The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch (best new books to read .TXT) 📗

and we’ll do it to the best of our ability.” Barrington tucked his tinder box away. “I’ll see you in court tomorrow. And never fear. This case has no foundation, and we’ll soon knock it out of the water. That it has gotten this far is a travesty.” He headed out into the sunshine, putting his bicorn on his head and scowling at the guard.

The moment he was alone, Charles ripped open Sophie’s letter, nearly tearing it in his haste. After reading so many of her letters aloud to Rich in the hospital, this was the first he had received written specifically to him.

“Dearest Charles.”

Did she mean that? Was he dear to her? When Marcus had suggested Sophie was in love with him, Charles had at first rejected the notion. But the more he thought about it, the more he hoped it was true.

First, the girls are well, though Thea is behaving strangely. She’s having trouble sleeping, and she’s angry all the time. And quiet, which isn’t like her at all. I am hoping when this is over, she will return to her normal active self. When we realized you were going to be in that dreadful cell longer than just a day or two, I brought the girls and Mamie to Lyme Regis. They are such a comfort to me. Marcus procured lodging for us in a respectable inn, and we’re comfortable enough. Better accommodations than you currently enjoy, I have no doubt. Why won’t the magistrate at least let me in to see you? The man is impossible. He maintains that a jail is no place for a woman, and there are no provisions for a proper meeting room. I think this is a lot of hogwash, and he’s just being obstructive. It’s almost as if he’s taking particular pleasure in punishing you.

Marcus has departed, but he wouldn’t tell me where. Only that it would help your case. He’s left his most capable employee, Partridge, to watch over us. I can assure you we are in safe hands. Partridge’s great size deters most trouble, but he can and will act if necessary.

Admiral Barrington arrived by boat. You’ve got a very loyal friend there. The day before he arrived, the new steward, Alistair Lythgoe, presented himself to me at the inn. He had been on his way to Gateshead and stopped over in Lyme Regis, just as we did on our journey. That seems a lifetime ago, does it not? He stopped at The Crown and Child, and the publican informed him that his new employer was sitting in the local jail. Mr. Lythgoe came right to our lodgings. He seems quite capable, younger than I had anticipated, and indignant about your current circumstances. When I met him, he took my hand between both of his, and he said, ‘Lady Rothwell, I know these charges are completely unfounded. Captain Wyvern has an excellent reputation in the fleet, and he is above reproach. It’s an honor to work for him.’ I was most reassured. He and the admiral and Marcus put their heads together, and then Marcus and Mr. Lythgoe went their separate ways.

Charles read that last paragraph again. Mr. Lythgoe was young, and he’d taken Sophie’s hand? It was silly to be jealous, and yet he was. He would love to hold Sophie’s hand right now. The age difference, and their history … would it always stand between them?

He returned to the letter.

I hope the clothing Mr. Coles brought to you is suitable. I sent someone to Gateshead to procure what I thought you would want. If you would prefer something else, send word and I’ll search out a haberdasher here in Lyme Regis. I will be in the gallery tomorrow, and if the magistrate tries to keep me out of the courtroom, I’m going to cause a scene.

The girls will stay with Mamie during the trial. She’s been wonderful. I can’t thank you enough for the way you accepted her with all her frailties. I know you did it because you wanted to honor Rich’s memory, but I think you also did it because that’s the kind of man you are.

Betsy wants me to send you her greetings. Actually, she just marched by with her hands behind her back, and said, “Tell him to come home.”

Penny has been a bit … morose? I think she is just now realizing that while you are not guilty of smuggling, others are, and she’s wondering how high and far the smuggling ring reaches. She hasn’t asked any questions about her father’s possible involvement, but I think she’s realized that Miles Enys is almost certainly guilty of collusion at the very least. I don’t think her heart is involved, however, because she has managed to notice that the innkeeper’s son is quite handsome.

Charles, I do hope you’re keeping up your spirits. I have prayed for you so often, that this miscarriage of justice would be righted soon and that you would maintain your integrity and witness. I have questioned so often how any of this can be God’s will, and yet I am at peace that His will shall be accomplished in spite of your enemies surrounding you.

I have been reading in the book of Job, and this morning I came across this verse that gave me great comfort.

Job 5:12: “He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.”

I am confident this will be true in your case. Hopefully, by the end of the day tomorrow, you will be a free man, and we will be reunited.

All your girls send their regards. We are thinking of you and praying for you.

He cast his eyes to the signature.

“Affectionately, Sophie.”

His throat constricted. As she had done for Rich, encouragement and hope flowed from each line. She had informed him of much he had wondered about, had lifted his spirits, and satisfied him that while he was missed, she was caring for those he loved.

He would have to thank