No Shame, No Fear by Ann Turnbull

Author:Ann Turnbull [Turnbull, Ann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781406352894
Publisher: Walker Books
Published: 2013-07-04T04:00:00+00:00

William

My father and I returned from Welshpool on Monday, having travelled most of the day. We had not got on well. He had kept me in the background during his business transactions, no doubt fearful that I would disgrace him as I had done with John Rhys. I was angry at being removed from Hemsbury and only spoke when spoken to. And although I was attentive to his commands, he complained that I was sullen.

It was late when we reached home, and both of us were hungry. I knew the servants would have a cold meal prepared that could be put on the table quickly, but I didn’t want to wait. Ned came out to take the horses and help unload our packages, and while my father was engaged with him, I said, “I must go out. I shall not be long,” and was out of the courtyard and into the street before he could argue.

I went straight to the Mintons’ shop. Hester opened the door, and called Susanna, who came running. We flew into each other’s arms.

“What news, love?” I asked.

“They are all taken,” she told me. “Nat, Judith, John Pardoe, John and Isobel of the Seven Stars… All came before the mayor today and were sent to join the others in prison. They await trial at the sessions.”

“It’s finished, then? The meeting is closed down?”

“Only if we allow it. The children are free. We plan to keep the meeting. Will thou come? Say yes. I need thee there.”

“And shall have me.” I held her close. We would stand together as witnesses to the truth. “But with John and Isobel taken, how can we use the Seven Stars?”

“I have a key. And if they prevent us, we’ll meet outside. The meeting is not illegal unless more than five people are over sixteen.”

That pleased me. That would answer my father.

Before I went home I walked for a while around the streets to get my courage up. I knew there could be no compromise with my father now. When I arrived back at the house I was trembling, keyed up for the conflict I knew must come.

Meriel met me in the hall. “Supper’s ready, sir.”

I thanked her, wondering if she could see how tense I was.

With my hat on, I made my way to the dining room. My heart was beating fast. Anne and our stepmother were just going in, and my father, also wearing his hat, was already there, about to take his place at the head of the table.

Anne looked up at me and whispered, “Will, your hat…” and then I saw her eyes widen in alarm as she realized what I was about to do.

My father, facing me across the room, understood at once. “Will,” he said, and his voice was soft with menace, “take off your hat.”

I stood still and took a breath. “I will not, Father.”

He moved like lightning – up from his seat, down the length of the room – seized my hat and flung it aside.

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