‘Objection!’ Matthews was on his feet.
‘About time,’ Galloways mumbled. ‘Sustained.’
‘M’lud,’ Creswell sighed, rolling his eyes. ‘My Learned Friend has not yet detailed his objection.’
Galloways ignored him. ‘Give me that, please, Doctor,’ he said, holding out a trembling hand.
The clerk took it from Quill and passed it to the bench.
‘This is irrelevant,’ Galloway decided having barely glanced at the list.
Archer had no doubt that the judge’s name was the first on it, and along with the creeping hope came reluctant admiration for Quill. He swallowed the thought as quickly as Quill swallowed spit.
‘Completely irrelevant.’ Galloways ripped the paper into pieces. ‘This will not be entered into evidence.’
Smelling a coverup, the press scribbled madly, and the public began to mutter.
‘Your Worship!’ Creswell was outraged and had good cause to be. Even Matthews was shocked.
‘Not to worry,’ Quill said, half of his face smiling. ‘Lord Clearwater has the original on his person.’
Archer had forgotten the envelope. Assuming it was an outline of Quill’s terms for future engagement, he had put it to the back of his mind. Silas was all that mattered, and it wasn’t until then that he understood there was a connection between Galloways, Cleaver Street and the charges against his lover. It had taken James, Thomas and Quill to make the connection. His servants and his enemy working together, though separately, to save his lover and his reputation. They both had much explaining to do.
As he had been thinking, he had taken the envelope from his pocket and was now aware that every pair of eyes in the courtroom was on him. Those closest belonged to Inspector Adelaide who, he assumed, had also made the connection between Cleaver Street and Judge Galloways. His round face bore a grin, and he was practically licking his lips.
‘I will see it,’ Galloways demanded.
The clerk was weaving his way through the benches towards Archer when Creswell prevented his advance.
‘The Crown versus Castleman,’ he called, silencing the murmuring. ‘Evidence cannot be entered without due process and remains a personal item until prosecution and defence alike have agreed on its presentation. The Evidence Act of eighteen-seventeen.’ He yawned.
Galloways was apoplectic and appealed to Matthews with a look of abject horror. The prosecution was legally bound to agree with the defence.
‘Then enter it!’ he shouted.
‘Objection,’ Creswell countered. ‘The Central Court may not overrule a decision of the High Court without due process. I too agree to it being entered into evidence, but until the police process it, Doctor Quill’s information remains in private possession. Whether Lord Clearwater keeps it, passes it back or hands it to the police is the doctor’s decision.’
All heads turned to Quill.
‘I have gifted it to His Lordship,’ he said. ‘Therefore, the decision is entirely, and literally, in the hands of Lord Clearwater.’
Adelaide’s fingertips were an inch away, ready to snatch. Everyone else’s attention was now focused on Archer, particularly the wide, fearful eyes of Judge Galloways.
Archer held his stare as he unsealed the envelope and, holding it away from Adelaide, read the list of names. It began with Galloways, included Matthews and ended with his old friend and Lady Marshall’s nephew, Cadwell Roxton. Seeing the name broke his heart, but it was mended a second later when he looked at his lover.
Silas had been right. Roxton had used the boy brothel, and both Silas and James had kept the information from him to spare his feelings. In that instant, he loved both men more. In a moment of detachment, he vowed that he would find a way to repay their loyalty, their kindness and if he ever could, their affection.
He folded the list back into the envelope, and sighing deeply, looked across the court to Thomas. Archer had too much love to give, even to Thomas who, he now understood, had bargained with Quill and decided Archer’s fate on his behalf. Thanks to Tom, he had the power to save Silas, but in return, must sing to a madman’s tune.
Our game is not yet at an end.
He smiled at Tom and nodded. He had done the right thing by his master and his oldest friend. There was nothing to forgive. Beside him, James was making eyes. They were wide, and he was jerking his head towards Creswell, Thomas was doing the same.
