by Joyce Alec
14
Felix could tell that Lord Brunswick was rattled but he himself felt a slow growing sense of triumph. Now they came to the conclusion of the matter and Felix felt his heart quicken with both anticipation and a touch of nervousness. It all hinged on what Lord Brunswick would admit to.
“I—I do not know what you speak of,” Lord Brunswick said, although the slight stammer betrayed his worry. “You are being quite foolish, Lady Prudence.”
“I am not the foolish one,” came the quick retort, her determination astonishing both Felix and, from the look on his face, Lord Brunswick. “You are the one who has behaved with cruelty and selfishness, thinking that others will do your bidding without question. And Lord Yardley, when he threatened to let society know the truth, was cut down before he could do so.”
Clearing his throat, Lord Haydock grabbed the room’s attention. “I do not understand,” he said, directing his words to Lady Prudence. “What was it that Lord Yardley gave you?”
Lady Prudence took in a long breath and then began, her voice shaking only a little. She was doing remarkably well and Felix could not help but be proud of her.
“Lord Yardley gave me a box, Lord Haydock.
“I offered to assist Lady Prudence in her difficulty,” Felix interjected, “and she was bold enough to trust me. When we opened the box, we discovered a set of diamonds—large, expensive ones—and a small key which bore a crest.”
Lord Haydock blinked slowly, as though it was taking him some time to take in what was being said. “A crest?”
“Lord Brunswick’s crest,” Lady Prudence said softly, as all eyes turned once more to the gentleman in question. “What you do not know, Lord Brunswick, I am certain, is that Lord Stoneleigh discovered what box that particular small key opened.”
The color immediately drained from Lord Brunswick’s face. His hands remained clasped to the chair, his knuckles white, but he did not say a single word.
“I knew that you had not discovered our theft,” Felix continued, speaking into the silence that was now edged with tension. “If you had known of it, you would not have been so eager to meet with us this evening. But you were foolish, Lord Brunswick. You should have made certain that the box was just as you had left it, even if it meant breaking it to pieces.”
Again, Lord Haydock cleared his throat, but Lady Prudence rose to her feet, silencing the question before it had even been spoken. She held out one hand, a finger pointed toward Lord Brunswick, her other hand curling into a fist. Felix knew that she was racked with emotion, the pain of witnessing the death of Lord Yardley coming to the forefront of her mind once more.
“I know that it was you who made certain of Lord Yardley’s death,” she said hoarsely. “I know that you have been fighting to keep this knowledge from all of society. I know that you have been lost in debts, that the money you gained from the dowry has gone completely. I know that your only plan by which you might regain some of that wealth was to marry again, and I know that you are unable to legally do so.”
Lord Brunswick placed one hand against his chest and gasped for air, clearly overwhelmed with shock. Felix moved to stand beside Lady Prudence, seeing the utter astonishment on Lord Haydock’s face.
“You hid your first marriage from everyone,” he said quietly. “There was a scandal, was there not? And thus, Lord Yardley made certain that his sister was wed to you.”
“And no doubt, he did so by making sure there was a monetary reward,” Lady Prudence added, her whole body trembling with what Felix considered was anger. “The agreement between you both gave you a good deal of coin, Lord Brunswick. And the diamonds were a gift to Lady Brunswick from her brother, on the occasion of her marriage. Diamonds that you intended to sell in order to cover some of your debts.”
“I do not understand,” Lord Haydock said, his voice much quieter now. “Do you mean to tell me that Lord Brunswick is already married?”
Lady Prudence turned to the older gentleman. “That is what I have discovered, yes,” she said, her voice filling the room. “Lord Brunswick married Miss Elizabeth Somers a little over two years ago. There was some impropriety at the time of their meeting and thus, the marriage was kept very quiet. However, Lord Yardley made certain to ensure the marriage went ahead by giving Lord Brunswick a great deal of money, for he was a very wealthy gentleman indeed.” She took in a shuddering breath, closing her eyes for just a moment. “In addition, Lord Yardley gave his sister a set of diamond jewelry, which are of great worth. And thus, he himself then married and considered both himself and his sister quite settled.”
