Chapter 17

Sudbury House, London

The Earl of Sudbury sighed, looking up at his son. "Is there anything else you can think of, that I can do?"

Henry shook his head. "I cannot think of anything. You are absolutely certain Captain Blake will be there to testify? He will be critical."

"I am. He knows I will make it worth his while, but beyond that, he bears a great degree of guilt for his role in all that has happened. I believe he is a good man who was caught up in a difficult situation, and then compounded that situation by trying to lessen my pain, trying to give me the comfort of thinking Darcy had not suffered. He is committed to giving his testimony."

"He was my biggest concern, so that does make me easier at mind. I cannot say I am ready to forgive him – good man or no, he left Darcy to die and caused a great deal of suffering by doing so. But I might find myself nearer forgiveness if his testimony aids our cause. Was Russell able to find the surgeon?"

"He found what became of him – died of fever, three years ago. But Russell states it is not great loss, for any conflict between his testimony and that of the captain would only muddy matters. He will have the coroner to corroborate their original testimony from the inquest."

"Hmm," was all Henry said, absorbing this intelligence.

"What did you think of Russell? And do be honest with me, Henry – if he should be replaced, now is the time to do so."

Henry stretched his feet out before the fire. "He did not make the greatest first impression upon us, I will say. But it became clear to me – as I believe it did for the Darcys – that his mind is greater than his manners, and I believe that is the sort of man we'll need for this."

The earl nodded. "That was my impression as well. Henry – do not say anything of this to the Darcys now, for I do not wish to give false hope. But if the verdict is not what we hope for, I will see the Home Secretary about a royal pardon. I believe I can influence one if it is needed. Mr. Russell knows that is my intent, and he will ask that they postpone the sentencing, if the verdict is guilty."

"I fear it cannot be otherwise, father. She did marry another while she was legally still married to Darcy."

"That is a soldier's take on the matter, not an attorney's. Russell will have to convince both judge and jury that the law is insufficient for this case – I own it is a substantial task, but he believes himself capable of it."

"I hope he may do so," said Henry. "You are sure you still wish to travel north? It is a long way for a man – a man in your condition. Perhaps you should just give a deposition here."

"Nay, Henry. I caused all of this, and I must do all I can to mitigate it. I could never forgive myself if Mrs. Darcy was convicted and my testimony might have made the difference. I will go straight to Willicot and rest there for a few days before going on to Derby. It has been some years since I have been back, and I believe a little time in the country will do me some good."

"Perhaps you should stay longer, then – take a little time to rest, after the assizes."

"Nay, I will not. I fear you are like me, Henry, and therefore when you get to be my age you will realise you do not wish to spend what time you have remaining in rest, even though your body would prefer it. I shall have ample rest, soon enough."

The earl rose and went to the cabinet, sliding forth two brandy glasses and picking up the decanter. His hand was shaking badly as he attempted to pour it, so badly that even the support of his second hand did not seem to be enough to hold it. He sighed as Henry appeared beside him and took it from him with so little effort, murmuring only, "Here, papa, let me."

It embarrassed both of them, but they were not the sort of men to speak of it. The earl eased himself back down into his seat and let his son hand him a glass. He sighed.

"Henry, have you given any thought to the future – to – to settling down – to marrying?"

It was Henry's turn to sigh. "My thoughts would need to centre on an heiress, and I am yet to find one I like to think on. Even if I did, she is not likely to look twice at a second son." He shook his head and sipped his brandy. "I am sorry, papa, I did not mean to complain over my lot. I know it is the way of things."

"You would be within your rights to complain – particularly in your situation." The earl clasped his brandy glass tight and took a sip. "Marry, Henry. Marry for love, not for fortune. Things will work out for the best, I promise."

"What do you mean by that?"

Henry's question went unanswered, for Adams knocked and indicated that the Colbournes had arrived. They were to dine and stay the night before all of them would set off for Derbyshire in the morning, and the earl brightened at the prospect of seeing his dear niece and her husband, the sort of good, useful man the earl had always favoured. He left his brandy on the desk as he rose and crept around that obstacle, laying his hand on Henry's arm.

"Find a woman you love, Henry. Better still if she is an heiress, but make love the most important thing. The best years of my life were those when your mother was alive."

Henry loved the Colbournes dearly – Georgiana was like a sister to him, and Philip held a special place in his heart that only an old comrade-in-arms could claim – and yet he found himself completely disinterested in them through dinner and their time in the drawing-room afterwards, so distracted was he. Surely, his father had meant for his statements to be reassuring, but instead they had merely set Henry's mind roiling. That he could find a woman he loved was not enough, for Henry. He needed to know more, to understand the details of his future – what would his income be, and where might he live? He hoped his father's statement indicated some legacy would be left for him, but he could not be content with such uncertainty.

When Kent entered the room, Henry felt the lack of details still more strongly. Could he support a wife and a valet? A valet with his own wife? Such thoughts had no answers, and were not helped when Kent said,

"I heard back from Bow Street, sir. They want me to come in and talk with them."

"I – I am glad to hear that, Kent. So you shall go, then?"

"I'll do it when we're back from Derbyshire, sir."

"If you want the position, it would be best to go as soon as you can," said Henry. "We can arrange for you to travel later than the rest of us."

"Nay, sir. I'll not be leaving you while things are as they are, and I've my own reasons for wanting to go to Derbyshire first. If Rachel don't want to wed me, there's not much use in becoming a Runner."

"True," murmured Henry.