Love's Justice (Entangled Scandalous) (19 page)

Chapter Forty-Four

“I’m sorry, my dear, truly sorry.” Victoria’s father took her hand to console her.

“What do you think the odds are?” Victoria asked her barrister.

Closing arguments had been heard. Points had been made on both sides of the argument, and now they only awaited Hugh’s decision.

“It certainly isn’t a clear-cut case. But I can assure you Lord Montgomery has always been fair and his determinations well reasoned. I don’t believe any of his rulings have been overturned by appeal to a higher court.”

“Do you know how the man feels about these issues?” her father asked.

“What he may feel and how he rules are completely different issues, sir,” Mr. Manning said. “He will rule within the strictures of the current laws. Those laws have been favoring women in recent years. Let’s hope he rules in the spirit of these new laws.”

“Thank you for all the help you’ve given my daughter.” Her father extended his hand to her barrister. “How long will it take for the judge to rule?”

Mr. Manning shook the older man’s hand. “That’s very hard to say. This is not an easy case. It may take several days. We will be notified when Lord Montgomery has made the final determination.”

Victoria extended her hand as well. “Thank you.”

On the carriage ride home, her thoughts were a jumble. If the ruling was in Stanford’s favor, it would end all the threats and danger. But it would cost her and her father a small fortune. More importantly, it would allow women to continue to be treated as possessions. It would be a major setback to women’s rights.

If the ruling favored her, both she and Hugh could be ruined. Worse yet, Stanford was capable of violence toward them both. It would be a terrible threat to live under.

The days waiting for a verdict would be more than difficult, but she was convinced Hugh would make the right decision, regardless of the pain it might cause them.

“Father, would you drop me off at Lord and Lady Percy’s? I would like to speak with Edith.”

“Of course. Of course. Speak with your friend. It may help.”

…

“Victoria! I thought you would be at the trial.”

“The trial is finished. There is only the verdict to come. They cannot tell us how long it will take.”

Edith rang for a servant and ordered tea for the two of them.

“How do you think it went? Do you have any clue as to how Hugh will rule?”

Victoria smiled sadly. “He will rule as the law dictates. I have no doubt about that. I don’t know enough about English law to make an educated guess myself.”

“How horrid for you to have your life in the balance.” Edith sat and patted the seat beside her.

Victoria sat as well. “I don’t understand how such a loathsome person as Lord Stanford could possibly win.”

“Calm yourself, my dear friend. You don’t know that he has won yet,” Edith said.

Victoria couldn’t bear the burden alone, apart from Hugh, any longer. “He has threatened to ruin not just me but Hugh as well. I don’t know if I could stand watching all that Hugh has accomplished being ripped from him.”

Edith took Victoria’s hand. “You have not brought this on him. He has put himself in harm’s way. You must remember that. He is an astute jurist and an intelligent man. He has chosen his fate.”

“But why would he risk everything?”

“You have to ask?” Edith smiled. “For Henry and I, who have known him for years, it is quite clear. We have never seen him as happy as when he is around you. He has been despondent for so many years, I wouldn’t have believed the transformation if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.”

“But surely there must have been other women through the years.”

“Yes, my dear. But they were merely women. You are more than that. You claim equality, and Hugh admires you for that. You challenge him and his ideas. You are unique. What others see as flaws, he sees as fine attributes. I don’t think he would have been happy with anyone he couldn’t respect. He respects you, and loves you because of this. Don’t despair.”

“Thank you. I believe I needed someone to tell me what I already know. You and Henry have been more than kind,” Victoria said. “Even in your matchmaking. Whatever the verdict, I won’t forget your kindness.”

“There is nothing more important than love. And with love I believe you both will find happiness.”

Henry rushed into the room, oblivious to Victoria for a moment. “Have you seen the papers? I can’t believe the trash they’ll print just to sell a few more.” He looked up from the newspaper in his hand. “Oh, Victoria, I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize you were here.”

“It’s perfectly fine. I am prepared for the worst.”

“But what rot! I didn’t realize what had gone on at the trial. I should have been there for you. I needed to deal with a devilish problem at Syon House, or I would have been.”

“Don’t apologize, please. I have weathered the trial and now only await the verdict.”

“Has Hugh given any indication as to when he would make the decision?”

“No. My barrister believes it will be in the next few days.”

“Well, let’s hope it is soon. The gossip rags will have a field day until the verdict is handed down.”

“That doesn’t really concern me.” Victoria rose to go. “If the verdict goes against Lord Stanford, I fear we have only begun to see the destructive power of the press. It will destroy not just me but Hugh as well.”

Chapter Forty-Five

“Shall I notify the parties, my lord?”

“Yes, Dennison.”

Hugh had spent two days poring over laws and cases that might set a legal precedent. Finally, he had made the only decision possible. He wished he could see Victoria. It was still early, but he needed to go home and change before the afternoon session where he would render the verdict.

