The embers in the fire were fading fast. Edwin glanced over at his wife Miranda and he could see sadness in her eyes.
This was the end of the coal. There was no more left.
Only a few twigs were sitting on the hearth, enough to keep the embers alive for a little longer.
Miranda rose from her chair and put her book down. She could see that her husband needed to be alone with his thoughts. “Good night my dear”, Edwin said as he gave his wife a loving peck on her cheek.
Edwin sat back in his chair a gazed deeply into what remained of the fire.
His thoughts went back to better times. Times when his home was full of laughter, gay parties and wonderful Christmases. He could be forgiven for feeling sad. All this was now gone. He felt a failure, and he felt he had let his wife and children down.
What was going to become of his beloved home and the family he adored? Edwin went to bed feeling tired and dejected.
The next afternoon Edwin called his family into the drawing room. He had made tea and he gestured them to all sit down.
His two daughters, Prudence and Isobel, looked over at their father. They felt worried, and father did not often call the family together for meetings.
“Sit down girls, I need to talk to you all” said Edwin. “Its all right girls”, added their mother reassuringly.
Edwin continued, “As you all know it has been a difficult couple of years since our fortunes changed for the worst. I can barely hold on to the estate and I have arranged for you girls to go and stay with Aunt Maude in the city”. Edwin looked at his girls with emotion in his eyes.
“But Father…” began Prudence but her father interrupted her, “No, it is for the best and once we are on our feet your mother and I will send for you. It must be this way and you will have a glorious time in the city, and your aunt will take good care of you”
Isobel started to cry. “Don’t cry Isobel. Please don’t make this harder than it has to be” said their mother.
With that, Prudence grabbed Isobel’s hand and dragged her out of the room, “We must not make it harder on Mother and Father; they are trying to do their best for us” she whispered.
A week later, the girls were taken to the country train and waved goodbye to their parents. Tears flowed but everyone appreciated that this was the best option. Aunt Maude had plenty of expendable income with no children of her own to lavish it on and she would take good care of the girls.
Edwin and Miranda drove home. Hardly a word passed between them. Everything had been said and they were both locked in their own thoughts.
That winter was harsh with no heating and food supplies were very low. Miranda now had no staff to help her run the big house.
Edwin still had his loyal valet Samuel, who refused to leave and was happy to have a roof over his head.
Over dinner in the early spring, Edwin decided to talk to his wife about finding a job, of any sort, in the village.
Miranda reluctantly agreed this was necessary if they were going to be able to stay in their home. They could barely find enough money to buy food with, let alone pay their accounts.
Weeks of door knocking went by and Edwin had not found any sort of employment. His last resort was the local coalmine.
The mine was run by Mr James Squires, who had inherited it from his father Patrick. Patrick had retired some years ago; his health was bad so it was up to James to keep it running for the family.
James employed fifty men in the mine. The wages were not great but the local men were happy to just have a job and keep food on their tables for their families.
“What brings you here Sir?” said James after opening the door to Edwin.
“Well actually I am looking for work…” replied Edwin hesitantly.
“You…looking for work?” quizzed James in an almost scoffing manner.
Edwin bowed his head, “Yes I am afraid so. Like many families, we have fallen on hard times and I need a job in order to be able to pay my creditors and hold on to my estate”.
James walked across the room and looked out the window as he addressed Edwin, ‘Well let me give it some thought. Your hands look far too soft to work in the mine. Let me get back to you in a few days”.
With that, Edwin tipped his hat and left the room. He felt worthless and down. What was he going to say to his wife if he could not get a job?
Miranda loved the estate and still tended the garden as much as she could. It would break her heart if they had to leave.
The next day there was a knock at the door. A very shiny new car had pulled into the driveway.
A man came to the door and asked if Edwin was in. Miranda nodded and with that, the driver of the car went back, opened the door, and out stepped a well-dressed handsome man Miranda had not seen before.
He addressed her, “Is your husband home?” Miranda nodded, “Do come in please,” gesturing to the man to enter.