Taking his orders from his servants, he turned to the barrister.
‘Mr Creswell,’ he said. ‘I believe the ball is in your court.’
‘Damn fine analogy,’ Creswell said, cutting through the silence. ‘This whole case has been a load of the things from start to finish.’ He addressed the bench as if there had been no interruption. ‘The defence calls for the bench to dismiss the jury under the precedent of Crown versus Chambers which allows the presiding judge to give his sole verdict. We also call for complete exoneration of Mr Hawkins, damages to be paid to him along with compensation for his injuries in an amount to be set by the court, costs, and complete silencing of the press and publicity that may cause harm to my client or his employer on pain of libel under the law of suppression.’ Once he’d gasped a breath, he said, ‘The defendant will accept nothing less or the evidence will be entered.’
The envelope was within Adelaide’s grasp, and he was desperate for Archer to drop it into his hand. Galloways had attention for nothing else as he mopped his brow and glowered at the viscount.
Archer circled the evidence, teasing the inspector and judge equally. Watching, the public held its collective breath, and Quill’s one eyebrow was raised in expectation.
‘Judge Galloways?’ Archer said.
The voice brought the judge back from whatever nightmare he was envisaging, and he raised his head to see Silas staring, unblinking and silent.
‘Exoneration?’ Galloways said as if he couldn’t believe it was he who was speaking. ‘Damages, pain of libel.’ The gavel was in his hand, but the game wasn’t over until he gave the verdict, and the hammer hit the sounding block.
His eyes moved slowly across to Archer who withdrew the envelope from Adelaide’s reach. The viscount could very well give it to the police, and Galloways knew that, but this was a game of trust, an exchange of hostages.
‘The defence asks that this case be settled on terms,’ Galloways said, addressing the jury. ‘And the defence makes a compelling case, but this matter is now mine alone to decide.’ He waited until Archer had put the incriminating evidence in his pocket before he continued. ‘The defendant will rise.’
Silas stood, as did those working with Creswell.
‘Mr Hawkins,’ Galloways said. ‘Thanks to the ineptitude of the prosecution, I must find for the defence. You are free to go untainted.’
The roar from the public drowned the hammer of the gavel. The legal men stood when Galloways did, but everyone else was already on their feet. The public had never been so entertained, and Archer had never felt so humble. He tried to fight his way to the dock, but he was swamped by congratulations and slaps on the back from people he didn’t know.
‘You’ll be hearing from me,’ Adelaide said as he fumed past.
Archer paid him no attention. He only had thoughts for reaching Silas and holding him. Thomas was there first and, rightly, prevented him from hugging and kissing his lover.
‘This way, My Lord,’ he said, turning Archer and parting the crowd.
James was at his side with Silas under his arm, guiding him away from those who disagreed with the verdict. Not everyone was happy, and the celebration could quickly turn ugly.
They passed Creswell, but before Archer could shake his hand and thank him, the barrister was doing just that to James. He went so far as to hug him before ruffling Silas’ hair. Silas still said nothing, he, like Archer, was
uncoordinated, confused and unable to comprehend what had happened.
Thomas cleared their way, and it wasn’t until they reached the exit did Archer think to look for Quill. He stepped onto a bench for a better view, but Quill was nowhere to be seen.
Thomas led them into the corridor but was unsure which way to go.
‘Take him,’ James said, passing Silas, shocked and weeping to the butler’s arms. ‘Follow me.’
He hurried away from the crowd pouring from the courtroom and approached a pair of swing doors. There, he turned his back and reversed through, spinning as he did so. James led them into a quiet corridor and to a door marked with Creswell’s name.
‘Let the fuss die down,’ he said, walking straight in as if he owned the place. He held Thomas back but let Silas pass. ‘We’ll be outside, Sirs,’ he said. ‘You won’t be disturbed.’
The door closed, leaving James and Thomas to stand guard.
‘We should give them some time, Mr Payne,’ the footman suggested.
