Page 88 of The Chef and the Countess

Paul touched his forelock and jogged toward the kitchen, disappearing through the swinging door.

Celia turned to face Liam, slipping her arms around his waist. “You made a wise choice hiring that young man,” she said.

Liam smiled and kissed her on the nose. “I learned from Walter that it’s always smart to have a handsome lad waiting tables as it will draw in the lady customers. I may use Paul for that eventually. We’ll see how it goes.”

Celia laughed lightly. As Liam pulled her closer for a kiss, Bruce entered the room.

“Begging your pardon. Sergeant Morrisey wants a word.”

Liam rolled his eyes. “We’re always interrupted,” he murmured. More loudly, he said to Bruce, “Show him in.”

The detective strode through the door and stopped in front of them. “He’s gone.”

Liam’s smile vanished. “What?”

“You had best sit down,” Morrisey said gravely. The three of them slipped into a nearby booth. “By the time I took those men’s statements, crafted the police warrant, and presented it to a judge, Shinwell had disappeared.”

Liam scoffed. “Why am I not surprised?”

“The Earl of Darrington claims his son has left for America to marry a steel magnate’s daughter and will go to work in the man’s mill. We contacted the railway company, but Shinwell, Mr. Foster, and his daughter had already boarded a ship bound for America. There is nothing I can do. International waters and all that nonsense.”

“I cannot believe this, or maybe I can,” Celia fumed. “So he is to get away with the lot?”

“It depends what you mean, my lady. Darrington tells me his son will be laboring as a furnace operator in the mill. From what I’ve heard, that is a brutal job and probably worse than any hard labor he would have to do in prison. It’s cold comfort, I know. And I can tell when someone is lying to me. The earl was telling the truth about his son’s future.”

Liam banged the table with his fist. “Damn them all. What if he returns? Can we charge him then?”

“Although there is no official statute of limitations in Great Britain, many prosecutors do not like to charge a crime after several years have passed. For that certain charge, ‘accessory to assault’ falls under the Offence Against the Person Act. The most he would get is three years.”

“So that bloody pillock can swan back here and take his place in society like nothing ever happened?” Liam growled.

“Unfortunately. I wish I had better news, and I am sorry I couldn’t get to him sooner.”

“We know you tried, Sergeant,” Celia replied sympathetically. “I suppose, in a way, Shinwell is serving a sort of sentence.”

“You are too kind. Oh--” The sergeant reached into his coat pocket. “The earl asked me to give this to you.” He passed a thick envelope to Celia.

Celia ripped it open. Inside were numerous pound notes. “Money,” she gasped. “And a letter.”

“I will leave you to it,” Morrisey said as he slid along the bench seat to depart.

“No, please stay,” Celia said. “I’ll read it.”

Dear Niece,

I cannot begin to apologize enough for my conduct, or Troy’s behavior. I should have offered you a comfortable room from the start. Instead, I cossetted Troy’s shameful manner as I often did many times in the past. But I make no excuses. Perhaps in time, you will forgive my atrocious deeds.

Meanwhile, allow me to make amends the only way I know how. I have enclosed the total amount of Troy’s gambling debt along with the interest Mr. Hallahan requested. That fulfills my agreement with him. I have also included an additional 150 pounds for the anguish we have caused you, with another fifty for Mr. Hallahan for the damages caused by Troy’s shenanigans. If it is not enough, please get in touch with me, and I can provide more. Again, I sincerely apologize.

Uncle William

“Well, as you said, my lady, it is a sort of sentence. Monetary compensation is usually part of a guilty verdict where damage is concerned,” Morrisey said. Then he shook his head. “Shenanigans. Leave it to the upper classes to refer to crimes as such.”

“And what about my customers, especially the older ladies who had to be taken to the hospital?” Liam exclaimed.

Morrisey stood and placed his hat on his head. “My unofficial advice? Have the earl offer another settlement to those harmed. And ask for more than fifty pounds for damages. You can claim lost income for the restaurant and pub—trauma for your employees and customers. Threaten to sue him in civil court if he does not pay. That, in my book, is hitting him where it hurts.” Morrisey gave them a sly smile. “But you did not hear that from me.”

Liam stood and held out his hand. “Thank you for the wise advice.”

Morrisey took it and shook. “I wish I could have done more. Good day, Hallahan. My lady.”

Liam slid into the bench seat after Morrisey departed.

“Well,” Celia said, “This is quite the turn of events.”

“Am I shocked that an aristocrat fled the country to avoid lawful punishment? No. Am I surprised your uncle offered money to make things right? My cynical side sees it more as a payment to keep our mouths shut about his criminal life of smuggling and theft.”

“And it is a payment to remain quiet,” Celia sighed. “Honestly, I wish to put the entire sordid incident behind me. However, before we do, we should do as Morrisey suggested and threaten a civil suit. There are the ladies injured, the loss of income, and the stress for everyone.”

Liam took her hand. “I will go along with whatever you decide.”

“Let me think about it. Meanwhile--” Celia jumped to her feet, bringing Liam with her. “Come with me.”

She hurried through the kitchen into the staff dining room. When Celia burst through the door, all eyes turned to her. “We are getting married!” she cried joyfully.

Everyone clapped and came to their feet, smiling and offering sincere congratulations. Many hugs were given. Most of all, what warmed Celia’s heart was seeing Liam smile and openly accept the cheers of goodwill. The walls were down, and he had opened his heart at last.

That solidified Celia’s happiness and hope for the future even more.