by Joan Avery
Specialists in contract law then testified on both sides of the issue. The issue of femme sole was argued again based on George Westwood’s testimony.
The day dragged on and exhaustion threatened. She closed her eyes and laid her face against the fur collar of her cloak. She felt his love then. He had been right. The cloak was her protection from the turmoil of the trial. She thanked him in her heart. He had known what was ahead of her and had given her the courage to face it and the comfort to endure.
And yet the worst was yet to come. Tomorrow she would have to testify. She would have to be unemotional and logical.
There would be no room for panic, no room for hesitancy. This was in support of everything she claimed was unfair about the laws of England concerning women.
If women deserved respect, they would have to earn it. She intended to do no less than make her case and garner some respect for all the women who were injured by similar agreements. She looked up. For a moment her eyes met Hugh’s. For a moment he was there—the Hugh she loved. And then he was gone.
“Because of the late hour, I will adjourn this court for the day,” Hugh said. “We will begin tomorrow sharply at nine.”
He left the bench. To Victoria, he seemed calm and undisturbed by what had transpired. It couldn’t be true, but it broke her heart nonetheless.
It was all on her shoulders. He could not help her. She would have to make her own case and live with the results.
Chapter Forty-Three
The cavernous main hall of the Royal Courts of Justice was packed with reporters and observers. Victoria was stupefied by the sheer numbers who had taken an interest in her case. She wore the same cloak she had worn yesterday. She no longer cared if it was fashionable or not. She ignored the newspaper reports of the trial and her demeanor.
Today, Stanford had arrived before her with his counsel. She was buoyed by the fact that several women of her acquaintance from the University of London were among those in attendance. They smiled in support. Their presence again reminded her the trial wasn’t just about her, but about women’s rights in general. She had to be strong today even if she faced vile accusations. She also noted several men who seemed, by their dress and demeanor, to be out of place in such an austere gathering. They looked like ruffians or bully boys. She wondered if they had any connection to the rumors about Lord Stanford’s debts.
They waited longer than usual for Hugh to appear. Her heart beat loudly in her ears with the delay. She put her hands up to the fur of her cloak and held it closely to her face. It took only a moment for its effects to work their magic. She sat up a bit straighter and turned toward Stanford with a smile. Two could play his little game.
…
Hugh had spent a good part of the night reading. The case was not an easy one. It involved several aspects of English law.
It involved his life as well. He tried not to think about that, but it inevitably interrupted him. Seeing her in the courtroom, unable to acknowledge her, he feared she would doubt him. What they had was so ephemeral it risked being lost in the days since they had been separated.
She had worn the cloak he had asked her to wear. Out of the corner of his eye, he had seen her lift the fur to her face. She had remembered, acknowledging their bond in a way only the two them would understand.
If she had asked him today which way he would decide, he still couldn’t have told her. But she had given him the freedom to rule as dictated by the law. He admired that in her. She was brave. Brave and intelligent and understanding. He didn’t want his ruling appealed. Even more, he didn’t want his ruling overturned on appeal. Whatever he decided, it would be based on the law and precedent and would be ironclad. Even if it meant he had to decide against her.
He had been poring over law books and transcripts of more recent trials that dealt with similar issues. English law didn’t always agree with his ideas of justice. But he always prided himself on adhering to those laws and precedents. The laws themselves sometimes came after legal decisions were made by the courts. It was an ever-changing system, but it was one he had sworn to uphold.
“Dennison!”
His clerk came on the run.
“I’m ready.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Once his clerk had finished dressing him, he walked slowly down the corridor to the courtroom. She had to believe. And he had to believe in her.
…
“You may proceed.”
“Thank you, my lord,” Mr. Manning said. “We call Miss Victoria Westwood to testify.”
Victoria took a moment to remove her cloak. It was important she defend herself. She didn’t doubt him.
“You have read the terms of the contract signed between your father and Lord Stanford?” her barrister asked.
“Yes, I have.”
“When were you made aware of the contract your father had signed?”
“Only after it had been signed by both parties. My father informed me of it on the day he left to return to New York City.”
“Did you say or do anything prior to seeing the document that might lead to your father to think you would be amenable to such an agreement?”
“Quite the contrary. I expressed my disbelief that he could have even considered such a proposal.”
“Would he have any reason to believe you might, on the contrary, be horrified such a document existed?”
“He has known for many years my allegiance lies with those who would break down the remaining barriers for women. Not only the right to choose a life partner, but to educate ourselves and to vote. It is only when we can vote that we will truly have the power to change the laws that restrain us from offering any contribution to society beyond wife and mother.”
Several men among the onlookers hooted in derision. They were quickly gaveled down.
“Is it true, Miss Westwood, that you are enrolled at the University of London? One of only a handful of women in attendance there?”
“Yes, that’s true. And today I stand in place of all of those women and for all women. The laws cannot remain biased. We will no longer stand for it.”
Several of the women in the crowd stood in encouragement and clapped.