Miranda directed James towards the drawing room. She pulled up a chair and asked Samuel to advise her husband they had a visitor.
The room was dark and damp. Miranda tried to push the large drapes back to let more light into the room and to try to hide the musty smell. The room was barely used these days; they had no reason to use it.
Edwin walked in, surprised to see James.
James shook his hand as he spoke, “I did not think I would keep you waiting Sir. I realise you need work and I admire your resolve in coming to see me. This is a fine home and I can certainly see why you do not want to loose it”
The men sat down as James continued. ‘I have been thinking of ways in which I can help you. I could give you a trial in the office. I need some help myself as I travel abroad regularly and I need an assistant to look after the office in my absence. Let us say a three-month trial. I will show you the ropes and you can start next week…I really don’t think you would survive in the mine…” “I really do appreciate your assistance, thank you James. I will do my best not to disappoint you”, replied Edwin.
James did not appear to hear him, he was taking the large room as he replied, “I would like to see this house back to its glory days again, so let’s see what happens…” With that, he tipped his hat to Miranda, put down his cup of tea and left the room.
Edwin and Miranda exchanged glances. “We will be alright Miranda. Things will gradually get better and maybe in six months we can get the girls back home”
“I hope so”, Miranda replied.
Edwin settled into his job at the mine. James was often absent on overseas trips which gave him plenty of work to do in the office. Files were all in a muddle that took Edwin weeks to sort out into some semblance of order.
James was impressed and sometimes he would pull out his bottle of whisky from his desk drawer and offer Edwin a drink.
The two men began to develop a friendship of sorts. James was very charming and would often invite Miranda and Edwin to dinner at his parent’s home.
James shared the house with his younger brother Oliver and his parents Patrick and Elizabeth Squires. They were a charming couple and welcomed Miranda and Edwin into their stately home, complete with well-manicured gardens.
One night over one such dinner Patrick commented to Edwin, “The mine is doing well and I hear from young James you have become quite an asset to our company Edwin”. Edwin smiled, but did not reply as he still felt a vague sense of embarrassment in regards to his situation.
Miranda and Elizabeth exchanged happy glances at the comment.
With that, Elizabeth whispered to Miranda that they might take a walk in the garden before the evening set in. “This is men’s talk; let us go for a walk”.
The ladies walked through Miranda’s rose garden. “I hear you have two lovely girls Miranda?’ said Elizabeth as they stopped to smell the blooms.
“Oh yes we do, Prudence is twenty and Isobel is seventeen. We also had a son Seth. He died not long after he was born, he was not a very strong baby…he would have been twenty-three now…”
“That is terribly sad Miranda”, said Elizabeth, “it must have been hard on Edwin loosing his only son”.
“Yes it was. I don’t think he has really ever got over it”, replied Miranda quietly, “our girls are very precious to us. They are currently in London living with their Aunt, but we are hoping to be able to have them back home in the near future”.
“That would be lovely”, smiled Elizabeth, “Patrick and I lived in Spain for many years; Patrick’s brother Tom ran the mine then. When Tom died, we came back so Patrick could take over. Now its James’ turn”.
After walking in silence for a while, Elizabeth turned to Miranda with a smile, “When the girls come home we must have a party! It would be lovely to host a welcome home for your girls”.
“Oh, I couldn’t possibly expect you to do that Elizabeth…,” said Miranda.
“Don’t be silly, any excuse to put on a pretty dress and have a party on the lawn would be just wonderful,” replied Elizabeth.
“Thank you. You are very kind,” said Miranda feeling slightly embarrassed.
The next day Miranda told Edwin about the party Elizabeth wanted to put on once the girls returned home.
“That’s nice of her”, said Edwin, “it will be good for the girls to socialise again and meet other young people”
Three months passed by and Edwin had saved enough money to make some necessary repairs to the house. They now had coal stored up for the next winter that James had given to Edwin at a very good price. Life was looking far more positive for the family. Miranda and Elizabeth would take tea together occasionally in the village and they were becoming good friends.
