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

and veggies, mash and gravy, placing a lid over the top. “The plate’s hot, so

he eating with

working here is part of the deal. Having the smell of him at the table isn’t.” She gives Jenny a pointed look. “Unless you want to sit next to

“Um…”

not too keen 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 barn. Maybe Charlie

the yard to the barn, where she finds the tramp sitting on a bale of hay, a couple of bluebottles zipping around his

with vittles for a worker.” He pats the bale next to his. “Why don’t you come

the zig-zagging

there is something in Old Jacob’s eye that she

Mrs Collier’s just serving

steam. It smells good, but he looks disgruntled. “Never any time for an old man.

“Maybe.”

gathered for dinner. Chatter and clatter and laughter echoes around as

was your day at school, Jenny?” Mrs Collier passes her

fill her plate. She scoops veggies up high, then passes the bowl to Brett as Nathaniel

Collier casts her a look and Jenny works

did you get

of broccoli then, her voice a touch sulky,

sarcastic, but he falls silent as

of ten?” she asks

the correct application of the Oxford comma.” She crunches down on a piece of pork crackling. “He said that once I have demonstrated that I know how to apply the rules of grammar correctly, after that I can learn

on Nathaniel’s arm. “Do you think I

his hand briefly on the

flushes. “Comma,”

with a sneer, punctuating his words by waving

need when you've got that shovel in your hand to muck out

food, but somehow, it doesn't taste so good as

*****

ever, she is in

is she

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