Page 25 of Speculations in Sin

“Perhaps Mr. Kearny will speak for him,” I said, trying to sound confident. “If they are such friends. A gentleman’s word will count for much.”

“Possibly.” Joanna was not convinced. “But when an Old Bailey judge gets wind of what Sam got up to as a lad, he’ll instruct the jury to convict.”

Judges and magistrates were supposed to be impartial, in theory. However, I had enough experience to know that when a judge took against the prisoner at the bar, he did his best to thwart the barrister defending him and tell the jury exactly what verdict he wanted to see returned.

“I willnotlet that happen,” I said. “I know you are in despair at the moment, Joanna, but I promise you, we will do everything in our power to bring Sam home again.”

Joanna tried to nod assuredly, but her lip trembled. “Do you think I can see him?”

“I am not certain,” I had to say. The City’s police headquarters was in a lane called Old Jewry, off Gresham Street, whichwas not far from here. A magistrate would conduct a preliminary hearing in the morning, and more than likely transfer Sam to another, more secure prison to await his trial.

“Why not? I’m his wife.” Tears slid once more from her eyes. “I should be able to speak to him.”

“I don’t think you should go there, Joanna. Sam will not want you to see him like that. You stay here with your children. They will need you.”

“They’ll send him to Newgate.” Joanna crushed the handkerchief to her face. “That horrible place.”

“I know.” I’d once landed in the common room of that notorious prison myself, an experience I did not wish to recall. “As I continue to state—we will get him released, free of this charge, and brought home. Again, think of your children. You will have to be strong for them.”

Joanna nodded, crumpled handkerchief at her nose. Joannawasquite strong, but just at this moment, she needed to weep.

“There is nowhere I can send my little lads and lasses,” Joanna said. “You know I have no one. None but you.”

“If I can contrive to stay here with you tonight, believe me, I will.” I wanted to with all my heart. Joanna should not be left alone for this ordeal.

I thought of Mr. Davis, who’d vanished for nearly two days to tend an ill friend, or so he’d claimed. Mr. Bywater had looked the other way—would he and Mrs. Bywater extend the same courtesy to me?

If not, I would have to think of someone who could look in on Joanna, or at the very least, prowl the street outside to make certain she was safe.

Joanna drew a long breath and attempted a smile, which trembled. “No, no. I won’t put this burden on you, my friend. You have enough to concern you. I will be all right on my own.”

“You will not be,” I stated flatly. “Let me speak to my mistress and spend the night here if I can. As long as I cook her evening meal today and breakfast tomorrow, it should not matter where I sleep in between.”

I spoke confidently, but I had my misgivings. Mrs. Bywater was not the most understanding of women. She spent much of her time raising funds for charities and at the same time doing little that was of practical help to anyone.

“You are kind, Kat.” Joanna held on to her wavering smile. “I will be brave as soon as I can be. And you are right. My children will need me. I include Grace in that statement.”

I wanted to give her more words of comfort, but at the moment, I could not dredge them up. I pulled Joanna into my arms instead, and we rocked together on the sofa, our future uncertain.

At last Joanna released me, blowing her nose delicately into the handkerchief. “Thank you, Kat,” she said. “Thank you for telling me before the police could. I imagine they’ll be coming here to make our lives miserable.”

“Another reason I will try to return here tonight.” I wound my hands in my lap, realizing I still wore my gloves. “I will have to explain to Grace. Do you want me to break the news to your children as well?”

“No.” Joanna gave her eyes one last wipe. “No, I will tell them. They need to understand. To be prepared.”

Prepared for when their father’s name was destroyed, and his body hanged for a crime he’d not committed.

“Assure them Daniel and I will do everything in our power to bring him home,” I said quickly. “Very soon.”

“Yes.” Joanna’s word died away. She was still in shock and unconvinced that her happy life had not been abruptly and irreversibly taken away.

“Joanna.” I pulled her to face me. “He will come home.”

Joanna’s tears threatened to flow again, but she gave me a brave nod. “It will be as you say.”

She did not believe me, but at least she sat more calmly now.

I left her to warm herself by the fire while I descended to the kitchen and told the cook to brew Joanna a large pot of tea and prepare her a hearty slice of meat pie, warmed up. Joanna might not have an appetite, but even a few bites of the steaming pie dripping with gravy would do her good.

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