He informed his clerk of his plans and left the building by the front door. He chose to walk to clear his head. His body ached. His heart ached as well. He wanted to hold her in his arms.

“Well, isn’t this a coincidence?” Stanford stepped out of the alley and barred his way. “Does the fact you’re out and about mean you’ve come to a decision?”

Hugh was all too aware at this moment of all the man’s threats and the danger he posed to both himself and Victoria. Stanford seemed a little less confident and a little more desperate than before. He rubbed the side of his head, and Hugh suspected it wasn’t Stanford alone who was making threats. No doubt the East End usurer the man was dealing with had made some threats of his own.

“I think you should return to your home, or wherever you crawl into at night,” Hugh said.

“What a biased thing to say, my lord. You haven’t forgotten our little agreement?” Stanford smirked, and it was almost too much to bear. Hugh wanted to strangle this cruel and perverted little liar, but he couldn’t. Any altercation between the two of them would raise suspicions.

“We’ve never had any kind of agreement. You simply attempted to blackmail me to influence the outcome of the trial.”

“What a harsh way to put it. I just explained to you some of the finer points of the legal case. I hope, for your sake, you have weighed the merits of my arguments.”

“Well, you will know this afternoon. If you don’t let me pass, you may never know.”

Stanford reluctantly stepped to one side and with a long, sweeping motion of his arm, indicated Hugh could pass.

“Let’s hope I like what I hear.” Despite the threat, Hugh noticed he was rubbing the side of his head nervously and sweat soaked his body.

…

The courtroom was as quiet as it had ever been. There was only low whispering. Word had come to them late morning that a verdict had been reached. Victoria and her father had hurried to the courtroom at the appointed time. They had been waiting for more than ten minutes for Hugh to appear. Every minute seemed an hour to Victoria.

Lord Stanford had sauntered in late. But for all his bravado, he looked nervous. The courtroom wasn’t warm, but his brow was beaded with sweat. He continually rubbed the side of his head. And he was speaking to himself as if in a slow incantation.

He had much to lose. Perhaps much more than she realized. What was it that had prompted him to risk jail with his threats?

She herself might lose a great deal of money, but she would not lose the most valuable thing in her life. No matter what Stanford tried, she and Hugh would never be separated again.

“All rise.”

As Hugh approached the bench, she looked for some sign, some indication of what he had decided, but there was none in his demeanor.

He removed a paper rich with ink from a portfolio, wasting no time.

“As her majesty’s representative at the Queen’s Bench, I find the following. In the case of Lord Stanford’s suit against Miss Victoria Westwood, I find in favor of the defendant, Victoria Westwood.”

A gasp rose up from those onlookers. Then the room burst into a mix of applause and rude comments. She looked up at Hugh. His eyes were on her. For the first time since the trial started, he was hers again.

“I find that Miss Westwood was not complicit in the agreement entered into by her father. I further rule that any such contract is invalid in its own right. It puts women in a position little better than slavery, which was long ago outlawed as unconscionable. The concept of
femme sole
should be applied to Miss Westwood. The money she has been given by her father is hers to deal with in her own right. I have drawn up my arguments and will see they are provided to both parties. Any plans to appeal this decision must be presented to this court in the next fortnight.”

He rose and nodded to his clerk, who followed him out of the room.

Victoria looked over to where Stanford sat. His face was drained of color. There was something else happening as well. His anger was rising. Victoria had been its victim before. She knew the signs well.

Lord Stanford rose and leaned over to whisper in her ear. “This is not over. I will see you two ruined so that you will not be able to walk the streets of London. Do not think you are safe from my wrath. I will haunt your days and fill your nights with terror. Do you understand me?”

Victoria didn’t answer the vile man. Evidently he didn’t expect an answer for he had immediately pushed his way through the throng toward the door.

Her father approached the table. “What did he say?”

“He has threatened to destroy us.”

“You mean you and I?”

“No, the judge and I.”

“Is that possible?” her father asked.

“Yes, it is more than possible.” She didn’t offer an explanation but rose to go.

Most of the crowd had left. The reporters were eager to print their stories. No doubt the onlookers were eager to spread the news as well.

“Miss Westwood, Lord Montgomery has asked that I deliver this to you.” Hugh’s clerk presented the small handwritten note to Victoria.

Victoria opened it and read the three lines inside.

“What is it?”

“Nothing, Father. Will you drop me off at the Percys’ on your way home?”

…

Victoria entered the home to find Henry anxiously awaiting her. He took her cloak and indicated the library. Victoria had to prevent herself from running. She entered the room and didn’t stop until she was in Hugh’s arms.

She was sobbing and laughing and terrified all at once.

“Shhh. Shhh. It will work out.”

“How can it?” She raised her head. “I’m so afraid for you. He cannot hurt me anymore than he has. But you, you have risked everything.”