‘I quite agree, James,’ the butler replied, and both stood to loyal attention.
Twenty-Five
The sun had set on the shortest day, and the only light in the garret room came from the gas fire. Glowing and quietly hissing, it was also the only sound apart from their breathing, soft and contented. James lay with his head on Thomas’ chest, his body exhausted, but his mind alert. He stroked his lover’s arm all the way down to the bones of his wrist and across the back of his hand to the extremity of his long middle finger and its perfectly manicured nail. Thomas repaid the pleasure by circling his other hand on James’ naked backside and kissing the top of his head.
‘We should wash and dress,’ he said. ‘They will be home soon.’
‘I could lie like this for days.’
‘I’m afraid there won’t be much chance of that after tomorrow. Not when we’re in the country.’
James sighed. ‘Will we really have to be so far apart?’
‘It depends. My rooms are on the ground floor beside the plate safe, and the footmen are housed on the top floor. It’s quite a distance, but I have an idea.’ He tapped James’ buttock. ‘But that’s for later. Now, we must get back to normal, and that means cleaning up, dressing up, and attending to our duties.’
‘Another five minutes. I’m knackered.’
‘I am not surprised. Did you really do all that? Tennyson? The Queen’s train?’
‘Uh, hu. Well, only one carriage of it.’
‘For Silas?’ It was said without any suggestion of jealousy.
‘For all of us, Tom, but mainly for His Lordship.’
‘And Silas.’
‘Don’t take this the wrong way,’ James said, ‘but Silas said something when he was in Bow Street, and I want you to know about it.’
‘Oh?’
‘It was nothing, and he told me to forget it, but…’
‘But?’ Thomas prompted after James paused to consider his words.
‘He was in a bad way, his mind wasn’t in the right place, but he said something about us being with the wrong partners.’
‘How do you mean?’
‘As if he thought that you should be with Archer. If you get what I mean about being with.’
‘I do, and he’s right.’
James lifted his head to look at Thomas, but his lover simply kissed him.
‘Archer and I go back a long way,’ Thomas explained. ‘We wanted to know each other better when we were younger, we came close and… It doesn’t matter now.’
‘It does to me.’
‘Don’t worry, Jimmy. You’re my man, Silas is his, but yes, I understand what he meant. You and Silas are close and have become so very quickly, whereas Archer and I have always been close, but we have also always been separated by our stations. We always will be.’
‘But you love him?’
‘In the same way as you do, and the same way you love Silas and would do anything for him. But that doesn’t mean I am in love with him, not in the way I am with you. I would never do anything to jeopardise what you and I have, nor what they have. It is possible to love another man without being in love with him, and that’s how it is. The important thing is we’re here for each other. Only, with us, it’s more intimate. I could never do this with Archer.’
‘But you want to?’
‘Since I was about ten, I think.’
James expected to feel envious, or angry, but instead, he only felt more in love with Thomas for his honesty.
‘You’d tell me if it happened, wouldn’t you?’
‘Tell you?’ Thomas slipped from under him and lay on his side. ‘Jimmy, it would never happen. I couldn’t lose you. Why are you talking like this?’
‘I don’t know,’ James said. ‘Sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. I’m tired.’
‘And the day isn’t over yet.’ Thomas kissed him again. ‘One last time and then we must go.’
‘I can’t, Tom,’ James moaned. ‘We’ve done it twice, my dick’s more worn-out than I am.’
‘I didn’t mean that.’ Thomas laughed, but he did look at James’ cock. ‘Doesn’t look that done-in to me.’
‘Give over.’
‘I meant, I shall tell you one more time that I am in love with you, James Joseph Wright, and that will never change. I am proud of what you have done for His Lordship and Mr Hawkins, and I know that Archer will reward you.’
‘I didn’t do it for any reward,’ James said. ‘But if there is one, then this is it. Being naked in your arms.’
‘Ditto,’ Thomas said. ‘But now, we really must get up before Mr Norwood comes looking for us.’