“But Lord Brunswick is not a wise gentleman,” Felix added, taking another step forward and pointing hard at Lord Brunswick, who was now almost grey with fright. “This newfound wealth, rather than use it wisely, he decided to behave with foolishness and selfishness. I am certain that he has a great many debts which he simply cannot pay.”
Lady Prudence shook her head. “And then, Lord Brunswick was introduced to you, Lord Haydock, and your unmarried daughter,” she said, as a slightly glazed expression came over Lord Haydock’s face. “I presume you spoke to him about what any gentleman who wed Lady Josephine would receive from you, in the hope that he might be persuaded to consider her.”
Lord Haydock huffed out a breath or two, his eyes slowly turning toward Lord Brunswick. “I did precisely that,” he agreed, his voice so quiet that Felix struggled to hear him. “Lord Brunswick presented himself as a bachelor and spoke kindly to my daughter. She is so quiet, so dull and drab, that I did not think she would ever succeed in finding a suitable match.”
Felix felt Lady Prudence stiffen beside him, clearly distressed to hear Lady Josephine being spoken of in such a way, and he reached out and took her hand in his. Now was not the time for her to speak to Lord Haydock of his daughter. They had to focus entirely on Lord Brunswick.
“When I spoke to Lord Brunswick of what I could give him in terms of the marriage agreement and her dowry, I was greatly pleased because Lord Brunswick appeared to be very keen to marry my daughter,” Lord Haydock finished, closing his eyes tightly, clearly distressed now. “And thus, the engagement was made.”
“And because no one but Lord Yardley knew of Lord Brunswick’s previous marriage, he believed he would be able to do just as he pleased, particularly because Lord Yardley himself had not been in London and was not expected to be present for the Season either,” Felix added, seeing Lord Brunswick take in a deep breath, dropping his head and lowering his shoulders so that his gaze was fixed to the floor. “Is that not so, Lord Brunswick?”
Everyone turned to look at the gentleman, but he said nothing. In fact, he did not even move and as the minutes ticked by, Felix was aware of a thin edge of anger beginning to push its way into his heart. Lord Brunswick, it seemed, was so much of a coward that he would not even admit to what he had done.
“Lord Yardley was in London, however.” Lady Prudence’s voice was soft, each word gently spoken but it seemed to flood the room entirely. “He came to see you. He came in the hope of greeting his sister, but you told him that she was not in London or at your estate. No doubt you were forced to tell him of where you had hidden Lady Brunswick, and Lord Yardley knew that something was wrong.”
“He came in the room just as I had the diamonds in view.” These were the first words Lord Brunswick had said in some time and his voice was hoarse and rasping, each word labored. “I placed them back in the box, but I knew that he had seen them.”
Felix shook his head, disgusted by Lord Brunswick’s actions. “He did not know the full extent of what you were intending, but being a good judge of character, he knew that something was wrong. Why else would you remove your wife to a small, country house far away from your estate?”
“He took the box from you before you could prevent him,” Lady Prudence said, moving forward toward Lord Brunswick, who was now looking up at her with a dull, resigned expression. “No doubt he soon discovered news of your engagement. After al
l, society knew of it and thus, it would have been easy enough to find out.”
Lord Haydock rose suddenly, his face white. “Do not tell me that you intended to remove Lord Yardley from this earth?” he demanded, striding toward Lord Brunswick. “Did you threaten him?”
“I had no choice!” Lord Brunswick squeaked as Lord Haydock stood over him, a threatening and intimidating figure. “I have no coin left. I have nothing. I needed Lady Josephine. I—”
“You needed my wealth and her dowry,” Lord Haydock roared, his voice filled with the very same anger that now filled Felix. “You treated her callously. You have treated your wife with such cruelty that I cannot imagine what she will think of you. And you have taken the life of a man who did nothing other than want to protect his sister and make certain my daughter was not involved in a scandal.” Reaching out, he grabbed Lord Brunswick by the collar, shaking him furiously. “How dare you!”
