by Aston, Alexa
“That harkens back to the Hawley case from 1763,” the solicitor said. “Various madhouses acts were the result, though these govern facilities in and surrounding London—not ones as far away as Gollingham.”
“Then how will you fight for Lady Jergens’ freedom?” Anna asked, shuddering.
Dez threaded his fingers through hers, trying to calm and comfort her.
“Oh, Lord Jergens has definitely committed fraud,” Black assured them. “We will confront him on that issue today.”
The butler entered and announced, “Lord Jergens and Mr. Withersby.”
Two men entered. The one obviously dressed well stormed ahead of the other, ready to confront his father-in-law. He strode across the room.
“Why do you think you can threaten and demand . . .” Lord Jergens’ voice trailed off. Surprise registered upon his face. “You!” he said, spying his wife and then wheeling to face Lord Morton. “What the dickens is this bloody bedlamite doing here?”
The earl rose to his feet, towering over Jergens, and said, “Don’t you dare throw your curses at my daughter. You are the bloody bastard who should be beaten to death for what you have done to my Alice.”
Haggard stepped to the earl and took his forearm. “Have a seat, my lord,” the runner said calmly. “This will be over in a few minutes.”
Morton’s face, red with anger, looked as if he might explode but he took Haggard’s advice.
The runner said to Jergens, “You and your man take a seat. You won’t be here long.”
When an exasperated sigh came from Jergens, Dez said, “Do as you’re told, man.”
“Who are you?” Jergens demanded.
“The Earl of Torrington. Sit.”
Jergens finally did so, motioning his solicitor, who looked terrified, to do the same.
Mr. Black took the lead and said, “Lady Jergens will sue for an annulment, with her father’s support.”
Jergens shot to his feet again. “My wife will go back to where I placed her. Legally, she is mine to do with as I wish.”
“As long as you are wed,” Black continued. “Part of that is honoring the marriage settlements. The contracts you signed along with Lord Morton.”
Dez watched as a crack in Jergens’ confidence appeared and he took his seat again. Anna squeezed his fingers and he nodded to her.
“A stipulation in the settlements was for Dunhaven, one of your unentailed estates in Sussex, be made available to Lady Jergens and serve as her home in case you predeceased her in death and no issue from the marriage had occurred to become the heir apparent.”
“What of it?” Jergens asked warily.
Black cleared his throat dramatically. “When the contracts were signed, you no longer possessed Dunhaven. It had been sold to help pay off some of your immense debts.”
“So?” the viscount asked testily. “I would have merely given her another place to go. As it was, I received a wife who was damaged goods. A lunatic.”
Dr. Caymon spoke up. “A woman with whom you never bothered to consummate your marriage. Yes, I have examined Lady Jergens, as did Dr. Cheshire at Gollingham Asylum, and we both ascertained she remains a virgin.”
The words badly shook Jergens, who grew pale.
“You also did not have a physician examine her for her mental capacity,” Dr. Caymon continued. “She was committed to Gollingham strictly on your word, which violates several laws.” He looked to Black. “I believe you mentioned the Hawley case.”
Jergens’ eyes cut to his own solicitor, who began shaking his head in surrender.
“You wed my daughter strictly for her dowry,” Lord Morton accused. “Though that very act happens time and again in Polite Society, you never even bothered to make her a true wife and committed her to an asylum. You signed the marriage contracts, knowing full well what you offered to her as property was no longer available, thinking I would never outlive you and Alice would be locked away and in no need of a place to live upon your death.”
Lord Morton stood and closed the distance between him and his son-in-law. He spit into Jergens’ face. “You disgust me.”
The viscount wiped the spittle away with his sleeve and looked to his solicitor. “Withersby?” he pleaded.
Withersby shook his head. “I am sorry, my lord. You are in violation of the contracts. Lord Morton and Lady Jergens will bring about the charge of fraud. It is grounds for an annulment. The case will be tried in an ecclesiastical court by the Bishop of the See in your local parish. In this case, that would be Sussex.”
Jergens gasped. “That would make me a social pariah.” His eyes cut to his wife. “You, too, Alice.” He smiled, trying to appeal to her, rising from his seat and going to kneel before her. “You don’t want that, do you? No man would think to wed you after an annulment. Why don’t the two of us settle this between us, darling? There’s no sense you going back to Gollingham. I see now that wasn’t the solution for us. We can live separate lives as many in the ton do. We can even—”
Lady Jergens slapped her husband, knocking him over. She rose to her feet.
“I am not—and never will be—your darling, Jergens. You are a fool. A gambler. A licentious bastard. I would rather die a free spinster than be bound to you in marriage for a moment longer.”
With that, the viscount broke down sobbing. He began blubbering, asking for forgiveness, clawing at his wife’s skirts.
“I will leave it to you gentlemen now,” Lady Jergens said and she quit the room.
The viscount’s head fell into his hands. “What do we do now?” he asked.
Mr. Black responded. “I will see that a hearing in the ecclesiastical court is placed upon the calendar as quickly as possible. Mr. Withersby and I will meet with the bishop beforehand to see what evidence is required and what testimony will take place. In the meantime, Lord Jergens, I suggest that you refrain from discussing the matter with anyone but your solicitor and that you do not try to write or see your wife or father-in-law. Can we agree to those terms?”
