“That’s right,” Bell confirmed. “Though as the grandson of a duke, believe me, he was sorely put out to discover his fate.”
“What is their fate?” Phillip asked, bringing the glass to his lips again.
“They must go before the judge, of course, but with the evidence we have against them, I’m certain Hillsdale and Valentina will be sentenced to death.”
“And Vining?”
“He’ll probably escape with his life. If he’s lucky.”
Phillip nodded grimly. “What about Sir Roger? Did he have anything to do with Malcolm’s death?” he asked, half hoping Sophie’s father would be carted off to gaol too.
Bell shook his head. “Absolutely nothing, as far as we could determine. Seems the poor old man was taken in by Valentina’s looks after she’d been widowed and tossed over by most others. We’re still looking into her first husband’s death. She had a sullied reputation, and she used Sir Roger for his money, all the while plotting to align their family with the Harlowe name and taking up with Hillsdale and any other man who bought her expensive gifts, and did her bidding.”
Phillip’s nostrils flared. Valentina was obviously a monster. It made him ill to think of how long Sophie had been exposed to that villainous woman. “And Hugh? Did he plot to kill Malcolm, too?”
“We have yet to determine precisely how Hugh was involved. He swears Malcolm was already dead when Hillsdale and Valentina arrived on his doorstep volunteering to help him navigate London Society and Parliament.”
Phillip lifted his brows. “In exchange for?”
“Hugh’s votes, of course. Hillsdale wanted a lackey who would do his bidding in Parliament, and Valentina wanted a duke in the family…for her stepdaughter. I hate to say it, but I tend to believe Hugh. He seems too dull to have been a part of it. Though I’ve no doubt he knew about it after the fact.”
“I agree. He knew about it and was there at the end,” Phillip said, examining the liquid in his glass while pictured himself punching his cousin in the gut. He really should have done it while he’d had the chance.
“Yes, and he’ll be punished for his role in your abduction. Make no mistake.” Bell plucked at his lip.
“I’m glad to hear it. What about Dr. Kilgore?”
“Dr. Kilgore agreed to tell the truth about what he saw the night Malcolm was killed. The papers have already caught wind of it. I’m afraid the whole messy tale will be in tomorrow’s Times.”
“Good,” Phillip replied, tossing back the rest of the brandy. “That’s what I wanted. The truth about what happened to Malcolm for all the town to know. He was a good brother and a fine duke. He deserved better.” Phillip pushed the bottle away. “Thank you for helping me learn the truth, Bell.”
“I was just doing my job,” Bell said, shaking his head. “But I am sorry, Harlowe. I was wrong about Sophie.”
A few moments of uncomfortable silence passed between them.
“How is Sophie?” Bell finally ventured.
“She’s better.” Phillip blew out his breath. “And she’s gone.”
Bell frowned. “Gone? What do you mean, gone?”
“She left with her father earlier. She didn’t say goodbye.”
“What?” Bell’s frown intensified.
Phillip shook his head. His throat ached. “I don’t blame Sophie for being unable to forgive me. I should have kept her safe.”
Bell shook his head. “I understand how you feel, Harlowe. I do. It’s just… Damn it. It’s unfair.”
The hint of a smile lifted Phillip’s lips. “Life isn’t fair, Bell. You of all people should know that.”
“I do know that,” Bell said with a shrug. “But I’m not used to unhappy endings.”
Phillip sighed. “Yes, well. This one wasn’t meant to be, I suppose.”
“I simply cannot allow—”
“No, Bell, no,” Phillip raised his voice. “I demand that you do not go speak to Sophie. Thea told me you’re famous for trying to talk people into seeing things differently. That will not work this time. Sophie barely knows you and she doesn’t particularly like you. She won’t welcome a visit from you.”
