Prison Games

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Thankfully the men had a break from their cell a few days later. They were given hard labor, breaking down an old stone wall just outside the city. Red welcomed the work and fresh air. His muscles ached, putting him in misery the next day, but he hoped for more work to come.

Slowly the other men began seeing Red in a new light. They saw how he worked and held himself. When others complained and cussed, he simply did his work. When others moaned and groaned under the pressure, Red kept his daily routine going. He prayed, exercised, ate, and exercised some more. The men witnessed this big man in prayer. At first a few snickered, but as time went on, they saw a new strength that had nothing to do with the physical. One by one the men came to respect him and began following his lead. Even the gaolers noticed.

When there was work to be done, it was the men in Red's cell who were chosen because of the good day's work done without complaint. Days passed more quickly, but it was still difficult. They were given hard work, but not extra food. Heat and filth still surrounded them. Fresh water was not to be found, and danger of other prisoners was still a concern. The others watched Red pray and exist in peace. They watched him very closely.

Sophia stretched her muscles and decided to leave the bath. She stayed in as long as possible but now felt chilled. Grabbing a towel, she stood before the fire. She had not had a bath like this in over two years. Now what do I do? Am I supposed to stay here?

Sophia looked longingly at the massive bed. She was exhausted. Walking over, she tested its softness. Her body and mind wouldn't let her resist. Turning the rich coverlet down, she slipped under the blankets and sank into its softness and warmth. She thought about James. What would happen to them, their marriage? The magistrate was right. It wasn't a "real" marriage.

It is too a real marriage! Sophia realized angrily a minute later. It was real enough yesterday before everyone found me innocent.

Sophia's head ached. In her mind she could see James standing in front of her, looking hurt and confused. What was she to do? Where would she go?

Suddenly a new idea was conceived. What had changed? She was still married to James. She must certainly be able to go with him! They had to let her go with him. She may be free, but she was still married and wanted to be.

would find a way to stay with him. She would go to Australia with her husband. Sophia Yes, she wanted to be married to James. She held her breath, knowing in her heart hadn't planned on asking Lord and Lady Wilson for anything, but now they could help that she loved him. When did it happen? It didn't matter. Her decision was made. She her. They had influence. Yes, they owed her that, didn't they? Smiling, she snuggled down, and soon she slept soundly.

Lord Wilson took the note from the butler. Opening it, he turned and smiled at his wife. "She is coming," was all he said.

"Oh, thank God!" Lady Wilson brought her hand to her bosom. "Thank God!" Lord Wilson sat next to his wife and placed his arm around her. Bringing her closer,

he kissed her cheek.

She smiled up at her husband, whispering, "I should never have doubted you, Edward. You said she would come, but I had my doubts." He gently touched his wife's cheek. "To be honest, I doubted as well, but we don't

need to worry now. She will be here tomorrow, or so says the note." "Thank God Tess isn't here," she replied. "Is the cottage ready? Did you get the

bank draft?"

He chuckled. "Dear, you've asked me that several times now, and I keep giving you the same answer."

"I'm sorry, I guess I am being a twit. I just don't know what we'll do if she refuses. I don't know if I can ever forgive myself for what we did to her. She only served us with loyalty and with love. I cannot imagine going through what she did."

The man nodded sadly. "I know, dear, but she's a very special young lady. I can't say whether she'll forgive us or not, but we will try our best to make it up to her." And with that Lady Wilson spent the rest of the day in preparation. She needed to

stay busy so her nervousness wouldn't overwhelm her. A special meal had to be

planned, and she needed to meet with the cook, Maggie. She wanted every detail of

Sophia's homecoming to be perfect.

Lord Wilson paced in his study. He had comforted his wife with the right words, but doubts still plagued him. How could Sophia ever possibly forgive them? What innocent could ever get past her ordeal? He knew a little of what Newgate was like, unlike his wife. Could they really say, "So sorry, we were wrong," and expect her to forgive completely?

Opening his desk drawer he retrieved a cigar. Clipping the end, he lit it. This wasn't the first time Tess had gotten them into a mess. No, this was more than a mess. This had been the undoing of an innocent woman whose family had faithfully served his family for many years. The Brady name had been an honorable one, until Tess's lies.

