CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
Bessy accompanied Mrs Clapham to the entrance of the guesthouse and stopped in the doorway. They’d spoken at length all through the night and Bessy saw the sense in her friend’s words. As her mind cleared of all its confusion, its hate, she saw it all set out so clearly before her. Now, with the first sprinkling of the grey dawn appearing on the horizon, she took Mrs Clapham’s hand in hers. “You’ve helped me see it all so clearly, Miriam,” said Bessy, her tired voice still sounding strong. “I’ve done some terrible things lately. Horrible things.”
“None of it was your fault.”
“That’s good of you to say, but we both know my lack of determined action means I must take most of the responsibility.”
“Bessy, the water … How could anyone know?”
“I suppose you’re right and I’
