Kitty gave him a slight nod, their customary communication during the evening activities whenever she needed someone removed.
“Good evening, Pierre,” Kitty said, removing her hat from her head with one hand. The will gripped in her other.
Her curls shook against her shoulder, and she stood taller facing the man who had set out to destroy her.
Pierre, took several steps toward Kitty. “You’re trespassing, dear sister?—”
Kitty leaned forward like a child on St. Nicholas Day. “I’m not your sister, and I’m afraid that you are the one trespassing, Pierre.” She held up the envelope that had the will in it.
“What is that?” his voice had no trace of humor as he reached for the envelope.
Harrison stopped his hand, grabbing Pierre by the wrist. “That is the reason why you’re packing your things tonight and leaving here,” Harrison said, bouncing in his boots.
Pierre snatched his arm out of Harrison’s hold.
“This is Jacques’s will, stating very clearly that in the event of his death, I am to be the sole owner of Pleasure House. It is signed and dated by him and his solicitor.”
“Impossible.” He raised his voice, his gaze darting around the room. “I am the rightful owner.”
Kitty shook her head before her gaze landed on the barely dressed judges of the Court of Chancery. “Correct me if I’m wrong, Belville, but if I am in possession of my late husband’s will that proves I am the rightful owner, then the court has no choice but to rule in my favor?” Kitty asked, tapping her chin with the envelope.
Around her, other occupants of Pleasure House joined them in the hall. Their collective gasps and sounds of joy were music to Kitty’s ears.
It was over.
Belville began buttoning his shirt, which hung vicariously off his large form. “Y-yes, if it is a legal and binding document, of course the court would have no choice.”
“Now see here, Belville!” Pierre shouted rushing over to the man. “We had a deal?—”
“Unfortunately, Delcour, a will changes everything. You assured us that one did not exist,” Woodson said, pointing a finger at Pierre.
“Siegfried, please escort Mr. Delcour and his guests out of Pleasure House,” Kitty said, folding her arms over her chest.
She bounced up and down, the will clutched to her chest. A few victorious tears fell down her cheeks, her face straining from the broad smile on her lips.
“Right away Madame,” Siegfried agreed, taking hold of Pierre.
“This should be mine! My fool of a brother was never meant to marry!” Pierre shouted as Siegfried dragged him out.
Kitty’s head swept around, searching for the familiar green eyes she loved. However, before she could reach Harrison, she was swarmed by the Pleasure House occupants.
Kitty was hugged and kissed repeatedly, passed from one person to another. At some point, she lost Harrison in the throng of workers celebrating that she had returned.
The security team had removed all guests from the premises. The occupants of Pleasure House gathered in the ballroom with wine to celebrate.
“Lass, I’m so glad ye found what you needed. I never doubted!” Mrs. Pennyloaf cried pulling Kitty into a warm, motherly hug.
“Thank you, Mrs. Pennyloaf. Please contact those who were let go and have them return to work,” Kitty instructed.
She was aware that a closer look was needed to really assess the damages Pierre had caused, but all of that would have to wait.
Kitty twirled around in circles, searching for the familiar red hair, but did not find Harrison anywhere among the celebratory crowed.
“Should we send servants to get Jenny and your belongings from Hendershot’s?” Lilias asked, standing beside Siegfried.
“M-my belongings?” Kitty asked in confusion.
“Yes, you are returning to Pleasure House, aren’t you Madame?” Siegfried asked her, waiting patiently for her answer.