“So you are saying your father was clearly aware of your views before he drew up the agreement?”
“Yes, if he had listened, he would have known.” Victoria looked over to her father. She hated to hurt him, but it had to be said. He did not flinch but rather smiled in support.
“So the contract and all its ramifications should be invalidated by the fact that one of the signatories had no right to enter into such an agreement on your behalf?”
“It should be invalidated because we women are not cattle. You do not check our teeth and thump our rumps and sell us to whomever will pay the highest price.”
Whistling and catcalls were matched with clapping.
“If I had done that to Lord Stanford, I would have found him wanting. He is a drunkard and a gambler who chooses to enrich himself by enslaving another human being. It can’t be done. There can be no law to justify such an action. Women should be able to hold land and money in their own right. It is long past the day when we should be acknowledged as equal to men in our minds and in our will.”
The courtroom was in an uproar. Finally, Hugh gaveled them into silence.
He turned to Stanford’s barrister. “Do you have questions for the witness, Mr. Cairns?”
The barrister rose at the table. “Do you deny offering Lord Stanford favors of an intimate nature?”
“I not only deny it, I abhor the very idea.” She glared at Stanford. “It was he who forced his attentions on me.”
“Do you have any proof to offer the court on this accusation?”
A smirk crossed Stanford’s face. She was enraged.
“No. Only my word as a woman who would never sell herself. Do I sound like such a woman? I would be selling not only myself but all women who are eager for respect and dignity. I could not do such a
thing.”
“Are you a virgin, Miss Westwood?”
Again the crowded courtroom erupted.
“I don’t think that is relevant to the question at hand,” Victoria asserted.
“So you refuse to defend your innocence in the regard?”
“I do not have to defend or deny it.”
The gavel came down hard, startling Victoria.
“This is a question of a contract. The status of the defendant’s virginity is not appropriate,” Hugh said.
“So it is your word against a peer of England. I don’t think there is any question as to who is more believable.” With that, Stanford’s barrister sat down.
Victoria seethed. That he was a peer and a man did not ensure his truthfulness. And the day was coming very soon when that would be apparent to everyone.
“Is this, then, your final witness?” Hugh asked the two barristers.
They nodded.
“I will hear closing arguments tomorrow.”
Chapter Forty-Four
“I’m sorry, my dear, truly sorry.” Victoria’s father took her hand to console her.
“What do you think the odds are?” Victoria asked her barrister.
Closing arguments had been heard. Points had been made on both sides of the argument, and now they only awaited Hugh’s decision.
“It certainly isn’t a clear-cut case. But I can assure you Lord Montgomery has always been fair and his determinations well reasoned. I don’t believe any of his rulings have been overturned by appeal to a higher court.”
“Do you know how the man feels about these issues?” her father asked.
“What he may feel and how he rules are completely different issues, sir,” Mr. Manning said. “He will rule within the strictures of the current laws. Those laws have been favoring women in recent years. Let’s hope he rules in the spirit of these new laws.”
“Thank you for all the help you’ve given my daughter.” Her father extended his hand to her barrister. “How long will it take for the judge to rule?”
Mr. Manning shook the older man’s hand. “That’s very hard to say. This is not an easy case. It may take several days. We will be notified when Lord Montgomery has made the final determination.”
Victoria extended her hand as well. “Thank you.”
On the carriage ride home, her thoughts were a jumble. If the ruling was in Stanford’s favor, it would end all the threats and danger. But it would cost her and her father a small fortune. More importantly, it would allow women to continue to be treated as possessions. It would be a major setback to women’s rights.
If the ruling favored her, both she and Hugh could be ruined. Worse yet, Stanford was capable of violence toward them both. It would be a terrible threat to live under.
The days waiting for a verdict would be more than difficult, but she was convinced Hugh would make the right decision, regardless of the pain it might cause them.
“Father, would you drop me off at Lord and Lady Percy’s? I would like to speak with Edith.”
“Of course. Of course. Speak with your friend. It may help.”
…
“Victoria! I thought you would be at the trial.”
“The trial is finished. There is only the verdict to come. They cannot tell us how long it will take.”
Edith rang for a servant and ordered tea for the two of them.
“How do you think it went? Do you have any clue as to how Hugh will rule?”
Victoria smiled sadly. “He will rule as the law dictates. I have no doubt about that. I don’t know enough about English law to make an educated guess myself.”
“How horrid for you to have your life in the balance.” Edith sat and patted the seat beside her.
Victoria sat as well. “I don’t understand how such a loathsome person as Lord Stanford could possibly win.”
“Calm yourself, my dear friend. You don’t know that he has won yet,” Edith said.
Victoria couldn’t bear the burden alone, apart from Hugh, any longer. “He has threatened to ruin not just me but Hugh as well. I don’t know if I could stand watching all that Hugh has accomplished being ripped from him.”