“They are acceptable,” Withersby responded. “Let me know when we are to travel to Sussex, Mr. Black.” To the viscount, Withersby said, “Come, my lord. We have no further business here.”
The solicitor grabbed the viscount’s elbow and hoisted him to his feet. He led his employer from the room and an audible, collective sigh came from those still present.
“I have already written to the bishop and received a reply,” Black revealed. “A note was delivered to Withersby’s office during our meeting, informing him that we leave tomorrow morning to meet with the bishop regarding the affair.”
The solicitor and doctor excused themselves and Dez turned to Haggard.
“What else have you found?” he asked the runner, knowing Lord Morton and Anna needed to be apprised of the investigator’s findings.
“I have looked into the cases of the two women you spoke with at Gollingham, Lord Torrington. In the case of Lady Eastman, she lost her husband three months before giving birth to their only child, a son, who was then named the new Lord Eastman. Her brother-in-law, a Mr. Sillwell, had come to live at the estate, waiting to see if he would become the new viscount or if she produced a male child. From what I learned, Lady Eastman had been severely depressed upon the death of her husband but had roused herself upon the birth of her first child.”
“But this brother-in-law wished to be the new viscount,” Dez stated.
“Yes,” the runner agreed. “Mr. Sillwell felt it best for the child to commit the mother. He claimed she had tried to harm the boy, telling him that he needed to die and be with his beloved papa.”
“All a lie, I am sure,” Anna said bitterly. “What has happened to the baby?”
“Mr. Sillwell was named as guardian for young Lord Eastman,” Haggard said.
“I worry for the child’s welfare,” Anna said. “This Sillwell wants to be a viscount. The only thing standing between him and the title is a baby.”
“I fear you are correct,” H
aggard said.
The runner explained a few ways for them to proceed and both Dez and Lord Morton granted him the power to do so.
“And Miss Stone?” Dez asked, thinking of the other woman who was as lucid and sane as he was, even as she sat rotting away in Gollingham Asylum.
“Miss Stone taught at a school run by her father. Upon his death, Mr. Stone left the school to his daughter—and not one penny to his profligate son. Though unmarried women can own and maintain property in England, Mr. Stone had his sister committed and has taken over the running of the school. Into the ground, I am afraid.”
Once more, they debated ways to help Miss Stone and authorized the Bow Street Runner to pursue them.
As they readied themselves to leave, Lord Morton said, “Mr. Black said that you might be called upon as a witness to my daughter’s case, Lord Torrington.”
“I will be happy to testify to what I know,” Dez said.
“If I am needed to do so, I would also speak my piece,” Anna added.
“Thank you both,” the earl said. “I am grateful to have Alice back. Even if her reputation is ruined by this whole sordid affair, at least she is free of that cursed place.” He smiled at them. “The fact the two of you have wed and appear quite happy brings me joy.”
They thanked him and left. In the carriage, Dez placed an arm about his wife, drawing her close.
“Do you think Lady Eastman or Miss Stone have a chance of being released?” Anna asked hopefully.
“I will do everything in my power to help restore them to society,” Dez said fervently.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Anna didn’t mind that she and Dez remained in London. The Season was winding down and, already, many of the ton were leaving town with the increase in the heat, retreating to their country estates and house parties. It wasn’t as if they would have been invited to any events.
She didn’t know what their status would be come next Season. By then, they would be parents. She placed a hand protectively against her belly. Her giving birth in February probably meant that they wouldn’t even bother to come to London. She hoped her cousin and his wife would chaperone Jessa for her come-out. Tom’s reputation was impeccable and would help Jessa far more than Anna’s might even though she was now a countess.
They had been to visit Lord Morton and his daughter twice in the last two weeks. Anna and Alice were now on a first-name basis and had left the men on their own to talk while they retreated to a parlor Alice had claimed as her own. Her new friend confided that she still had nightmares about Gollingham but expressed her gratitude for being free of the asylum.
The petition for annulling the marriage of Lord and Lady Jergens’ marriage had been heard recently by the bishop. Neither Dez nor Anna had been called to testify. Mr. Black had sent word that their presence would not be required. Dez had thought that would be the case. They waited now for word regarding the decision.
As she gazed out the window, she asked her husband, “Would you like me to ring for a pot of tea?”
“No. Just sit here with me.”
“Gladly.”
Anna joined Dez and they sat together, their hands finding one another. Having known only brutish physical contact for so many years, she found she craved his touch, in and out of bed. He seemed to understand her need for it and always tried to sit next to her, his fingers laced through hers. Last night, he had curled up with her, his head in her lap. She constantly ran her fingers through the thick waves, reassured by his presence.
“Would you like me to read to you?” he asked.
“No. I am afraid it would be a waste of your voice for I don’t think I could concentrate on the words. Not until we hear from Lord Morton.”
Johnson, their butler, slipped into the room. “Mr. Haggard is here, my lord, and asking to see you at once.”
“Send him in,” ordered Dez.
