“Jewel told me the rest of the story.They sailed to a small island to find a treasure chest worth a king’s ransom while the battle raged.Jewel could hear the fire from other ships as they sailed by, so she knew a battle was going on, but there is no possible way that Lee could have seen Jonathan.Jonathan was on shore, shot by the British, and unable to fight with anyone.”
Silence settled over the courtroom.Elizabeth felt her legs shaking as she glanced at Jonathan, who was gripping the rails so hard that his knuckles had turned white.What was he thinking?
“She is lying, Your Honor,” Lee spoke up.“I have served His Majesty well.”
Judge Surrey gazed at the two men on either side of him.Finally, he leaned over and whispered something to one of them, then listened to his reply.“This is highly unusual,” the judge said and frowned.
Elizabeth swallowed.She could tell the judge that she had definitely told the truth, because she had a child to prove it.However, she didn’t want to bring Dawson into this proceeding if she didn’t have to.She waited to see what the judge said.
“In light of these new circumstances, I need to take everything under consideration before we proceed.”The judge rose.“We will adjourn this case until tomorrow at ten o’clock and a verdict will be issued at that time.Take the prisoner to his cell and hold Lee in custody until the matter is settled.”
Elizabeth watched the guard take Lee by the arm.Before he was led out, Lee turned and glared at her.He was close enough for her to hear him say, “You’ll regret this day.”
She already did.
Jonathan was escorted past her also, but stopped and smiled his thanks.“Thank you for speaking on my behalf,” he whispered.“Bring Jean to see me right away,” Jonathan said as the guard urged him on.
He seemed to want to tell her something, but the guard wouldn’t let him stay.
Elizabeth’s voice had somehow left her, but she managed to nod.Then she went back to the marquess and Jean.
“That was a brave thing for you to do, young lady,” the marquess said, drawing her to him for a big hug.
“Lee was lying, Lord Middlesex.Lee is the scum of the earth,” she said, more to herself than to Middlesex.“What do you think they will do?”
“I’m not sure.The evidence is compelling, but no conclusion.They could hang them both or leave them to rot in prison forever.We must pray that Surrey makes the right decision,” the marquess said in a low voice.“I’m a bit tired.I’m leaving.Are you coming?”
“I want to see Jonathan first, so we’ll stay,” Elizabeth admitted.
“And I will go with her,” Jean said.“Are you ready to go?”
Elizabeth nodded, and they left the courtroom together.
“Mon Dieu,I cannot believe that slimy bastard lives.I wanted to kill him myself when we were on the island, but Jewel said he’d drowned, and I never doubted her.Somehow, he must have escaped his watery grave.But this I guarantee—Lee will not so easily escape the next time,” Jean vowed.
Chapter 19
The sun sank lower in the sky.The tall buildings cast shadows across the street as Elizabeth and Jean hurried toward Newgate.They had to see Jonathan before the day ended.They needed time to plan and then set those plans into motion.
Surprisingly, Stanley didn’t give them his usual hard time when they arrived.Upon seeing Elizabeth, he merely held out his hand and grinned as she placed a few shillings in his palm.
Elizabeth smiled to herself as Jean checked out their surroundings.His gaze constantly shifted while they walked through the dismal corridors toward Jonathan’s cell.
Stanley opened the door to the cell and announced, “Ye’ve got some company.Ye didn’t get as lucky as yer accuser,” he said with a chuckle, then added, “Heard tell he’s escaped.”
Jonathan looked up, startled.“What are you talking about?”
“That Captain Lee escaped ’fore they could get him to a cell.They’re already punishing the guard.The way it looks, ye could be in here forever before they get this mess straightened out,” Stanley said.“Can’t hold the trial without him.”Then he looked at Elizabeth and Jean.“Ye got fifteen minutes.”
Jonathan rose and greeted Jean with a handshake.“I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw you in the courtroom.Thank God, you’ve come at the right time.As grateful as I am, I’m still a little surprised.What are you doing here?”
“Ah, my friend.Are you always in trouble?”Jean replied with a chuckle.“Or does trouble just seem to follow you?”
Jonathan gave a sarcastic laugh.“So it would seem.”He looked at Elizabeth.He wanted very much to touch her, to hold her hand, and just forget his problems but he didn’t dare.“I appreciate what you did for me at the trial.At least it has put some doubts into everyone’s minds and has bought me a little time.”
“I can’t believe that filthy Lee is still alive.”Elizabeth shuddered.“Did I hear the guard correctly?Lee has escaped?”
“So,” he said, “Lee must be caught and stopped before he strikes again.If I could get my hands on him, he wouldn’t be alive long.After what he did to Elizabeth and now me, he deserves no mercy,” Jonathan vowed.