The day finally arrived and Prudence and Isobel returned home. They were overjoyed when they saw the house looking so much better. It still needed work, but had regained much of its former splendour.
Miranda had prettied the girls’ rooms up and had ever hung new drapes. The girls were excited to be back home. They had had a lovely time in the city with Aunt Maude but they were eager to be with their parents again.
“We’re so pleased you are both happy Daddy and Mummy,” said Prudence, the night of their return, “it is nice to see you both looking more peaceful”.
“Well, it is thanks to Mr Squires”, replied Edwin across the dinner table, “He gave me a job; he believed in my abilities. Things can only get better. Girls, his family have been good to us and your mother and James’ mother have become good friends. Mrs Squires even wants to throw a party for you”.
Isobel giggled, “A party, how lovely!” Prudence gave her a nudge. Isobel frowned, “well why not it will be fun”.
About two weeks later, there was a knock at the door and a messenger brought a letter for Edwin and Miranda. Miranda thanked the messenger gave him a half penny. She rushed inside to open the letter, it looked important.
On opening the letter, it read, Richard and Elizabeth Squires would like the pleasure of your company for an evening of music and dance on the 23rd of May at 7pm.
Miranda excitedly called to the girls, “Girls, we have all been invited to a party at the Squires estate”, the girls ran into the room as she continued, “It is in three weeks time on a Sunday. We must go it says on the invitation it is being held in your honour”.
Isobel squealed with excitement. She danced around the room “Oh, what shall I wear?” she said as she twirled around.
Over the next three weeks the girls and Miranda stitched and added lacy trims to the dresses they decided to wear to the party. Miranda chose to wear her dark olive green dress but added some extra trims to make it look extra special.
Prudence wore a dark red satin dress that her Aunt Maude had bought her in London. She had only worn it once and it looked ever so glamorous on her. Isobel wore a lovely apricot dress with a little white cape. She looked so young and pretty.
Edwin was proud of his girls; they all looked stunning and made quite an entrance into the party.
Elizabeth rushed over to them, “My, what lovely daughters you have Miranda. You have every right to be very proud”.
Isobel blushed and giggled a bit. Prudence gave her a kick with her foot as Elizabeth took them to meet the other guests.
Isobel spotted a young man who she thought must be James on the far side of the room. He was drinking a glass of wine and chatting with an older couple and a young woman. Isabel thought he looked very smart in his dark suit. He had dark curly hair and was by all accounts quite a handsome young man. James was talking to a young woman who he introduced as his sister Claire. Isobel went over to where the group were. James turned at her approach. Isobel introduced herself.
“Oh I am pleased to meet you said Isobel”. . ”My sister is home on holiday from University in London; you girls must be similar age I am sure you will have a lot to talk about…Now where is your sister…Prudence I think her name is. Is that right?” James said as he walked off towards his mother, who was deep in conversation with Prudence. Isobel had no time to reply before he was gone. She could not help but feel a little hurt.
Claire could see this and put her hand on Isobel’s arm, “Oh do not worry about James. He is a bit of a flirt I’m afraid…”
“I guess he wouldn’t be eager to talk to me because I am young…,” said Isobel sadly.
“I wouldn’t worry Isobel; there are plenty of young men here tonight who would love to talk to you. Come on, I will introduce you”, said Claire as she grabbed Isobel by the arm and dragged her off, Isobel still looking back at James.
On the other side of the room, James was introducing himself to Prudence. I am very pleased to meet you. I have heard a lot about you from your father…Would you care to dance?” said James, as he took her hand and led her to the dance floor.
“You dance very well. I expect you went to lots of dances while you were in London”, said James. “Oh a few…” said Prudence, a little out of breath.
Prudence could not help but notice how handsome James was. His dark curly hair and moustache made him stand out in the crowd. He had an air about him. James seems to notice her looking at him and he smiled, “What a lovely evening this is turned out to be. Here I am, dancing with the most beautiful lady in the room”. Prudence blushed but did not reply.
