Chapter 5: Miss Wilkes

May, 1825

Three days later, there was an inquest held over Mildred and her murderer’s deaths. The cases were causing great interest amongst the gentry, and the courtroom was well filled. Twelve solemn men sat on the jury benches, hearing the evidence given by Dr. Fox, who described the wounds and their impact, and reiterated his classifications of wrongful death.

Next, the constable was heard. He described the items found on the murderer. A thorough search of the lands using dogs had also led to the hideout of the man, where more loot was found. The five-pound banknotes could be traced by the signatures of the previous owners and to a farmer near Knowl Hill, who had been found murdered a month before, along with his wife and daughter. This finding caused some angry murmur amongst the spectators. Even the name of the vile murderer was discovered on a discharge paper from Exeter Prison which he had carried on his person — Tom Watley.

Next, Richard testified, recounting how they found the wounded shepherdess and the butchered ewe. He then described Watley’s latest and last attack on Willard and Engman and on his own person, and how Ellen had shot the man to save his life. Last, he praised the wounded Engman for reacting to Watley’s attempt to get up.

Ellen was next, and she stated her name and stand.

“Ellen Harriet Trilby, milord, daughter of Major George Trilby of the 85th Regiment of Foot.”

“Can you please tell us what happened when the Watley character assaulted you?” Justice Bolton asked gently.

“Yes, milord. Master Carter and I were sitting outside at the camp site whilst Miss Eleanor kept vigil at the wounded shepherdess’s side. We were reviewing a book of our literature curriculum when the dog pup Master Carter had bought for old Mildred gave alarm. We called for Sir Anthony’s retainers to warn them of a possible lurker, but they didn’t respond, and then the man broke from the undergrowth and slung a stone at Master Carter. He then pulled a large knife and rushed at Master Carter who could not use his arm anymore. I raised the pistol I had received for my protection and shot the man. I hit his back high up, and he stumbled and fell on his face.”

“You hit a running man with a pistol, Miss Trilby?”

“Yes, milord. My stepfather, Major Meadows, had taught me the use of a pistol, and Master Carter had me practice, too.”

“Impressive, young Miss. What happened next?”

“Master Carter was in great pain and we feared his arm broken. Miss Eleanor and I tried to tend him when our man Engman showed up with a bleeding head wound. He told us that the other sentry, Willard had been stabbed to death. Suddenly, Engman jumped forward, and I saw that the murderer was trying to rise. Engman slayed him with his cutlass before he could get on his feet.”

“I see. Have the jurors questions for this brave young lady?”

A military looking gentleman rose. “I have no question, but I would like to commend Miss Trilby for her couragious conduct, ridding our lands of a menace!”

“Hear, hear!” sounded from the jury bench, a response echoed by the spectators until the justice banged his gavel.

“Thank you, Major. I believe we can all agree. If there are no questions, I shall thank Miss Trilby for her testimony, but even more so for her brave stand against a cunning villain. May I ask the jury for your verdicts then?”

The twelve gentlemen conferred briefly, but then the unknown major from before stood up.

“Milord, we find that the shepherdess Mildred, no family name, was foully murdered, but that no further action is deemed necessary. We also find that the culprit, one Tom Watley, was slain in acts of self-defence, for which both Miss Ellen Trilby and Bruce Engman are to be lauded.”

“So noted,” the Justice announced. “This inquest is closed. We shall also collect monies to reward Miss Trilby and Bruce Engman for their bravery. Contributions from you gentlemen will be welcomed.”

The gavel banged one last time, leaving a blushing Ellen behind. She was surrounded soon by spectators and jurors who shook her hand and praised her, no doubt also spurred by some of the gentlemen’s wish to see her from up close. She could only stammer her thanks.

Next came the Carters. Lady Carter was the first, giving Ellen a crushing hug. To her suprise, she could see tears in Lady Carter’s eyes. Sir Anthony was next, giving her a firm handshake and a friendly smile. Richard followed, not able to shake her hand, but bowing to her. Ellen was sorely tempted to defy the rules of good conduct and to kiss him.

Eleanor had not come, being too young to be admitted to the inquest, but there was another couple, a distinguished, balding gentlemen introducing himself as Sir Jonathan Wilkes of London, and his buxom, blonde wife, Lady Wilkes, who both shook her hands before Lady Wilkes gave her a crushing hug, too. The woman was exuding friendliness and goodwill, and Ellen smiled in response.

“Oh, dear, she is a beauty, my dear Harriet,” Lady Wilkes exclaimed, causing amused smiles all around.

“Why, thank you, my dear Lucy,” Sir Anthony answered drily. “We hadn’t noticed.”

“Oh, you!” Lady Wilkes smiled. “In my recollection, you haven’t overlooked a beautiful woman in your whole life!”

For the first time, Ellen saw her benefactor blush. “This is completely undeserved.”

Lady Carter laughed brightly. “My dear Anthony, must I remind you?”

