'The accused was apprehended after a comprehensive search by His Majesty's Constabulary. Bellingham was found, just four days after the alleged incident, not more than twenty miles away. The prosecution has presented Mr. Bellingham as a professional thug of dubious character. It is clear that Mr. Bellingham worked for the Duke for two years before the incident. The prosecution has also alleged, that during that time, Mr. Bellingham carried out several similar attacks, unbeknownst to his employer.''
Judge Fielding stopped and took a sip of water before continuing. ''As to Mr. Bellingham's character, the prosecution has painted him to be a man of low morals and a thug. The defense, however, has indicated that Mr. Bellingham was acting to defend a lady, who the Duke was treating in the most despicable manner. That is, in a sexual manner to which the lady herself had not consented. The case for the defense was centered around the Duke's treatment of Miss Mary Cumberland, a lowly servant at the Duke's residence. They have alleged that the Duke treated her appallingly over a number of months and that any right-minded man would have been driven to defend her. In fact, the defense has indicated, that it would have been a neglect of a human being's duty, not to have acted.''
Judge Fielding lowered his voice and looked over his half-moons glasses as he continued. ''Having heard both sides, it is my duty to make the jury aware of certain facts. Firstly, the Duke of Eddington. He is an aristocrat of the highest reputation. His family has served this country in various capacities for two hundred years. Anyone bringing his character into dispute has to make a cast iron case against him. The jury must decide if the defense has done so.
“Secondly, evidence. When Mr. Bellingham was apprehended, he was carrying a truncheon. A weapon, at least similar to the one with which the Duke was struck. The jury has seen the implement and confirmed that it was blood-stained.
“Thirdly, Mr. Bellingham's character versus that of the Duke. Mr. Bellingham is a man, who has worked in a variety of dubious occupations, all in the area of private policing. Members of the jury, in this case, we have a man of impeccable character, who alleges that he was assaulted by a man of lesser character. The defendant, when arrested, had a weapon about him similar to the one with which the Duke was struck.
“I ask you to retire and consider your verdict. I must add that you should give very careful consideration to this case. If convicted, the defendant faces a penalty of death by hanging. Attempted murder is a crime of the gravest nature. Attempted murder of a man of the Duke's standing, is graver still. Please retire to consider your verdict.''
Chapter 6
Castle Prison
York
20th October 1814
My dearest Charlotte,
You may be wondering why you have not heard from me recently. Especially, as we have written to each other so regularly since the incident with the Duke.
I love you, as no man could ever love a woman. Your last letter, in which you reciprocated your love for me, has made me the happiest man alive. That you are safe, and out of the way of the Duke, pleases me more than anything. It was my intention to join you, once you had indicated your love for me.
Unfortunately, my dear, something has come between us. I have been arrested and charged with the attempted murder of the Duke. The trial is almost over, and I fear that it has not gone well.
My love, you should know that you occupy my thoughts at all times, and it is with the heaviest of hearts that I must say goodbye, forever.
I am sure you will go on to lead a happy and fulfilling life. That I hope, above all else.
My dearest, from the bottom of my heart, accept my sincere apologies for ever returning you to the Duke. It was an act of the utmost selfishness.
I love you. May God keep you safe.
Your Ralph
****
''Charlotte. Where have you been, I have been worried sick about you?''
''Father, I am sorry for leaving and not telling you my whereabouts. I am so afraid of the Duke that I went into hiding in London. But something terrible brings me back you. Ralph Bellingham, is in prison.''
''My dearest daughter. Mr. Bellingham has been sentenced to death at York. He will be hanged on Monday. Please don't upset yourself. We tried all we could but the prosecution had a strong case, and Mr. Bellingham did hit the Duke, whatever the circumstances.''
Charlotte pushed her handkerchief to her mouth to prevent her from screaming.
''Charlotte. So you dare to come back here?'' Lady Melbourne said as she entered the drawing room at Eaton Hall. ''We had given you up for dead.''
''I was explaining to father what happened. I am in love with Mr. Bellingham, but he has been.....'' Charlotte broke down in tears.
''That man is a scoundrel and a would-be murderer. How the poor Duke survived that vicious attack, only the Lord knows.''
''Mr. Bellingham saved me from a terrible fate that evening. The Duke deserved it. He is a despicable man, who treats women so badly it is unmentionable.''