“I hope I can see more of you Prudence. I shall call and ask your father if I may take you on an outing…only if you want to of course…?” The music stopped and Prudence gave a little curtsy, “Thank you for a lovely evening James. We shall see”. She was not holding her breath as she had already heard stories about him. James could have any girl in the room and she did not feel like being one of his conquests.
The next weekend James turned up at the house holding a bunch of lovely yellow roses. Edwin answered he door. “The flowers cannot be for me”, joked Edwin to James. Both men laughed. “No, they are for Prudence. I came over to ask your permission to take her out”. “Well you have my permission, but it really is up to Prudence”, replied Edwin, “I will get her to come to the drawing room. Go and make yourself comfortable”. With that, James went into the room.
A few minutes later Prudence came into the room. She looked pretty, her long blonde hair hanging loose over her shoulders.
“Excuse me for not being dressed properly. I did not realise you were coming” said Prudence awkwardly arranging her hair. “You look beautiful. No apologies needed. I have come to ask if you would like to come out with me for a drive sometime, I picked some roses for you from our garden”, James said as he handed the bouquet to her. “Thank you, that was sweet. Yes, I will come out with you sometime soon. Maybe we can go for a walk or a picnic,” said Prudence.
“Lovely” smiled James and he stood up to make his way to the door. He went over to Prudence and kissed her lightly on her hand, “Till next time” he said as he left the room.
Prudence was both excited and nervous with the events of the afternoon. Isobel was clearly put out and tried to discourage Prudence from going out with James. “I am old enough to make may own decisions Isobel. I would thank you not to interfere”.
The following weekend James arrived at the house. He wore a nice tweed jacket and light coloured trousers. He looked quite dashing Prudence thought.
James drove the car about two miles out of town to a lovely spot by the river. From the trunk, he retrieved a picnic hamper and blanket.
‘”My, what a lot of trouble you have gone to James,” said Prudence. “Oh I got Mrs Broody to make the basket for us; she is a good soul and would do anything for me”, replied James. “You are lucky. I wish Mother had kitchen help, maybe one day she will again…,” said Prudence.
“I am sure she will,” said James with a strange smile that made Prudence frown for a moment. The rest of the afternoon passed without incident and James had soon dropped her back home.
Over the next few weeks, James took Prudence out on quite a lot of outings. They were soon regarded as a couple in society.
Prudence thought she may be falling for James but her naturally cautious personality meant she was taking it a day at a time.
It was the night of the Annual Summer Ball at the Squires residence.
“Let’s get some air,” said James to Prudence, after a number of dances.
“Alright” said Prudence on their way out of the ballroom.
They sat down on a bench in the garden. James suddenly grabbed Prudence’s hand and turned to her, “I am sure you know how I feel about you Prudence and I hope you feel the same way about me…”
Prudence began to get a little nervous; as she knew what was coming next and was not sure she was ready to hear it. “Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?” said James.
Prudence’s heart raced, she knew she needed to give James an answer. James had already spoken with Edwin unbeknownst to Prudence.
James looked concerned at her silence, “Why the hesitation?” he said.
“Yes. Yes I will”, blurted out Prudence before she could really take in what had just happened. James embraced her, “I will make you happy, I promise” said James.
Soon they walked back into the ballroom and James asked his father to make the announcement. “Are you happy my dear?” said Miranda to her daughter. “Yes of course Mother. It just took me by surprise.” Her mother looked at her with a slightly worried expression. She put her arm around her, “He is a good catch my dear and you will not have any financial worries. You will have a good life with James”. “Yes I know, I am just being silly,” replied Prudence.
There were handshakes and congratulatory hugs and kisses all around.
Later in the evening, James gave Prudence a beautiful diamond ring that had belonged to his grandmother. “This is very special,” he said, “just like you are”. Prudence smiled as she gave him a kiss.
Two months passed and everyone was busy making plans for the wedding that was going to take place on the Squires estate.
Aunt Maude was coming from London and all sorts of relations from both families would be there to help celebrate the big day.
