Jessica.
It was wrong and I'm sorry. Please don't be angry with me. Will I
have to stay in jail long? " "You aren't going to jail, " he
muttered.
"But I lied to an officer of the law."
"The three of you have done nothing but lie, " he said. "I honestly
don't know who to believe."
"I'm telling you the truth now. I wasn't there."
"At this point I don't care if you were there or not. The judge has
ordered all three of you to Blackwater, and that's where we're going as
soon as the coach arrives."
"Why are the others going? " "I just explained that Judge Rafferty
wants all of you there."
"Will he put me in jail for lying?
" The thought of her behind bars was so outrageous, he lost some of his
anger.
"You've got bigger things to worry about than jail. Come on. You're
going back upstairs to wait in your room until the coach gets here. "
She shook her head. "If I must go . . . " "You must."
"I don't want to wait for a coach. Can't we go by horseback? The
sheriff told me it would be quicker because we could take some cut
throughs." He smiled.
"Shortcuts, " he corrected.
A stout, elderly woman was pushing her way through the crowd toward
Grace. Daniel noticed her out of the corner of his eye and moved to
put himself in front of Grace.
"I beg your pardon, " the woman said. "Please get out of my way. I
wish to speak to Lady Winthrop." Grace gave Daniel a little nudge and
stepped forward. "Good morning, " she said.
The woman made an attempt at a curtsy. "It's an honor to meet you, "
she said. "My name is Winifred Larson, " she added with a blush. "And
I couldn't help but notice your lovely hat. Could you tell me where
you purchased it? I would like to get one just like it. Would you
mind if I looked at it more closely? " Grace smiled and handed the hat
to Winifred. The straw brim was covered in lace and flowers, and there
were two purple plumes feathering up and out on one side.
"It's exquisite, " Winifred declared. "I must have one just like it.
I have a purple dress, you see, and it would be lovely with it." A
tall, thin man with a receding hairline came over to join them. She
quickly introduced him. "This is my husband, Lionel, " she said. In a
loud whisper she told her husband to bow to Lady Winthrop.
"That isn't necessary, " Grace said.
"Do you mind telling me where you purchased this divine creation? "
Winifred asked again.
Grace explained. "I purchased the basic straw hat, but I decorated
it.
" "Then there's not another one in all the world like it? " "I know
where this is headed, " her husband interjected with a chuckle.
Grace didn't understand. "Excuse me? " "When Winifred gets a notion