"Edward Fitz gave it to me," Flora explained. Her voice grew a little stronger as she spoke the boy's name. "He was a stable boy. He told me he found it hidden in a secret safe in the Earl's study. Edward said it contained terrible proof of the Earl's smuggling business. He asked me to keep it safe on the night he planned to run away."
"Run away?" the Chancellor prompted. "Why was the boy running away?"
Flora looked up at the viewing gallery, sharing a brief, sad look with Celine.
"He was trying to save Lady Celine, Your Lordship," Flora said softly. "The Earl wanted to use his daughter for the benefit of his business. Edward planned to take Lady Celine away in the middle of the night and travel to Scotland."
The High Chancellor nodded slowly, writing a quick note. He set his pen down and leaned forward, his face turning incredibly serious.
