Page 84 of The Curious Story of the Missing Lady
Harrington’s eyes went to Madeline then back to Mama. “You were abducted, child?”
“Yes, Mr Harrington,” said Madeline, “by a certain Lady Elizabeth Radford.”
At the mention of the name, the magistrate’s face changed. “Dear me. I had no idea that the young victim of the abduction was yourself, M’Lady. Had I known that, I assure you, things may have turned out differently. But, and here’s the strange thing, if I may be so bold, Countess, I received a most heartfelt letter from His Lordship pleading Lady Elizabeth’s case. I took it to be his final word on the subject. Has he changed his mind? Or—and I must beg your forgiveness for my saying so, but I am a learned man trained in the art of thinking critically on all matters placed before me—was His Lordship perhaps under some nefarious influence?”
“’Tis neither,” said Mama. “The letter is a forgery.”
The magistrate reeled back as though he’d been slapped. “No.”
“Yes, Mr Harrington. Mind, we do not blame you. The person who committed the forgery is gifted at the crime. She has done it before, and most convincingly, I might add.”
“She?” said Harrington.
“Yes,” said Mama. “It was Lady Elizabeth herself that forged the letter.”
Harrington put both palms on the bench. “No.”
“Yes, Mr Harrington.”
He turned his head slightly. “I am at a loss for words, Countess. I must beg your forgiveness.”
“Then we can move forward with a new charge?”
“I’m afraid the matter has been made more complicated.”
“How so?”
The magistrate rose from the bench and came around to the ladies. “You had better sit, both of you.”
They did as he suggested, taking seats in the gallery.
Harrington paced before them. “This morning, I am in receipt of a matter that was brought to my attention regarding Lady Elizabeth Radford. It seems she had brought a petition against Lord Stamford.”
“What?” said Madeline. “Against Papa? Whatever for?”
“Well,” said Harrington, “it seems that some years ago—oh, this was before you and he were bonded in matrimony, Countess, you’ll forgive me—it seems that years ago, His Lordship and Lady Radford were ...” he motioned with his hands as if trying to find a delicate word.
“I know they were together,” said Mama.
Madeline felt her face flush with rage.
“Yes,” said Harrington, “precisely. And during this time, His Lordship was aiding Lady Elizabeth’s brother with some land deals the latter had made in France. Some years later, during the war, the land was forfeited. Well, these are the perils of war, yes? Such things are not out of the ordinary. But the situation becomes more complicated, as the brother was killed in France some several months ago. As her brother’s executor, Lady Elizabeth is now claiming that His Lordship the Earl of Stamford knew that the land would be forfeited even before negotiating the sale to her brother. She is claiming His Lordship took advantage of her brother. She is charging fraud against him.”
“Dear me,” said Madeline, clutching her heart.
“This is nonsense,” said Mama.
“Yes,” said Harrington. “I thought as much and dismissed her. And while there is no case to be made with me, there are judges and magistrates elsewhere that she may appeal to. If I were you, Countess, I would take the matter up with a solicitor as quickly as you can. There is no telling what the future may bring in this case.”
Mama looked at Madeline. “It looks like we are going to have a fight on our frail hands.”
“Then fight we will,” said Madeline. “This cannot stand.”
“I agree,” said Harrington.
“You’ll excuse us, Mr Harrington,” said Mama. “Our day just became filled to the brim.”
“Of course, My Lady. Godspeed.”
