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“We are beyond lying now,Your Grace,” he laughed.
“Was there ever a time when you considered me a friend?”
“Norman would have haunted me from his grave if I did that.”
“I am not asking you about what Norman would think, I am asking you what you felt.”
“No,” he answered harshly. “I could never consider a cold-hearted beast my friend. I am most disappointed with myself for failing, but know that you will have no peace when I regain my freedom.”
The words grated him in every manner possible, but Harry remained where he stood, keeping his countenance from betraying what he truly felt. “Then you will have no freedom. The murder of Carlton and Miller is the noose about your neck.”
Gerard’s glare changed, the hate in it turned to fear as he realized what he was about to face. Perhaps he had forgotten about the other crimes he had committed. It did not matter now because hewouldface the law and pay for them.
Harry turned to leave but the man called after him in rage. “God will give me my vengeance!”
He did not respond. He had nothing more to say to him. The constable arrived as he was leaving the office, and when an account of the incident was requested from him, he gave them everything he had.
He was outside the brewery when Gerard was brought out to be taken away to await trial. Harry did not look at him, even as he continued to spout the promise of vengeance, denying the fact that it was the end for him.
Drew joined his side. “I have sent for my barrister friend in London. He will never be free. For what he did to you and Bridget, what he did to me…”
Harry laid a hand on his shoulder, sympathizing with him because they had both considered Gerard their friend. “Thank you, Drew.” He smiled. “You may have that bottle of brandy in my study that you always wanted.”
“Careful, Harry. I might never leave your side if you are too generous with your rewards.”
Harry chuckled as he turned back to Grayfield castle. And to Bridget.
Find me in the tower when you wake up.
Bridget smiled as she read the note Harry had left for her on the nightstand.
Sitting up, she held her arms up and stretched, still smiling. Then she rose from the bed and walked into the dressing room.
It had been a month since her abduction and the discovery of Gerard’s gradual betrayal. He had been convicted for the attempted murder of a duke and duchess of the crown, but the deaths of Carlton and Miller had called for hanging. Although his punishment befitted his crime, Harry and Bridget had taken a blow, which they were still recovering from. Belinda, too, was devastated. Magnus had somewhat redeemed himself when he helped in her rescue, and Harry allowed him to stay in Suffolk.
The cold water on her skin made her shiver as she washed her face. Bridget wondered why Harry called her to the tower, and she hastened her toilette to go meet him.
Her father and brother had learned of the incident. Of course, it would be impossible to hide such an event, and the rumors had eventually abounded. They returned to Grayfield but did not blame Harry. They understood that the circumstances had been beyond him and appreciated his love for her.
She wore her dress without stays and hastily pulled her hair up and secured it with a bandeau. Calling Sarah to help her would have taken too long. She left their chambers and made her way down the stairs.
“Bridget?” Belinda called as she passed the drawing room.
“Good morning, Belinda.” She poked her head through the door to see Magnus with her. He rose and smiled, bowing in greeting.
“The viscount of Lore brought us more gifts,” Belinda said. He called frequently and brought something with him every time to continue redeeming himself.
Bridget smiled at him. “Thank you, Magnus. I trust your arm is better.”
“It has made a full recovery, Your Grace.”
She inclined her head in thanks. “Forgive me but I must go now.”
He bowed as she hurried away. The castle repairs were almost complete, and the gardens now held the title of magnificence. Bridget and Harry spent time there every day while she painted.
They had hosted the late summer ball they had planned in the gardens, and the guests had been utterly enchanted. Some had even suggested that she host a ball every season with the sinter balls taking place in the ballroom while the others in the garden. Harry and Bridget had loved the suggestion and planned to host them.
Her breath caught when she reached the tower where Harry kept his paintings. They had all been put away now after she had discouraged him from burning them. He stood at the center of the room, irises and primroses at his feet and covering most of the floor, some in baskets and some in vases. A path had been cleared for her to pass.
