Thorns And Roses

Chapter Seventeen

Eleanore's eyes remained shut for what felt like hours but in reality were merely a matter of minutes. When the door at last opened, she nearly had a heart attack.

The row behind her grew stiff with tension and Edith gripped Richards hand tightly while Amelia brought hers together and placed them on her lap in silent prayer with her mother.

The jury members poured out and took their original seats. Turpin sat back down in the centre, his face giving nothing away. "Thomas Wilkins, stand."

The man was so distressed that he couldn't and so Turpin angrily ordered the officer closest to hold him up as he addressed his sentencing. Eleanore swallowed hard, she didn't want to let her heart dictate her emotions. And she certainly didn't want to feel sorry for this man. But the thought of facing the noose herself was utterly horrifying and Wilkins was obviously terrified.

"Thomas Wilkins, you have been brought here under the charges of assault and robbery..." Turpin's voice echoed forebodingly around the quiet room. "The jury and I have witnessed your callousness and coldness throughout this trial and have come to an agreement. Your presence is a great threat to the people of London and should you go free, you will most certainly offend again and again. I, therefore, sentence you to hang by the neck until you are dead – and may God have mercy on your soul. The court is adjourned..."

The slam of the gavel had Eleanore flinching and she thought that she had misheard. A sound escaped her mouth and she quickly covered it with her hand – it was a mix of shock, disbelief and relief.

Mr Wilkins crumbled where he stood, begging and pleading so desperately to not be sent to the gallows it was enough to pull on someone's heartstrings, but it had little effect on the people in the room. George stood next to Nellie and approached the other officer who was having trouble removing the man from the courtroom.

"Please you 'ave ta understand I woz set up ta it!" He screamed as he was pulled from the stand "It was Doug! Doug Hermand! 'E put me up ta everythin!–"

"Remove the prisoner!" Demanded a Jury member and the inconsolable man was practically dragged by the two officers out the room.

In their seats, the family acted accordingly. Amelia let out a sob of relief and threw her arms around her mother while Edith was in so much shock she had barely noticed her brother was cradling her in his arms, ginning madly. At the front, Arthur rose from his seat and embraced Charles, thanking him. He then turned to embrace every member of his family and kiss his wife on the lips.

Eleanore smiled at the bond they all had and nodded mutely at Charles when their eyes met. The Jury began to disperse and judge Turpin took his time to gather his papers, watching with interest as the red-haired baker was virtually tackled by the eldest Skykes child and one of his many conquests; Edith. He cleared his throat and quickly stood to follow his Jury members.

"This calls for a celebration!" Arthur announced after kissing Eleanore on both cheeks "The battle is over."

"We should tell the children darling!" Amelia had her arms around Charles neck and pecked his lips.

"Yes, Beth will be dying to know." said Edith to her brother "But first I say we go to the local pub and celebrate. Drinks are on Richard tonight."

"I'm alright with that." He said cheerfully.

The family laughed and began making their way out of the courtroom with Eleanore. Once they had made their way out the main entrance and out into the streets, the baker was stunned by what she saw.

"What on earth?!" Richard exclaimed amongst the ruckus of the people.

Outside the courthouse steps, a crowd of Londoners had gathered. Women and men of all ages were stood asking all sorts of questions and so were the press it seemed.