The journey to the gaol seemed longer, Trevor noticed. But maybe it was because the truth would finally be discovered. He pushed his steed faster, knowing he’d arrive quicker than the others. It didn’t matter. He wanted to see Louisa again and hold her in his arms and never let her go.
Thirty minutes later, he arrived, and quickly dismounted. He hurried inside and found a jailer. “Is Magistrate Templeton here?”
“No, my lord. He is home with his family.”
“Then I suggest you send someone over right away to fetch him and bring him here. Miss Louisa Hamilton—who has been accused of murdering Mr. Macgregor—is innocent, and my brothers and the Danverses are bringing the true murderer here at any moment.”
When the guard stood still not looking like he was going to move, Trevor shouted, “Now man. If you value your position in this facility, you will move quickly.”
The jailer hastened his step and hurried out the door. Trevor knew not everyone would fit inside Louisa’s room, but if they could prove her innocence now, the guards would release her. Trevor wanted to run to her room and tell her not to worry, but didn’t dare. Not yet.
Soon the Danvers’ carriage arrived—Miss Watson still sobbing and mumbling her innocence—and not long after that, Magistrate Templeton arrived, appearing irate. Between Trevor, his brothers, and Lord Danvers, they explained the story to the magistrate before allowing David to tell his story.
When the magistrate gave orders to release Louisa and lock up Miss Watson, Trevor’s heart sang with happiness. His brothers and Dominic clapped Trevor on his shoulders. Lady Danvers kept wiping her wet eyes. The earl’s stern expression wavered while he comforted his wife.
During the wait, Trevor paced the hallway in the front part of the building, anxious about seeing Louisa again. He wouldn’t hold back his feelings for her—even in front of her parents. Lord Wellesley stepped away from the Danverses and cautiously walked to Trevor. He stopped and waited to see what Wellesley wanted.
The man sighed heavily and ran his fingers through his blond hair. “Is she really the Danvers’ daughter?” he asked in a low tone.
“Yes.”
“Are you aware”—his Adam’s apple bobbed—“that we are betrothed?”
Trevor’s heartbeat stalled for a split-second. He had heard this, but forgotten. It didn’t matter. Contracts could be broken, and Trevor would see that this one was dissolved immediately. “Are you aware I’m in love with her?”
Frank nodded. “That is why I decided to speak with you.”
“Then I must tell you she is in love with me, as well.”
Frank grinned. “Splendid.”
Shocked, Trevor shook his head slowly. “Why are you excited about this news?”
“Because I’m in love with another woman. I didn’t want to marry Elizabeth, but the contract was signed before I couldstop it. When we thought Elizabeth had drowned, my aunt and uncle wanted me to marry Eliza. I couldn’t disappoint them, so I agreed—grudgingly.”
Trevor touched Frank’s arm. “Then you need to tell Lord and Lady Danvers about your young woman and how much you love her. They will understand, I assure you.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. Our talk has relieved me greatly.”
“As it has me.” Trevor nodded.
From down the corridor, the footsteps echoed. The hall was dark, only the lamp held by the jailer could be seen. The group clustered together; watched and waited.
*
Louisa didn’t knowhow Trevor did it, but she’d spend the rest of her life thanking him. When the jailer had told her she was free, she didn’t quite believe him—until he threw Eliza in the room and locked the door. Eliza’s eyes shot fiery daggers toward Louisa as her childhood friend shouted curses toward the jailer and even a few threats directed Louisa’s way.
The jailer couldn’t walk fast enough, and although Louisa’s body was weary with fatigue and loss of nourishment, she still kept up beside him. Yet as they neared the entryway and she recognized the people standing by Trevor, her heart sank. At first anger shot through her, knowing he was the one who had brought her parents. But the longer she studied their expressions, the more she could see they had not blamed her as she’d feared.
Her mother stood beside her father, trembling as tears poured from her eyes. When Louisa was within speaking distance, she broke into a run and right into the open arms of her parents. She cried against her mother as her father’s strong arms wrapped around both of them.
“I’m so sorry,” she uttered in between sobs.
“There, there,” her father comforted with a hoarse voice.
“I didn’t know. I promise I didn’t.” Louisa shook her head.
Mother stroked Louisa’s ratted hair as if it were more precious than silk. “How could you, my dear?”
