When Lady Mason’s trial finally begins the prosecution argues that the disputed codicil was forged and that she therefore committed perjury during the original lawsuit, with John Kenneby and Bridget Bolster appearing as crucial witnesses, but Mr. Furnival and the defense successfully weaken the testimony and expose Dockwrath’s vindictive motives until sufficient doubt surrounds the prosecution’s case, while outside the courtroom Lucius, who has continued to believe absolutely in his mother’s innocence, finally learns the truth from Mrs. Orme and is devastated to discover that the estate he inherited was obtained through his mother’s crime, and although Lady Mason is legally acquitted she does not escape the moral consequences because Lucius decides to return Orley Farm to his half brother and leave England with his mother, while Sir Peregrine bids her a sorrowful final farewell, Dockwrath is ruined by his own greed, the remaining romantic relationships find their resolutions, and the novel closes by contrasting legal acquittal with moral guilt and exploring the difficult boundaries between justice, love, loyalty, and forgiveness.
