Free Gideon's Angel by Clifford Beal

was vital for the sake of them all that I was dead. For despite the lovely voluminous folds of her thick blue velvet dress, sadly out of place in a farmhand’s hovel, she was clearly and truly, heavy with child.

 
    Chapter Six
     
     
    S HE NODDED SLOWLY , complicit in our little deceit. “It is as I have long feared, then,” she said, never taking her eyes from me.
    I swallowed hard. “I bring money with me... for you.” And I dug out one of my purses, gently placing it on the table between us. “It should see you through for more than a few months.”
    Still she stared at me. It was a look of sadness but tinged with blame just the same. “I thank you, sir. Would that he had never left this place. We might not have come to where we are now.”
    “I am sure he would not have if he had known what would befall his family. And should more money of his come to light I will ensure that it too finds its way to you, madame.”
    Arabella was silent.
    “Ma’am, should I take the child outside for a spell?” said the maidservant.
    Arabella nodded her agreement, grasped Ann’s hand and gave it a little rub. “Off you go child, with Lizzie.”
    We were then alone, facing each other across the table. And I truly felt that Richard Treadwell was dead and gone and that I was but the messenger of his passing. “I was told you have a son. Where is he this day?”
    “He has gone to live with his uncle. A man who can better provide for his education.”
    I nodded.
    “He’s strong and already much in resemblance of his father,” said Arabella, softening a bit. “He goes to the grammar school in Plympton. His uncle dotes on him and he is happy there.”
    “I am glad to hear of it, madame.” And I truly was. “But did not this uncle seek to help you keep your home?”
    She answered me straight away. “It was beyond even his means to stop the order of confiscation and sale. My good brother did what he could and looks after us still. I was the one who did not want to leave this land. I haven’t much but I still hold this house. This he shall not have.”
    “Arabella...”
    She reached across the table to me and I clasped her hand. “Arabella, who did this to you?”
    She answered in little more than a whisper. “You mean, sir, my belly? Or the committee that said my husband’s treason was beyond redemption and that his estate was forfeit to the republic?”
    I held her hand between both of my own. “Who has violated you? Tell me.”
    “It was he who bought your house for a song from Parliament. The same who lives there now.” And I felt her hand slip out of my grasp, her arm pulling back to her lap. “Captain Israel Fludd.”
    I could say nothing, but she could see the rage stoking within me.
    “Do not seek to cause more trouble for us, I beg of you. Leave well enough alone and all will be well. We shall not want. But you must go. You must go before you’re recognised.” She pushed herself up from the chair and stood facing me. “You must go... Richard.”
    I got up.
    “You did not ask me, husband, whether it was by my will or against my will?”
    “I don’t have to ask such a thing. And don’t tell Ann the truth of me. You’re better off a widow.”
    “I know this, husband. And if you still bear us love then you must leave again.”
    I left the cottage, my stomach in a rolling sick, and stood next to her. Her arm and shoulder brushed against mine; the closest we were destined to embrace. I looked back up the hill to the house. “I will see justice done, fear not.”
    She looked up at me, her mouth falling open in horror. “Justice? For the love of God, do not even think of it! You must not!”
    “Very well,” I told her, “you’re right. I’ll make sure you remain safe. Fare thee well.” There seemed but little else to say. “I will send you more coin soon.” And I took off my hat to her with a bow, cast one brief look to my daughter and walked to where my horse stood grazing. I looked back