CHAPTER 24

A shocked silence followed Larson's words. Dead. Lady Catherine, the woman who had caused so much pain, so much suffering, simply…gone.

Hannah swayed on her feet and I reached out to steady her. "Dead? How?"

Larson's jaw tightened. "She was found not more than an hour ago in her study. Her maid discovered her slumped over her desk. The doctor has yet to determine the exact cause, but it appears to be an overdose of some kind. Laudanum, most likely."

"She took her own life?" Grayson asked. "Rather than face the consequences of her actions?"

"It would appear so," Larson said heavily. "But that's not all. The maid also found a letter on the desk. A confession of sorts."

He produced a folded sheet of paper from his pocket, handing it to Grayson. The solicitor scanned it quickly, his eyes widening with each line.

"She admits to everything," he said softly. "The fraud, the imprisonment, the murders… It's all here, in her own hand."

"A final act of arrogance," I said bitterly. "Controlling the narrative, even in death."

"Perhaps," Grayson allowed. "But it's also ironclad evidence, Mr Ingham."

"Nicholson," I corrected automatically. The name still felt strange to my tongue, like an ill-fitting coat. "My name is Oliver Nicholson."

Larson nodded. "Indeed it is, Lord Nicholson. And as the magistrate, it is my duty to see your rightful status restored. With Lady Catherine's demise, there are no challengers to your claim. Frogmere Manor is yours."

Mine. The word echoed in my mind, and with each repetition, the weight of it grew. I was a gentleman now, with lands to my name and tenants in my care. The enormity of it threatened to overwhelm me.

Hannah moved in closer, intertwining her fingers with mine. An anchor in the storm. I turned to her and in her blue eyes; I found a sense of calm.

"We'll figure it out together," she whispered, for my ears alone. "You and me, John. Just like we always have."

"Together," I agreed, lifting her hand to brush my lips across her knuckles. A promise. A vow. Come what may, we would face it side by side.

Grayson cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "Well, there will be legalities to sort out. The transfer of the estate, choosing trustees, settling out the existing accounts. But none of that is insurmountable."

I turned to Hannah. Time for me to keep the promise I made to myself. I took both her hands in mine.

"Miss Hannah Sheppard, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife? Will you marry me?"

Tears welled in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks even as a smile bloomed across her face. "Yes," she whispered. "Yes, John Ingham, I will marry you. Today, tomorrow, and every day for the rest of our lives."

I whooped with joy, pulling her into my arms and spinning her around. Her laughter rang out, bright and golden, chasing away the last shadows of grief and doubt.

Grayson and Larson looked on, indulgent smiles on their faces. "Well," Grayson said, "I do believe congratulations are in order, Lord Nicholson and Miss Sheppard. A wedding, a new lord, justice served… It's like something out of a novel."

"Speaking of justice," Larson said, "there is still the matter of Lady Catherine's co-conspirators. Those men who attacked you. I'll need your formal statement to begin the hunt."

I nodded, my arm still around Hannah's waist. "Of course. They must answer for their crimes." I thought of James and his unexpected aid. "I may know someone who can help identify them as well."

"Indeed," Larson agreed. "The people of this town have lived under Lady Catherine's shadow for far too long. I wager there will be more than a few who are willing to come forward now that her influence is broken."

"I think it best we give them a moment," Grayson said.

I watched the men leave. Hannah and I were alone at last.

"Guess I need to get used to being called Oliver."

"You can still be John. We'll just add it in there. Having many names is quite fashionable with the upper class," Hannah said. "I would have said yes before. I want you to know that."

"I likely wouldn't have asked," I said.

"No matter, I would have if you didn't."

I looked into her face to find no hint of a lie.

"I love you, Hannah."

"I love you too, John." She kissed me lightly on the lips before adding, "Guess I'll have to write to the Grimm brothers. Their tale of The Frog Prince is in need of an update already."

I smiled before drawing her in for a long kiss.