Tomorrow's Crimes ll Moriarty the Patriot

The Daily Telegraph - Issue #3

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

13 September 1876

JUSTICE SERVED: PEMBERTON HORROR BRINGS EMPIRE TO ITS KNEES

ENTIRE NATION MOURNS LADY ADELAIDE

Queen Demands Severest Punishment as Aristocracy Reels from Shocking Revelations

In a moment that shall be forever etched in the annals of British justice, Lord Augustus Pemberton has been sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes so monstrous that their mere recitation caused several members of the jury to require medical attention. The verdict, delivered yesterday at the Old Bailey amid scenes of unprecedented emotion, marks the culmination of a trial that has laid bare the darkest depths of human depravity lurking behind the glittering facade of privileged society.

Royal Intervention Unprecedented

Her Majesty Queen Victoria, breaking with decades of traditional royal reserve in criminal matters, has taken the extraordinary step of personally demanding the maximum possible punishment for the entire Pemberton family. "In all Our years upon the throne," declared Her Majesty, visibly shaken by the evidence presented, "We have never encountered such a profound betrayal of noble privilege, such a mockery of the sacred responsibilities that attend high birth. The Pemberton name shall be struck from the rolls of peerage, their lands forfeit to the Crown, and their shame recorded for all time as a warning to future generations."

Palace sources report that Her Majesty wept upon reading the full details of Lady Adelaide's fate, declaring, "That such evil could wear the mantle of nobility brings shame upon us all."

House of Ravenscroft Maintains Dignified Silence

The House of Ravenscroft, Lady Adelaide's family, continues to maintain their dignified silence in the face of these revelations, their grief too profound for public expression. Their London residence remains shuttered, black crepe adorning every window, while their country estate chapel burns day and night with candlelight vigils for their beloved daughter.

A senior servant, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed the depth of the family's suffering: "The Duke hasn't spoken a word since the verdict. He sits in his study, staring at her portrait, tears flowing freely. Her ladyship's screams in the night would break the hardest heart. The entire household moves like shadows, our grief beyond any power of words to express."

The family's solicitor issued their only official statement: "The House of Ravenscroft requests privacy in their time of mourning. No further comment shall be made."

Aristocratic Scramble to Deny Pemberton Connections

In scenes unprecedented in London society, noble families previously proud of their Pemberton connections now frantically deny all association. The Ashworths, who just months ago boasted of her family's centuries-long alliance with the Pembertons, now claims "the merest passing acquaintance." Lord Crawford, found to have dined at Pemberton House no fewer than fifty times in the past year, insists "we never really knew them at all."

Inspector Harrison views these denials with open skepticism. "Our investigation continues," he declared grimly. "Those who knew of these atrocities yet remained silent for the sake of social convenience shall not escape justice's reach."

Horrifying New Evidence Revealed

The trial's final days unveiled horrors that, in Judge Blackwood's words, "surpass the darkest imaginings of our most notorious criminals." Evidence presented showed Lord Pemberton had maintained a private chamber of horrors beneath his mansion, where countless young women of all social classes fell victim to his depraved appetites.

"The walls," testified Inspector Harrison, his professional composure cracking, "were lined with trophies from his victims. Locks of hair, personal items, detailed journals recording his crimes with a coldness that chills the soul. Some entries date back fifteen years."

Most shocking was the revelation of an extensive network of corrupted physicians and chemists who supplied Lord Pemberton with laudanum and other sinister substances. Dr. James Morrison, formerly of Harley Street, broke down completely during his testimony: "He called it his 'special recipe.' Said it made the ladies more... compliant. God forgive me, I knew, but his influence was too great, his threats too terrible to ignore."

Pemberton Business Empire: A Kingdom of Suffering

The investigation into Pemberton family enterprises revealed atrocities that extended far beyond Lord Augustus's personal crimes. Factory inspectors discovered conditions that "would shame the devils in hell." Children as young as six were found chained to machinery, forced to work twenty-hour shifts with only bread and water for sustenance. Those who collapsed from exhaustion were simply left where they fell, their small bodies later disposed of in the factory furnaces.

"We found ledgers," reported Inspector Matthews, trembling, "detailing the 'cost efficiency' of working children to death rather than providing basic safety measures. Each young life was assigned a monetary value, with notes calculating the optimal age of replacement."

Evidence of Generational Evil

Perhaps most disturbing were revelations suggesting the Pemberton family's corruption extended back generations. Young Master Edward Pemberton, Augustus's twelve-year-old nephew, revealed a heritage of abuse that left hardened court officials in tears. "Uncle Augustus said it was our family tradition," the boy whispered. "Said every Pemberton man learned the same lessons. Said it was my turn next."

Unprecedented Public Reaction

The streets of London have become an ocean of mourning. Shop windows display portraits of Lady Adelaide draped in black crepe, while churches across the city toll their bells daily in her memory. The Archbishop of Canterbury, leading a memorial service at St. Paul's Cathedral, spoke for many: "We mourn not only dear Lady Adelaide, but our own collective blindness. How long did we ignore the signs? How many turned away rather than face an uncomfortable truth?"

Women have been particularly affected by the tragedy. "It could have been any of us," said Lady Mary Rutherford, breaking ranks with society's usual silence. "How many drawing rooms did we enter, never suspecting the predator in our midst? How many times did we dismiss warnings as mere hysteria? We are all guilty of allowing this monster to walk among us."

Pemberton's Final Disgrace

Lord Augustus's behavior at sentencing revealed the full extent of his madness. "You dare judge your betters?" he screamed as the verdict was read, his face contorted with demonic rage. "I am Lord Augustus Pemberton! The law exists to serve ME!"

When informed of the complete seizure of Pemberton properties, he launched himself at the bench with such violence that three guards were injured in the struggle to subdue him. "She wanted it!" he raved, foaming at the mouth. "Adelaide begged for it! They all did! I AM THE LAW!"

Justice Served at Last

As Lord Augustus was led away to begin his life sentence in Newgate Prison's most secure wing, an unprecedented crowd of over ten thousand gathered outside the Old Bailey. Women wept openly, men removed their hats in respect, and children scattered white rose petals in memory of Lady Adelaide.

"Let this be recorded for all time," Judge Roberts declared in his historic final remarks, "that on this day, we witnessed the true face of evil in fine clothes and learned that no rank, no privilege, no power can shield the wicked from justice. Lady Adelaide Blackwood's innocent blood cried out from the earth, and today, at last, that cry has been answered."