Running his fingers through his hair, he drew on his cigar, then exhaled. Oh, it wasn't all Tess. He had a lot to do with it, too. By the time he and his wife had returned from their trip, Sophia had been arrested. Tess had signed the affidavit stating the girl was guilty. It was too late to do anything. At the time he thought there might be a chance Sophia had stolen the necklace. Deep in his heart he knew better, but he didn't want to expose his daughter for what she was, a liar and a cheat. It had all gotten out of hand so quickly.

You're a coward, Wilson. Tomorrow would be difficult to face, but face it he would. He only hoped he could make some of it up to the girl. He longed for her forgiveness. It was important to him because of her father. Brady had not only been a fine man and employee, he had been a true friend. Lord Wilson knew he had let him down. Thank God Brady wasn't around to see what happened, but things needed to be made right...if they could be.

Lord Wilson rose from his chair to gaze out the window. Forgive me, Brady. Forgive me for what I've done to your daughter. What more could he say?

Sophia stepped in the waiting carriage to take her to the Brick House. It seemed so strange to be going there. She let her mind wander as the coach passed tree lined streets heading for the outskirts of town. Now that she was out of Newgate, she felt amazed at how she had adjusted to the hardships. How strange to think her time spent there had passed so quickly. She clearly remembered how time crawled when she was sitting in Newgate instead of this comfortable coach. Smiling to herself, she knew much of her adjustment was due to Alice and the friendship they had forged.

Lifting her hand to her head, Sophia adjusted the bonnet she was given. Her short hair poked out, and once again she fought to keep it neatly tucked. She wondered where the clothes she was given had come from. They fit a little loose, but there wasn't much to fill the dress. Her bones seemed to jut out everywhere.

Sighing, Sophia couldn't help think how wonderful it was to be outside. The carriage ride soothed her. Suddenly she sat up straighter. What if she was dreaming? What if she was still in the gaol? She pinched her arm hard. No, she was sitting on the red velveteen-covered seat of the carriage. Smiling at her own foolishness, she again sat back in comfort.

Would the Wilsons realize she wasn't the same person she was the last time she had seen them? She wasn't the young innocent with no idea of life anymore. She had to learn fast and hard in the gaol, and she did. Sophia had learned well and chose to be the better for it. What happened to her could not be changed, but she could choose how she would react to it all.

Gran's words once again came back to her. "Ya know, Sophia Elizabeth, life 'tis all about choices that are made. Whether by ya or someone else, it don't matter. What does matter is how ya decide to live through the choices made."

"Aye, Gran, now I understand."

Her focus now turned to James and Alice. They had been her strength, her reason for going on. She was going to help them somehow. She wouldn't rest until she had done something to better their lives. Before she realized it, Brick House loomed in the distance. Sophia busied herself

tucking her hair under her bonnet once more before the coach reached the front of the Manor. She felt somehow detached from her surroundings. She didn't feel anxious or fearful. She was strangely calm when the footman opened the carriage door for her.

Lord Wilson descended the front stairs. He hesitated at the sight of her. The young woman looked thin and drawn. Her hair stuck out in the front and bottom of her bonnet. Dark circles lay under her once bright eyes. Guilt for her suffering stabbed his

heart. Lord Wilson extended his hand to her, and she took it. "Sophia, we are so happy you have decided to come. Lady Wilson is in the parlor waiting for us." Lady Wilson rushed over as soon as she saw Sophia and wrapped her arms around

the frail form. "Oh, Sophia, how wonderful that you would come visit us."

Sophia stood motionless. A maid came in with a tray of coffee, tea, and cakes. Lady Wilson blinked back tears. "Thank you, Maud. Just put the tray on this table, would you, please? I'll serve."

The maid curtsied and turned to leave. Lady Wilson poured Sophia coffee. Lord Wilson sat on the couch facing Sophia. "My dear, it was with great sorrow. and shame we found that we had accused you wrongly. Our daughter was caught in a lie. That does not take away from our own guilt. We are will to do anything we can to make this up to you. We realize the ordeal you have been through can hardly be worth any amount of money, but we will do whatever we can to lessen the pain."