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Chapter 33
Lavinia stood outside the door to her townhouse breathing deeply. She felt the same kind of trepidation that she’d felt every time she was on the doorstep of what had always been her house.
It had always been her house. But it had never been her home.
A warm hand landed on the small of her back. Lavinia looked up at Sebastian with a grateful smile. He knew how difficult it was for her to return to this house that held so many unpleasant memories. But with Sebastian by her side, Lavinia could face anything.
The butler opened the door, and Lavinia stepped into a dank, dark hall. God, she hated this place.
She swallowed a growing lump in her throat. “Is Mr. At—Lord Birch at home?” Her voice hitched at the title that used to belong to her father.
The butler inclined his head. “In his study.”
“Thank you. No need to announce us,” Sebastian said as the butler made to move toward the stairs, then whispered against her hair, “How are you feeling?”
That wasn’t an easy question to answer. Decades worth of anxieties were wrestling in her stomach. Lavinia looked at the floor where her father’s body lay after she’d hit him in the head. “Everything will be better after today.”
They made their way toward the study without speaking.
Lavinia was grateful that Sebastian didn’t try to fill the silence. His warmth and his presence by her side was enough.
They paused by the doors to Lord Birch’s study, and at Lavinia’s nod, Sebastian knocked firmly.
“Enter.” The new Lord Birch’s voice sounded behind the doors.
Sebastian opened the door and held it for her to enter.
Lord Birch raised his eyes from the ledger in his hands as he sat behind the large mahogany table. There was another person in the room. He stood and turned toward Lavinia.
She recognized that man immediately. He was her father’s solicitor.
Lord Birch also stood and smiled at Lavinia. “You missed the funeral.”
“And you missed the wedding,” Sebastian said as he joined Lavinia.
Lord Birch’s eyes widened, his face taking on an ashen color. “My lord.” He tipped his head, then turned toward his solicitor. “Please, leave us.”
“Actually, I’d rather he stayed,” Sebastian said. “There are things I need to say, and I’d be more comfortable saying them with a witness present.”
Lord Birch swallowed, his eyes darting from Lavinia to Sebastian. “You couldn’t have married.”
“Isn’t that what you wanted? Isn’t that why you kidnapped us both and threw us into your old house in Watchet?” Sebastian seethed.
Lord Birch’s face grew red. “I didn’t do such a thing!”
Lavinia slowly drew out his handkerchief and placed it on the desk. “Your mother’s handkerchief, wasn’t it? And there are other things in the house that point to your involvement in the kidnapping.”
Lord Birch fell into the chair, defeated. Certainly, the handkerchief wasn’t enough evidence, but the man didn’t seem to have the will to lie. Either way, he was about to go to debtor’s prison. His only recourse was to plead. And that’s exactly what he did. “I never meant you any harm! I placed you in my home, did I not?”
“Without food or other provisions!” Sebastian growled.
“I knew you to be a resourceful man. And I was going to bring you back in a few days. I truly was!”
“Why did you do it at all?” Lavinia cried.
“I just needed him out of the way, while I—” He raked a hand through his wig, dislodging it from the top of his head. “I timed it perfectly. The thugs were going to kidnap Lord Roth and at that exact time, I was supposed to arrive with Lord Pembroke and a special license.”
“Why would you ever think I would marry Pembroke?” Lavinia shook her head, trying to collect her thoughts.
