Elyse Mady by The White Swan Affair

Author:The White Swan Affair
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2012-06-10T13:10:28+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Robert spent three days in the stocks for his impertinence in the keeper’s home.

By the third day, he’d barely cared that he was the recipient of the prisoners’ abusive scorn as he’d stood his punishment. His arms had burned unceasingly and his neck, bent at an unnatural angle to fit between the heavy boards, spasmed, sending pain throughout his entire body. But after a day or so, the numbness had set in and it was only when he moved that the agonizing discomfort had been renewed.

He had tried to move as little as possible but sometimes, when exhaustion had finally overcome him, he would nod off, only to wake in agony.

At last, the turnkeys had freed him. He staggered down the stone steps, his swollen feet barely supporting him. Dizzy, his hands and feet tingling with the renewed movement, he sank down only to be roused by his name.

“We meet at last, Mr. Aspinall.”

The gentleman before him carried a small satchel and wore a surprisingly well-cut suit. Robert knew his trade and recognised the consummate skill with which it had been made and the equally careful skill which disguised its expense: the sober fabric, the unadorned waistcoat.

“Mr. Wooley?” The man’s face swum before him, wavering in front of his weary eyes.

All of his lawyers, real and imaginary, looked at him with distaste. “The very same,” he acknowledged. He held out his hand and Robert grasped it. He was hauled to his feet ignominiously. “Let us take a turn together, and we will begin to discuss your case.”

“Might I not rest? We could talk as well near the benches.”

Wooley shook his head. “What we are to discuss is for your ears alone. Besides, antagonizing the guards will not help your case, Mr. Aspinall. Mr. Cook tells me you were brawling.”

“In a manner of speaking.”

Wooley sighed. “Mr. Aspinall, you are setting a poor example. Your sister will not be pleased if she has retained me to your defence for naught.”

“She came to see you?” The news surprised him. “She has retained you?” Although she had told him of her plans, he had not expected her to still act on his behalf. Their schism had been severe.

“Yes, Mr. Aspinall. Your sister has hired me,” Wooley said. “Did you know she was living in Bruton Street? Seems a prosperous address for one whose brother has been taken up. Perhaps your fortunes are changing for the better. If she can afford such accommodations, I am sure she will have no problem paying my fees.” He smiled and Robert wondered why the sight of his solicitor’s affable face discomfited him.

“I will not discuss my sister’s living arrangements with all and sundry,” he stated. “I must think of her reputation, even if she will not.”

“I am your solicitor,” Wooley argued. “I am bound by my oath not to reveal anything you might tell me but to hold it in greatest confidence. Miss Aspinall is living in Bruton Street. Do you know with whom?”

Robert’s head throbbed. It was difficult to think clearly.

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