Replenish the Earth (34 page)

Lord Tarnly grinned at the expression of horror on his elegant Captain’s face.

Slowly the tension evaporated and the people dispersed, leaving Edward Sewell looking in vain for someone to help him carry his father’s body inside.

Only then did Mrs Sewell approach Lord Tarnly, plucking at his sleeve to gain his attention. ‘He made me do it,’ she sobbed. ‘Forced me.’

‘Do what, madam?’ he asked gently, beckoning to Mr Rogers to come and help him with the distraught woman.

Quickly she explained about the forgeries and Will, standing listening nearby, felt his heart twist within him as he learned that his father had indeed been murdered.

‘I’ll pay back all the money. I don’t care if you hang me,’ Mrs Sewell wept, clinging now to the parson. ‘As long as you’ll let me make my peace with God.’

Since Mr Rogers was now shivering with reaction to his exertions, Lord Tarnly detached her hand from the parson’s sleeve and jerked his head to beckon her daughter over. ‘Take your mother inside and put her to bed. Parson will come over tomorrow to offer her his counsel.’

They two women turned and made their way slowly towards the house, the mother still sobbing as she stumbled along.

‘I don’t intend to bring the law down upon her, unless you insist, Bedham,’ he murmured. ‘She was coerced into helping, I’m sure, and she’s no danger to anyone now. You will, of course, get the money they falsely claimed from your father back, if that’s at all possible.’

Will bowed his head for a moment. ‘Let her go. But I hope she leaves the district, for I doubt I could ever be civil to her.’ The sight of her would always remind him of his father’s murder.

From behind him someone cleared his throat and he turned to see Edward Sewell.

‘I’ll be selling the Hall as soon as I can.’

‘Not,’ said Lord Tarnly, looking Sewell straight in the eye, ‘until you have agreed to make restitution to the people your father cheated out of money. Otherwise,’ he let the word hang in the air for a moment, ‘I shall be forced to resort to the law.’

‘Oh, yes. Of course, of course. Whatever you say, your lordship.’

Will watched Sewell step back. The man didn’t look happy at that, and Will wasn’t happy, either. Money wouldn’t make up for his father’s death. And yet - there was still the Manor to restore. His spirits lifted as he suddenly realised he’d now be able to make a proper contribution.

He put an arm round his wife and gave her a quick hug, as Mrs Jenks came forward and helped Parson on to the trap, wrapping him in a thick blanket.

‘You must come home with us, Mr Rogers,’ Sarah said. ‘It’s much nearer and you’re chilled to the bone. You, too, Mrs Jenks.’

They nodded agreement. It was not a night for being alone.

Sarah waited to mount the trap herself, her eyes on Will, who had gone over to give instructions to some of the villagers. Even the Haplins were listening intently and nodding.

She smiled, something she’d not have believed possible earlier. Tonight Will had said he loved her in front of everyone, and she would treasure that memory for the rest of her life. She knew he wouldn’t often be able to express his feelings for her in words, for he was a man of action, and she knew just as clearly that his affections, once given, wouldn’t change.

Tomorrow she would share with him the other news which would, she was sure, gladden his soul. There would be no Mr Sewell to blight this coming child’s life and she was suddenly gloriously certain sure that she would bear it safely.

As Will turned and walked back towards her, she couldn’t wait, but ran into his arms, laughing and crying at once, and raising her face for his kiss.

Mr Rogers allowed Mistress Jenks to tuck the blanket more securely around him and watched them in delight, settling back with a sigh of relief. Strange, he thought, dear Sarah looks quite beautiful tonight. A trick of the light, perhaps.

He watched benignly as Will helped his wife up into the vehicle. Suddenly the world seemed full of moonlight and peace. He bent his head for a moment.
Thank you, dear Lord, for saving my flock and for bringing Will the happiness he deserves.

On the front seat of the trap, Sarah nestled against her husband as he told the tired horse to walk forward. She was going home, where she would be able to sleep in safety. And after today, they would begin a new and more peaceful life together.

At that moment she wouldn’t have swapped places with Queen Caroline herself.

Copyright © 2001 by Anna Jacobs

Originally published by Severn House [0727857754]

Electronically published in 2012 by Belgrave House

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This is a work of fiction. All names in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to any person living or dead is coincidental.