William Monk 07 - Weighed in the Balance

proved, she will withdraw her charge and apologize. And then perhaps Gisela will be sufficiently glad that the truth is known and she will accept it without seeking recompense or punishment.”
    Rathbone was silent for some time.
    Hester started to eat again. She was actually hungry.
    “Of course it is possible,” he said after a while. “If you had met her you would not doubt either her perception or her integrity.”
    Hester would question that, but realized with a jolt of surprise, and amusement, that Rathbone had been profoundly impressed by the Countess, so much so that he suspended his usual caution. It made her extremely curious about Zorah Rostova, and perhaps just a little piqued. There was rather a lot of enthusiasm in his tone.
    It also showed a human vulnerability in Rathbone she had not seen before, a gap in his usual armor. It made her angry with him for being too naive, frightened that he should prove more fallible than she had imagined. She was surprised at herself, and at him, and aware every moment that passed of an increasing protectiveness.
    He did not seem to have realized the heat of the emotions which were aroused by such a great public romance, the dreams quite unconnected people invested in it. In some ways he had lived a curiously protected life, from comfortable home, excellent education, exclusive university, and then training in the best solicitor’s office before being called to the bar. He knew the law, few better, and he had certainly seen crimes ofpassion and even depravity. But had he really tasted any breadth of ordinary human life, with its frailty, complexity and seeming contradictions?
    She thought not, and the lack frightened her for him.
    “You will need to learn as much as you can about the politics of the situation,” she said earnestly.
    “Thank you!” There was a flicker of sarcasm in his eyes. “I had thought of that.”
    “What are the Countess’s political views?” she persisted. “Is she for unification or independence? What about her family connections? Where does her money come from? Is she in love with anybody?”
    She could see by his face that he had not thought of at least the last question. A moment of surprise lit in his eyes, and then he masked it.
    “I suppose there is no chance she will withdraw the allegation before the trial?” she said without hope. He must already have tried everything he knew to persuade her.
    “None,” he said ruefully. “She is determined to see justice done, whatever the cost to herself, and I have warned her it may be very high.”
    “Then you cannot do more,” she said with an attempt at a smile. “I have talked with Baron and Baroness Ollenheim about it when I have the opportunity. She sees it all very romantically. He is a little more practical about it, and I gathered the impression that he did not greatly like Gisela. Both of them seem convinced that she and Friedrich adored each other and he would never have considered going home without her, even if the country were swallowed up in unification.” She sipped her wine, looking at him over the top of the glass. “If you can prove murder, I think it will be someone else who is guilty.”
    “I am already aware of the ramifications.” He kept his voice steady, even trying to make it buoyant, and failing. “And that the Countess will be extremely unpopular for leveling such acharge. Breaking dreams never makes one liked, but sometimes it is necessary in pursuing any kind of justice.”
    It was a brave speech, and the fact that he made it showed the level of his anxiety. He seemed to wish to confide in her, and yet to take the discussion only to a certain point, as if perhaps he had not yet thought beyond that point himself.
    She also felt a trifle defensive against this woman who had disturbed Rathbone so uncharacteristically.
    “She seems a woman of great courage,” she remarked. “I hope we shall be able to find enough evidence to open up a proper investigation. After all, it is in a sense our responsibility, since it happened in England.”
    “Quite!” he agreed vehemently. “We cannot simply allow it to slip into a legend that is untrue without at least a struggle. Maybe Monk will uncover some facts which will be helpful—I mean simple things, like who had opportunity …”
    “How does she believe he was killed?” she inquired.
    “Poison.”
    “I see. Everybody thinks that is what women use. But that doesn’t mean to say it was a woman. And