Page 85 of In the Midnight Hour

“You used to be one,” North replied sharply. “Can you speak to the magistrate on their behalf?”

“That wouldn’t be appropriate. I’m inclined to think the magistrate won’t seek a prosecution, but the fact that these servants tried to make Sir Radnor’s death look like an accident instead of notifying the constable immediately will not help their cause.” Harry grimaced. “And I think you understand that the murder of a baronet cannot be ignored or slighted.”

North swore under his breath. “This is exactly what the housemaids feared. Can you blame them for trying to cover up what happened?”

“We have laws for a reason,” Harry said. “And I hope everyone is treated the same under the law.”

“You just said the murder of a baronet cannot be ignored. What if the maid had killed the butler who was attacking her? Would the magistrate find it easier not to prosecute?”

Harry’s expression was flat. “I understand the system isn’t perfect. We do our best.”

Whilst they’d been speaking, Drummond’s coach arrived. North went to the door just as the Bow Street Runner was walking into the entrance hall. “Join us, Drummond.”

The Scotsman removed his hat as he stepped into the library. “You both look as though you’re displeased. What have I missed?”

“We were discussing the inequality in how justice is pursued,” North said with frustration before he repeated everything that he’d told Harry. Drummond listened intently and asked questions periodically.

“North wants me to speak to the magistrate,” Harry said.

Drummond crossed his arms over his massive chest. “That may not go well. Depends on the magistrate. I’ll do what I can to advocate for them all to be released. I agree with North that this isn’t a crime that needs prosecution.” His lip curled. “I particularly hate when men hurt women and aren’t properly punished.”

“As do I,” Harry said. “Let us hope Pollard is the magistrate today. He’s the likeliest to let them all go and not seek a trial. If it’s Renton, I’ll be worried. His father is a baron.”

“Then there’s Caldecott.” Drummond stroked his chin briefly. “I’ve no idea what he’ll do. I want to say he’ll lean toward letting them go because he also despises violence against women, but he views murder as a most heinous crime that can’t go unpunished.”

North hadn’t yet told them about Hypatia’s testimony. They were going to be angry that she’d withheld information from them about what happened last Friday.

He took his brother and Drummond up to the top floor to Gemma’s chamber. “We’ve Lady Cartwright’s cat to thank for finding that spot beneath the dresser,” North said.

Both men squatted down to look at the dried blood. Drummond scratched at it with his nail and brought a piece up to scrutinize, then showed it to Harry.

“Definitely blood,” Drummond said as he rose. He wiped his hand on his trousers.

They went down to the drawing room. Hypatia rose as they entered, meeting North’s gaze with concern—and curiosity. He didn’t know how to convey anything silently, so he merely gave her a faint nod, then moved to stand beside her.

Drummond and Harry went to speak to the servants, whilst Hypatia joined North near the door. “What did your brother say about their chances of going free?” she asked.

“It’s going to depend on which magistrate is there today,” North said grimly. He shared with her what Harry and Drummond had said about the three magistrates and how they might respond.

“Their fate rests on whoever just happens to be working?” Hypatia scowled faintly.

“We have to trust that justice will prevail.” He regarded her intently. “Do you really want to testify in front of the magistrate? You didn’t even want to tell me what happened.”

“I feel driven to do whatever is necessary to help these poor women who were victimized, even if it ruins my reputation, which I expect it will.” She glanced toward the settee in consternation. “I have been very concerned with my reputation and the perception of others. I’m ashamed to admit that the primary reason I offered the Clavertons part of my inheritance was to cast myself in a more sympathetic light.”

“That isn’t shameful at all,” North said softly. Shame came from acting in a way that not only benefitted you but hurt someone else. North knew shame intimately. “It’s understandable and reasonable. You were the primary suspect in a murder investigation. I certainly don’t blame you for trying to maintain some semblance of control over your own life.”

“Thank you for saying that. I think it’s important that Sir Radnor’s pattern of behavior is exposed. How do we do that if neither I nor Mrs. Jennings testify?”

North lifted a shoulder. “We have Mrs. Nyburn. She can share enough to establish that pattern.”

“I suppose, but I still think it might help if I reveal what happened to me.”

“I’ll leave the decision up to you,” North said. “And I’ll support whatever you do.” He saw the servants rising from the settee. “I think they’re preparing to leave.”

They broke apart as Drummond came toward the door. He looked to Hypatia and North. “You’ll need to come to Marlborough Street and provide testimony about finding the blood and obtaining Cora’s confession.”

“Of course,” North said.