Claire and Isobel were going to be bridesmaids and James invited two of his close friends to be bestmen.
The wedding was beautiful; Prudence looked radiant in her high bodiced lace dress. She felt happy. Isobel was happy to see her older sister looking so happy and forgave her for ‘taking’ the man she had her sights on. There was dancing into the wee small hours and everyone had a wonderful day.
James took Prudence to Paris for two weeks honeymoon.
One evening while dining on the Champs Elysees, James suggested he invest some money into her parent’s estate. “I can help get it back to its former glory” he said, “I am sure your parents would be happy for me to do that…” “My parents are proud people James; I really don’t think that it is the right thing to do”, she said, rather taken aback by the suggestion. “Do not be silly” James replied, “I will discuss this with your father on our return” he said as he watched passersby. “I wish you would not…” replied Prudence. James turned to her and put down his glass with force, “It’s settled. I will, and this is my final word Prudence”. Prudence was left upset. She had not known him be forceful and stern like this before.
The subject was not discussed again while they were on their honeymoon. Prudence felt relieved, ‘perhaps James would forget the whole idea’ she hoped.
Upon their return from France, the couple moved into a delightful cottage on the estate. It had roses and wisteria growing on its stonewalls. It was very charming indeed. There were three bedrooms, a washroom, kitchen, drawing room and sitting room. James had already moved a lot of his books and personal belongings in to the cottage.
“You must bring some of your personal things into the cottage Prudence. This is your home now and I want you to feel quite comfortable”, said James. “Thank you I will. It really is quite lovely here”. James smiled, “Of course when we have a family, which I hope won’t be too long, we will need a bigger house”. “I assume so”, replied Prudence. She had not thought of children yet but knew it would be inevitable one day.
Prudence was happy in her new surroundings; she spent a lot of time with James’ mother Elizabeth and her own mother. Life seemed good.
James was kind and provided Prudence with a happy life.
Eight months went by and Prudence realised she was going to have a baby; she was unsure whether to tell James straight away, so she decided to wait a few weeks until she could no longer hide the fact.
Over supper one night Prudence announced, “We are going to have a baby in spring James”. James looked up from his meal and appeared quite incredulous, “Really spring? That soon?” he replied gruffly, “why have you not told me of this before Prudence?”
Prudence stumbled over her words, “I…I wanted to wait to make sure everything was all right before I told you…” She was most upset by his tone. “Well this puts a whole new light on things. We do not have room here. We are going to have to move”. Prudence was shocked by his reaction, “I don’t see why we should, there is plenty of room here for a baby…’ replied Prudence. “There is not and that’s the end of this conversation”, said James irritably.
The next day at work James broached the subject with Edwin. “Did you know Prudence is going to have a baby Edwin?” James said.
Edwin was surprised to hear the news in this way but smiled happily at his son-in-law, “No I did not, that’s wonderful news. Congratulations”. James ignored him and continued, “We need a bigger house now which is something I need to discuss with you about Edwin. I would like to invest some money in your estate, bring it back into its former glory, and move in with Prudence and the baby”.
Edwin was taken aback by the direction the conversation was going in “I don’t know about that James. It has been in our family for generations”. James persisted, “It will still technically be in the family so I want you to think about it. There is plenty of room for us all”
Edwin took a seat, “Does Prue know of this James?” he said feeling suddenly pressured. James hesitated, “well I did mention it to her in passing a long time ago…I think we would all benefit from this”. “Its kind of you James but I don’t want to be beholding to you” responded Edwin. “We will have a family dinner and discuss it shall we? And soon”, James said as he left the office.
Edwin put his head in his hands. He was unhappy to be put in this situation. This was his family home and he wanted to keep it that way.
The dinner was held soon after. After a lot of discussion, it was agreed Prudence and James move in and redecorate the North wing of the house that was sunny and would be the best place for a new baby.
“This is only a trial mother”, said Prudence to her mother, “If it does not work out, we will find another home. James had been quite pig headed about this. He has these big ideas of grandeur…I am sure he is not trying to take over or offend”, she quickly added. “I hope you are right my dear” replied her mother.
