“I must say,” Guthrie drawled when Charlotte voiced her intention to him later, “I’m quite impressed by your willingness to stand by him through this.”
“Blayne has offered me more support these past two months than I have received from anyone, including my own family, for my entire life. Of course I intend to stand by him. And damn anyone who dares to get in my way.”
“Brava,” Marcus said from his position in a nearby armchair.
After informing her parents she’d be home later, Charlotte had returned to Windham House for what she hoped would prove an informative discussion. She’d ignored her father’s protests completely.
“So,” Charlotte said, her eyes focused on Guthrie, “why does Blayne believe he’s guilty of killing his father, and who on earth was the man who stopped us from speaking our vows?”
“In answer to your first question, Blayne believes he killed his father because he did. The man you refer to is his uncle, Mr. Seamus Callanach.”
Guthrie’s calm voice put Charlotte at ease in spite of the damning words he’d just spoken. “Tell me what happened, as precisely as you can.”
“According to what Blayne has told me, he was seventeen years of age when it happened. Apparently, he was woken one night by piercing screams, so he rushed to see what was going on. The noise came from his mother’s bedchamber. When he arrived there he found her pinned against the wall by his father, her expression one of pure terror.” Guthrie knit his brow. “Her lover was on the bed, covered in blood.”
“Dear God,” Charlotte muttered.
“Blayne tried to get his father away from his mother, but he wasn’t strong enough. When Callanach went for his wife’s throat and it became clear he’d not let up until she, too, met her maker, Blayne grabbed a candelabra and struck him over the head with it as hard as he could, effectively killing him on the spot.”
“So then, he saved his mother’s life.”
“Yes, but that’s not how he sees it.”
“I don’t understand why he wouldn’t. It doesn’t sound as though his action was worse than when he worked for you, and he seems at peace with those deaths.”
“There’s a world of difference between striking down a rapist who’s nothing but scum, and taking your father’s life. No matter how awful your father may be or the sins he might have committed, he’s a relation. And you must consider Blayne’s age as well. He was barely more than a child – a timid lad according to his own words. When his uncle arrived on the scene and said he’d hang for murder, Blayne panicked and ran. Which was probably a wise choice since Blayne insists Seamus always hated him.”
“But surely Blayne’s mother would have come to his defense,” Charlotte said. “In fact, it disturbs me greatly to think the woman never attempted to find her son after he left.”
“It’s not always easy to know why people behave as they do,” Regina said. “Families often have secrets they keep well hidden behind closed doors. What you see when they’re out in public is oftentimes a façade.”
“There was disharmony between our parents,” Marcus murmured, “but neither of us was aware of it until Guthrie brought the past to light. I still have trouble believing my father killed his on account of jealousy.”
“How did Blayne’s uncle even know it was his nephew who was getting married?” Regina asked. “I mean, if Blayne’s real name is James Callanach and the announcement mentioned Blayne MacNeil, I don’t see how Seamus would have figured out his true identity.”
“I agree there’s a mystery there,” Guthrie said. “Perhaps someone recognized him as he feared they would if he ventured out in public, and the person informed his uncle of his reappearance.”
“Lady Warwick noted the similarity between Blayne and Bruce Callanach during the Coventry Ball weeks ago,” Charlotte said. She held Guthrie’s penetrating gaze. “Do you suppose she might have written Seamus?”
“Possibly,” Guthrie said. “I certainly wouldn’t put it past her since I’ve never encountered a woman more meddlesome than she. Nor one who takes greater pleasure in bringing scandals to light.”
“Regardless of how Blayne’s identity was revealed, I intend to help clear his name.”
“Any idea on how to do that?” Marcus asked.
“Getting his mother to serve as witness would be useful,” Charlotte said, “provided the woman is still alive, that is. Guthrie, do you not have some sway over the chief magistrate? As a duke, can you not have him put off an eventual trial until we’re able to gather more information?”
“I might have been able to if it were up to him, but since the crime was committed in Scotland, I believe Blayne will have to stand trial there, and I very much fear a powerful family like the Callanachs will have more sway over the legal system there than I ever would.”
“Right.” Charlotte didn’t like the sound of this one bit, but neither was she about to give up on account of a geographical snag. “In that case, I suggest we find out if a trial will occur, where it will occur, and when it will occur. Once these facts are in place, it will be easier for us to make a plan. Either way, I fully intend to travel to Scotland so I can meet with Blayne’s mother. Perhaps some servants can be stirred up as well, but since Blayne’s mother was part of the whole ordeal, she will be the key witness.”
“He’s lucky to have you,” Guthrie murmured. “Your dedication to him is most impressive.”
“I was about to marry him a few hours ago,” Charlotte said. “Just because I never managed to say my vows doesn’t mean I don’t take for better or worse seriously.”
“You should escort her,” Regina told Guthrie.
“I was actually thinking of sending Marcus in my stead. It will give him a chance to visit Edinburgh University and speak with the professors Redding recommended he get in touch with. And besides,” Guthrie said, his eyes twinkling as he regarded his wife with affection, “I’m not so keen on leaving you at the moment, my love.”
Regina blushed. She gave Charlotte and Marcus an almost shy smile. “I suppose we might as well tell you both that we’ve recently learned I’m expecting.”
“Goodness,” Charlotte said. “That’s wonderful news.”
“Congratulations,” Marcus said with a grin. “I’ve been looking forward to becoming an uncle. Lord knows I’m going to spoil that child.”
“Getting back to the subject at hand,” Guthrie said a few moments later, “I will head over to Bow Street right now in order to figure out what’s going on.”
“I’ll join you,” Charlotte said. To her relief, Guthrie did not protest.
Two hours later, after learning Blayne had left London at least four hours earlier, Charlotte located Daisy and informed her parents she would be heading north.
“But you can’t,” Mama said. “Tell her, Lord Elkins. She’ll only make matters worse.”
“I’m not sure she cares,” Papa said.
Charlotte rounded on them both. “Just so you know, Blayne was the one who helped you out of financial ruin, not Mr. Cooper. He’s the best man I know and right now he needs help, which I intend to provide.”