Page 69 of Not a Fine Gentleman

Relief sapped Margaret’s strength, and she fell weakly against the chair back. She pressed shaking hands over her face and focused on breathing.

Christian put a steadying hand on her back while Cole snarled at the magistrate, “That was a despicable ruse.”

Cole was right. Mr. Birnie had played a deceptive and cruel game. The ice inside her heated. How dare he!

Mr. Birnie’s mouth pulled to one side sheepishly. “Forgive me for my unorthodox means, my lady. The crown is increasing demands to locate and prosecute the killer. As you can imagine, the murder of a marquis is no ordinary crime. I must employ all tactics to discover the truth. There can be no doubts.” He glanced at each of her brothers in turn, beginning with Jared. “I have already cleared the rest of you of suspicion.” He stood, turned to Connor, and they exchanged a brief, wordless conversation.

Connor’s stoic expression finally broke. What was that look? Relief? Apology? Surprise? Honestly, the man was infuriatingly difficult to read.

“I take it that I am allowed to leave the house now?” Margaret asked in her most imperious tone that ruled drawing rooms.

Mr. Birnie inclined his head. “Yes, of course, but I advise caution since the killer is still at large and may try to harm you to keep you silent.” To Cole, he said, “Thank you, my lord, for inviting me to conduct my business under your roof.” He bowed his way out.

Connor turned to leave, but Grant growled, “Jackson. A word.”

With a question in his expression, Connor glanced at Mr. Birnie, who nodded. While Mr. Birnie took his leave, Connor followed Grant out of the room. At the doorway, Connor glanced back at Margaret. The lines around his eyes softened, only for an instant, and then he was gone. What was she to make of that?

Rachel shot into the room and threw her arms around Margaret. “I’m so glad it’s over. Now you can resume your life.”

Rachel finally released Margaret but tugged on her hand. “Come, let’s tell the others.”

Margaret barely took two steps before her sisters-in-law surrounded her, embracing her and exclaiming their relief. They had rallied around her.

It mattered not that no man loved her; she’d always have family.