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As she raced across the grass toward the duel site, she saw Jude’s valet, Joseph, crouched over his master along with another man.

“Is he alive?” she yelled as she ran toward him.

“Lady Cadwell.” Joseph sprang to his feet. “The master is breathing. The doctor says he should live.”

“Should live?”

“Maggie.” Jude tried to lift his arm. She crouched beside him and grasped his hand. He gave her a weak smile.

“Thank heavens!” Maggie kissed his hand multiple times.

“Lady Cadwell, I’m Doctor Sutcliffe. Your husband hired me to wait on standby lest any injuries occurred during the duel. I waited outside in the carriage with his valet as Lord Tidworth refused to allow seconds or doctors to attend the duel.”

“Where was my husband hit?” Maggie asked.

“Lord Tidworth’s bullet grazed his side. It’s a painful wound, but provided he avoids infection, he should be fine.”

“Tidworth’s bullet?”

“I believe so,” the doctor said. “It’s all a mystery. Someone also shot Tidworth and the old man in the chest, but your husband’s gun was never fired.”

Maggie nodded but said nothing. She saw Tidworth fire his gun. And since Lady Tabitha wasn’t lying dead, he must have hit Jude, firing before the command was given. So if Lady Tabitha hadn’t shot and killed her brother, Jude would likely be dead. She was certain that Tidworth had intended to kill Jude and would have fired another shot if he’d not been stopped. Lady Tabitha had killed her uncle too. Maggie didn’t need to wonder why. He’d been an evil man.

“My lord,” the doctor addressed Jude, “we will need to move you into the house. The next few days are critical to stave off infection. You will need to stay here. Traveling is too risky. Are you ready? This will hurt.”

Jude squeezed Maggie’s hand. “I’m ready,” he said.

But just as they were about to lift him up, three men came racing across the garden toward them. The first, she recognized as Tobias’s uncle’s valet. He was followed by two tall gentlemen.

“Halt!” One of the gentlemen stepped in front of the group and held up his hand. “I’m Magistrate Tweed. Where are you taking that man?”

“This is Lord Cadwell,” Doctor Sutcliffe said. “I’m his personal physician, and I’ve treated his wound. We are taking him inside.”

The magistrate peered at Jude, who’d now fallen into a faint. “Very well, but none of you may leave these premises. I must question everyone in this house.”

“Understood,” Doctor Sutcliffe said.

“What of those two?” The magistrate nodded toward Tobias and his uncle. “Did you treat their wounds too?”

“No. They are both dead,” Doctor Sutcliffe said. “Killed by…”

“A crazed woman,” Maggie interrupted. “Kept prisoner amongst many others by these two monsters. I saw everything from my window.” She did not say Lady Tabitha’s name. She did not know why, but she felt a strange desire to protect the woman.

“Well, that sounds like a fantastical story. Clearly an investigation and inquest are needed to determine the truth. This was a duel, yet somehow two are dead and your husband lives.”

“My husband’s pistol was never fired. You can check it yourself.” Maggie pointed to the ground where Jude’s silver pistol lay on the ground.

“I certainly shall,” Magistrate Sutcliffe said, picking up the pistol, opening the barrel, and checking it had not been discharged. “Very well,” he said, “it seems you speak the truth. You may take your patient inside I shall be there shortly to question everyone.”

But just then, one of Tobias’s uncle’s burly footmen burst out of the back door, dragging a young woman along by the arm. He pulled her across the lawn toward them as she attempted to free herself. Maggie gasped. It was Lettie.

“I’ve got her!” the footman said as he approached them. “No doubt she returned to ensure my master was dead.”

Clearly, Lady Tabitha had not managed to kill both footmen who’d stood guard at the gate. “Unhand her at once!” Maggie stepped forward. “This is my sister. If you harm her, I will ensure my husband has your neck!”

The footman looked stunned. He eyed Lettie’s farm dress.

“Your sister?” Magistrate Tweed said. “This farm girl? What game are you playing here?’