Havoc, in Its Third Year by Ronan Bennett

Author:Ronan Bennett
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: 2007-11-21T16:00:00+00:00

Seventeen

BRIGGE WROTE BUT DID NOT SEND HIS LET TER TO THE HIGH sheriff. His reluctance to do so was because of Katherine Shay; he could not rid himself of his doubts. Quirke had lied to him about Susana Horton, and Doliffe’s conduct suggested the constable had something to hide. Brigge was torn between his resolution to withdraw from the snares and tricks of the world and his desire to uncover a truth that might discomfit his enemies, a truth he might yet have need of if he was to keep himself and his family safe.

In the week before Easter he held three inquisitions, one falling on the other in quick succession. The first two were uncomplicated: a man from Bradford who died with great suffering eleven days after a kick from a horse, and a nine-year-old boy who fell from a dovecote in Northowram while climbing with his friends. Lives extinguished in a moment that was not in any way extraordinary. Brigge felt intensely the fragility of being.

The third inquisition was a matter of greater intricacy. One Thornton, the constable of Padside, a place of no great moment beyond Wharfdale, came to Northowram, interrupting the inquisition there, in search of a coroner. He informed Brigge of the death two weeks before of a woman who had already been buried, it being held that she died naturally. But, certain informations coming to light, the story had gotten vent that she had been killed by a beating from her husband, and now the people were very desirous of a coroner coming. Brigge, who had hoped to return to the Winters after concluding the inquisition on the fallen boy, reluctantly followed the constable on the long road to Padside.

As they traveled on their way, Adam attempted to engage Brigge in talk of Dorcas and asked directly whether his master had fulfilled the promise he had made that he would press Adam’s suit.

“I will speak to her when the time is right,” Brigge answered brusquely.

Adam was silent for some moments. “When will that be?” he asked at last, his voice eager and intolerant. “She threatens to go, to leave the Winters and seek work elsewhere.”

“She has nowhere to go, Adam,” Brigge said. “Be patient and you will have what you want.”

“Perhaps you do not want her to marry me,” Adam said.

Brigge’s heart skipped a beat. “I cannot think why you should say so,” he said. He gave Adam a look to challenge him if he dared, to utter any suspicion he had of his master. The boy said nothing.

“I have given you my word,” Brigge said to reassure him. “I will speak to her when the time is right.”

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