Cole stiffened, hoping that Thea wouldn’t tell him that they suspected it was his own daughter, running into the woods to meet Michael Reynolds.
“It was a servant,” Thea lied. “Cole actually realised what had happened.”
“She was meeting a man from the village,” Cole added. “If you don’t mind, I would rather not give the name as it was told to me in the strictest confidence.”
“Of course,” Lord Grady agreed. “You may be required to give it at trial but we shall see.”
“It was his idea!” Mrs Cole suddenly cried. “He made me poison Beau so we could finally be together!”
“What! She’s lying!” Garwood answered.
“He seduced me and made me love him and promised that if I did as he said, he would look after me.”
“Shut up, you stupid fool!”
“No! He killed the maid too, because she was blackmailing him, she overheard us talking and threatened to tell Beau that my daughters aren’t his! He did it all!”
Cole stiffened as he realised what Thea had tried to hide from them, that his half-sisters weren’t his kin.
“Is this true?” Lord Small demanded of Garwood.
“NO! Absolutely not!”
“It’s all him! He told me to marry Beau, even introduced us. Everything was his idea and he made me poison Beau or he would ruin me. I didn’t want to. I’m so sorry.” Selena began sobbing, real tears this time.
“You witch!” Garwood hurled back. “She is the one who said we had to marry rich people, she’s the one who killed that maid and put the poison in my wife’s tonic. She’s obsessed with me and always has been! None of this was my idea and I did not introduce her to Mr Cole. Nor did I tell her to kill him. She is the one who gave me the idea to kill-” He suddenly stopped, realising what he had said thanks to his inebriated state.
“That sounds rather like a confession to me,” Lord Small noted.
“Agreed,” Lord Grady answered him. “Now all we need to know is, which of them is telling the truth?”
“Does it matter? They’ll both hang.”
Selena sobbed harder at Small’s words.
“I prefer to have the whole truth, when possible.”
Cole looked down to Thea, who was chewing on her thumb nail.
“Hey,” he whispered, putting his hand on her shoulder. “What’s wrong?”
Thea shook her head so he nodded, encouraging her to say what she was hiding. “It’s all right.”
“I… As far as I can tell, Mrs Cole is telling the truth,” Thea admitted and although her voice was soft, everyone in the vicinity heard (and the few who didn’t were soon told). Getting up from her chair, Thea made her way behind it, her eyes begging Cole to understand her deception.
He put a reassuring arm around her shoulders and nodded that he understood.
“Father found the blackmail letter during his search of Mr Garwood’s room. Mary stated that she knew the truth about Maria and Sylvia’s parentage and would tell the Master unless Mr Garwood left one hundred pounds in the green parlour, which she would collect later.” Thea looked to Garwood. “Instead, he waited there to ambush and kill her.”
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Lord Grady asked.
“I didn’t want the children growing up with the stigma of having two murderous parents.” She looked back to Cole. “I intended to tell you when we were alone, and let you decide what to do with the letter.”
She looked terribly worried about his reaction but honestly, he had suspected the truth himself so of all the shocks he’d had recently, this was one of the lesser ones. Tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, he smiled.
“I would prefer they didn’t have that burden but then again, the truth always comes out eventually. It’s better to live with an uncomfortable truth, than a damaging lie.”
“You won’t…?”
“No,” he assured her. “We can discuss the specifics at some other time, but I’ll never abandon them.”
In truth, he wondered if he could adopt them. With both parents dead, it surely wouldn’t be difficult to become their guardian, he was only worried that Thea might balk at the idea of a readymade family and two children. He hoped not, he thought she was better than that, but he worried nonetheless.
“Well, I would say that was a good night’s work,” Lord Grady answered, turning to his daughter. “My dear, I should escort these two to the jail with the constables, will you be all right if I ask Mrs Small to keep an eye on you?”
“I’ll be fine, Daddy,” Miss Eleanor smiled.
He looked to Mrs Small. “I’m afraid I may be late returning.”
“It’s no problem, Sir. She can sleep in my bed with me, there’s room enough for two, or if she would prefer, I’m sure a cot can be brought into the girl’s bedroom.”
Lord Grady looked to Black, who nodded his assent.
“Then I shall leave the choice to you, my dear Eleanor.”
“And if nobody minds, I think I would like to turn in for the night,” Cole said, hoping Thea would agree.
“Yes.”
“Of course not,” Lord Small assured him.
“With your permission, I’ll take care of your guests,” Lord Reynolds offered. As their closest neighbour, he had a better knowledge of the Abbey than most of the guests.
“Thank you, Sir. Please feel free to spend the night if that is more convenient for you.”
“Thank you.”
Goodbyes were said and Cole left, accompanied by Thea and her father.
“Why don’t you get changed for bed and join us again?” Thea suggested to him. “Or at least, dress down a little bit.”
“Night clothes will do fine,” Copley added and when they both turned to look at him, he smiled. “I can’t in all good conscience let you both sleep on a sofa again and besides, I know that after a day like today, Cole will be wanting comfort but likely, far too weary for anything more… amorous.”