Felix did not know what to do. Lord Haydock had every right to be furious, but still he watched the situation closely. There was justice to be served, yes, but it could not be meted out without consideration.
“He threatened Lord Yardley, and thus, Lord Yardley came to me,” Lady Prudence said quietly, her hands now wrapped around his arm as she looked up into his face. “Lord Yardley must have known that he was in danger.”
“And he was right,” Felix murmured as Lord Haydock finally released Lord Brunswick. “Lord Brunswick acted quickly. He took Lord Yardley’s life without hesitation, even though I am certain he did not drive the carriage himself.” Closing his eyes, he drew in a long breath. “And now justice must be done.”
Lady Prudence stared at him with wide eyes, but Felix gave her a quick smile and then stepped forward.
“You have done a great wrong, Brunswick,” he said darkly. “There are consequences for what you have done. Your debts, no doubt, will chase after you, but you will also face the challenge from the new Lord Yardley. He will, I am certain, demand retribution.”
Lord Brunswick pressed himself back into his chair, his eyes wide with horror. He was entirely undone, unable to refute a single thing that had been laid at his feet. Felix felt no sympathy for him, but only a great sense of relief that not only was Lady Josephine safe, but also the matter was, finally, at a close.
“I have already written to him,” Felix continued, aware of the tense anger that flooded every part of him. “Once he is in London, I shall tell him all. He will demand you meet him in a duel, Brunswick.”
“As do I,” Lord Haydock grated. “For the shame you have brought to my family name, and for what your lack of respect and consideration will do to my daughter.” Stepping back, he lifted his chin. “I will have my retribution, Brunswick.”
A whimper came from Lord Brunswick, but Felix’s lip curled with distaste. The man was nothing but a coward and even now, could not admit to what he had done.
“We shall leave you now,” he stated, coming back to Lady Prudence and slipping an arm about her waist. “But have no doubt. All of society will know of this. Your name will be dragged through the mud. Your debts will come snapping at your heels. There is nothing left here for you.”
“No, no, please!”
Lord Brunswick seemed to fall out of his chair, his knees hitting the floor, his hands held up beseechingly.
“For the sake of my wife and my unborn child, do not.”
Lord Haydock let out a harsh bark of laughter. “You did not spare my daughter, or Lord Yardley,” he said furiously. “Why should we now consider you?”
Lord Brunswick’s eyes were huge with desperation and fear. “I shall leave,” he said hoarsely. “I shall leave for the continent and never return. Only, I pray, do not let my wife know of this.”
There was something rather pitiful in Lord Brunswick’s manner, Felix considered, looking at Lord Haydock. And yet, the motivation he could not question. To leave England and to hide away would mean that the debts Lord Brunswick had accrued would never follow him—but it would also mean that his wife would be spared the horror of knowing what he had done and, indeed, that Lady Josephine would be kept from the gossip and rumors that would fly all around her soon after.
“It is not my choice to make,” Felix said, gesturing to Lady Prudence and to Lord Haydock. “What say you both?”
Lady Prudence lifted her chin and stepped closer. “I have met your wife, Lord Brunswick,” she said quietly. “You are not worthy of her. But for her sake, I will accept your offer. But you are to be gone by the end of the sennight.”
“And should you return, then it will be the end of you,” Lord Haydock grated. “My son will know of this. We shall keep watch at the docks for years, if we must. But I must never hear your name again, else the justice you have escaped at this moment will be brought down upon you without hesitation.”
Felix saw Lord Brunswick collapse to the floor, his forehead resting on his hands, but he said nothing more. Turning to Lady Prudence, he smiled at her and held out his hand.
