“You start, dear,” the latter said with an encouraging nod.
Taking a breath, Violet began. “Jeanne told us that the necklace was, in fact, a family heirloom of the de Brouets. Monique’s mama had had to pawn her favorite piece of jewelry to pay for their escape from The Terror. Growing up, Monique had heard much about the necklace and possessed a small portrait of her mother wearing the piece. When the necklace went up for auction several months ago, Monique recognized it straight away. She wanted to get back what she felt was hers: the legacy that had been robbed from her. According to Jeanne, Monique didn’t think of it as stealing.”
“Not stealing indeed,” Billings muttered. “I paid for that jewelry fair and square. I have the receipt to prove it—which makes de Brouet no better than a common pickpocket!”
Beside him, Gabby wore a pained expression. “But, Father, if her family lost the heirloom due to such horrific circumstances—”
“Money paid equals ownership,” the banker said sharply. “That necklace belongs to me.”
Gabby bit her lip and fell silent.
Violet rushed to fill the awkward silence. “Jeanne says she tried to dissuade her mistress from the plan, but Monique became obsessed with reclaiming what she saw as her birthright. When she received an invitation to perform here, she saw it as a stroke of Fate. She had a fake copy of the necklace made, using her mama’s portrait as a guide. She researched the house, obtained a map of its inner workings, and made her plan.”
“Which went awry when she ran into Miss Turbett and Mr. Burns in the library,” Emma added. “Those were Monique’s fatal flaws: she was an opportunist and too reckless by far. She thought she could profit from discovering the lovers’ elopement plans. Instead, she drove Miss Turbett to act rashly… which led her to lose everything.”
“And this maid, Jeanne, why did she run?” the magistrate asked.
“She saw it as her sacred duty to protect the de Brouet name. She feared that if she stayed the truth would be coerced from her,” Violet explained. “She didn’t want to taint Monique’s name—for the world to see the last of the de Brouets as a common thief. So she fled to preserve her mistress’ honor.” Vi paused, adding truthfully, “And she’s also a bit batty.”
“Poor thing was frightened half to death,” Em said. “Jeanne may have survived The Terror, but it left its mark. And now she has no place to go. No position or pension after all those years of faithful service.”
Strathaven narrowed his eyes at his duchess. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Because you’re the most generous of husbands,” Em said brightly.
“Bloody hell.” He sighed. “Am I also now the employer of one batty old maid?”
“Did I mention you’re clever as well as generous?”
The magistrate rose. “I believe I have all the information I require to close the case. The true villain is in custody, and the necklace has been returned to its rightful owner. The only matter left to attend to is the release of Mr. Murray, which I shall arrange for forthwith.”
Vi shared a relieved smile with Richard.
Billings escorted the magistrate out.
When the door closed, Ambrose said, “All’s well that ends well, I suppose. Mr. Murray is free and Goggston behind bars. And, as it turns out, Miss Turbett will have her happy ending.”
“She will?” Violet said.
“Given her involvement—albeit unintentional—in Monique’s death, Miss Turbett is ruined. She’ll never live down the scandal. Since he wants grandchildren, Turbett decided that Burns is a better choice than none at all. Once the investigation is closed, Miss Turbett and Burns are headed to Gretna.”
Richard exhaled, and Vi understood his reaction immediately.
“Oh no. Wick’s debt to Garrity,” she blurted.
“Mr. Murray’s debt is toGarrity?” Ambrose said sharply.
Vi wanted to kick herself. “Um, I…”
“It’s all right, lass,” Richard said. “Your brother already knows about Wick’s debt. He just didn’t know to whom the money was owed.” Rubbing his neck, he said, “I’ll think of some other way to help Wick…”
“Why don’t you just speak to Mr. Garrity?” Gabby said curiously.
Looking ill at ease, Richard said, “It’s, er, not that simple, Miss Billings.”
“Why not?” Gabby’s blue eyes were puzzled. “Mr. Garrity is ever so kind and understanding. I’m sure if you’d just explain the situation…”
“Garrity is one of the most dangerous and ruthless men in all of London,” Ambrose said flatly.
