“Good morning,” said Mrs. Justice Lane once the jury had settled. “Proceedings will begin today with a rather unusual occurrence. Mr. Trelford’s next witness, Major Alexander Fisher MP, is not giving evidence by choice, but has been subpoenaed by the defense. When Mr. Trelford applied for a subpoena, I had to decide if his evidence was admissible. On balance, I concluded that Mr. Trelford did have the right to call Major Fisher, as his name is mentioned during the exchange between Mrs. Clifton and Lady Virginia that is at the core of this case, and he may therefore be able to throw some light on the situation. You must not, however,” she emphasized, “read anything into the fact that Major Fisher wasn’t included on Sir Edward Makepeace’s list of witnesses.”

“But they will,” whispered Giles to Emma.

The judge looked down at the clerk of the court. “Has Major Fisher arrived?”

“He has, my lady.”

“Then please call him.”

“Call Major Alexander Fisher MP,” bellowed the clerk.

The double doors at the back of the courtroom swung open and in marched Fisher, with a swagger that took even Giles by surprise. Clearly becoming a Member of Parliament had only added to his considerable self-esteem.

He took the Bible in his right hand and delivered the oath, without once looking at the card the clerk held up for him. When Mr. Trelford rose from his place, Fisher stared at him as if he had the enemy in his sights.

“Good morning, Major Fisher,” said Trelford, but received no response. “Would you be kind enough to state your name and occupation for the court records?”

“My name is Major Alexander Fisher, and I am the Member of Parliament for Bristol Docklands,” he said, looking directly at Giles.

“At the time of Barrington Shipping’s annual general meeting that is the subject of this libel, were you a director of the company?”

“I was.”

“And was it Mrs. Clifton who invited you to sit on the board?”

“No, it was not.”

“So who was it who asked you to represent them as a director?”

“Lady Virginia Fenwick.”

“And why, may I ask? Were you friends, or was it simply a professional relationship?”

“I would like to think both,” said Fisher, glancing down at Lady Virginia, who nodded and smiled.

“And what particular expertise did you have to offer Lady Virginia?”

“I was a stockbroker by profession before I became an MP.”

“I see,” said Trelford. “So you were able to offer advice to Lady Virginia on her share portfolio, and because of your wise counsel, she invited you to represent her on the board of Barrington’s.”

“I couldn’t have put it better myself, Mr. Trelford,” said Fisher, a smug smile appearing on his face.

“But are you sure that was the only reason Lady Virginia selected you, major?”

“Yes, I am sure,” barked Fisher, the smile disappearing.