The three men spread out, surrounding Jonathan, as if they expected him to make a break for the door.The action only fueled his anger.
“You are the Earl of Longdale, and your father is the Marquess of Middlesex,” the husky officer said.
“Then explain yourself,” Jonathan demanded, his expression tight with strain.“How could I be charged with treason?That is utterly ridiculous.”
“The only thing we were told, my lord, is that you are charged with treason for fighting with the Americans in New Orleans.There is a witness who has come forth.”
Jonathan didn’t know what to say.A cold knot formed in his stomach.Impatiently, he pulled his drifting thoughts together.What if someone who knew him had seen him in New Orleans?“This is utterly preposterous.I am outraged.I shall let your superiors know my feelings once we’re down at the station.”He turned.“Allow me a moment to instruct my staff.”
They nodded.
Jonathan took Jeffrey by the arm.“Listen, let my father know what has happened and tell him it is not true, so he doesn’t have an attack over the news.Send for the family barrister.Then go over to Trent House and tell Elizabeth what has transpired.Instruct her to send for Adam right away, in case things go wrong.”Jonathan peered down at Jeffrey.“Do you have everything?”
Jeffrey stood slumped over with a worried expression, but he managed to nod.Jonathan wanted to assure the elderly butler that everything would be fine but, at the moment, he wasn’t too sure of that himself.
“I’m depending on you, my man,” Jonathan said and clasped Jeffrey firmly on the shoulder.He didn’t add that his life just might depend on this old man getting the information straight.Jonathan called for his greatcoat and Jeffrey scurried away.He returned quickly and helped Jonathan into the coat.
“Gentleman,” Jonathan said as he swept past the petty constables, his head spinning as he wondered who could have testified against him.Pulling the collar of the coat up, he ducked his head and walked out into the rain.
He rode in the wagon with the three constables surrounding him.Once they arrived at headquarters, Jonathan was ushered into the building where the chief constable sat behind an old oak desk.He appeared to be reading papers on his overcrowded desk and didn’t bother to look up until Jonathan was standing directly in front of him.
Finally, the chief constable leaned back in his chair, folding his hands across his big belly.He wore a blue coat and trousers and a drab waistcoat with the city button.Of course, the gentleman’s stomach prevented him from buttoning the bottom two buttons of his jacket.The constable gave Jonathan the once-over.“So this is the one,” the constable finally said to the Petty Constables on either side of him.
His eyes were sharp and assessing.After what seemed like an eternity, he introduced himself.“I am Constable James Bridewell.”
Jonathan seethed with cold fury.“I suppose you already know who I am,” he said tersely.
“Yes, Lord Longdale.”Bridewell’s expression stilled and grew serious.“You’re a man in a lot of trouble.”
“So I’ve been informed,” Jonathan replied, then frowned in exasperation.“I believe the ridiculous charge was treason.”
“This is correct.”Bridewell nodded, his brow drawn together in a frown.
“Do you care to explain?”
“I believe you deserve that much, since treason is a very serious charge.It seems someone has come forth and is laying information against you.”
Jonathan gave the constable a bleak, tight-lipped smile.“Would you like to tell me who and when?”
“I cannot tell you who, but I do know he claims you were with the Americans fighting against your fellow countrymen.”
“That is absurd.”Jonathan’s temper grew hotter by the minute.He slammed his hand down on the desk.“I demand to be released immediately.”
“Quite frankly, you don’t look like a traitor to me.But we have a witness …” He spread his hands in an expansive gesture.“Therefore, I suggest you retain a good barrister and perhaps he can work a miracle.”Bridewell slowly came to his feet.“Until your hearing, I’m sending you to Newgate.”He waved his hand in dismissal.“Take him away.”
When the petty constable took his arm, Jonathan jerked.“I’m quite capable of moving on my own.”He thought about telling the constable exactly what he thought, but he knew it would do no good.
It was still raining as they rode to Newgate Prison, and Jonathan’s mood grew as black as the clouds outside.
“Welcome to Newgate,” the constable on the left said when the wagon finally stopped.
Jonathan looked out the window in between the raindrops at the grim outline of Newgate’s front door.It was the most notorious prison in all of England, a prison that had stood for a thousand years, a place where he never thought he’d find himself.His stomach plummeted to his toes as he disembarked from the wagon.
Swallowing hard, he headed for the gate to hell.He hoped he’d learned enough from his time with the pirates to survive this hellhole.He fervently hoped that Elizabeth could get him some help, and quickly.
He was going to need it.
Hanging wasn’t to his liking.
