His Lady Mistress

Elizabeth Rolls11loathing her cowardice, Verity pressed her hands over herears, but still the sounds penetrated, pounding in her bloodas though her own heart was impaled.Nearly senseless, she sank fully to the ground, uncaring ofthe bitter cold leaching into her. Even as she realised thatthey were filling in the grave, the hammering echoed in hersoul in pitiless torment.It remained only to wait until they left so she could makeher farewell.At last they were gone, and Verity, listening to the final,fading splash of hoofbeats, crept stiffly out of the hedge. Coldshuddered through her as she approached the grave. Theweather had cleared slightly and moonlight gleamed througha gap in the clouds, lighting her way to the disturbed sods.With a despairing whimper, she dropped to her knees inthe mud, tears pouring unchecked down her cheeks. ‘Oh,Papa, forgive me! I didn’t understand...Papa...I’m sorry...Inever meant this...I love you...’Still weeping, she reached into her satchel and brought outher offering. Small and pathetic though it was, she could dono more. If she put up a cross, no matter how humble, itwould be torn down. Even a bunch of flowers would be removedif anyone saw it.Furtively she scrabbled in the wet, cold earth, preparing itfor her hidden garland. He would forgive her...he must. Hehad loved her once...‘What the hell do you think you’ll find there? A few miserabletrinkets, you cur? I heard you behind us, all the way.I went away to flush you out.’The harsh voice speared her and she cried out in startledterror as a fierce grip took her shoulder and spun her aroundto fall helpless on the muddy grave.Savagely the voice continued, ‘Didn’t they tell you? All asuicide’s possessions go to the Crown. You’ll find nothinghere, boy. Now leave the poor bastard alone before I giveyou the thrashing you deserve!’