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And there was Jack. Until now, she had done everything in her power to not think of him but her mind refused to listen. How could a man behave so dreadfully? He used her in every horrible manner, seducing her, gaining her trust, attempting to befriend her and all for his investigation. How could she have been such a fool? She should have known he would only have been courting her for a reason. Of course, she had initially thought it might be her money. And in a sense it was, for she had no doubt that Stanhope’s son was behind this investigation to get the entirety of his father’s money.
Just thinking about Jack made her heart ache. Tears welled in her eyes as she thought about his betrayal. She was slightly surprised he wasn’t here to watch her arraignment and gloat over his success.
When the magistrate entered the room, he adjusted his white wig and ambled to his chair. Once seated, he called Tessa’s name first. Her legs barely held her as she rose to speak with the imposing man. Downing spoke first, accusing her of murdering her husbands and then he showed the justice the vial of powder.
“What do you say, Lady Stanhope?”
“That vial is not mine, nor was it ever in my bedchamber until Mr. Raynerson brought it in this morning. I do not allow poisons in my home.”
“Not even for the rats?” the justice asked pointedly.
“No, sir. I have several cats who roam the house and the only creature ever inside was a small mouse. My footman quickly discovered their passage and closed it off.”
The justice assessed her carefully before saying. “I believe there is enough here to hold her.”
“She is not guilty,” a booming voice sounded from the entrance of the room.
“And you are?”
“Worthington.”
Thank God. She noticed Downing seemed to relax as the duke commanded the room. That seemed rather odd to her. Perhaps he had never accused a lady of murder before now and guilt had overcome him.
“Your Grace, do you have some evidence that would lead me to believe this woman is innocent?” the justice asked.
“I have known this young woman for six years, sir. She would never do such a thing,” the duke replied.
The justice rolled his eyes before taking a sip from his cup. “So you are only here to act as a character witness, then?”
Mr. Downing muttered something low under his breath but she couldn’t make it out.
“Of course, sir. But if I had to hazard a guess, I would say that maid of hers did it,” the duke said confidently as he approached the magistrate. Only a duke would dare interrupt a formal proceeding without a thought.
Downing muttered something again that sounded like a curse.
“And do you have proof that her maid did these heinous crimes?” the justice asked.
“Well, no,” the duke said slowly.
“Well, then perhaps you can find some while Lady Stanhope awaits her trial. I command her to Newgate until a trail can be arranged.”
Tessa grabbed the only thing she could for support before her legs gave way.
Mr. Downing held her up and patted her arm. “It will be all right,” he whispered.
“Sir, this woman is a lady. She cannot go to Newgate,” the duke said in an angry tone.
“She is an accused
killer and only a lady by her marriages, all of which ended in a suspicious death, Your Grace. If the Regent arranges her release, I will be quite pleased to let her go in your custody.”
The duke nodded. “I shall see to it.” He looked over at her with sympathy in his old eyes. “I will handle this matter, Lady Stanhope. You will not be in Newgate but a few hours.”
She gave him a watery smile trying not to show him her fear. Even a few hours in Newgate might kill her. A man came up to Downing to take her away. Instead, he led the man away from her as they talked quietly. She wondered what they could have to say to each other.
“Come along, milady,” the man said. “If ye cooperate, I won’t put ye in chains.”
Downing gave her a stern look as if to tell her she should listen to the man. For some reason, she decided to do just that. “I will cooperate.”
