Prison Games

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Red woke feeling stiff, but his mood was lighter. There was no reason for him to feel better, but he did. Maybe it was because he had poured his heart out to the Lord the night before. He admitted his love for Sophia. He hadn't realized it until he found that she was taken from him. His anger and hurt had surprised him. There were no answers given to him, but he knew the Lord heard.

for all to hear. "She be a-waitin' for ya, so up with ye now!" "Up and at 'em, Red. Ye got a visitor, and 'tis a fair lass to boot," the gaoler shouted Red knew it was Sophia. His heart beat faster. He'd had all night to think it over and decided not to make this difficult for her. She had only married him because she was forced into it. He just wasn't sure he could sit and listen to her as she explained herself out of his life. He had faced many a fight, and even death a time or two, but this was a harder thing. Squaring his shoulders, he took a deep breath. If at all possible, the only two who would know his heart was breaking would be God and himself. He couldn't stand the thought of losing her. The only way it could be worse was if she knew how he felt, and she walked away from him anyway.

The gaoler led Red to a small room that was bare except for a small table with two chairs. Red was told to sit, and that his visitor would be there shortly. The gaoler added that he would give them privacy since he knew he could trust Red, but the chains would have to stay on. It wasn't but a minute or two when Sophia stood in the doorway. Red couldn't take his eyes off of her. She was lovely in her simple gown. She had a healthy glow and had even filled out some. The lump in his throat threatened to do him in. He stood without saying anything. He didn't dare. His voice would fail, making him appear like a fool. He sent up a quick prayer for God's will.

Sophia walked in and sat across from him. She noticed he had lost weight. He was beginning to look a little gaunt. She tried to read his expression, but his face was hard. His eyes caused her to hesitate, but determinedly she began. "How are you, James Patrick?"

ust nodded.

ow you heard that I was released. Would you believe it if I were to tell you Mr.

me to see me? You remember, don't you? He was the magistrate?"

know who he is." Red almost snapped the words.

Sophia faltered but went on. "He told me he felt it best to annul our marriage. I was angered because I felt no one had the right to decide that except you and me. He had brought the paper for me to sign. I...I saw that you hadn't signed it yourself." "You mean you weren't the one who wanted to annul the marriage?" Red

straightened in his chair.

Sophia noticed a small vein pulsating at James's temple. "No, James, I didn't know anything about it. We were thrown together by our circumstances, and I would understand fully if you feel it best for us to...well, not be married. But I felt you and I had an understanding of sorts. I would never do something like that without talking to you first. I really don't know how to say things except bluntly. Gran always used to say, 'If ye need to say something, then say it.' I had no knowledge of this paper until it was brought to me. I didn't sign it when I saw you hadn't either. I thought it best if we

talked about it. Like I said before, if you feel it best..." Before Sophia could finish, Red jumped up from the table, startling her. Since he was chained at the wrists, he couldn't reach out to her but stepped forward. "You mean you want to stay married to me?" he blurted out. "Is that what you're saying?"

Sophia blushed scarlet.

For a split second Red wondered if he had mistaken what she was trying to say and had made a fool out of himself after all.

Sophia looked up at him with a twinkle in her eye. "I want you to know I hold no claim to you, James Patrick. You owe me nothing, and I understand that. But I have found that I care about you deeply."

Red's heart pounded.

"Even though we were pushed into getting married, I chose you myself. I thought we were forced to marry, but we weren't. No one made me marry you. I started to feel comfort in knowing that I had a family again. I felt safe knowing you were my husband, and pride too. I heard how people were talking about you. How the men respected you, and the ladies, well, a few let me know how they envied me. James, I want to stay married to you...if you will have me."

James grabbed her hands the best he could. The room they were in was barely big enough to hold the smile on his face. They started laughing and talking all at once. Sophia told him of Papa's house and of the lands given by the Wilsons. James could scarcely take it all in.

