Besides, it would not be the first time one of the wives had been included in conversations that Drake thought them best left out of.The ladies had already proven helpful in the investigation into the dukes’ deaths.Although he noticed Drake still endeavored to keep them at arm's length.
“Your Grace.Would you care for some refreshment?”she asked as Matthew escorted her to one of the wingback chairs.
Drake shook his head, shifting his weight back and forth on his feet, likely wishing to resume the pacing he’d been doing when they’d entered the room.Whatever news he had, he was in a bit of a state about it.
“No, thank you.We will not be here long.”
“We will not?”Matthew asked, as the door opened again, to reveal Holt and Micah with a curious expression on his face.The young man hurried in, and the butler shut the door behind him, giving Drake an abbreviated bow as he looked between all of them.
“Your Grace,” Micah said to Drake, his voice cracking on the last word.He winced but forged ahead.“What has happened?”
Drake cleared his throat, moving over to stand behind the chair opposite Johanna, gripping the top of its back as he gave himself a little shake.
“I am pleased to inform you that Blash did not actually go to America.”A small smile curved his lips.“Though he laid a very good false trail, he actually never left England.Never left London, in fact.”
Johanna gasped, her hand rising to her lips.
“He’shere?”
“Well, he is in Newgate now.”Drake’s smile made more sense as he delivered that news with relish.
Now it was Matthew’s turn to put his hand on Johanna’s shoulder, the way she had for him when he’d realized her mother might be describing Heywood.Trying to give what reassurance he could.Not that he thought she was upset to hear that Blash was in prison, but perhaps at just realizing he’d been so close by all this time.
“Newgate,” she said faintly, her fingertips rising to her lips.
“Good,” Micah said furiously.“I am glad he is in prison.He can rot there for all I care.”
“My sentiment as well,” Drake said.“However, I wished to come by and see if there is anything you would like me to ask him.I am on my way to visit him now for some questions on a separate matter, and I already planned to wring him for information about where the money he stole from you went, but I thought I should ask if there was anything specific you wished to ask about.”
“I wish to see him,” Micah said immediately, fisting his hands at his side, his small chin lifting defiantly.Johanna’s own fingers gripped Matthew’s hand tighter at her brother’s declaration.“I wish to see him myself and tell him what a vile worm he is.”
“No.”Three voices spoke at once, and Drake shot Matthew a look of bemusement.Obviously, since Matthew agreed with him, Drake wanted Matthew to take the lead on denying the young earl.
“Newgate is no place for a youth nor a lady,” Matthew said, shaking his head.Not that Johanna had asked to go, but just in case.
He had not needed to flip his coin for that answer.It had been instinctive.Should he go?His fingers brushed his pocket.There did not seem to be any great reason to.Though Matthew would certainly like to see Mr.Blash have his day in court when that came to pass, and that was something he could take both Micah and Johanna to.
“I am very happy to pass on the message about what a vile worm he is,” Drake offered when Micah deflated.“Matthew is correct, though.Newgate is… well, it is a fitting place for a man who would prey on others and maximize his own benefits at their expense.Especially those whose care he was entrusted with, and who he should have honorably guided.Only the worst kind of people use children and the innocent for their own ends.”
The sheer contempt and repugnance in Drake’s voice were more than Matthew would have thought possible, considering how removed he was from the situation.Drake sounded almost as though he was taking Mr.Blash’s crimes as personally as if they were against him and his.Then again, Drake could be very black and white in his thinking, with very little room for compromise.
“Very well.”Micah sighed, scrubbing his hand over his face.“I cannot think of any questions.I just want to know that he is aware of what an utter cad he is.”
“If he is not already aware, I will be sure to tell him,” Drake promised.“I will also take great pleasure in telling him that we are in the process of recoveringallthe funds he stole from you, that there are several moneylenders who would now like a word with him, and that your brother-in-law, the Duke of St.Albans, will certainly be paying close attention to his trial.”
“Very close,” Matthew said, nodding.There were enough among the aristocracy who bent the law to favor themselves, even when they were not innocent; it was only fair that it should be bent to condemn a man who was truly guilty.Especially after meeting Johanna’s family.
How could a man, a relation no less, condemn actual children to starvation or worse?He’d met with them, broken bread with them, and still been ready to sell Johanna to the highest bidder.Matthew shuddered to think what his plans for Bridget and Charlotte might have been.
Or perhaps he’d had no plans at all but had only thought of it when Johanna appeared on his doorstep.Matthew would not have put it past him to start making plans, though.
“I need to speak with you and the others.Today, if possible,” he told Drake, squeezing his hand around the paper rolled within it.
Drake nodded, though he was obviously distracted as he took out his pocket watch to check the time.
“It should not take me too long.I sincerely doubt Blash is the type to hold his cards close to his vest, especially if he is hoping for any kind of leniency.”
“Are you going to help him get that?”Micah asked, obviously worried.
