Love Not Poison by Mary Andrea Clarke

Author:Mary Andrea Clarke [Clarke, Mary Andrea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781906790820
Publisher: Creme de la Crime

14

Further questioning over the breakfast table elicited from Selina the information that a small item had appeared in the newspaper delivered early that morning to her friend’s house. It reported that a death which had been thought an accident now appeared to have happened in suspicious circumstances. A certain Mr G--- had found himself in trouble with the law and had been placed under lock and key pending a trial.

Georgiana groaned. Her experience of the process of law did not lead her to hope that matters would turn out well for her brother. And now, as if the circumstances in which they were all embroiled were not more than enough to deal with, there would be a scandal, something Edward abhorred above all things.

After they had breakfasted, Selina went to her room to unpack. Georgiana remained seated at the table, trying to make sense of what she had learned this morning. The maid came in to clear away the dishes and, if she was surprised to see her mistress still sitting there, she was well enough trained to conceal it when Georgiana signalled her assent to continue.

“Here you are, Georgiana.” Selina fluttered back into the room. The newspaper was clutched in her hand, clearly folded over to the page of interest.

Georgiana stifled a groan as Selina handed her the paper, pointing at the offending item with her forefinger. Georgiana’s eyes flickered briefly to the maid, who was still clearing the table. She seemed fully occupied by her task and gave no sign of interest, but Georgiana suspected Selina’s excitement would have pricked the girl’s curiosity. She accepted the newspaper with a sigh, and read with Selina standing behind her, peering over her shoulder.

Lord Wickerston was not mentioned by name anywhere but the allusion to the fire made it clear that it was his death to which the article referred. Georgiana was a great deal more disturbed to note that Mr G--- was described as a former magistrate. No one of Edward’s acquaintance reading this could imagine it to be anyone else.

“Thank you, Selina,” said Georgiana, maintaining an even tone, but not without a struggle. “Why don’t you go and finish your unpacking?”

Selina’s disappointment was plain; clearly she had hoped to discuss the article with her cousin. However, since Georgiana refused to be drawn, there was nothing for her to do but follow her cousin’s suggestion. She murmured her assent and left the newspaper with Georgiana.

Georgiana wondered what evidence the authorities must have if it was considered sufficient to bring Edward to trial. Surely he could not have confessed to a crime he did not commit? The position in which this would put Amanda and their children was quite unthinkable. While they would certainly not be left to starve, they could hardly remain untouched by the scandal. If Edward were to hang, it was certain they would become social outcasts. Georgiana was less concerned for herself; she could weather the storm. But Amanda’s social position formed the very bedrock of her life, and she was astonished that Edward seemed not to have considered this.

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