The Secret of Castlegate Manor (20 page)

When they had all settled, Geoffrey began the conversation.

"It must be decided, Lord Humphrey, what shall be done with you. By all rights, I should call in the constable and have you imprisoned for the rest of your life. But I am loathe to do so considering the injury that you have suffered. The fact that you will live, from now on, with the consequence of your misdeed stands for something."

The Viscount gave a bitter laugh. "How ironic you should save my life only to leave me blinded."

"Your own choices led to your misfortune. I take no credit for that. What I shall do is allow you to return to The Royal Crescent and pack your things. You shall go abroad and not return. I think, due to the condition you are in, Lady Eleanor would have had no objection to allowing me to furnish you a small pension from my inheritance, only enough to live on. If you ever return, you shall lose your freedom. Do you agree?"

"It seems I have no choice."

Geoffrey motioned to Edwards. "Take him away. Have Nottington drive him to Bath and make sure he takes passage as I have arranged."

"Yes, my lord."

When the Viscount had been led away, Lady Aberly declared, "I am glad this business is all settled so that we may get peacefully on with the business of a wedding."

Geoffrey offered Caroline his arm for a walk in the garden. "Two weddings, I believe."

He winked at Caroline. "Do you agree, my lady."

She favored him with a coy smile. "As you wish, my lord." With a sigh of contentment, she took his arm and silently blessed Lady Eleanor for giving a chambermaid a chance to become a lady.