Prison Games

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Clearing his throat, Peter pushed forward. "This is a very charming cottage. You seem to have started a new life. It suits you. I do have some news for you. It is of a delicate matter, so I felt I should speak to you myself." Peter felt irritated when his statement was met with silence. This one-sided conversation was difficult. "Since I was the one to perform your marriage, I took it upon myself to take steps to annul it. You are not obligated to the man. I have also informed the...ah...gentleman of these facts as well. I thought it best if you didn't see him again. You've been through enough. I

thought it best to spare you any more discomfort." Strange how rigid she holds herself Peter mused. What is the matter? Doesn't she understand what I've just said?

Maybe he had not made himself clear. Wasn't she listening to him? He was doing

all the dirty work for her. Smiling to hide his true feelings, Peter spoke again. "What

I'm trying to say is that..."

From the first, Sophia didn't like the idea of this man knowing her personal business. Then, as he'd proceeded, Sophia wasn't sure she was hearing right. Wasn't this the same man who had sentenced her, then forced her into the decision to marry a stranger? And now he wanted to spare her discomfort? Was he actually telling her that he had decided she shouldn't be married at all? Anger surged through her.

She held up her hand to stop him and took a deep breath. This was a powerful man. She didn't want to anger him or take the chance that his wrath would fall upon James Patrick. Keeping her voice level, she started out slowly, picking her words carefully. "Sir, I cannot express how much I appreciate your concern for me. I am grateful for your offer of rescue when I thought I had nowhere to go and you offered me shelter. Again you show your thoughtfulness by coming to my home personally."

Maggie let out a sniff from behind the door, where she was listening.

"Things have been happening so fast in my life that I have not had a chance to think. I wish you would have informed me before taking any steps on my behalf. I have not been able to make decisions for myself for a long time now. I would like to begin doing so. I understand you were trying to save me from further distress, and I appreciate that. I hope you understand, but I must ask that you leave any changes regarding my life to me." Magistrate Reeves frowned. "I understand, Miss Brady; however I felt somewhat

responsible for your predicament. I was only too happy to oblige myself." Sophia almost corrected him about her name, but hearing the edge in the man's voice, she continued to tread softly. "Again, thank you for all you have done for me. You have gone out of your way to help me, and I appreciate your kindness. I feel I have burdened you more than enough. Is it safe to say that my marriage is...erased then?"

"I have been only too happy to help a lady in distress."

Again Maggie let out a sniff. Sophia glanced toward the door to give her a "look." He continued, "All I need is for you to sign this paper, and it will be over for you." Sophia looked down at the paper. There were two signatures required-hers and James Patrick's.

"I noticed that Mr. Murphy hasn't signed," Sophia said a little too softly.

The magistrate gave her a quizzical look, then explained, "I tried to get the man to sign. He agreed to sign the paper if you were to sign first. I cannot fathom what the man was thinking."

Sophia's heart leapt. "You mean to say he refused to sign?"

"Yes, he stated that if you wanted out of the marriage, then he would sign. It's not as if you had a real marriage, you know. I don't know why he had to make this more difficult for you."

Sophia had to bite her tongue. The marriage was real enough only a few short days ago. Real enough that this man was willing to send them off together to a new land. May I have the paper? I cannot think of this right now. There are so many new changes in my life. I do not want to make any important decisions about anything right now. I hope you can understand."

The magistrate scowled but said, "Of course I understand." He stood, handing the paper to her. "All you need to do is sign, and I will take care of the rest. My intention was not to pressure you into making any decisions. I know you have been through though. Thank you for your hospitality. Here's my card, if you wish to contact me."

Maggie ran to get his coat and open the door for him. "Good day," was all he said before going out the door. Thank you again for all you have done for me." Sophia gave him her warmest smile.

of staying married to that stranger?" Sophia sat down and stared at the papers. Looking up, she softly stated what was in was chomping at the bit. "Hmmph, what a dandy! Sophia, are you thinking her heart. "Yes, I am going to stay married to him...if he wants."

Maggie sat beside the young woman. Placing her arm around her shoulder, she replied, "You must think very highly of the man. Can you tell me of him?"