“It is over,” Lady Prudence breathed, taking it at once. “It is at an end.”
“And I am in your debt,” Lord Haydock replied, seemingly now a little more in control of himself. “I do not know what I shall say to Josephine, but I must—”
“Spare her the truth,” Lady Prudence interrupted, putting one hand on Lord Haydock’s arm. “And please, if you will allow me, I would be glad to befriend her and guide her through society. I can think of at least three worthy gentlemen who might be willing to consider her.” Her smile was a little tremulous, but it remained regardless. “There is still hope, Lord Haydock.”
Lord Haydock said nothing for a moment and, much to Felix’s astonishment, he saw tears flood the older gentleman’s eyes.
“You are very kind, Lady Prudence,” Lord Haydock said, his voice breaking with emotion. “I should be glad to welcome you into my daughter’s company whenever you can spare the time.”
Lady Prudence smiled, nodded, and turned back to Felix. He was in awe of her at this moment, finding her kindness and gentle spirit to be more beautiful than anything he had ever felt or seen before. He was almost humbled before her, feeling himself entirely inadequate.
“Shall we return to the ball, Lord Stoneleigh?” she asked, seemingly quite calm. “I think it will soon be our time to waltz.”
“Gladly, Lady Prudence,” he told her, wishing he could tell her in this moment just how much his heart held for her. “I can think of nothing better.”
Epilogue
Prudence held out her hands to Lord Stoneleigh as he came into the gardens. He took them both in his and lifted them to his lips, kissing them gently.
“Oh, Felix,” Prudence murmured, immediately stepping into his embrace the moment he let go of her hands. “I have been so very eager to see you.”
Lord Stoneleigh smiled and bent his head to kiss her cheek. “How do you fare, Prudence?”
Reaching up, she touched his face gently, marveling at the sense of freedom that filled her. “I am contented at long last,” she answered truthfully. “My only concern is Lady Brunswick and her unborn child.” Her brow furrowed. “If it is a son, then he will be the new heir. What will he come into? Debts? Losses? Shame and embarrassment?”
“Then you have nothing to concern yourself with,” Lord Stoneleigh told her gently. “I have decided to aid Lady Brunswick as best I can.”
She could not quite catch her breath, staring up into his face, struggling to believe what she had heard.
“I have seen your kindness and your generosity, Prudence,” Lord Stoneleigh continued, his voice soft. “I want to emulate your character and thus, I have decided to do what I can for her. After all, Lady Brunswick has done nothing worthy of punishment—and because I know that Lord Yardley meant a great deal to you.”
Prudence found she could not speak. Throwing her arms about Lord Stoneleigh’s neck, she held him close to her, tears beginning to press through her lashes as her heart swelled with love for him.
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br /> “You are the most wonderful of gentlemen,” she told him, closing her eyes tightly. “I could not have ever reached this place of happiness and relief without you.”
When she loosened her arms, Lord Stoneleigh was there, looking deeply into her eyes.
“You are my example, Prudence,” he told her, making a tear slip from her eyes. “You have had courage, determination, strength, and kindness. You have captured my heart, my very soul. There is nothing more that I want other than to be your husband, so that I can spend every day in your company, every moment trying to bring you the very same happiness you now bring to me.”
Before she could stop herself, Prudence pressed herself up on her toes and lifted her face closer to his. His lips were on hers in a moment, their kiss one of joy and gladness, carrying a promise that their future together would hold a happiness that, as yet, Prudence had never once experienced.
“I love you, Felix,” she whispered against his mouth, her arms now around his neck. “You have been a tower of strength to me, right from the very first moment we met. I do not think that I could pass a single day without you, for without your company and presence, I find no joy.”
His smile was tender. “Then you speak of my heart also, Prudence,” he told her. “My love for you shall never fade, it shall never wither away. Instead, it will grow and flourish until it is wrapped all around you, holding you tight to my heart, so that you are always assured of my love.”