Moments later, the Bow Street Runner entered the drawing room. He withdrew a folded page from his pocket and handed it to Dez. Eagerly, Anna looked as her husband opened the note and they both read it. Relief filled her when she learned the bishop had granted the petition for annulment.
“Were you with Lord Morton and Lady Jergens when they received word?” she asked Haggard.
“I was, my lady,” Haggard said, a smile lighting his usually stern countenance. “Both father and daughter were quite happy at the outcome. Lady Alice’s dowry is supposed to be returned but I doubt Lord Morton will receive any of it. From what I ascertained, most of it has already been spent. Lord Morton could press for it in court but it would add to the already brewing scandal.”
“You think the scandal will break now?” she asked anxiously.
“It is inevitable, my love,” Dez said. “Lord Jergens won’t be able to pay his debts again and when his former wife appears in society as Lady Alice once again, the tongues of the ton will wag. He will never be able to find a bride and I am afraid she will not be able to find a husband.”
“Even though she is not at fault?” Anna demanded.
“Polite Society is cruel to women,” he said. “I know that she will always have a friend in you, however.” Looking to Haggard, he asked, “Any progress on the other matters?”
She knew he referred to Lady Eastman and Miss Stone, who still remained at Gollingham.
“I cannot find the doctors who examined them and judged them to be insane,” the runner shared.
“If that’s the case, then do you think there is hope of them being able to leave Gollingham?” she asked hopefully.
“It is early yet, my lady,” Haggard said. “Both your husband and Lord Morton have told me to keep on it.”
“Thank you for bringing us the good news, Haggard,” Dez said.
The agent took his leave and she threw her arms about her husband, soundly kissing him.
“This calls for a celebration,” she said.
“Is that a wicked glint in your eyes, Lady Torrington?” he asked playfully.
“I don’t know, Lord Torrington. Is it?” she responded coyly.
He pulled her to him for a searing kiss. Anna had thought she would never get her fill of him but ever since she learned she was with child, she seemed to be even more frisky when it came to bedding her husband.
“Would you like to retire for an afternoon nap, my lady?”
She yawned. “I do feel rather tired. Perhaps a nap would be just the thing.”
Dez pulled her to her feet and gave her a lingering kiss. “Then nap you shall. And I will supervise you in this endeavor.”
They crossed the room and before they could exit it, Johnson opened the door.
“What is it, Johnson?” Dez asked.
The servant frowned. “There is a Mr. Jefferson here to see you, my lord.”
“Jefferson? I don’t recall knowing any Jefferson.”
Johnson handed over the card he carried, distaste on his face. “He said you would say that.”
Anna glanced down and saw the name Jefferson. Underneath it was the name of the largest newspaper circulating in London.
“A reporter? Whatever could he want?” she asked, her heart speeding up, especially as she saw the worry reflected in Dez’s eyes.
“I will see him,” he informed Johnson, whose brows arched for a moment. “Bring him up.”
When the butler left, Dez said, “Go to our bedchamber. I will—”
“I will not!” she protested. “If this is about me—and Gollingham—then I have a right to hear and be a part of the discussion.”
He sighed. “You are right. I only wished to protect you.”
“And you have,” she reassured him. “But remember, Dez, we are in this together. Our vows spoke to that.”
He kissed her softly. “You are so wise, my dear countess.”
Johnson announced their visitor and Mr. Jefferson came toward them. He was tall and thin and had inquisitive brown eyes.
“Good afternoon, Lord Torrington. Lady Torrington. I am Mr. Jefferson,
a journalist investigating Gollingham Asylum.” He looked to Anna. “You are looking well, my lady, for having been a recent patient of the facility.”
Dez took a step toward the man, partially shielding her. “You go too far, Jefferson.”
“I don’t go far enough, my lord,” the reporter countered. “You and Lord Shelton were successful in removing Lady Torrington from the place. I am trying to do the same for other women.”
“We should hear him out,” she said. “Won’t you have a seat, Mr. Jefferson?”
Anna indicated a chair and the journalist took it while she and Dez seated themselves by one another. She knew members of Polite Society never chose to meet with reporters but she was curious about what this man was up to.
“What is the scope and nature of your investigation, Mr. Jefferson?” she asked.
He looked at her frankly. “Thank you for even seeing me, my lady. My lord. I doubted you would but since you didn’t refuse, I believe you to be more openminded than most members of Polite Society.” He took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly. “I am not one who writes of ton gossip but rather a serious journalist who writes stories on political and economic issues.”
“How does a madhouse qualify as either?” Dez asked sharply.
“The story has become more personal for me,” Jefferson revealed. “My fiancée, Miss Blair, teaches at Stone Academy, and is close friends with Miss Stone. Miss Stone’s father passed away several months ago, leaving her the school—and nothing to her worthless brother. When Miss Blair arrived one day, Miss Stone was nowhere to be found. Her brother was there and said that she had left him in charge and he would be the new headmaster.”
Jefferson shook his head. “I know Miss Stone through my fiancée and she would never have walked away from Stone Academy, much less left a fool in charge of running things. I discovered Stone had his sister sent to Gollingham Asylum and began researching the facility and its staff, trying to find out how and why Miss Stone was placed there.”