“How would you know? You were not even here,” Maria demanded.
“I was at the window and saw everything.”
“As if anyone would believe you,” she scoffed. “Not after you murdered Mr. Thompson.”
Marcus froze and stared at her. “What are you talking about? He died of a heart failure.”
“I know you poisoned him but thought to hold my tongue and protect you.”
“I did no such thing.”
Victor watched in horror as his sister cast blame on everyone.
Somerton glanced at the occupants in the room. “None of you are to leave the house.” He turned to the butler. “Can you trust the footmen not to let anyone leave?”
“Yes, Lord Somerton.”
He looked back at Victor. “Let us hope your wife survives as I have no doubt that she will tell the truth of who shot her.”
Chapter 36
Thewaitingwasalmostmore than he could take.
Victor paced and sipped the safe brandy, but he did not want to get drunk. He needed to be alert for Charlotte when she was out of danger.
“What is taking the doctor so long?”
“I am certain it is not an easy wound to treat,” Marcus answered.
It was just the two of them in the library. Somerton had taken Maria into the parlor to be questioned. Victor had already told him in private what had occurred and what his sister had said. He also told him of the damage she had caused at his estate.
“Why would she step in to save me?” he asked aloud even though nobody had any answers. “She might die, or our child could be lost.”
“Excuse me, Lord Blackmar.”
He turned to find Charlotte’s maid standing with a tray of sandwiches.
“Cook thought that you may need these.”
“Set them on the table.” He wasn’t hungry.
“Might I also have a word with you in private, Lord Blackmar.”
He frowned.
“It is about your wife.”
“Very well.” He moved to step onto the terrace, but a footman turned in warning and Victor stepped back inside.
“I will leave.” Marcus took a sandwich from the tray and left the library, closing the door behind him.
“What is it, Callie?”
“Lord Blackmar, I know it is not my place, but I think Lady Blackmar would want you to know.”
“What?”
Tears came to the girl’s eyes. “Your wife lost the babe two days after you left.”