The day came and Prudence and James moved in to the big house. Prudence only had a couple of months before her baby was due.
“We must get everything ready; I will call people in tomorrow to start working on the baby’s room”, announced James over breakfast the next day. “That will be nice” smiled Prudence.
Prudence chose pale lemons and yellows for the baby’s nursery. The room was going to look ever so pretty, and she could add other little touches when she knew if she was going to have a boy or girl.
After James had the baby’s room redecorated, he was not satisfied to stop there. He continued to make suggestions to Edwin on how to improve the property.
Edwin and Miranda grew increasingly worried. This was their home and James had moved in and completely taken over. He had hired staff and made many changes that were inappropriate. In a word, he was acting the Lord of the Manor.
Every time Edwin tried to broach the subject with James, he became dismissive. James told him he should be grateful to have a son-in-law who was prepared to put his money in and save the house.
Edwin found the situation distasteful and embarrassing. He was becoming increasingly unhappy, and he did not feel comfortable working in the office at the mine but what could he do?
He felt trapped and felt his life was out of control. James was not prepared to listen to his argument and Edwin felt he could no longer go to work for James but knew he needed to provide for his family somehow.
Miranda and Edwin discussed their options but decided not to make any decisions until after Prudence’s baby was born.
Little Hamish soon came along. He was a lovely little boy; he had his father’s dark eyes and slightly olive skin. Prudence had a difficult time bringing him into the world and soon vowed she could not go through all this again.
For the next few weeks, Miranda stayed close to her daughter to help her with her the baby. Isobel was often on hand as well.
After a few weeks, James decided Hamish should have a Nanny. This news provided the opportunity that Edwin and Miranda needed to help them make their decision.
It was probably the hardest choice that Edwin had ever made in his life but one cold and gloomy day he went and told Prudence that he and her mother, along with Isobel were moving to London to live with Aunt Maude.
He told Prudence the reason was that Maude’s health was deteriorating and she needed someone to look after her. He could not bear to tell her his real reasons for leaving the house.
Sadly, Prudence said goodbye to her parents and sister. She felt her heart was going to break. A sudden sense of foreboding crept over her but she shook it off, she had a baby to care for.
James adored his little son, so much so he seemed to focus all his attention on the baby’s future. Prudence felt neglected. She put this down to a bit of new baby anxiety. Nights with broken sleep did not help her mood or their relationship.
James rarely picked up the baby. It was only ever Prudence or the Nanny who went to him. Soon James began to ask the Nanny to look after Hamish in the first instance, stating his wife was tired and run down. This directive confused Prudence but she assumed James was trying to help her.
Hamish was now four months old. He was starting to ‘goo and gah’. Edwin and Miranda had only seen the baby once since they left.
“How about taking a trip to London for a week to see your parents Prudence. I am sure they must miss seeing you. Hamish can stay here, he’s too young to travel”, James over supper one evening. “I can’t possibly leave Hamish”, responded Prudence. “Yes you can and you will. I insist. I can take time away from the mine and the Nanny is quite capable of looking after Hamish for a week. This will do you good,” he said with an authoritative voice.
Prudence decided not to argue. Yes, she was tired, lonely and unhappy. Seeing her family would be a good thing, so she packed her bags and left the estate the next day. It broke her heart to leave her baby behind but she felt defenceless in the face of James’ decisions.
The days in London went by fast. Prudence was more like her old self and the colour was coming back to her cheeks. She was not as tired. Prudence put this down to not having to get up to her baby every night.
When the time came to return Prudence really did not want to go back, only the thought of Hamish made her do so.
When she arrived home, James greeted her with flowers. Dinner was prepared and ready to be served. There was her favourite chicken meal along, with a lovely steamed pudding.
Prudence felt better as James had obviously missed her and was making an effort.
She hardly saw Hamish the first evening she was back home, but she felt good to be back with him.
