Borrowed Vows (26 page)

Dane obeyed, and George held the bottle to the banker’s lips. “Take this, it’s a herb infusion and will help to calm you. Steady now, just a sip at a time.”

Pendle did as he was told, and gradually his color came back. George returned the bottle to Dane, and then fixed the banker with a reproving look. “It’s as well for you I took the precaution of bringing that bottle today. I had a notion you’d become overwrought for one reason or another. Look, man, you can’t go on like this. You eat too much, drink too much, take too little exercise, and you’re the most choleric fellow it’s ever been my misfortune to meet. If you don’t do something about all four, you’re not long for this world. Do I make myself clear?”

“Perfectly, doctor,” Pendle replied, wiping his face with his handkerchief. “I’m all right now, it was merely a spasm brought on by grief.”

At the edge of the grove, Kathryn took a grim satisfaction from knowing the banker wouldn’t live another day. She hoped he died in agony, for that was what he richly deserved. But dead or not, he’d still be able to do irreparable harm to Dane’s honor. That wretched diary and all its lies would lay false witness about this dawn confrontation, and even though she knew the truth, there didn’t seem to be anything she could do about it.

George helped Pendle to his feet, but the banker shook him away. “Keep your advice and assistance, Eden, for it’s clear the only person whose well-being interests you is Marchwood. I suppose you’ll contradict anything I say regarding this infamous event?”

George didn’t reply, and Dane looked sagely at his friend. “You can’t defend me, can you, George?” he said quietly. “You can’t, because you aren’t sure, nor can you ever be. The pistols are mine, I brought them here, and gave them to you. I then steered Denham, albeit innocently, to the pistol that wouldn’t fire, and I made certain of his death by aiming very accurately indeed. I admit to the latter, for it was my intention to kill him, but I didn’t murder him. At the moment I fired, I fully expected him to fire back. That is all I can say.”

Pendle’s sharp eyes remained on the doctor. “Well, sir? I await your comments.”

“I cannot and will not say that Sir Dane interfered with the pistol,” George said after a moment.

Pendle gave a disgusted snort. “So much for upright, honorable George Eden! But can you say with equal conviction that he didn’t interfere with the weapon?”

“No, of course I can’t, for there’s no proof either way,” George replied uncomfortably, giving Dane another apologetic glance.

His discomfort offered hope to the banker, who pushed his face close to Dane’s. “Damned by your own second, sir! He cannot say anything one way or the other, but
I
can! I’m sure of my facts where you’re concerned, Sir Dane Fancy Marchwood, and I’m not going to let you get away with murdering two of my kinsmen. I’m going to lay charges against you!”

Kathryn had to turn away from the banker’s venomous hatred. You aren’t going to be able to bring anything to trial, you maggot! The Grim Reaper’s sharpening his scythe for you right now!

George couldn’t hide his distaste for Pendle either. “If you take this to court, you’d better be prepared for the worst,” he said quietly.

“What do you mean?” the banker demanded.

“I’d have to point out to judge and jury that you are biased against Sir Dane, that you came here today already hating him because of William Denham’s death ten years ago, and that your anxiety over the choice of weapons was quite extraordinary, almost as if you knew what had been done to one of them. That might point a few unwelcome fingers at you, sir, for it is not unreasonable for Sir Dane to say that he might have been the intended victim, not Thomas.” George held the banker’s eyes.

Kathryn was exultant. Go for it, George! You’re on the right trail!

Pendle’s clever little eyes were sharp. “What’s this, Eden? Are you suggesting that
I
am guilty of—?”

“I’m not suggesting anything,” George broke in, “I’m merely drawing your attention to how things might go at a trial. You had as much motive as anyone to tamper with the pistol, and if you did, it would certainly explain your dismay when Thomas took the wrong gun.”

Pendle’s unpleasant little eyes narrowed still more. “A neat plot, Eden, I take my hat off to you, but it won’t work. Marchwood did it and I won’t rest until I’ve proved it. He should swing for this day’s work, and if you refuse to stand up for justice, I’ll do all I can on my own. Thomas’s death isn’t going to be in vain, on that you have my word.’

