I lie beside her, in the dark, one arm crooked over her, my hand cupping the warmth of a breast as I wait for sleep to take her.
And all the while I think on her words.
I can speak of some of what happened freely enough. Elizabeth’s abduction, her imprisonment, Charlotte’s plan for their freedom….
But should I repeat to James and Michael the rest? Tell them Charlotte’s mother was a whore?
Dishonour her?
Without the chance to speak and defend herself?
Should I tell Will?
It’s part of the investigation….
Charlotte’s past….
Indecision gnaws at me, a cancer in my belly as I consider what is best to do. After what Charlotte has done for Elizabeth, how can I shame her?
When we get her back, that’s the time….
When we get her back….
Better to stay silent….
…. For now….
*****
Seven Years Ago
can you take this out to Old Jacob in the barn, please.” Mrs Collier passes her a dish of meat and veggies, mash
he eating with
part of the deal. Having the smell of him at the table isn’t.” She gives Jenny a pointed look. “Unless
“Um…”
on spending his money on soap and water.” Mrs Collier’s lips settle into a flat line. “He always seems to have plenty for whiskey though. Anyway, he can eat out in the
the meal across the yard to the barn, where she finds the tramp sitting on a bale of hay, a couple of bluebottles zipping around
Jenny with vittles for a worker.” He pats the bale next to his. “Why don’t you come
zig-zagging flies with
Jacob’s eye that she doesn’t quite
now. Mrs Collier’s just
It smells good, but he looks disgruntled. “Never any time
“Maybe.”
returns to the kitchen, everyone has gathered for dinner. Chatter and clatter and laughter echoes
how was your day at school, Jenny?” Mrs Collier passes her a dish loaded with
to enjoy. But still, she is always encouraged to fill her plate. She scoops veggies up high, then passes the bowl to Brett as Nathaniel hands her a dish of succulent, sliced
of mash. Mrs Collier casts her a look and Jenny works to swallow
did you get for
gulps a chunk of broccoli then, her voice a touch sulky, “I only
ten?” Tom parrots her words, his voice sarcastic, but he falls
of
it before replying. “Mr Kalkowski said that I have to remember not to split my infinitives, and to learn the correct application of the Oxford comma.” She crunches down on a piece of pork crackling. “He said that once I have
stares come across the dinner table at her. Diane puts her hand on Nathaniel’s arm. “Do
the table edge, resting his hand briefly on
flushes. “Comma,” she
mere mortals,” says Tom with a sneer, punctuating his words by
need when you've got that shovel in your hand to muck out Charlie,”
doesn't reply. Instead, she turns her attention to her food, but somehow,
*****
is in
she looking
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