The Poison Thread by Laura Purcell

Author:Laura Purcell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2019-06-17T16:00:00+00:00

24

Dorothea

I could not enjoy this morning’s perambulation as I usually do. There was no fault in the botanical gardens. I fear the sense of dissatisfaction had its origin inside of me.

Gardeners were turning the beds, releasing the fresh breath of soil. Here and there, a pink worm. The birds waited. They had their sights set on a feast.

I do not wish to believe my fellow creatures are all akin to these scavengers: ravenous, skulking in the shadows, awaiting their opportunity to strike. But after what has happened, I begin to doubt. Do we not treat inmates in New Oakgate Prison with the highest level of compassion? Do we not give them all we can to make sure they are comfortable and well occupied? Yet still they betray us with their behaviour.

So deep was my melancholy that I took Tilda’s arm to feel the warmth of another soul next to me. She does not walk fast. Strolling at her slower pace, I was aware of the clouds moving in the wind, and the dampness in the air. It would have been better to stay indoors.

But no. That would mean forgoing my glimpse of David, however brief. Today he was on patrol, as I knew he should be, crossing the gardens at the regular time like a well-wound watch.

Dear David. He shall not disappoint me. Let other hearts be as black as night, I know his will never change. When he stopped and tipped his hat to us, compassion was written across his beloved face.

‘Miss Truelove. Forgive me, but I heard what happened at the prison. I must ask if you are all right?’

I rallied myself to raise a smile. ‘Oh yes, I am quite well, thank you. I was not in the infirmary, you know, when the riot took place. But we have lost a window, and a quantity of bed linen in the fire. All of the committee are deeply distressed.’

‘That’s only natural. You’ve had a shock, and you must take care of yourself.’ Perhaps he heard the tenderness creeping into his voice, for he quickly turned the subject. ‘And what will be done, to punish those responsible?’

I wonder if I am not partially responsible myself. Had I continued to visit the sick in the infirmary, instead of neglecting my duty to converse with Ruth, I might have spotted signs of growing discontent.

‘The leaders are confined to the dark cells for a week. But I am afraid all of the prisoners must pay a price. The committee has decided that we were too lenient, feeding them meat. Eating flesh only inflames the criminal mind . . . The diet shall be much plainer from now on.’

He raised his eyebrows. ‘I shouldn’t think they’ll like that. But I can’t say it doesn’t serve them right. Someone could have been seriously hurt.’

‘Thanks be to God, there are only cuts and bruises. Our staff are to be commended.’

‘Indeed they are. It makes you think, something like that. Makes you realise that life doesn’t go on forever.

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