Page 124 of Unmasking the Diamond
“Good heavens.” Jude’s expression softened. “Is she safe now?”
Luca nodded. “She is. She’s at home under Alcott’s protection.”
Jude exhaled a long breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I want to hear every detail, but not before I have some coffee. Come, join me.”
Luca followed his brother down the corridor. Once they reached the dining room, a footman poured two cups of coffee and Jude took a long sip before speaking.
“Now,” he said, “I am ready.”
Luca regarded him with faint amusement. “Did you not sleep well?”
“I never sleep well,” Jude admitted. “But that matters little. Tell me about your investigation.”
So Luca did. He began with the death of the late Duchess of Brackenford and unfolded the story piece by piece—the discoveries, the dangers, and at last the rescue of Charlotte and Lady Matthew. He left out the involvement of Rupert and Rosalie. That tale was not his to tell. By the time he finished, Jude shook his head in disbelief.
“Poor Lady Matthew,” Jude murmured. “To return to her husband after such an ordeal. Do you believe she is safe?”
“We’ve contacted Warwicke,” Luca said, setting his cup down. “He’s arranging for Bow Street to intervene. With any luck, Lord Matthew will find himself in Newgate before the week’s end.”
“Do you think there’s enough evidence to convict him?”
“There is,” Luca replied. “Especially when my article is printed tomorrow. Society will know the truth of his cruelty.”
Jude’s lips quirked faintly. “And if Lady Matthew petitions Parliament for divorce, I shall rally support among the peers. It’s high time a man like that has his comeuppance.”
A footman placed a plate of eggs and toast before Luca. He picked up his fork and took a slow bite, though hunger was the last thing he felt.
Jude’s gaze was far too perceptive when he asked, “Now that the danger has passed… what do you intend to do about Miss Winslow?”
Luca set down his fork. “I intend to marry her.”
Jude grinned. “I rather thought so. But does she want to marry you?”
Luca hesitated, discomfort prickling. “I don’t know. But I know she isn’t indifferent towards me.”
“That is a promising start,” Jude quipped.
Before Luca could reply, a familiar, deeper voice came from the doorway. “Stop tormenting your brother, Jude.”
Their father entered and moved to the head of the table. “I apologize for eavesdropping,” the duke said as he took his seat. “But I heard enough to know you’ve uncovered something significant. Do you truly believe the Duke of Brackenford was aware of the asylum’s activities?”
“I don’t know how he couldn’t have been,” Luca replied. “His name is tied to every account, every transfer of funds. Even if he didn’t wield the knife himself, he sanctioned it through silence.”
Their father’s mouth tightened. “Then I shall take this matter to the Prince Regent. The man will not escape justice under my watch.”
“Won’t he just claim privilege of the peerage?” Jude asked.
“Perhaps,” their father conceded, “but the Prince Regent could send him abroad—make him an ambassador to some small, forgotten kingdom. Better exile than impunity.”
Luca dabbed his mouth with a napkin. “Regardless of politics, I intend to print the truth. The world deserves to know who he really is.”
Their father inclined his head. “Do so. The truth must be printed, consequences be damned.”
Luca met his father’s steady gaze. “Thank you.”
A faint smile touched the duke’s lips. “One question, however—will you mention Miss Winslow in your article?”
Luca leaned back, considering. “I haven’t decided. She was instrumental in uncovering the truth, but I will not endanger her reputation.”
