He swept through the room—and came to a halt by the right-hand door, which was blocked by the tall, muscular figures of Major Lord William Masterson (retired) and his equally imposing half brother, Sir Damian Mackenzie. Will’s mild voice said, “You really should stay for the ending of this morality play, Lord Denshire. If you wish to repeat your claims that the story is all lies, you’ll have your chance.”

Denshire seemed ready to attack, but as he looked at the two tall, broad, and sober gentlemen in front of the door, he backed off and looked at the other exit. Two blond men guarded it, Major Alexander Randall (retired) and the Marquess of Kingston, both of them clearly hopeful that he’d have a go at them.

“It’s all bloody lies,” Denshire snarled again as he returned to his seat. “You’ve no proof. Finish your wild talk so I can go home!”

“Interestingly, we do have proof in the form of a respectable witness.” Lucas turned and beckoned stage left. “Permit me to introduce Miss Molly Miller.”

Nervous but determined, Molly walked onto the stage. She wore a neat blue gown and a black armband. She bobbed her head at Kendra, then turned to face the audience.

“I’m Molly Miller and I was Lady Denshire’s maid for eight years. I was the one who treated her cuts and bruises and black eyes after her husband beat her. I was the one who called the doctor after she turned feverish from her burns. I was the one who treated her with cold compresses until she was no longer in danger of dying.”

Her gaze turned hard as she stared down at Denshire. “I traveled with her to London, where she planned to seek a legal separation. Then I found her unconscious in her bed. I was unable to wake her and I feared that she was dying.

“I sought out Lord Denshire and found him drinking with his friends. I begged him to call a physician for my lady. He laughed at me and told his most awful footman, Brody, to lock me in the basement. He told Brody that . . . that he could have me later.”

There was an audible gasp of shock from the audience. Molly’s voice broke for a moment. “As Brody dragged me to the cellar, I managed to shove him down the stairs. To my shame, I abandoned my lady and ran for my life, alone in London with no friends and no money. The kindness of strangers preserved my life and virtue. Today I am proud to speak truth in defense of my lady!”

This time there was applause, particularly from the women in the audience. Kendra felt tears stinging her eyes. As Molly stepped back to stand by the rear curtain, Kendra gave the girl a grateful nod.