Free Thornhall Manor by George Benton

They never got around to telling her who her parents were. They called her Rebecca.”
    Steve and the children listened intently to Annie as she told him everything.
    After a long silence, Steve looked across to Paul and Clare and said, “That makes me your grandfather.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine
    THE PRISON VISIT
    â€œNow, you will see that he gets these,” she said, handing Steve a large bag.
    He knew full well that the guards, not William, would enjoy the contents.
    â€œYes, Annie.”
    There was Annie and the two children waving to him as the coach moved away.
    â€œJohn, have you ever visited Newgate Prison?”
    â€œNo, thank God!”
    â€œIt’s damp, dirty and completely under the control of the prison guards. I tell you this to warn you. I know from experience. Only one visitor is allowed at a time, John. You are his brother - don’t worry about me.”
    How right Steve was! It was cold and damp, with only a small shaft of light entering the cell. Words were not needed as the two brothers embraced each other.
    â€œOh, William, why did you come back home?”
    â€œDon’t worry, John, about me. What will be, will be.”
    Suddenly, standing there was Steve. William was overcome with emotion.
    â€œHow did you manage to get past the guard?”
    â€œIt’s amazing what a golden sovereign can do.”
    â€œIt’s wonderful to see you, Steve. Hardly a minute has gone by when you’ve not been in my thoughts.”
    â€œI’ve missed you too, me lad.”
    There were tears in both men’s eyes, and John could see the great bond that existed between these two men.
    â€œMy lad, that’s quite a shiner you’ve got there.”
    â€œBelieve it or not, one of my prison guards is Sergeant Killjoy.”
    â€œHave you any idea what’s been planned for you, William?”
    â€œHaving been found guilty, it’s Australia or life in Newgate Prison.”
    â€œNow, William, time is short. Firstly, did you kill Peter Nesbit? I have to ask this, William.”
    â€œNo, he was alive - injured but alive, when I left him.”
    â€œNow, your brother has arranged for me and Annie to stay at Rose Cottage. I’m hoping with Annie’s help that even after all these years I might find out what actually happened to Peter Nesbit. Did he die? Maybe he is still alive - who knows!”

Chapter Thirty
    A SCORE TO SETTLE
    The swaying and bumping of the coach brought back happy memories of other visits to Rose Cottage with the children, John and Rebecca. Annie wondered if Steve, seated opposite, was asleep or just resting his eyes. How old he looked now compared with the young man who married her sister Betty. ‘It is strange how one man can ruin so many lives,’ she thought. ‘Now, after all these years, will we be able to discover the truth, I wonder?’
    It was late afternoon, and the rain was lashing down when they arrived at the Coaching Inn. Annie stood by the large open fire, and after a few words with the innkeeper Steve returned with two glasses.
    â€œThere you are, Annie - that will warm you up.”
    They made their way outside and sat at a large oak table.
    â€œI don’t know if it’s the fire or that drink, Steve, but I feel much warmer now.”
    Leaning across, he gently squeezed her hand. “Annie, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think this day would come. Maybe, God willing, justice can be served.”
    It was only then that she really understood Steve’s hatred of Peter Nesbit, and she realised he was not only out to help William but to settle an old score.
    They left the inn and made their way down the muddy lane to Rose Cottage.
    Steve would never forget that first meeting with Mary and Ned. Before he was even introduced he found himself cradled in Mary’s arms, being kissed on the cheek; then Ned’s powerful handshake made his fingers go numb.
    â€œSteve, I can never thank