"What is your ace," Charles asked Sydney
Sydney took a seat.
"She is called to trial because she is the daughter of an Evermond," Sydney said, "However if she were not the daughter of an Evermond she could not be guillotined and must be set free."
"I must say," Charles said, "I'm a tad bit confused"
"Little Lucie looks like you and Lucie," Sydney explained.
"I would hope so," Charles said, "Considering we are her parents'
"We look exactly alike," Sydney added
"What if I was you?"
"Huh?"
"Charles for a bright man you are a bit slow sometimes," Sydney said, "Suppose I were actually the father of the child. Suppose she were my daughter. The court would have no proof otherwise. If she were my daughter she would not be the daughter of an Evermond"
A slow grin passed Charles' face.
"You are brilliant," he told Sydney
"Thank you," Sydney replied
"Wouldn't there be consequence to you though for concealing that information for so long," Lucie asked.
"Only a minor one which I have no fear to pay"
"Is there anything we must know," Charles asked
"Much," Sydney said, "and I will prepare you"
He explained the things to them that they needed to know. It took him an hour to cover the basis alone.
"How are we ever going to remember all this," Lucie said concerned.
"You won't need to. You just need to confirm it. Charles you be sure to remember not to be too surprised but you must look agitated. Don't look ballistic. That would be too predictable but do not act as though you are not angry in the least. No jury will believe a man can find out his wife is the mother of another man's child and not have some anger or chastisement in his eyes. I will teach you the look"
Charles was not the type of mad that got mad so it took a long time for him to master the look. Lucie looked on nervously.
"Things will not in actuality change," Sydney assured, "and if they do it will change for the best. Oh by the way Lucie, Charles I have a surprise for you"
"A surprise," Charles said with a smile, "What might that be?"
"It is something you would never except but something you were once expecting," Sydney said, "You'll find out after the trial."
Lucie and Charles looked at each other. They weren't sure but had an idea of what it might be. Then again it might not be"