Page 108 of The Irish Gypsy
"I apologize for my wife. I will do anythingI can to help you both. I'll leave you so you can have someprivacy," he said, taking Katie from the room with him.
Patrick led Kitty to a chair, then fetchedher some brandy. He knelt beside her and guided the glass to herlips. She choked as the fiery liquid touched her throat and Patricktook the glass from her trembling fingers.
"I was saying good night to Charles Patrickafter he fell asleep....my thoughts were all of you....I wasthinking aloud....Charles must have heard....he shot himself." Shelooked at him helplessly. "There was nothing I could do....therewas nothing anyone could do."
He clasped her hands between his and foundthem like ice. He knew there was more, but he waited for her totell him without his prompting.
"It was like a nightmare....I sent Katie fora doctor....it was the same doctor who came when Simon wasshot."
She closed her eyes against the uglymemories. Patrick brought her a footstool. He gently eased her backin the chair and lifted her feet.
"He's ordered an autopsy, an inquest....hethinks I killed him!" she cried.
"No, no, that's simply routine in the City ofLondon. Under the circumstances he had no choice whatsoever," hereassured her. "I use the best barristers and solicitors in London.We'll get you counsel. You won't have a thing to worry about. Aninquest is just a hearing, remember, not a trial."
"I'm in ignorance of these things," she saidwearily.
"That won't matter in the least. You mustplace yourself in the hands of your counsel and say whatever hetells you to. I'll arrange everything myself. The important thing,the only thing that matters is you. You must be very strong,because even though I am with you, I cannot physically stand besideyou. They mustn't find out about us or you will be crucified."
The truth of his words hit her. "I shouldn'thave come here tonight."
He shook his head impatiently. "You came toJeffrey and Julia. Jeffrey and Katie will take you home later andhe will be our go-between. All our messages to each other can becarried through Jeffrey. Trust no one else," he cautioned. His eyeslingered on her belly. "How is everything with our baby?"
She reached for his hand and placed itbeneath her heart. The child kicked beneath his fingers and he wasfilled with awe at the mystery of it all. He pulled up another easychair beside her. He sat back, keeping hold of her hand. "Have alittle rest. Let me be with you for a while. Heaven knows whenwe'll be able to be together again."
Chapter 29
The autopsy concluded death was caused by onegunshot to the brain. Whether self-inflicted or otherwise could notbe determined. Kitty was served with a paper notifying her theinquest would be three days hence. London was agog with the news.Reporters from the newspapers waited outside her front door toglean lurid details for their dailies. Her counsel assured her theywould delve into Charles' business affairs and also the state ofhis health to find a valid reason for his suicide. A reason must befound, she was assured, so that no suspicions could fall upon her.He gave her advice on what to say, what to wear, her comportmentand so forth.
"It's all so contrived, like staging a play,"she protested wearily.
"That's exactly how you must think of it. Youmust catch their sympathy and hold it. You must awaken a desire toprotect you, not only in the magistrate, but also in every humanbeing who is there to observe you. They are your audience, yourGrace, and they will judge you."
She ached for Patrick. His notes were coldcomfort when she needed his physical strength to lean upon.
Her counsel came again the following day. "Wehave nothing to go on. The duke's business affairs were abovequestion. His private life has no sordid affairs that would suggestany form of blackmail," he said with disappointment.
"I should hope not!" she snapped.
"His doctor gives him a clean bill of health;no fatal illnesses lurking about. It's really too bad."
"Jeffrey, the man offends me. He wants towalk all over Charles' memory with muddy footprints. I must speakwith Patrick," she demanded.
"He's absolutely adamant on that point,Kitty. He will not jeopardize your reputation by coming to you,"said Jeffrey. "He's right, Kitty; it's not just your reputationthat's at stake here, it could be your life! Patrick will have myhide for frightening you this way, but if they don't find justcause for suicide, they could start looking for a motive formurder."
The day before the inquest Charles' doctorcame to the house. Counsel met him. "I've been asked to testifyregarding Charles' health. Could I speak with her Grace?"
Counsel said, "I am in charge of the case, soit would be best to communicate any information you have withme."
"Well, there is one thing I could say thatprobably would help you, but it's rather indelicate and I'd likeher Grace's permission before I divulge such personal matters."
"Speak up, man. What have you got? It maysave her from a murder charge!"
"Well, I treated him for impotence."
"That's it! Good man, good man. Nothing likethe spice of bedroom details. We'll have them eating out of ourhands."
In the back of her mind, Kitty thought thatwhen the day of the inquest arrived, the birth of her child wouldmercifully prevent her from being there. The day dawned and with itcame the realization that the ordeal must be faced. Jeffrey and amuch subdued Julia arrived early to accompany her to court. Hercounsel was already there, giving her last-minute advice.