Edith took Victoria’s hand. “You have not brought this on him. He has put himself in harm’s way. You must remember that. He is an astute jurist and an intelligent man. He has chosen his fate.”
“But why would he risk everything?”
“You have to ask?” Edith smiled. “For Henry and I, who have known him for years, it is quite clear. We have never seen him as happy as when he is around you. He has been despondent for so many years, I wouldn’t have believed the transformation if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.”
“But surely there must have been other women through the years.”
“Yes, my dear. But they were merely women. You are more than that. You claim equality, and Hugh admires you for that. You challenge him and his ideas. You are unique. What others see as flaws, he sees as fine attributes. I don’t think he would have been happy with anyone he couldn’t respect. He respects you, and loves you because of this. Don’t despair.”
“Thank you. I believe I needed someone to tell me what I already know. You and Henry have been more than kind,” Victoria said. “Even in your matchmaking. Whatever the verdict, I won’t forget your kindness.”
“There is nothing more important than love. And with love I believe you both will find happiness.”
Henry rushed into the room, oblivious to Victoria for a moment. “Have you seen the papers? I can’t believe the trash they’ll print just to sell a few more.” He looked up from the newspaper in his hand. “Oh, Victoria, I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize you were here.”
“It’s perfectly fine. I am prepared for the worst.”
“But what rot! I didn’t realize what had gone on at the trial. I should have been there for you. I needed to deal with a devilish problem at Syon House, or I would have been.”
“Don’t apologize, please. I have weathered the trial and now only await the verdict.”
“Has Hugh given any indication as to when he would make the decision?”
“No. My barrister believes it will be in the next few days.”
“Well, let’s hope it is soon. The gossip rags will have a field day until the verdict is handed down.”
“That doesn’t really concern me.” Victoria rose to go. “If the verdict goes against Lord Stanford, I fear we have only begun to see the destructive power of the press. It will destroy not just me but Hugh as well.”
Chapter Forty-Five
“Shall I notify the parties, my lord?”
“Yes, Dennison.”
Hugh had spent two days poring over laws and cases that might set a legal precedent. Finally, he had made the only decision possible. He wished he could see Victoria. It was still early, but he needed to go home and change before the afternoon session where he would render the verdict.
He informed his clerk of his plans and left the building by the front door. He chose to walk to clear his head. His body ached. His heart ached as well. He wanted to hold her in his arms.
“Well, isn’t this a coincidence?” Stanford stepped out of the alley and barred his way. “Does the fact you’re out and about mean you’ve come to a decision?”
Hugh was all too aware at this moment of all the man’s threats and the danger he posed to both himself and Victoria. Stanford seemed a little less confident and a little more desperate than before. He rubbed the side of his head, and Hugh suspected it wasn’t Stanford alone who was making threats. No doubt the East End usurer the man was dealing with had made some threats of his own.
“I think you should return to your home, or wherever you crawl into at night,” Hugh said.
“What a biased thing to say, my lord. You haven’t forgotten our little agreement?” Stanford smirked, and it was almost too much to bear. Hugh wanted to strangle this cruel and perverted little liar, but he couldn’t. Any altercation between the two of the
m would raise suspicions.
“We’ve never had any kind of agreement. You simply attempted to blackmail me to influence the outcome of the trial.”
“What a harsh way to put it. I just explained to you some of the finer points of the legal case. I hope, for your sake, you have weighed the merits of my arguments.”
“Well, you will know this afternoon. If you don’t let me pass, you may never know.”
Stanford reluctantly stepped to one side and with a long, sweeping motion of his arm, indicated Hugh could pass.
“Let’s hope I like what I hear.” Despite the threat, Hugh noticed he was rubbing the side of his head nervously and sweat soaked his body.
…
The courtroom was as quiet as it had ever been. There was only low whispering. Word had come to them late morning that a verdict had been reached. Victoria and her father had hurried to the courtroom at the appointed time. They had been waiting for more than ten minutes for Hugh to appear. Every minute seemed an hour to Victoria.
Lord Stanford had sauntered in late. But for all his bravado, he looked nervous. The courtroom wasn’t warm, but his brow was beaded with sweat. He continually rubbed the side of his head. And he was speaking to himself as if in a slow incantation.
He had much to lose. Perhaps much more than she realized. What was it that had prompted him to risk jail with his threats?
She herself might lose a great deal of money, but she would not lose the most valuable thing in her life. No matter what Stanford tried, she and Hugh would never be separated again.
“All rise.”
As Hugh approached the bench, she looked for some sign, some indication of what he had decided, but there was none in his demeanor.
He removed a paper rich with ink from a portfolio, wasting no time.
“As her majesty’s representative at the Queen’s Bench, I find the following. In the case of Lord Stanford’s suit against Miss Victoria Westwood, I find in favor of the defendant, Victoria Westwood.”
A gasp rose up from those onlookers. Then the room burst into a mix of applause and rude comments. She looked up at Hugh. His eyes were on her. For the first time since the trial started, he was hers again.