“I have not risked the one thing I cherish above all else.”

He kissed her then. Kissed her until she was breathless and moist with anticipation.

“For now, it is best we are not seen together. Tomorrow we should know the worst of it. Henry and Edith will support us. I don’t know how many others.” He paused for a moment. “Is your father still at your home?”

“Yes.” He still held her close.

“Good. Stay at home with him. Do not go out. Wait for me. I will come to you tomorrow. Let’s see what Stanford has planned. We can then decide what we should do.”

“I don’t want you to go.”

“I don’t want to leave you. But if by chance he relents, I don’t want to create a new scandal.”

“Do you think he will relent? Do you think it’s possible he won’t attempt to destroy us both in the press and public opinion?” Victoria searched his eyes for any hope, any hope at all.

“No. The man will try his hardest to hurt us any way he can.”

Chapter Forty-Six

The next day, a small crowd gathered near the river in the East End of London. Several uniformed police tried to keep the onlookers at bay. Corpses pulled from the river were a fairly common occurrence in this rough neighborhood of the city.

But the word on the street was this was out of the ordinary. It wasn’t the usual drunk or hooligan being pulled from the cold water of the Thames. The whispers started as soon as the body was retrieved. He was dressed like a gentleman.

Hugh stood on the outskirts of the crowd. For the first time in his life, he had used his connections to keep track of what was happening in London’s underworld, fearful Stanford might try to harm Victoria. Word had come only an hour before of a body that had been found in the Thames in the East End.

The large crowd strained to see the body. Among them was a small man with a limp and a smile.

One of the coppers addressed the crowd. “Is there anyone here who can identify this gentleman? Seems mighty fine to be in this neighborhood. One of you must have seen him.”

“Maybe he washed down from upriver,” an observer offered.

“Unlikely with the tide comin’ in as it is.” The officer surveyed the crowd. “I knowed there be more than one of you that could have done the act yourselves. I’m not askin’ you to confess. Just want to know where to send the body.”

“I think that there be Lord Stanford,” the small man said.

“And how would you be knowin’ that, I wonder?” The police officer looked at the cripple.

“He’s been in the papers, Officer. He and that American woman.”

The officer took a second look at the dead man. “Damned, but I think you’re right,” he said, his face bright with this new explanation.

“No doubt the poor man took his own life after losin’ a fortune yesterday in court,” someone called out.

The officer nodded.

Hugh looked over to his clerk, and Dennison moved close enough to confirm the identity of the dead man. Hugh, meanwhile, turned his head to follow the departure of the man who had identified the body. The man’s limp slowed his progress. But the smirk on his face said more than enough. When he passed a darkened doorway, he nodded his satisfaction to a bearlike bully boy who was half-hidden in the gloom.

It took little imagination to figure out what had happened to Lord Stanford. Hugh found he couldn’t muster much sympathy for the man. Instead, a huge sense of relief washed over him.

…

“Please sit down, Victoria. You are making me anxious as well.”

“I’m sorry, Father. I can’t stand to be cooped up like this.”

“You act as if you are anticipating something. Is there something I should know? Something you haven’t told me?”

Victoria stopped her pacing. She should tell her father about Hugh, but she didn’t know what Lord Stanford might be planning. She still hadn’t heard from Hugh, and she could barely stand the tension.

A knock on the door made her jump. She didn’t wait for Mrs. McCreery but rushed to open it herself. A messenger stood with a note in his hand. She offered him a coin and took the note.

She recognized the handwriting. After ripping it open quickly, she read intently. Tears welled up in her eyes. It was the answer to all their problems. An answer that had never entered her mind. Hugh wrote he suspected Stanford’s creditors had settled their debt in the most brutal way.

“Father, I’m going out—for a walk in the park.”

“In this weather, my dear. Are you sure?”

“Oh yes. It is beautiful out today.” She grabbed her cloak and was out the door before her father could question her any further.

She headed into the deserted park toward the lake, The Serpentine. It had grown remarkably colder, but she didn’t notice. The fog had lifted slightly, only to be replaced by snow. Large flakes of it nestled in her hair and eyelashes.

She didn’t care. She almost ran in her hurry.

She stood by the edge of the lake, her shoes damp from the snow that lay unmelted on the grass.

They were here. The swans. The ones that mated for life and returned over and over to the same place. They skimmed across the water. When one stopped, the other waited. They made a barely discernable buzzing sound as if in quiet conversation. A conversation without words. Compatibility without thought.

Suddenly, behind her, his hands raised the soft fur of her cloak until it caressed her face. She smiled. Then he folded his arms around her, and she leaned back into his warmth. They didn’t have to speak. Didn’t have to communicate beyond this touch.

The swans eventually swam off, leaving a small wake. She watched them thoughtfully.

She no longer envied them.

She was content.

In Hugh’s arms, in his warmth, she was beyond content.