Page 86 of A Duke's Unwanted Bride
There were gasps around the room. Warner did not take his eyes from his uncle. “This same servant made false accusations against my wife, claiming that he had proof of her guilt. He left a note with his young lover that detailed the truth of things — you see, he was worried that he might not survive and that the reward he was promised would be withheld.”
“He was right of course. He was found dead a week ago.” Warner watched his uncle’s eyes widen as he stepped backwards. “Cyanide poisoning.”
The smell of roses wafted across him, and out of the corner of his eye, he saw Adele stiffen. He forced his hand behind his back, moving so that she was shielded from his uncle’s gaze.
“Clearly, this is a lie to discredit my good name. I remember the man; he was caught stealing, and I released him from my employ without a reference.” Duke Erindale shrugged, but Warner could see tiny beads of sweat on his uncle’s brow. “Clearly he was working with the Duchess, and she poisoned him.”
“But why would she do that?” Warner asked as though genuinely curious.
Behind him, he sensed Adele stir slightly. He forced his attention to remain on the man before him. Baiting the trap.
“They were the ones who had access to the drinks. It would remove suspicion from her. It would be only too easy for her to convince them to poison Eric’s drink.” His uncle made a dismissive gesture, the mask of pain slipping back onto his face. “Every man has a price; I thought my servants loyal, but that misplaced trust has cost me my son.”
Liar.Warner took a step towards the man, his voice all innocent curiosity. “But Uncle, you were the one who called for the toast. You were the one who insisted that they drink out of your own wedding glasses, were you not?”
“That only proves that I wished to celebrate what should have been a joyous day. What reason would I have to kill my own son?” The Duke glared up at him.
“What reason indeed?” Warner’s voice was cool and soft as he gestured around the room. “You wanted to protect your legacy. Your good family name. You could not stand the thought that his title would pass to the child of a servant.”
“You said the blood would pollute our line beyond repair. That you would be damned before you let a ba—” Toby stopped himself with an effort. “Well, it does not bear repeating before such company. But you made clear that you thought very little of Eric’s plan, Father.”
“Words said in anger do not mean I killed my first born. You have no proof.” The Duke’s eyes flashed. “Do not let him poison you against me with his lies.”
“The only one lying here is you, Uncle.” Warner gestured to the hooded figure. “Miss Martha, I believe it is time for your testimony.”
Martha strode forwards, and Warner stood to let her pass. His movement brought him close to Adele. His arm brushed against hers, and he felt the warmth spread through him.
“How did you find her?” Adele murmured, too quietly for anyone else to hear.
“The journal,” Warner replied as Queen Charlotte asked, “And who are you?”
“I am Miss Martha Lockley, Your Majesty. Lord Eric was my love.” Martha’s voice shook. “I was deep in grief when His Grace, Duke Erindale, found me and offered me more money than I had ever dreamed of to disappear. He said he would make sure I would be looked after, that my child would be looked after, on one condition…”
Beside him, Adele let out a hiss of disbelief, and Warner saw her hands curl into tight fists. His fingers twitched, but he placed his hands behind his back.
“He is the reason she disappeared.” Adele’s lips barely moved.
“Yes. The house she bought was mentioned in the journal — that’s how I found her.” Warner explained as Martha continued speaking.
Martha was shaking. “He said that if I promised that my child would never try and claim the title of Duke, we would want for nothing. I agreed. There was little hope for me, and when my daughter was born, I thought finally it would be over. Then Duke Scarfield came to find me, he told me what he had learned, and I realised that it was the Duke Erindale all along.”
“Lies. All of it lies. My son would never lie with a servant.” His uncle gave everyone an imploring smile, and Warner found himself taking a step towards him.
The feel of Adele’s hand on his arm stilled him, and he breathed in the smell of her, letting the scent of rose calm his rising fury. “You thought you had destroyed all evidence of their affair. You forced Martha to give it to you when you visited her. But you did not find everything.”
Warner pulled the journal from his pocket. “He called Martha Marigold — but the details are all in here. He loved her, he intended to raise their child as his own, and Adele agreed to help him. She made a sacrifice for him and continued to seek justice.”
“You killed him, and you tried to blame it on me.” Adele’s voice shook.
“Shut up, you stupid little wh—” his uncle began, but Warner’s fist in his mouth stopped him.
Duke Erindale collapsed to the ground, and the room descended into momentary chaos before Queen Charlotte’s voice rang out.
“That is quite enough.” Everyone stilled as the Queen stood from her throne and walked towards them. “Duke Erindale, I find you guilty of murder. You have taken the life of your own son. I would strip you of your title and your life, but you still have an heir remaining. You will be hanged until dead, three days hence.”
“Your Majesty — please!” His uncle scrambled to his feet.
“Take him away.” Queen Charlotte made a gesture, and several armed guards appeared and dragged the screaming duke from the room. The cold fury in the Queen’s gaze softened as she turned to face Warner and Adele.
