on the details.”

Rainer sipped his tea, then stood. “Meanwhile, Your Graces, if you will excuse me, I had best file formal charges and see that things get rolling, as it were. Will you be at Foxmont? I will send the information once the charges have been laid.”

“And that is our cue to depart,” Gideon stated. “Could you allow us to see Whinstone for a few moments? We want to inform him of the writ.”

“Follow me, Your Graces.”

They were led into the rear of the police station, where there were six small cells, most of them taken up with Whinstone and his men. Miss Day must be elsewhere.

“Come to gloat?” Whinstone sneered, sitting on the bench toward the back of the windowless cell. His injured leg was wrapped and propped up on a stool. A doctor had attended him as soon as they arrived at the station. At least the dose of laudanum had quieted his yelling.

“We have,” Gideon replied. “Tell him, Allenby.”

Christian held up the scroll. “This is a writ for your upcoming trial in the House of Lords.”

“I don’t sit in the House of Lords. What do I care?” Whinstone snapped.

“This trial is to abolish the Whinstone dukedom for good. As soon as the Act of Parliament is ready, it will be passed, and you will no longer be a duke.”

Whinstone was silent. Since the duke sat in the shadows, it was hard to ascertain his features. Then he began to laugh, a maniacal chortle to rival any villain.

Then he quieted. “You have your revenge at last.”

“Yes,” Gideon answered. “I will have you out of my life. A victory, indeed.”

“We will see,” Whinstone scoffed. “You were always an annoying, whining bastard. I couldn’t stand you. I should have sent you away to school at the first opportunity just to be rid of your bothersome presence. But having you within my reach to torment, to torture, made the marriage worth it. That’s all you were and ever will be—a whipped puppy.”

Gideon’s fists clenched, and Christian must have seen the anger on his face, for he pulled him away.

“I had no idea that you endured such. I am sorry, though that sounds hollow after all these years,” Christian murmured.

“I kept it inside, allowed it to fester. Turning me into an unfeeling, selfish excuse of a man. Whinstone had his triumph. But not anymore.”

“Good. Be done with Whinstone. Dismiss his foul words, don’t allow them to take root ever again. You never need to see or speak with the man again either.”