"I will tell you soon, Maggie. Suddenly I feel very tired. I think I'll go rest a bit before dinner." Sophia stood to go into her bedchamber. Curling up under her blankets, she soon fell off to sleep. She dreamed about a large red-haired man with the bluest eyes, but there was something wrong. There were tears in those blue eyes. Sophia stirred in her sleep as James Patrick stirred in her dreams.

Later that evening, as Sophia ate dinner, she went over what Mr. Reeves had told her. James Patrick would only sign if she signed first. Did that mean he wanted to stay married to her? It had to mean that. Her future was just as unsure as before. Sophia put her fork down. She sat by the window gazing out into the garden. The season was turning cold. All the flowers were dying. The thought of a long winter ahead deepened Sophia's gloomy spirit.

Maggie came in to clear the table. When she finished, she sat beside Sophia. "Tis worried I am for you, Sophia. I feel as if we are family. I don't know if you knew, but I had feelings for your father. He was such a gentle, kindhearted man. I believe, Sophia, that had he lived we would have...well, who knows?"

Sophia reached out to hold Maggie's hand. "I know he was very fond of you too."

With tears glistening Maggie explained, "The reason I'm bringing this up now is to let you know that if you would like to talk things over, I am here for you. Like I said before, I think of us as a family of sorts. I don't have a lot of answers about things, but sometimes it clears the mind to simply let the words pour out."

So Sophia did just that. "Oh, Maggie, I have come to love James Patrick. He protected me while I was in the gaol. I felt safe being his wife even when we were apart. I've grown to trust and respect him. There was even a sense of pride knowing he was my husband. He isn't an evil man or a thief, but someone who was trying to fill his belly to keep from starving. When Mr. Reeves told me James Patrick wouldn't sign that paper unless I signed first, I was relieved. I was happy he wanted to be married to me. It was only a year ago that I felt all alone in this world. When James Patrick came into my life, I had family and purpose again. Even when we were to be shipped out, I felt secure, knowing I would be with him. I have seen him in a horrible place, and he proved to me how brave and compassionate he is."

Maggie listened quietly.

"I was told later," Sophia said, "that when James first arrived, everyone thought he was some kind of monster. Less than a year later a lot of people respected him. After we were married, a gaoler brought me news about James. He told me that James and some other men were given extra jobs on the outside. My heart would actually flutter

thinking about him. Maggie, can you understand what I'm feeling?" "Aye, Sophia. Remember what I said about your father?"

Dabbing her eyes, Sophia continued, "Then of course you know how I feel. I also met this woman named Alice. She became a dear friend. I feel so guilty leaving her there in that dreadful place. Here I am sitting by a warm fire with food in my belly. Oh, Maggie, how can I help her and James Patrick while they're still in that gaol?"

Maggie didn't have all the answers, but she did have comfort to give. "Sophia, I have listened, and you do sound like a woman in love. He fills your heart and your thoughts. That tells me how important he is to you. I don't think things just happen. I think they happen for a reason. If you want to stay married to this man, then don't let anyone tell you different. I guess the first thing you would need to do is go talk to the man...hear what he has to say about it all. You have after all, accepted him as your husband. Who better to talk to about your life together? As far as your friend in the gaol, you are in a better place now to help her. You have Lord and Lady Wilson. I think they would do anything for you. You could call on them for help. You also can take in extra food and clothing for her. I'm sure she would love you to visit."

It was as if a great weight was being lifted off of her. "Yes! I do want to stay married to him. I want to be his wife, Maggie. It will mean I will have to leave here. I would rather do that than stay in this lovely, safe home without him."

Yes, she cared deeply for James Patrick, but somehow she had gotten the idea that caring for him was wrong. It was all right as long as she had been in the gaol, but now that she was a free woman, it wasn't acceptable. That was what Mr. Reeves had tried to impress on her without actually saying it.

"Tomorrow I will go and visit James and Alice," Sophia said. "Can you put some

food together for me to bring?"

"Aye, two baskets full I'll have for you. Now make sure you tell him how you feel. Do it first thing." Maggie stood. "I'll go and make some coffee. I have a feeling we're going to be up for a while talking."

It was indeed very late before the two women went off to bed. Sophia found sleep impossible once she climbed into bed. The sun wasn't going to rise quickly enough for her this day. She could barely wait to see James Patrick... her husband.