Alone No More

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"She abandoned Life, Milord," the prosecutor, George Knowles, said, directing his words to Judge Wilkinson. He sniffed his disdain, a supercilious expression on his alabaster face. "Not only her husband, her children, her... uhrr, responsibilities as a stalwart of home and hearth - but the sacred trust of the Lord above to hold precious and true her God-given time here on Earth." He sniffed again, his nose high in the air. "It's reprehensible," he said, and his eyes flashed around the room as if daring any to disagree.

Although the inquest was being held in the deceased's home, George Knowles was unable to act any other way than his customary dominant role in the courtroom. In point of fact, his presence wasn't strictly necessary in this setting, but as always, he welcomed any and every experience to gain more proficiency in his chosen field.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"As the local medical practitioner for the past twenty five years, I was the person most qualified to conduct the autopsy on the body of the late Jane Graham," said Dr. Thomas Woodforde in a firm voice. He seemed devoid of emotion, but many believed this to be a facade to hide any emotions he might have to interfere with his work and presentation of evidence. Else how could he say the words, "I found this young woman to have been a victim of her own demise, having hung herself by the neck until dead." A collective gasp rippled through the crowded room. All knew what the final outcome had been, but the baldness of the statement affected the audience to a noticeable degree.

The reactions to the following painstakingly detailed and gruesome evidence was graphic enough to cause several more sensitive souls to find an urgent need to depart the room. It is deemed not necessary to delve into the unpalatable finer details. Judge Wilkinson, along with all others gathered heard them in their entirety, and agreed, THAT was quite enough.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Name is Robert Merchant, Milord Sir," said the heavily perspiring man in the too-tight collar and tie, suit bulging at the seams, turning his head to look Judge Wilkinson straight in the eye. "I'm the Overseer at Mr. Johnson's place - where Robert Graham is employed as a farm labourer. I have known the deceased and her husband for about three years, although Robert has only been in Mr. Johnson's employ for the past seven months. Robert's a steady quiet man, and the couple have always borne a good character— ohh, excuse me a moment Your Worship..." and the witness stopped to gulp a quantity of water from the glass on the corner of the table. "Hurr-hem... hurr-hem... that's better Sir," and continued, "I saw the small wife at the door of their cottage when I called by yesterday morning on my way to check the orange orchard. She seemed red and flustered, drops of sweat upon her usually comely face." His expression was embarrassed as he muttered, "There was a wildness about her, Your Worship." And he harrumphed again and spoke out more loudly. "When I asked if she were OK like, she told me she was miserable but didn't understand why. When she went to the river for a pail of water I thought it best to wait until her return. I can't say why I felt uneasy Milord... " and Robert Merchant put a finger inside his stiffly starched collar and tugged at it as though the action could loosen it ... or make him cooler, better able to give his evidence. After a moment he continued, "... but I do know I felt relieved when I saw her coming back. Such a strange manner she was having. It's a worry when you be knowing already she once attempted to do herself in by drowning her poor sad little self. "

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The plump, motherly little lady bobbed her head as she made a small curtsy to the judge before sitting down in front of him. "Sure and we've been livin' in this neighbourhood mebbe five months and I have been well acquainted with the poor wee girl, Janie - and her man, too. Quiet-like, they were being - seemingly happy enough."

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