George met his gaze. “I’ve said all I’m going to say. Take this to court, and I’ll say my piece. On your head be it.”

A nerve flickered at the banker’s temple, and for a moment he couldn’t trust himself to speak, but then he gained control again. “Well, physician, at least show some honor now by assisting me with my nephew’s body. I can’t carry him to the curricle on my own, and must take him back to Denham Hall.”

“Of course.”

Dane stepped quickly forward. “Let me help. You can’t lift him, Pendle, not with your heart in such—”

“Don’t lay your evil hand upon me or my nephew,” the banker breathed.

Dane remained where he was as they lifted Thomas from the damp grass and carried him across the grove. Two minutes later the curricle drove out of the grove and vanished into what remained of the dawn mist.

Chapter Twenty-eight

Kathryn hoped that with the banker gone, she’d at least be able to enter the grove. Surely events were complete now! But still she couldn’t move from her place. There was nothing she could do except continue to watch from the perimeter.

As George returned to pick up his bag, Dane spoke. “What do you really think? Do you secretly wonder if I’m guilty?”

“You surely don’t need to ask? I know you to be innocent, but I’d put money on Pendle’s guilt.”

Kathryn could have kissed the little doctor.

George drew a heavy breath. “I don’t profess to know how he got at the pistols, but I’m sure he did. He came here today certain that you would take the disabled gun, and thus die at Thomas’s hand.”

“But if mine was the pistol that misfired and the nail was then discovered, surely that would point the finger of suspicion at Thomas Denham?” Dane observed in puzzlement.

Kathryn clenched her fists in frustration. No, not at Thomas, at me! Pendle is going to say that I did it to rid myself of a husband I hate, who stands between me and the man I really want!

George thought for a moment, and then his eyes cleared. “Would it? There’s someone else who might be construed as having good reason to wish you dead.”

“Someone else?” Dane stared, then his lips parted. “Rosalind? Is that what you’re suggesting?”

“It’s not what I’m suggesting at all, but it’s what I believe Pendle would have suggested if the pistol were examined. When I received your message requesting my services today, and informing me he was Denham’s second, I naturally went to see him. He made his opinion of Rosalind very clear indeed. He blamed her for leading his saintly nephew astray. Thomas Denham, like his brother William before him, was as pure as the driven snow.”

“William Denham was far from pure,” Dane replied with feeling.

“I believe you, for you wouldn’t have called him out without good reason. Anyway, let’s consider how events might have unfolded if you had died and Thomas emerged victorious. Pendle would know that the trickery with the nail might not be discovered at all. It’s hardly unknown for a handgun to fail, and in this case it was a gun that had already been damaged in the past. So Thomas probably wouldn’t question its failure, and Pendle certainly wouldn’t. Which would only leave me, and if I discovered the nail, Pendle would instantly prevent any accusation of Thomas by accusing Rosalind instead. He’s no fool. Who better than an adulterous wife to want her husband dead? Yes, the more I think of it, the more sure I become. Pendle had it all worked out, but things went gravely wrong. His plan misfired, literally. He didn’t reckon on the disabled pistol going to the wrong man, and then he was too craven to save his nephew’s life by admitting the truth. Oh, he tried after a fashion, but when it came to it, he let Thomas go to his death. So much for his family loyalty! Now he has to make what capital he can from the situation. His purpose was to destroy you and save Thomas, and even now, with Thomas dead instead, he sees an opportunity to still do you harm.”

Dane gave him an admiring smile. “You missed your vocation, George. You have a superb analytical mind, and would have made an excellent barrister.”

“As it happens, the law was my first choice, but my father had other notions. Anyway, to return to the matter in hand—the way things have gone today, the facts are very damning for you, but they’re equally damning for Pendle. I’ve warned him what I would be prepared to say at a trial, and when he calms down a little I think he’ll see the wisdom of letting the whole thing drop. That’s by far the best outcome. Apart from anything else, we all four committed a crime when we met here this morning. I believe he’ll realize the hazard of making too much noise. If he lays charges against you, he not only has to admit to taking part in a duel, he also runs the risk of being charged himself.”

Dane smiled a little. “I hope you’re right.”