“What about gossip?” Thea asked.
“Given everything that’s happened in the past 24 hours, a betrothed couple sharing a bed is the least of them.”
Cole nodded. “Thank you, Sir, I appreciate it, and you can trust me.”
“You’re a good man, Cole, and as miserable as these next few weeks will be, you will get through this.”
“Thank you.”
“Good night. I’ll see you both in the morning.”
Copley entered their rooms and Cole kissed Thea on the cheek.
“I’ll change for bed,” he said. “Knock on my door when your maid has gone.”
Thea nodded her agreement.
Cole sent his valet away but was slow to undress, exhaustion quickly overcoming him. He was ready to drop by the time Thea came for him and as he climbed into her bed, he just had time to gather her into his arms before sleep claimed him.
Chapter Seventeen
The next three months proved to be the strangest in Cole’s life, beginning the next morning.
He awoke to find himself being watched by Thea, her head propped up on her hand as she lay facing him. She smiled at him as he opened his eyes.
“Have you been watching me sleep?” he asked.
“Perhaps.”
“That’s very… odd.”
“Really? Of all my quirks, watching you sleep is the odd one?”
“Touché.” He smiled. “Life with you will certainly not be dull.”
“You haven’t changed your mind, then?”
“Why would you think that?”
“Because I’ve destroyed your family.”
“You haven’t destroyed anything,” he assured her.
“Still, some people think that ignorance is bliss.”
“Luckily, I’m not one of them.”
She smiled and leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss on his lips.
“What about you,” he asked. “No second thoughts?”
“Why would you think that?”
“Well you agreed to marr
y a son and brother, now you’re getting a father of two.”
“I like your sisters, well, I suppose they’re not your true kin. Although technically, they’re still your step-sisters.”
“But could you be a mother to them? Or a motherly figure?”
“My parents didn’t want a child a year so my siblings are all quite a bit younger than I. My youngest was an accident however, mother thought she was past childbearing age, and she is only seven. I’ve loved looking after all my siblings. Mama also invites talented local children into our schoolroom, to give them an education fitting their intellect. Children are… they’re like a dry sponge, so eager to soak up knowledge and try new things. I love being around them because they’re enthusiasm is infectious.”
Cole’s hand rose and cupped her face, his thumb gently caressing her cheek bone. “You’re remarkable.”
“Thank you for remarking on it. You’re fairly amazing yourself.”
“Then we make a good team.” He kissed her but when they broke apart, he sighed and collapsed back to the bed. “I don’t want to leave this room,” he confessed. “I don’t want real life to intrude again.”
“Why don’t you and your sisters come home with me and Papa? Perhaps a little distance will give you some perspective on the situation.”
“That sounds lovely, but running away isn’t the answer.”
“You aren’t running away,” she assured him. “Running away would imply you have no intention of returning, when you do. You are simply taking a holiday.”
“Your parents won’t mind you bringing a strange man home?”
“You aren’t that strange,” she teased. “But to be honest, I’m surprised mother hasn’t arrived, banging in the door and demanding to meet the man who thinks he is good enough for her baby.”
“You’ve told her about me?”
“Not much. I know that sounds insulting but… it’s almost as if by not telling anyone about you, I could keep you all to myself. But Father will have told her everything, I think they may be incapable of keeping secrets from one another.”
“Thank you. I accept your invitation.”
He leaned forward to kiss her again but before their lips could touch, someone knocked on the door. They shared a fearful look.
“Who is it?” Thea called.
“Your mother. I already know you have a boy in there with you, so you may as well let me in.”
“Speak of the Devil and she shall appear,” Thea said softly, but her expression was worried as she called, “Come in.”
The door opened and in bustled a woman with a striking resemblance to Thea, although she was hobbling on two walking sticks, which were getting caught in her voluminous skirt.
“Sorry to disturb you but I’ve been here two hours already and it’s nearly noon and I couldn’t wait any longer.”
“Noon?” Cole was surprised.
Lady Copley’s stick was knocked by Ann as she ran into the room and she nearly fell.
“Oh, damn it!” She threw the sticks away and half hopped, half hobbled towards the bed. “Stupid ankle, idiotic walking sticks. There has to be a better contraption.”
“Bad dog!” Thea chastised the mutt, who was now up on the bed, her tail wagging enthusiastically.
“Sweet little dog, but not interested in me in the slightest, he’s been desperate to get to you all morning,” Lady Copley said, hanging onto the back of an armchair for balance.
With as much dignity as he could muster in his nightgown, Cole got out of bed and went to assist Lady Copley. He bowed as he reached her.
“Milady, I apologise if it looks as if your daughter and I did anything… inappropriate.”
“Oh, please, I was young once too.” She waved his words away.
“Mama!” Thea sounded shocked.
“It’s true, darling. Meeting your father made me feel things that, for the first time in my life, I couldn’t control.”
She took another shuffling step and Cole held his arms out. “May I?”
