Page 22 of What the Heart Knows

“That drunkard couldn’t stop her. You know how determined she is. The only blessing for Sousman would be spousal privilege preventing her from testifying against him.”

“But marriage is a long-recognized way to cement relationships.”

“Aye, in open and honest relationships. Sousman’s a sot and a blabbermouth. Once married to him, Margaret’ll learn of our smuggling. Then she’ll inform the customs office. You and I will be arrested, possibly executed.”

“Margaret would never lay information against me. She loves me.”

“You are blinded by your affection for her. Your daughter, Squire, is one of the most honorable women I’ve ever had the misfortune to encounter. She’d see informing on us as her duty. She might plead for mercy for you, but she’d honor her obligations regardless.”

“Won’t Sousman cause problems if we break the engagement before it’s even announced?”

“No, he likes the money gained from selling our smuggled goods too much. He’s no danger to us, as long as he’s as vulnerable as we are.”

“Then what’s to be done?”

“Margaret must marry me.”

“You?” Revulsion dripped from the word.

“Don’t be so dismayed,” Brookbank jeered. “Marriage to me ensures her silence, and I’ll never permit her to lay information against you or Sousman. I want to keep my partners.”

“Partners, hah. I stopped being your partner when I allowed you to convince me to join the Commissariat Corps in order to increase our profits.”

“It worked, didn’t it?”

Meg heard the shrug in the clerk’s words.

“Yes, and gave you opportunity to cement your control of our Fenwick enterprises in my absence.”

“To both our benefits,” Brookbank ground out. “Besides, you were more than eager to make sure I didn’t go to the customs office with the information I gained from interviewing some of your less loyal employees.”

“You murdered them and made me an accessory,” Father resumed whining.

“They were unreliable. What I did was a security measure and a warning to others in the gang who might consider telling tales they shouldn’t.” The clerk’s voice grew hard and cold. “Now, in the morning, you’ll inform Sousman that Margaret’s declined his suit, and because she’s of age you cannot force her. Then you’ll send for the vicar and arrange for her wedding to me.”

“I doubt Vicar Taylor would cooperate, if Margaret makes known she doesn’t want the marriage.”

It wasn’t an objection but acquiescence in the form of a point to consider.

“True. I’ll send for a prelate I know in Yarmouth. He’ll bring a common license, appropriately back-dated. He’ll need several days to obtain the documents and travel here. Meanwhile, you’ll add a small amount of laudanum to all Margaret’s meals. The cumulative effect over a week or two will make her easier to control. By the time the prelate arrives, your daughter will be most cooperative.”

“I don’t like the idea of giving her drugs,” Father issued a half-hearted protest.

“You’ll do it nonetheless,” Brookbank ordered. “Or perhaps you’d prefer to meet the same fate as your former employees.”

Meg smothered a gasp.

“I think perhaps I should retire for the evening,” Father said.

“Not before we discuss arrangements for the delivery expected during the new moon.”

Meg fled to her room. She didn’t care if she could learn more. Her well-being, if not her life was at risk. She must protect herself. Not simply to survive, but also to give evidence of what she’d heard and perhaps beg clemency for Father. Clearly Brookbank was coercing Father into criminal activity. Activity that harmed not just her but the entire Fenwick community. Action was imperative.

Chapter Seven

Sea Grange manor, Suffolk, The following morning

Meg settled at her parlor desk, clasped her hands together, and reviewed her situation.