“So do I.” George smiled and put a comforting hand on Dane’s arm. “As for Denham, don’t shed tears on his account. He issued the challenge, and came here knowing one or the other of you, possibly even both, would die.” He paused. “Dane, would you take offense if I leave now? I’ve neglected my duties in order to be here this morning, and really should return to Gloucester to attend my patients.”

“Of course I won’t take offense, but actually, there’s something I’d like you to do first. Another patient, if you like. It’s Rosalind.” Dane explained briefly what had happened to her.

At first George was concerned, but then smiled when he learned Alice was looking after her. “My dear fellow, if that old witch reassured you all is well, you may take her word for it. Damn it all, Alice Longney probably knows more than I do!”

“I admit to being relieved she was there.”

George searched his face. “While you’re about it, why don’t you also admit you’re still in love with Rosalind?” he asked quietly.

Dane said nothing, but George pressed him.

“Damn it, Dane, it’s as clear as crystal to me. No matter what she may or may not have done, you can’t stop loving her, can you?”

“Very well, I admit it, but it’s something that’s to remain strictly between you and me,” Dane replied at last.

Kathryn closed her eyes. He did still love her! There was hope!

George raised an eyebrow. “No word of it will pass my lips, but there’s just one thing.”

“And that is?”

George looked toward the spot where Thomas died. “Are you sure beyond all shadow of doubt that she and Denham were lovers?”

“Quite sure.”

“Since trials have been threatened these past minutes, perhaps a legal comparison might be appropriate. Could you swear in court that your wife was Denham’s mistress?”

Dane glanced at him. “Well, short of having caught them actually in the act...”

“What did you catch them in, Dane?”

“A loving embrace.”

“Was it?”

“Yes.”

George raised his doctor’s bag. “If this bag were a Bible, could you put your hand on it and say on oath that what you saw was a loving embrace?”

Dane looked at the bag, and then at his friend. “I believe it was a loving embrace, but she claimed she was trying to get away from him,” he conceded.

“Which means she has a different version of what happened. Dane, you owe it to her and to yourself to hear what she has to say.”

“I hardly think it’s fitting now, do you? Denham’s dead, and no matter what, mine was the shot that killed him. It’s a little late to ask her for explanations.”

“It’s never too late.”

Dane drew a long breath and looked away. George studied him curiously. “What aren’t you confiding in me?”

“Nothing.”

“I don’t accept that; I know you too well.”

Dane smiled. “Very well. It’s foolish, I know, but in the last few days I’ve almost felt as if...”

“Yes?”

“As if Rosalind were two women in one. Twins, with disparate natures, one passionate and truly in love with me, the other cooler and in love with Denham. Do you understand what I mean?”

George shook his head in bewilderment. “No, dear boy, I don’t. I suggest you ask her.” He glanced up at the sky as the sun broke through at last. “A fine Lammas Day, I believe,” he murmured.

“Lammas Day? Is it?”

George smiled. “Yes, and as such an ideal day for new beginnings. The first corn is cut today, and I believe you, my friend, should begin cutting back the weeds that spoil your life right now. Well, I’m off then. If you need me, you know where I am, for the time being at least. I’ve decided definitely to go to America. It’s an opportunity too good to miss.”

Dane watched him cross the grove to attach his bag to the saddle once more, and then mount. Waving once, George turned the horse and rode away.

It was as he disappeared beyond the trees that the invisible wall between Kathryn and the grove seemed to crumble away too. Suddenly she could step toward Dane and call his name.

He whirled about, and their eyes met. For a long moment he remained where he was, and then he began to walk toward her. Hope surged pitifully through her, but it withered wretchedly away as he passed her without a word.

Chapter Twenty-nine

The agony of despair still keened through Kathryn as she hurried after him. “Dane, please let me explain!”

“I want nothing more to do with you,” he replied abruptly as he continued swiftly along the path toward the stepping stones.

“You must talk to me, Dane!”

“Why?” He paused at the water’s edge. “How long had you been at the clearing? Did you calmly observe throughout the confrontation?”

“I... I got there just after the shot was fired,” was what she said, but she wanted to say she’d been there long enough to hear him admit he loved her.