Prison Games

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

The gaoler fastened lighter chains on her wrist. She was led a few steps down a long narrow hall to a heavy door. The gaoler knocked. He opened the door wide, allowing Sophia to see the magistrate who had married her to James sitting behind a desk. He wasn't wearing a robe or wig but was dressed casually. He was studying some papers.

Sophia stood quietly in front of the desk, not knowing what to do. The man looked from his desk and told her to sit down. She did as she was told, while trying to still up her beating heart. Now what is he planning to do to me?

"Take those chains off this woman!" he barked at the gaoler. Once that was done, he had the gaoler leave. "Do you like tea, or is coffee your preference?" Sophia hadn't had coffee in so long. "Nothing, sir, but thank you."

"Nonsense, you look like you need some warming up. These gaols are damp. I'm having coffee myself, so would you like some or tea?"

She relented. "Coffee would be fine."

After calling the gaoler back in to retrieve their drinks, he began. "I'm sure you are wondering why I had you brought here. I was surprised by a visit several weeks ago by a man and his wife named Lord and Lady Wilson. Their concern was for you. Do you know them?"

Sophia was surprised by the news. "Aye, I know them."

"Well, it seems they found out you are not guilty after all. I explained you had been sentenced and also married. I guess you could say they were quite shocked by the news of your marriage. After they left, I instructed the authorities to investigate their claims. They have done that, and it seems you are indeed innocent. This puts me in a very uncomfortable position."

Sophia's heart began beating irregularly. "They really know I'm innocent? You finally believe me?" Relief flooded her; questions filled her. "What changed that they now believe me?"

lie. After a time she admitted she had taken her own necklace.

"I questioned them about the sworn affidavit I was given in regard to your case. Their daughter had signed it. I also asked them if they realized their daughter could have certain charges brought against her. They were aware of it, but at this point are more concerned about you."

Sophia's heart soared with the news. Taking a drink of her coffee gave her time to think. Setting the cup down, she looked at Peter. "What happens now? Does this mean I will be released?"

Peter had never encountered such a predicament such as this. Unfortunately, innocent people were sometimes charged and found guilty. It was bound to happen with the vast numbers of prisoners. This was the first time, though, that a high-stationed citizen had come to him personally and pronounced a prisoner's innocence. If that wasn't enough, there was the fact that he'd had her married off. Yes, this was a very uncomfortable situation indeed.

I guess that is pretty much up to you. Of course you will be released. I have been "I given a letter for you. I will leave you alone to read it. Can I assume then that you can read?"

Sophia nodded that she could.

"Then please take your time. When I come back, we'll discuss what we will need to

do then." Peter opened his desk drawer, pulling out the letter. After handing it to Sophia

he stood, leaving the room.

Sophia slowly tore at the seal. She began reading.

Dearest Sophia,

It is with great difficulty that I write. I cannot tell you what shame and pain we feel. I wonder if I can express to you how sorry we, Lady Wilson and I, are. We want to explain to you all that has transpired and how we learned of your innocence.

Arrangements have been made to bring you to the Brick House whenever you are

ready to meet with us... assuming, of course, you do agree to meet with us. Please give us a chance to earn your forgiveness if at all possible. We will do all we can to make up for your horrible experience. Lord Edward Wilson

Sophia sat staring at the letter for some time. She found herself blinking back tears of relief. Finally they all knew she was innocent! That was so important to her. She would not have to stay in this horrible place any longer.

Suddenly she thought of James. James Patrick, her husband! What was she to do? Could it be she wanted to be married to him? What about going off to a new land? She knew what to expect at Brick House. She would rather be at Newgate with all its filth than spend one more day under Tess's thumb. What was she to do? They certainly didn't expect her to live there again?

Magistrate Reeves stepped back into the room. "Have you decided what you would like to do yet?" "I'm not sure. How soon can I leave?"

"Today. There are papers that need to be filled out and signed. Do you have somewhere to stay, any family?" It suddenly struck Sophia that there was no home or family waiting for her. "No, sir, I have no family left. My father was killed in an accident, and Gran passed away almost five years ago. I lived at the Brick House with Lord and Lady Wilson after my father was killed. I was in their employment." Why was she telling him all this? Surely he

wasn't really interested.

"Lord Wilson was informed that you would be released today," Magistrate Reeves said. "He has ordered a carriage to wait here, all day if necessary, if you decide to see them. Meantime I can make some inquiries into finding you temporary shelter."

Sophia wasn't sure how to respond. Temporary shelter, where? How long? Once again her future seemed confused and frightening to her. She shrugged. "I guess I could speak to them." After hesitating, she added, "What do I do about my husband? I mean, I am married now, and we are to be shipped away. What is to become of him?"

The magistrate ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm not sure I have the answers, but why don't you meet with Lord and Lady Wilson and go from there? It will give you time to think of what you want to do. We surely will not force you to be shipped out since you are not guilty of a crime. As far as your marriage goes, since it hasn't been...well, a real marriage yet...it can be annulled."

Sophia blushed, looking down at her hands.

The magistrate rushed on. "These decisions are the kind you need to think about for a time. Why don't I make arrangements for you to rest and change into some new clothes? Meantime I will send a messenger to Lord Wilson's estate to inform them that you are coming."

He called for his assistant to prepare a room for Sophia and to ready clean clothes for her. Stepping around his desk, he leaned against it. "Miss, I cannot tell you what to do. I feel somewhat responsible for your predicament. I want you to know that I will do what I can to help you. You are not going to be left in the streets on your own."

A knock was heard as the magistrate's assistant stepped in to let them know a room was ready. As she was led out, she turned, giving a smile of thanks. Magistrate Reeves had been the only person who had shown any concern for her, except for Alice and James Patrick, of course.

Peter stared after the young woman. The smile she had given him made his heart lurch. A feeling came over him that he hadn't felt in a very long time. Shaking his head, he turned his mind back to business. It was one thing to promise help, but now what was he to do? Maybe he had spoken too soon, promising too much. But there was something about her that made him feel protective. He confessed to himself that he felt attracted to her. Maybe he just needed one of his ladies' companionship tonight. He had a line of them from town to town.

No, he decided, it was more than that, more than physical. Well, if nothing else, young woman could stay in the room she occupied now. Rooms were available to the the magistrates and their wives if the women chose to accompany their husbands. Victoria had yet to come with Peter, and probably never would.

Sophia was amazed at how beautiful her room was. It looked like it belonged in a castle somewhere. Not even the Brick House held a room such as this. A large tub full of water was placed in the middle of the room while a fire burned brightly in the fireplace. A huge bed with a large peach-colored coverlet stood at one end. Two ceiling-to-floor windows with peach-colored drapes lined each side of the bed. A clean shift and a pair of slippers lay on the bed.

After the man closed the window curtains, he showed Sophia where she could find all she needed. After he left, she went over to lock the door. She was used to being locked in, not locking others out. Only a few hours ago she had been in prison, and now here she stood in this grand room. Heaven and hell, guilt and innocence, beauty and ugliness all rolled together. Have I died and gone to heaven?

As she sank into the tub filled with hot water she decided she was right. She definitely had died and gone to heaven.

Red paced the cell, flexing his arm and leg muscles as best he could. He needed to be strong with a long voyage and new life ahead of him. Unlike the others sentenced to sail, Red was more than willing. There was an expectancy that made the everyday humdrum life in that cell bearable. He dreamed of the voyage and adventure...to work for his own land. Sure, he would be working for others for the seven years of his sentence, but after that.... He could only shake his head at the wonder of it all.