Page 107 of A Pure Lady for the Broken Duke

It was Prunella who responded. “We have seen your fine horses and believe we stand a good chance of seeing a return on our investment. At least for now, we wish to retain our investment with you and Mr. Edgerton.”

“I am pleased to hear that. And I do assure you, we will do our very best to make our venture successful.”

The two ladies nodded. “We are certain you will,” Prunella replied.

“Have a good trip home,” Thomas offered as the two turned and left the room and then the house.

Chapter 35

Thomas was escorted through the dark and dank hallways of Marshalsea prison toward his uncle’s cell. The walls were not only damp, but moss and mold could be seen growing in between the stones. This place represented one of the worst examples of the British penal system. Thomas had to hold his handkerchief up to his nose to alleviate the stench coming from the cells along with screams, shouts, and curses hurled at anyone who passed along the hallways.

“You have half an hour,” the jailor said, as he took out his keys and opened the cell door.

Thomas went inside. There was no light except from a small barred window high on the wall that omitted no view, except for a patch of sky.

“Uncle?” Thomas said as he scanned the cell.

“Thomas?” a weak voice called up from a dark corner. Wilcox stood up from the frame that supported a straw mattress. “Why have you come? You must be so disgusted with me,” Wilcox said plaintively.

“I came to see how you are, and to bring you this letter from Grandmamma. She sent a parcel, as well, but they would not allow me to bring it to you. They said they needed to check the contents first, but I have every expectation that it will disappear before you will ever see it.”

“Yes, that sounds about right.” Wilcox reached out and took Thomas by the arm. “Oh, Thomas, what is to become of me? I have made some terrible decisions. Is there any way you can help me? Please.”

“Tell me everything, and then we can assess what is best to do.”

Wilcox said, “I have no chairs, just this bed. It is the only place to sit. It is all I can offer. They would not allow me to have Munson standing by to offer you a glass of sherry.”

“I see you have still not lost your sense of humor.”

“What else can one do? I can either laugh or cry. And I much prefer a good barb to a self-pitying blubber.”

“Then let us sit on the bed and tell me your entire tale—honestly.”

“I will.”

Wilcox then explained his entire operation and laid out in detail exactly what had happened.

Thomas then asked, “And I expect you know it was Lord Comerford who alerted the police.”

“Yes, I do.”

“And he has told George and me that he agreed to his end of the operation because you blackmailed him about his dealings in France.”

“That is true.”

“Then what puzzles me is why you have not informed the authorities about his French affair? For no one has questioned him or brought any charges against him. Did you tell them? Did you try to save yourself by informing on him? Tell me truthfully.”

“I did not.”

“Why, Wilcox? It seems so out of character for you.”

“Yes, I know—the bad egg, the black sheep, the rotten apple. I am all of that and more.” He hesitated but then added, “I just could not do it. I have lost everything, Thomas. I have betrayed the two people I love most in the world, and I just could not take another step into perfidy. I have finally come to the end of the road. I know I shall lose my estate, my London house, any remaining semblance of decency, and I cannot tell you what a relief it is to let go and accept my miserable fate.”

Thomas was silent for a long moment before saying, “You still have your mother and me. And I will engage my solicitor to represent you. I assume you have no funds for your defense?”

“That is correct. I have nothing. And now I will never be able to pay you or mother anything of what I have stolen from you.”

“But we cannot abandon family, Wilcox. I know your mother would want me to help you if I can.”