He held up the ledger for the assembled crowd to see. “This book also contains detailed records of the Earl’s use of public funds, funds allocated for estate improvements and charitable works, to pay for his visits to Mrs. Devonshire’s establishment.”
The noise that erupted was even louder than before. Joan heard words like “embezzlement” and “fraud” and “disgrace.”
Julian fell to his knees, his face crumpling. He looked up at Hugo with desperate, pleading eyes.
“You’ll ruin me,” he whispered.
Hugo shrugged. “I did suggest you send everyone home.”
Laurence’s voice cut through the chaos. “I believe there are several officials and clergy present who can confirm the authenticity of these claims.”
The vicar who had been preparing to officiate stepped forward, his face twisted with disgust. “I have never witnessed such flagrant disregard for the sanctity of marriage. You are an animal, sir. An absolute disgrace.”
He turned to Joan and bowed. “Miss Sinclair, you are free of any obligation to this… creature. I will not sanction this union under any circumstances.”
He turned and walked from the church, his robes swirling behind him.
Several men in official dress approached Hugo and Laurence. Joan recognized them as magistrates and members of Parliament, men with the power to investigate and prosecute.
“We will need to examine those records,” one of them said grimly, as Hugo handed him the ledger.
Another turned to Damian. “Lord Sinclair, the Earl had no right to pursue your family as he did. He was in no position to contract a marriage with any respectable family. We will ensure he faces appropriate consequences.”
Julian tried to approach them, his hands outstretched in supplication. “Please, if you would just listen…”
The officials looked at him with such contempt that Julian stopped mid-sentence. Without another word, they turned and left the church.
Julian started to follow, but Hugo stepped into his path, blocking him effortlessly.
Laurence approached Julian slowly, deliberately. He reached out and smoothed the Earl’s rumpled coat with almost gentle hands. Then he leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper that only Julian could hear.
“If I ever see you anywhere near the Sinclairs again,” Laurence said softly, “I will have you publicly executed. Do you understand me?”
Julian’s face went white. He gasped, stumbled backward, and then fled down the aisle and out of the church like a man pursued by demons.
The remaining guests began filing out, their voices rising in excited chatter about the scandal they’d just witnessed. This would be the talk of London for months.
Laurence turned to face Joan.
Victoria was still clutching her sister, sobbing with relief. Joan held her tight, stroking her hair with trembling hands.
It’s over,Joan realized.It’s truly over.
The wedding that would have bound her to Julian Hawthorne for the rest of her life had been destroyed.
She was free.
“It’s over, Joan. It’s truly over. You’re safe now.” Victoria sat beside her, rubbing soothing circles on her back.
Joan felt the blood drain from her face as the last of the reality crashed down upon her. Her legs gave out, and she sank ontoone of the pews, her elaborate wedding gown pooling around her like a white puddle.
Damian moved through the remaining guests, ushering them toward the exits with polite but firm insistence. The scandal would spread through London like wildfire, by evening, every drawing room would be buzzing with the tale of the Earl of Aldridge’s spectacular downfall.
Hugo and Laurence approached where Joan sat. She forced herself to stand, smoothing her skirts with trembling hands.
“Your Grace.” Victoria curtsied, then looked up at them with tears streaming down her face. “Thank you. Thank you so much. I don’t know how we can ever repay you.”
“There is no debt,” Hugo said warmly. “We were merely righting a wrong.”
