But knowing that and doing something about it remained two different things, separated by a chasm of fear he didn’t know how to cross.
The clock chimed noon, marking another hour lost, another moment when he could have chosen differently and didn’t.
Aaron turned back to the window and continued his vigil over the empty garden, counting minutes like a miser counts coins, knowing the wealth of time was slipping through his fingers but unable to close his fist to stop it.
CHAPTER 35
“Lord Sulton must understand the gravity of his testimony.”
Howlett stood in their morning room like a sparrow among ruins, his weathered notebook incongruous against the water-stained wallpaper. Beside him, Mr. Thornwick from the magistrate’s office appeared decidedly uncomfortable among the faded furnishings. George sat across from him, shoulders hunched as if expecting a blow, while Louise poured tea with hands that barely trembled.
“Mr. Howlett has been investigating the gaming establishments,” Thornwick said, adjusting his spectacles. “His evidence, combined with your testimony regarding both Wigram and Bragg’s operations, provides what we need for prosecution.”
“I understand.” George’s voice emerged rough from another sleepless night spent wrestling with ledgers. “Though I doubt my word carries much weight, given my … associations.”
Howlett’s pencil scratched across paper. “Your word, combined with the evidence we’ve gathered, will see Wigram transported and his associate Bragg along with him. Perhaps hanged, if the judge is feeling righteous.”
George flinched. Louise set down the teapot harder than necessary, the crack of china on wood making both men start.
“Bragg threatened to sell my six-year-old sister.” She kept her voice level through sheer force of will. “Whatever happens to him, he’s earned it.”
“Louise.” George turned to her, shame etched in every line of his face. “You don’t have to listen to this. The details of my involvement …”
“Are exactly what I need to hear.” She settled beside him on the threadbare settee, her hand finding his despite the anger that still simmered between them. “We’re past the point of protecting each other through ignorance, George.”
Howlett cleared his throat, professionally uncomfortable with family drama. “Perhaps we should begin with your first contact with Wigram’s organization.”
George straightened slightly, drawing together the remnants of his dignity. “It started with dice. Simple games at White’s, nothing significant. But the losses accumulated, and legitimate moneylenders grew scarce.”
His fingers twisted together as he spoke, mapping out months of cascading disasters. The initial loan from Wigram’s people. The impossible interest rates. The suggestion that certain goods could be moved through customs without inspection if one knew the right people.
Louise forced herself to listen without judgment, though each word felt like glass in her throat. This was her brother, who had taught her to dance, who had carried her on his shoulders through Hyde Park, who had promised at their parents’ graveside to always protect her.
“I never touched the goods directly.” George addressed his confession to the floor. “I simply provided information about shipping schedules and customs inspections. I told myself it was harmless.”
“Until Wigram decided you knew too much.” Howlett’s pencil never stopped moving. “When did you realize the danger?”
“When he started asking about my connections to other families. About whose estates might provide convenient storage.” George’s hands clenched. “I knew then that I was trapped. If I refused, he’d expose me. If I continued, I’d drag everyone I knew into his web.”
“So, you ran.” Louise kept her voice neutral, though the memory of those terrifying weeks burned behind her eyes.
“I thought he’d chase me and leave you alone.” George turned to her, desperation clear in his expression. “I swear, Louise, I never imagined he’d use you as leverage.”
Howlett looked up from his notes. “We’ll need specific dates, names, and locations. Every meeting you can remember.”
George began reciting details with the mechanical precision of a man who had replayed his mistakes countless times. Louise rose, unable to sit still while her brother’s shame filled the room like smoke.
She moved to the window where thin sunlight struggled through unwashed glass. Outside, London continued its relentless motion. Carriages rolled past carrying people whose lives hadn’t collapsed into scandal and debt. A flower seller called her wares on the corner, bright blooms that would die within days in the coal-thick air.
“That’s comprehensive.” Howlett’s voice pulled her back. “With your testimony and our evidence, Wigram won’t see another free day.”
George stood on unsteady legs. “When will you need me to appear before the magistrate?”
“Thursday next. I’ll send a carriage.” Mr. Thornwick stood and nodded.
Howlett tucked away his notebook with practiced efficiency. “Lord Sulton, your cooperation won’t erase your involvement, but it will significantly mitigate the consequences.”
After Howlett and Mr. Thornwick departed, George collapsed back onto the settee, head in his hands.