“Oh, why not. It seems you are to be family soon, and it’s infinitely better than those blasted sticks. They’re so awkward, I’m tempted to get a bath chair and have a servant wheel me everywhere.”
Cole scooped her into his arms, bridal style, and carried her over to the bed.
“Oh!” Lady Copley said in surprise. “He’s quite strong,” she said to Thea, her approval evident.
Cole sat her on the side of the bed and stepped back.
“If you’ll excuse me, ladies.”
“Please don’t leave on my account,” Lady Copley said. “Oh, and before I forget, I’m very sorry for your loss. Losses?”
“Loss,” he assured her. “I wasn’t close to the others who… perished.”
“One loss is still one too many,” she said, and he could hear an echo of pain in her voice that belied her light-hearted attitude.
“Thank you, Lady Copley.”
“If we are to be family you can call me Damaris, or Mari, which ever you prefer.”
“Thank you.” Lady Copley reached out for her daughter’s hand. “I hear that you have surpassed yourself on this case, my dear.”
Thea smiled. “I began to think I would never figure it out.”
“If you ladies will excuse me,” Cole interrupted. “I think it’s about time I dressed for the day.”
“Yes, of course,” Damaris assured him, while Thea just smiled at him.
A few moments after he closed the door, he heard laughter from the ladies and smiled. It seemed that the elder Lady Copley was as much a force of nature as her daughter.
***
After his father’s funeral, Cole returned to the Copley Estate with Thea’s family.
Life at the Copley’s estate was as merry as Cole’s childhood and until he experienced it again, he had forgotten how happy his life used to be.
The Copley children had between five and eight years between each of them but there were also three wards living with the family, promising children who had no parents. They were just three of many who had passed through the home over the years and they came from the Copley’s orphanage in town, which took in and educated local orphans. Those who showed aptitude above and beyond the norm might be taken to ‘the big house’ to be educated with the family’s children.
Thea remembered them all and the family was still in contact with most of them, who had gone on to university.
Sylvia and Marie quickly made friends with Catherine, the youngest of the Copley’s children and Cole quickly made a friend of the only boy, Francis. Growing up surrounded by women gave them something to bond over.
Cole couldn’t stay at the house but since Lord Copley’s mother had never left to take up residence in the Dower house, he was able to stay there.
He had almost two, very happy, months there, before he had to get back to his life and return home for the trial.
To his surprise, the Copley’s insisted on returning with him, which he was pleased about.
Only one of his sisters had come home since his father’s second marriage. He had been to see them but their dislike of their stepmother, and loyalty to their real mother, kept them from visiting him.
Now four of his sisters returned in time for the trial and while they were initially taken aback by Thea’s direct nature, they soon warmed to her. He was glad, because they had always been protective of him and he worried that they would object to his choice.
He was already practiced with running the estate and with Thea and her mother’s help, he was finally able to decipher his father’s accounting system. Lord Copley also offered some suggestions for improving efficiency on the estate, although almost all of his suggestions were based on his wife’s research and readings on agriculture.
Selena Cole and Donald Garwood maintained their innocence at trial, each blaming the other. The jury split the difference, finding them both guilty of murder, Selena of her husband and Mr Garwood of killing his wife and the maid.
&nb
sp; They were hanged three days later, in the village square.
Despite justice being served, it was a sad day for all, but they all supported each other through it.
Over the following two weeks his remaining sisters arrived, to attend his wedding, which was a simple affair held in the village church.
The honeymoon was to be spent in Bath, where Thea hoped to obtain samples to see what gave the water its renowned curative properties.
Cole would have expected nothing less.
Epilogue
Damaris watched with pleasure as the carriage headed down the avenue, with the new husband and wife in situ. She watched their progress from a window on the upper landing, having already given the couple her love and wished them well, then she had taken her leave before her grief at losing a child could spoil her happy day.
“I can hardly believe she is leaving us,” she told her husband. “I shall miss her so badly. And who will help me with our investigations? And my research.”
“Caroline is coming along nicely, she will make you an admirable assistant.”
“Caroline does not have Athena’s talents.”
“No one has Thea’s talents for the sciences, except for you. None the less, I’m sure an apprenticeship to yourself will soon train the others up admirably.” He wrapped his arms around her waist, his chest to her back and she leaned against him, placing her hands over his.
“You mustn’t talk of our children as employees, Nate.”
“Why not, when you are complaining about losing your assistant.”
“You know it’s Thea I shall miss, not her skills. I… I worry about her.”
“I know, darling, I’m only teasing you.”
“Do you think she did the right thing in marrying Cole?” She asked her husband. “She is far more demanding than most wives would be.”
“I married you, didn’t I? And I have to say, it was the wisest decision I ever made.” He pressed a kiss on her shoulder. “If Cole is even half the man I think he is, they will both be very happy.”
As the carriage moved out of sight, Damaris turned in his arms and kissed his lips. “And if she experiences even a fraction of the happiness that I have with you, she will be a very happy woman.”
Murder at Locke Abbey Page 23