James tapped his heart twice, Thomas did the same, and they rolled off opposite sides of the bed.
Washed and dressed in their evening uniforms, they were descending the backstairs when they met Mr Norwood coming the other way.
‘Ah, Mr Payne,’ he said. ‘His Lordship and Mr Hawkins have just returned.’
‘Thank you,’ Thomas replied. ‘James, you will valet Mr Hawkins while I attend to His Lordship.’
‘Very good, Mr Payne.’ It was strange to call the man he had just fucked by his surname, but the more it happened, the more James enjoyed the thrill of keeping the secret.
‘His Lordship has asked for dinner in the dining room for the four of you at seven,’ Norwood said. ‘The wife and I will prepare and serve, and then we are to leave you alone. Just so you know.’
‘Very good.’ Thomas reacted as if it was an everyday occurrence.
‘And there is a telegram for Lord Clearwater just arrived.’ Norwood handed it over.
‘Thank you. That will be all.’
Norwood left them, and they entered the gentlemen’s corridor to find Archer and Silas heading towards them. From the court, they had gone straight to Doctor Markland. There was no longer any need for dressings, but Silas did need a bath and clean clothes.
‘Good evening, My Lord,’ Thomas said. ‘Are you dining formally this…’
He got no further. Silas rushed to James and threw his arms around him, while Archer approached Thomas more gracefully, his face stern.
James wasn’t sure how to react to having the Irishman clinging to him and sobbing on his chest. He stood stoically until Silas took his arms and placed them around his back, forcing James into an embrace. Thomas was intent on Archer. The two of them stood face to face, and it looked as if Thomas was about to receive a dressing down.
‘It wasn’t my idea,’ the butler said. ‘When I found Quill, he told me that the only way to bring the sham of a case to an end was for him to provide the alibi. It was in the newspapers. He forced me to make a bargain. I realise I’ve put you in a hideous position, Sir, and I am…’
‘Oh,
do shut up, Tom,’ Archer said and hugged him. He didn’t let him go until the gong sounded from downstairs.
‘We must dress for dinner, Silas,’ Archer said. He still had hold of Thomas’ hands. ‘We will dress ourselves, Tom, while you two go and get out of those costumes. Don’t look so horrified. I’ve told the Norwoods it’s a new Christmas tradition, there will be no visitors, and I am master in my house, not them. Change into whatever you are most comfortable wearing and come to the dining room. We all have much to discuss.’
Silas was wiping his eyes. ‘Sorry about that, Jimmy,’ he said. ‘But I’ve wanted to do it for hours. You’re a fecking miracle you are.’
‘If you say so, Sir.’
‘You both are,’ Archer said. ‘Now hurry up. The faithful retainers are chomping at the bit to be of use.’
‘As you wish, My Lord,’ Thomas said, suppressing a grin. ‘Oh, a telegram for you.’
Archer took it and turned to Silas. ‘Leave my footman alone, Mr Hawkins and go and take your bath.’
Silas sniffed and let himself into his room. When the door was closed, Archer beckoned Thomas and James closer.
‘Boys,’ he whispered. ‘Not a word to Silas about his sisters. I have a plan, but it depends, I suspect, on the contents of this telegram. Until I know what happened, we say nothing. Silas believes I was called away on business, and he has so much else in his head at the moment, I don’t want to add any more. Understood?’
‘Of course, Sir,’ James said.
‘You have told Thomas everything?’
‘I have, Sir.’
‘Right, then we are all up to speed. Tom, he knows you went in search of Quill, but he doesn’t know the terms of Quill’s… engagement. By the look of the man, it will be a while before he attacks again, but that’s not what Silas needs to hear at this moment. Jimmy?’ He lifted James’ hand in his and held it tightly. ‘Apparently, Sir Easterby wants you on his staff in some capacity, and who can blame him? Good job, prospects, training, the lot. I said I would ask. What do you say?’
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