He glanced about to make sure the groom and stable hand were otherwise occupied. “Come now, man. You can’t have your offices in Bristol and not have heard the old rumors about her and Anthony Fontaine.”
“I have heard. Sir John is also painfully aware. But all I haveare gossip and innuendo and no real evidence. Sir John’s coachman won’t say where he took her or whom she met. And I have yet to find an innkeeper who can prove the two stayed together in his establishment. I need evidence. Something I can show in a trial. Now, I don’t know that Sir John will accuse Mr. Fontaine in court, so please don’t mention it. He is considering it, that I will say.” James shrugged. “But without evidence...”
The coachman frowned. “So she’s still involved with Fontaine? After all this time?”
“She has been, yes. At least we believe so.”
“Thunder and turf. What a couple of scapegraces.”
“Yes. So it seems.”
Banks pursed his lips, looking up as he considered, then took a long breath. “I can do you one better than an innkeeper, friend.”
“Oh?”
“Aye. I’m off duty in half an hour. Meet me at the Red Lion and I’ll tell you everything I know.”
“Very well. Though I hope it is more than mere hearsay.”
“Hearsay?” Banks shook his head. “I was there, wasn’t I? A gen-u-ine eyewitness. Buy me a pint and I’ll tell you a tale to make your ears burn.”
Chapter25
Lord Shirwell returned ten minutes later and took his seat. He faced Hannah and began soberly, “Miss Rogers. You may tell us your version of events. I remind you that this is not a trial. I am hearing evidence to decide if there is a sufficient case against you to commit you to the county gaol until you can be tried at the assizes. Still, let me warn you that if I find you are dishonest, I will make it my personal vow to see you prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, your worship.” Hannah’s nerves quaked. Most of what had been said against her was true, although not the motives nor exaggerated maneuvers behind her actions. Even if she revealed the truth of her child’s father, they wouldn’t believe her, and would probably accuse her of lying again. Only Sir John himself could authoritatively acknowledge Daniel as his son. And he was not here.If only he were here!
What could she say in her defense? How tawdry and unbelievable it all sounded now.
Lord Shirwell consulted his notes, then looked up. “Miss Rogers, before you begin.” He gestured toward Lady Mayfield. “Look at this woman and tell me honestly, is she or is she not Lady Marianna Mayfield?”
Hannah glanced over. “She is.”
“And your name is?”
“Hannah Rogers.”
“And did you or did you not impersonate this woman?”
Had she? She had never wanted to be Marianna, no. But Lady Mayfield...?
“They thought I was Lady Mayfield.”
“But you did not correct them?”
“I tried.”
“Tried? Is it so hard to tell the truth? To say, ‘Excuse me, Dr. Parrish, but you have it wrong. I am not Lady Mayfield, I am only her companion’? Are you telling us that was impossible to do?”
Hannah ducked her head. “No, your worship.”
Lord Shirwell entwined his fingers on the desk. “Was it your intention to position yourself and your son as Sir John’s heirs should he die?”
“No, your worship.”
“Then why did you do it?”
“I had no other way to return to Bath and rescue my son.”
