Now people were moving in the body of the court. Godfrey Duncannon was on his feet, his face purple with fury, but uncertain what to do. Beside him Cecily was staring at him as though she had never really seen him before, not clearly, not like this.
Then Cecily turned away and Emily put her arms around her, letting her hide her face.
Charlotte was on her feet too, holding Jack’s hand hard, not allowing him to interrupt Emily at this terrible moment.
Abercorn was dazed. At least he understood. The entire edifice of his dreams had crashed around him and lay in wreckage on the floor, and he knew who had done it, and how, and that there was nothing he could do.
It was Vespasia, ignoring everyone else, who walked gracefully across the floor to Narraway, signaling that the trial was over.
“You were quite brilliant, my dear,” she said quietly, but distinctly enough that those close to her could hear. “With Thomas’s help, I think you have achieved all the justice that is possible.” She looked up at the judge. “I daresay his lordship will accept your suggestion of a hospital for Alexander to live out whatever days he has left. Won’t you, Algernon?”
The judge blushed very faintly, and did his best to retain his composure.
“You are excused, Commander Pitt,” he said a little hoarsely. “I hope not to see you in my court again. You have made a complete shambles of this trial.”
“Yes, my lord,” Pitt agreed humbly, but he was smiling in spite of the pity that tore him apart.
“But you did it rather well, I suppose,” the judge added.
Pitt bowed his head in acknowledgment, and then made his way down the steps and across the floor to Charlotte.
She took his hand. “Very well,” she said softly. “Brilliantly.”