Nowhere to Run
Chapter Ten
The sun was starting its descent and everyone in the chateau was starting to feel the effects of a long and trying day. Athos, alone in the study, poured a glass of wine but made no move to drink it. Clair's story had struck a very unwelcome chord with him. For many reasons he distrusted Milady's assertion that she had killed Thomas because he had tried to rape her. However, a niggling little doubt remained and that had been brought forcefully to the surface by news of the Baron's indiscretions.
Clair had seemed sincere but he had nothing to measure her sincerity against. He had known the Baron for such a short time that it was impossible to know if he was capable of doing the things of which he was accused. Thomas, on the other hand, had never committed sexual violence against any woman, be she noble or commoner. It was inconceivable that he would have done such a thing to his own sister-in-law. Just thinking about Milady tied Athos' emotions in a tight knot yet now was not the time to drown his feelings in alcohol. He had a job to do and would do it to the best of his ability.
There was a knock at the door before Aramis entered followed by Vayle. The steward looked strained, with shoulders hunched and the arrogant tilt of his head missing.
"The carpenter has arrived with the coffin," Aramis said. "Porthos and d'Artagnan have gone to help."
Athos acknowledged this with a curt nod before gesturing to the chair. Vayle sat but didn't make eye contact.
"Were you aware that the Baron made several unwelcome advances to your wife?" Athos asked.
Vayle's head shot up and the shock was written plainly on his face. "I don't believe you. The Baron was a good man."
"You would disbelieve your wife? She was very specific in her accusations." There was no doubt that this was news, which disposed of the theory that Vayle had killed the Baron in order to defend his wife's virtue. Athos was disappointed. It was easier to imagine Vayle as the murderer.
"She must have misinterpreted his intentions," Vayle persisted.
"He kissed her, forcefully," Aramis said. "I don't think that can be misinterpreted."
Vayle deflated. "I didn't know. She never said anything."
"What would you have done if she had told you?" Athos asked.
"We would have looked for another position. I would never knowingly expose her to that sort of treatment."
"You wouldn't have been tempted to take matters into your own hands?"
"Are you asking if I would have killed the Baron? No. I'm not a violent man." The blood drained from his face as he realised the implication of what he had just said. "You don't think…Clair would never do something like that."
"She is the obvious suspect and, she was seen disposing of the murder weapon," Athos said.
In his agitation Vayle stood up. "If she is guilty she must have been pushed beyond her endurance. Please, Monsieurs, you have to protect her. The Baron will order her hanging and I can't watch while she dies."
"The Baron has every right to enforce the law on his own estate." Athos held up a hand to forestall any further protest. "However, we will do what we can to persuade him to allow this to go to trial. You understand, though, that if she is found guilty the outcome will be the same."
"She should have an opportunity to tell her side of the story."
"I agree."
"Can I see her?"
"Not at the moment. Her guilt has not been definitively established. She has further questions to answer. You may go. Don't leave the house."
After Vayle had shuffled from the room Athos drank deeply. "There appears to be little doubt of her guilt," he said. "We should place her formally under arrest and tell the Baron."
"I'm convinced there is more to her story," Aramis said.
"Perhaps."
"I'm going to speak to her again. There may yet be a way to save her."
"You are too soft-hearted. She is a cold-blooded murderer who deserves to die for her crime."
"If there are mitigating circumstances they should be heard."
"I don't disagree with you. I just can't see what would justify that sort of frenzied attack on an unarmed and vulnerable man. I won't stop you talking to her. But, Aramis, don't expect too much."
TMTMTM
Aramis unlocked the door leading to the storage room where he had confined Clair. She was sitting on a stool, looking more composed than at any other time that day.
"Your husband denied all knowledge of the Baron's behavior."
There was no reaction to his words. He walked closer leaving the door open. The light from the candle he had left her with cast shadows on the wall and across her face. Her expression had not changed.
"Tell me what happened," he implored.
"What good will that do?"
"It might persuade a Judge to leniency."
"There's no justice for the likes of me."
"You're wrong. Everyone is equal under the law."
She gave him a pitying look. "I didn't expect you to be so naive."
"You have to trust me. We know you killed the Baron but we don't know why."
She was silent for a long time before sighing. "It won't make any difference, but I'll tell you. Yesterday afternoon, not long before you arrived, the Baron came to see me in the kitchen. He told me he was tired of my resistance to his advances. He said he was going to send my husband and Darcell into town for supplies. His son was always out hunting and Mademoiselle Josette rarely leaves her room since she broke her ankle and it was set wrong. I was to go to his room and…and pleasure him."
Aramis looked shocked. "Surely you could have refused him?"
"He'd thought of that. If I didn't comply he would turn us out without a reference."
"You were willing to allow him to rape you in order to keep your place in the chateau?" Aramis asked.
"At first I couldn't see any alternative. Then I realised this wouldn't be the only time and I couldn't bear the thought of it."
"So you killed him."
She gave no acknowledgement. Through everything she had never confessed to the crime. Aramis wondered if she would plead not guilty. It would be a smart move as it would force the prosecutor to prove her guilt. The one inescapable flaw would be the evidence that she had disposed of the murder weapon. Few would believe in her innocence after hearing that. His heart was heavy when he left her alone. She had been caught in an invidious position and was likely to pay with her life.
TMTMTM
Athos found the Baron in his father's bedroom supervising the move of the body from the bed to the coffin. He cleared his throat to attract the young man's attention. Francois looked tired.
"If I might have a word Milord?"
"What is it? I have a funeral to plan."
"We have compelling evidence that points towards the murderer," Athos said.
The change in the Baron's expression was instantaneous. Instead of looking disinterested he was suddenly fully alert. "Who was it?"
"Clair Vayle, but there are extenuating circumstances."
"I'm not interested in excuses. Take her out and hang her."
Tbc