"Sophia, I will be shipped out, but not soon because winter is coming. Now that you

have a home, are you sure you want to go with me?" Nodding, she said, "I have thought it through. I want to stay with you. Would

there be any way you could stay here now that we have a home?" "I don't know. I remember Reeves asked me if I had family or land before he

sentenced me, but I don't know if it would make a difference now." Sophia's face brightened. "Why don't I talk to Lord and Lady Wilson? Maybe they

can help us! They said if I needed anything, all I had to do was ask."

James sighed. "If I stay, I would be locked up here until I've served my given years. I would rather be working the land than sitting in a cell all that time. Even if the land I'm working won't be my own."

Sophia crinkled her forehead. "Then I will ready myself for the sail. I will also make arrangements for visits until it is time to go. What will we do with Brady's Brick?"

James lifted a brow.

Sophia nodded in agreement. "Aye, you are right. I will see if I can come see you

"That's what Papa named our cottage," Sophia explained. "I don't want to sell it, James. I know Papa would want me to keep it." Red smiled at his wife. "Then you won't sell it. We need to make plans."

again in one week's time. Is there anything I can get for you while you are here?" "Some fruit would be nice if you can get some," was his reply.

"As a matter of fact, I already have that," Sophia stated. Getting up from the table she walked just outside the door, stooping to pick up a large basket. It was loaded with food. "How about a picnic?" She smiled.

After the feast, James sat back, patting his stomach. They talked a little longer, but all too soon it was time for Sophia to leave. She stood as her husband came around to her. He placed his arms around her. He had to lift his hands with chains over Sophia's head. "You have made me a happy man, Sophia Elizabeth. I thought I had lost you." Sophia lay her head on Red's chest, next to his heart. After a moment they stepped

apart.

After Sophia left, Red was led back into his cell. He told the men some of what had happened.

"Ye don't say," sputtered one of the men. "Ye mean that ol" man Reeves hisself told the lady she could not be married to ya?"

The night was spent talking about marriage and the joy, or lack of it. It all depended on who was doing the telling. Laughter could be heard as they shared their stories of wives trying to tame them. Red, for the first time ever, felt a part of it all. They talked well into the night about their lives and wives. Red stayed quiet for the most part. After all, he lacked experience.

ord and Lady Wilson arrived for a surprise visit at Brady's Brick right before the L noon meal. Fortunately Maggie had made enough stew and biscuits for all. After greeting one another, Lady Wilson spoke first. "We hope you don't mind, but we were shopping, and at the last minute decided to stop for a visit. We hope we aren't interrupting your lunch as I can see your table is set."

Sophia smiled. "No, no, please stay for lunch. Maggie always makes more than enough, as you already know."

The couple accepted her kind invitation. Afterwards tea and fresh berry pie were served. Sophia was asked many questions about how she liked her new home, and if she was settled in. She thanked them for keeping her trunk with her few treasures and told them how grateful she was for all they had done and were doing for her.

Lord Wilson grew serious. "I was called upon by the magistrate, Mr. Reeves, a few days ago. He was distressed when he heard you decided not to annul your marriage. He hoped I would talk to you and make you understand that you need not stay married. For some reason he feels you find yourself obligated to this man. You need not be. Mr. Reeves also informed me he was happy to settle things for you so you wouldn't have to be involved. Then he heard you insisted on visiting this person at the gaol."

Sophia pushed her bowl away, knowing her meal was finished. Maggie all but ran into the next room for safety. Sophia was a gentle soul, but this was a touchy subject. Anger threatened to rise until Sophia studied both their faces. They spoke purely out of concern for her.

Gently she tried to explain her decision. "I know it is because you care that you are here. I have made some decisions that may surprise you, but I hope you understand. I want to stay married to James Patrick. Without going into great detail I need you to understand that being in the gaol was very difficult. This man cared for me and for others. He looked out for the weaker ones, and I came to respect and care for him, and he for me. No, more than that, I have come to love him."

"Are you sure of that, or is it gratitude you feel?" Lord Wilson questioned. "Yes, I am sure. I had every opportunity to walk away from him but found I couldn't. I know it will be a hardship sailing to another land, but I feel I can face

whatever comes with James Patrick. I want to be his wife."