“Agree with him on what?”
“He doesn’t believe the story that Lord Brentworth gave us. He believes Mr. Blackwell was staying at the house, and Brentworth is the one who broke in. That Blackwell discovered him, and that is why Brentworth murdered him.”
Hannah gasped. That was putting Gabriel’s actions in the worst possible light. How had she not thought of it? About how other people would interpret what transpired here that night. And if he were accused and convicted of such a heinous crime, he could go to jail or even be executed.
Icy dread swamped her like a tidal wave. Her hand rose to her chest, where her heart was beating a sluggish rhythm, as if it wanted to race in panic, but was paralyzed by horror.
“That is simply not true!” she protested. “Blackwell had already threatened me several times with a lawsuit over the title. He was furious that my child displaced him as the heir.He broke in, intending to kill my baby.” Her voice broke on the last sentence, and she grabbed the edge of the pram. “The only reason he was unsuccessful was because Gabriel—that is, Lord Brentworth—stopped him.”
“I also believe that to be the case, Duchess. But you must admit that Brentworth’s motive to be present in the nursery at the time is suspicious.”
“What did he say?” she asked, although she could already imagine.
Gabriel had probably made up a ridiculous story to avoid telling the truth about his relationship with her. He was trying to protect them from scandal at the risk of his own life. Of all the stupid, selfless, noble things to do!
“He said he had learned of Blackwell’s plans and had followed him here. But forget what he said. It is a ridiculous story that no one has believed. Including me. I believe in his innocence. And that he was trying to protect the baby. I don’t believe that’s how he came to be in the nursery.”
“You are right. It is not,” she whispered.
“What is the truth, Duchess? I am trying to help him, but he won’t help himself. I have come to you today because I think you have the key to the truth.”
The tea arrived at that moment, and she busied herself with preparing it and serving it. Aycliffe waited patiently.
Coming to a decision, she lifted her chin and announced, “Lord Brentworth, Gabriel, was here that night because he is my lover.”
CHAPTER 48
THERE WAS NO SURPRISEor censure in the duke’s eyes. “Would you be willing to testify to that under oath?”
“Of course! I would tell it to the queen herself if it meant exonerating Gabriel.”
The duke nodded. “I suspected as much. I must warn you, though, that the resulting scandal could ruin you. It could possibly even put your baby’s parentage in question.”
Resolution firm, she stated, “There’s no question about my son’s parentage. Gabriel is his father.”
No shock at this revelation, either.
“And that’s probably the reason Gabriel refuses to tell the truth. He is trying to protect you and the baby.”
“The best way for him to protect us is by our side. He already proved as much.”
“I agree. By the way, the baby’s father’s information isn’t necessary to reveal in court. Just the admission of an affair should be enough to give him a reason for being here. I won’t ever reveal what you have told me.”
“Thank you.” She sat forward to ask the question that was clawing at her insides.
“Has Gabriel been...” She had to pause and swallow to say it. “Has he been imprisoned?”
“No. But the only reason he hasn’t is because he’s a peer of the realm. They hesitate to arrest him without solid evidence. And I’ve been exerting my influence over the other two justices and the chief constable.”
“Take me to them, Aycliffe. I’ll speak to them and exonerate Gabriel.”
THE FOLLOWING MORNING, she settled into the duke’s opulent carriage, ready for a journey to the nearest town assembly rooms. She didn’t know how Aycliffe had arranged it so fast, but the duke had summoned the two other justices and the chief magistrate for a private hearing.
When the nursemaid handed her the baby and then boarded the carriage behind her, the duke eyed them dubiously. “You are bringing the baby into this meeting?”
She looked down. Her behavior was illogical, and she knew it, but she couldn’t help it. “I-I need to have him near at all times. After what almost happened a week ago, I’m still shaken.”
The duke looked at her with compassionate eyes. “I understand. Let’s hope you will feel safe again soon.” The unspoken implication was, let’s hope Gabriel could be with them again soon. Only with him would she feel safe.
