The Wives Left Behind: A captivating, unforgettable Cornish historical fiction tale of loss, survival and hope, based on real events. by LK Wilde

Author:LK Wilde [Wilde, LK]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-01-18T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26

Sarah- Tuesday 30th March

A collective breath was held as a man stood to read from a scroll.

“James Lightfoot and William Lightfoot: you are indicted for feloniously murdering Nevell Norway, of the parish of Egloshayle, on the eighth of February, by striking and beating him on the head with a pistol, and with a stick, giving him several mortal wounds of which he died.”

The courtroom around me blurred. In front of my eyes swam images of the injuries I had tended, of my husband’s handsome face bloodied and broken. A gasp escaped my throat and George grasped my hand, his tight grip pulling me back to the present. I glanced across him and nodded to show I was alright.

“In another count, you James Lightfoot are indicted for murdering Nevell Norway, and you William Lightfoot for aiding and abetting in the murder. In another count, you William Lightfoot are indicted for murdering, and you James Lightfoot for aiding and abetting.”

The judge asked for the prisoners’ pleas. All observers strained forward as the small men in the dock pronounced themselves Not Guilty. Such a furore was caused by their claims the judge was forced to demand order, threatening hecklers with ejection from the courtroom. Voices around me quietened, but murmurings could still be heard, wishing hell and damnation on the men standing before us. For my own part, I could have been watching a play at the theatre, the events before me felt so removed from reality.

A man rose to speak, and George informed me he was Mr Cockburn. My ears tuned out as he spoke, snapping to attention as he detailed the character of my husband.

“Gentlemen, the deceased was a gentleman carrying on business as a timber and general merchant at or near Wadebridge; the father of a family of several children; and a person who had, beyond the general lot of mankind, succeeded in conciliating the esteem and love of all who knew him.”

My thoughts turned to Nevell. When we walked together along the river, he would stop for anyone who needed him. He would talk to rich, poor, stranger, friend. He couldn’t bear to see people struggle, and in his precious moments away from work would take his horse to local neighbourhoods doling out supplies to those in need. No man is perfect, but there cannot be many who come as close to perfection as my husband.

A silent tear rolled down my cheek. I had never been among such a crowd, yet felt so alone. Rather than anger towards the men in the dock, intense sadness flooded my heart. Of all the men to cross the Lightfoots’ path that fateful night, it had been the kindest man in Cornwall. Even if they came to recognise their guilt, the Lightfoots would never comprehend the untold damage they caused the moment they extinguished such a soul.

“If I refer to these circumstances,” continued Mr Cockburn, “it is not to excite your feelings towards the prisoners, but rather to implore you to discharge

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