From Cornwall with Love

Chapter Ten - The Verdict

There was a moment of respite, as the court was adjourned. I took this moment to find Demelza and hug her.

"Why did you not say anything?" I ask

"A messenger came late in the night, Dr Enys asked me to come as back up and had my name added as a last minute one to the list. Forgive me." she ranted

"There is nothing to forgive, after all the lies and deceit, you were a welcomed sight and sound of truth no matter what happens. Come and sit with us." she joined us back inside and I held Henry on my knee

"Papa!" Henry grinned pointing to his father. Ross' head snapped up  at his sons voice.

"Henry, shhh. My sweet." I adjusted his seating as the court came back in session. Ross took the stand.

"My lord, Gentlemen of the jury..." Ross began "I can only apologise that this case has taken so much of your time. I will try to take as little more as may be necessary to beg your clemency. It is true that I saw a wreck come in that I rode and told...several villagers that a number of people came upon the beach and the items were carried away." I could tell he was finding it hard to read out the statement begging for forgiveness to a bunch of strangers. His gaze shifted and something change i could tell.

"Though not by me." he crumpled up the paper and I glanced at Demelza in shock "My house was searched and none were found. Why? Because I took none. The Counsel has suggested that I'm a revolutionary that these people are revolutionaries branded with desire to overthrow authority. Nothing could be further from the truth. The people of Sawle, Mellin and Grambler who came upon that beach that day were ordinary people. No more or no less law abiding loyal subjects than any here. As to what happened when they came upon the beach, I ask you to think of the traditions of our county. Our people scour the beaches for flotsam. This is commonly known.

But in times of dire need, when fathers have seen their children without a crust for their bellies or a rag for their backs, these pickings have been the means of keeping ordinary people alive. What else would you have them do? After they have rescued the crew and brought goods ashore, are they then to await the arrival of the of the excise men and watch them carry off the goods that they have salvaged?

You ask that if I was in my right mind. Well, you've heard evidence that I was not. My character before, during and after the shipwreck has been brought into question as well. Asked and answered and not one person who has known me, the real me has painted my character as the counsel would have you believe. Is it insanity to think that rich pickings strewn across a  beach are better used to sustain those in need than return to those whose only goal is profit? I cannot believe it. I will not believe it. I make no apology for my actions. In truth I would do the same again." The court was silent. Though it was not the best idea he had, I couldn't be more proud that he remained his true self even in the face of adversity and death. "Thank you." he stepped down and took his place. He looked towards me.

"I'm proud of you." I mimed he bowed his head and looked away.

"Gentlemen of the jury, this man stands accused of riot, theft  and assaulting an officer of the crown. Your duty is to decide beyond reasonable doubt, if the prisoner is guilty or innocent. But if in law, if you are satisfied that a riot took place, you only need to be satisfied that the prisoner was involved, to find him guilt as a principal. The prisoner has attempted to find mitigating circumstances in the distress generally prevailing amongst the poor. You may find this an admirable sentiment, but you would be failing in your duty if you allowed it to influence your judgement in any way." I shook my head in disbelief and contempt at the Judges words.

"Will you now consider your verdict. You may retire if you wish." the spoke amongst each other." The foreman stood and we copied. The jury left to deliberate. I hummed softly to keep Henry's temperament of boredom and wanting to run to his Papa. The jury came back not long later. I stood along with everyone else. The Judge sat downed we copied."

"Gentlemen of the jury have you reached a verdict in which you are all agreed upon?"

"We have." The foreman declared

"Do you find the prisoner guilty or not guilty?" there was a long pause 

"We find him...not guilty on all three charges." I began to cry with relief and pulled  Henry close to kiss his head then let him down. "Lets go, to Papa." we rushed through everyone and he picked up Henry and brought me into his embrace.

----

Ross held onto Henry and had my arm in his as we left the court him a free man and with Captain Henshaw.

"Seems I shan't be rid of you yet, Captain. A pity. I was looking forward to dealing with the sensible side of the family." Henshaw jested . Demelza had Henry on her horse as I rode with Ross to the beach where our friends with waiting for us. We danced and celebrated for a while before heading home. Henry was now asleep on my shoulder as we entered the stable yard.

"Oh Lord." i jumped seeing Prudie and Jud. Ross returned his horse and came back to me not saying anything to them as he did so.

"I might go into town tomorrow. I've a notion to engage a couple of servants." he told me coyly. I chuckled

"And what kind would you be looking for?" I questioned amused

"Fiendishly hard working, pitifully grateful, exceedingly cheep. I you hear of any such tell them to make themselves known to me." We entered and I took Henry upstairs to change him for bed.

"Goodnight, my precious boy." I kissed his head and stood glancing over his brothers. I touched it gently and then took a flower from the face placing it there before returning to my room and undressing for the night. Ross joined me shortly after.

"Turns out, I do not care for Bodmin." I wrapped my arms around him "You, me, Henry, our house, candles burning, our son giggling and your attempts to play coy. I am easily please." he gave me a sweet kiss and stepped away to undress.

"There is one thing that i desire." I stated as I made my way to sit on our bed "Another child in our crib."

"To take his place?"

"Never, we will never forget Jonathan and neither will Henry. I will vow to that if you do as well." he sat down beside me

"Do not wish it." he told me

"Not ever?" I ask even though it was too late

"Not for now. With our future so uncertain." he added. I take his hand in mine

"Our future looks brighter than expected." I smile

"Much brighter." he agreed "I believe we agreed you would not come to Bodmin." I hummed

"Did we, I think you wished me not to come and I agreed but not promised." I tapped his nose "It is all about the details with I soldier." I grin cheekily

"Have I told you about a disobedient wife?" He wondered

"Admit it, you love it. Besides its probably the same as I feel about a reckless husband." I leaned in and kissed him bringing him closer.