The next morning Prudence awoke with a pounding headache and nausea. She felt so tired, as if she had not had a holiday at all.
Days went by and she still felt the same so she decided to take herself off to see Dr Smith in the village. She did not bother to tell James.
She told Dr Smith of her symptoms and explained she felt so much better while she was in London. Dr Smith decided to do some blood tests, as he could not find any obvious reason for her complaints. “Come back and see me next week Mrs Squires”. “Thank you doctor, I will,” replied Prudence as she left the doctors rooms.
Prudence decided not to tell James of her visit to Dr Smith, as she did not want to worry him or create a fuss.
The following week Prudence went back to the doctors.
“Well Mrs Squires. I appear to have found the reasons for your tiredness,” said the doctor as she sat down. “What is that?” said Prudence. “Have you been in contact with rat or rodent poison by any chance?” he said with an air of concern. “No I have no reason to have touched a poison doctor. In fact, I don’t believe we have any in the house…” said Prudence, feeling totally bewildered. “Well somehow you have ingested a moderate amount”, he said, “I think you need to report this Mrs Squires. If you’re not aware of any contact that one could assume that someone is poisoning you”. “Oh!” she cried, “who would do that? This is awful. Why would anyone do that to me? I don’t understand…” With that, Prudence started to cry. The doctor gave her a reassuring smile, “well you need to get to the bottom of it and report it to the local police constable at least. I can come with you if you would like me to”. “Thank you doctor, I appreciate that”. The doctor got up and opened the door, “well do be careful the next few days.
Only eat what food you prepare yourself”.
Prudence left the doctors feeling shaky. Something made her decide not to say anything to James. She began to think back over the last few months and remembered seeing James and the nanny talking in whispers on a number of occasions, but at the time had thought nothing off it. At the time, she had scolded herself for being suspicious.
That night she decided to avoid dinner by saying she had an upset tummy. Her suspicions were immediately aroused when James tried to insist that she eat the meal that had been prepared. She ignored his protests and went to bed.
The next day she went along to the police with Doctor Smith. As heartbreaking as it was, she accused her husband of poisoning her.
“These are extremely serious allegations Mrs Squires. We will need to look into this further. In the meantime, I suggest you move out of the house with your baby and stay with your parents while this matter is looked into,” said the constable.
Prudence agreed she would not tell James her plans. It helped that it was the nanny’s day off. While James was still at work, she hurriedly packed a small bag with some clothes for her and Hamish and headed to London.
Prudence’s mother Miranda got a shock to find her daughter and grandson standing in the doorway. “What on earth is the matter darling? What is going on?” said Miranda. Prudence went into the drawing room with her mother following her, “I need to talk to you and father. If James makes contact or looks for us tell him you needed me to come to London for whatever reason…” Her mother nodded but did not press for more information.
That evening after Prudence and Hamish had a rest she told her parents, sister Isobel and Aunt Maude the doctor’s suspicions that she had been poisoned.
Miranda and Edwin were greatly troubled by this revelation. How could this man who came into their lives and offered so much suddenly change? How could he want to harm their beloved daughter? It was beyond comprehension.
Prudence did not go back to the estate. James did not come after his wife; he knew he had been caught out. His days were numbered.
In the subsequent trial, James’ motives were revealed. Greed. He had wanted the estate for himself at any cost. He had conjured up a plan with Hamish’s Nanny to slowly poison Prudence until she died. He then thought the house would be his. How wrong he was. James was given a life sentence for attempted murder. The nanny got ten years for aiding and abetting.
Prudence never saw James’ parents again. She decided it was too painful. She felt sorry for them; it was not their fault but going back to the estate was not a good choice, it had bad memories.
Eventually the estate was sold. With the money, Miranda and Edwin bought a lovely new house just out of London for Prudence and Hamish. Isobel continued to live with her parents in Aunt Maude’s house in London until she married.
When Hamish was ten years old Prudence met a widowed gentleman named Terrance. They later married and had two daughters. Eventually, Prudence found true happiness. Her life was finally complete and happy.
By Kay Rayner