“My dear Anthony, I believe it is time for you to acknowledge defeat,” Sir Jonathan laughed. “Even I know that the evidence is damning!”

Sir Anthony held up his hands. “I may have met beautiful women, including you, Lucy, but I married the most beautiful of them.”

This caused Lady Carter to inhale sharply, and the blood shot into her cheeks. “It is unbelievable that he can still make me blush after twenty and six years!”

Ellen had not yet seen the Carters in such a merry mood, and she had to smile. When she saw Justice Bolton approach, she sobered and curtsied politely. Bolton gave her a friendly smile, but then turned to the Carters.

“I looked into that other matter, too, and wrote to Justice Wolsely in Peterborough. There is no record of adoption for Miss Trilby. Normally, her stepfather would have been appointed her guardian, but he failed to take the appropriate steps. According to Justice Wolsely, his repute is in shambles, and he is currently in prison for defaulting on his debts.”

Ellen gasped, realising that the justice was speaking of her stepfather. The justice turned to her.

“This must be disturbing news for you, but the upside is that any accord reached between Major Meadows and Mister Crowly regarding your engagement is null and void. However, I would strongly advise a speedy adoption by more appropriate stepparents to set an unassailable precedence.”

Ellen looked at the elder Carters but could not help to see a look of utter dismay on Richard Carter’s face. Her breath caught when she thought of the ramifications of becoming his stepsister. True, the strong affection she felt for him was likely fruitless, but an adoption would make it entirely moot. Her eyes nearly popped from their sockets when Sir Jonathan spoke up.

“We are prepared,” he announced calmly. “I am Sir Jonathan Wilkes, a fellow in good standing of the Royal College of Surgeons. I have an established surgical practice in London, and my wife and I agree to adopt the orphan Ellen Trilby as our daughter. We are childless.”

Ellen was dazed, but Lady Carter took her hands. “Lucy and Jonathan are our oldest friends. They have no children of their own, and they feel too advanced in age to raise a small child. I wrote to them about you and the good education you received, and obviously, you made a very good impression on them. As Jonathan and Lucy’s daughter, you will regain your previous standing as a young lady, and you will enjoy the exposure to the learned men and women of their acquaintance.” She smiled mischievously. “Being Miss Ellen Wilkes might also open up the possibility of a future connection with us.”

Ellen’s eyes flew open, but then the meaning sunk in, and she blushed furiously. She saw Richard’s happy smile, and could only nod her acceptance. Justice Bolton smiled benevolently.

“This sounds like a splendid solution and opportunity for you, Miss Trilby.”

Ellen nodded and looked at the woman who wanted to be her mother. All she could see was friendly acceptance, and she nodded shyly.

“I am very grateful for your kind offer and I accept. I shall do my best to be a good daughter and justify your trust in me.”

They went back into the court room where the Justice’s secretary was summoned. There, Sir Jonathan entered a petition for custody and adoption of the orphan Ellen Harriet Trilby and the associated change of her family name, and Ellen left the court room a half hour later as Miss Ellen Harriet Wilkes.

The Carters’ carriage then transported them back to High Matcham. It was a tight seating, but they arrived after only a half hour. Ellen had sat between her new parents and opposite Richard who sat perched forward and held his bruised and hurting arm in front. Ellen’s head was still fairly whirling, but Lucy Wilkes had held her hand during the ride, and somehow her caring manner had calmed Ellen.

They had a belated meal in the dining hall, with Ellen placed between her stepparents and opposite to Richard who looked as bewildered as she felt. Eleanor was close to tears, too, learning that Ellen would live in London with the Wilkes. The Carters of course sensed their children’s misgivings, and Ellen saw how Lady Carter whispered to both her son and daughter.

After the main course, Sir Anthony raised his glass to their guests.

“For many years you have been our closest friends, and we know that all those years, you yearned to become parents. Today is the day when it finally happened. I raise my glass to the new parents and to their lovely daughter. May they be a happy family!” Glasses clinked as the toast was received, but Sir Anthony had more to say. “Jonathan, as you probably told many new fathers: it’s a girl!”

The new parents laughed delightedly and Lady Carter actually giggled, grabbing her friend’s hand and pressing it.

“You’ll be a wonderful mother, Lucy!”

“Thank you for thinking of us, my dear,” Lady Wilkes smiled back.

Lady Carter had more to say. “My dear Miss T ... Wilkes, we have further news for you. My husband’s former cox’n, Mister Little, travelled to King’s Lynn and was able to buy quite a few possessions of your dear mother from your stepfather’s creditors, and for small monies I may add. They will be shipped to your new home in London, so that you may have their use and the memories attached to them. Evidently, Mr. Crowly, your would-be suitor, will receive your stepfather’s house since he is the largest creditor.”

Ellen swallowed heavily. “I have no interest in it, only bad memories.”

“Even after all this, your mother’s husband still owes close to twelve-hundred pounds and is still in prison. He also blames you for his misfortune.”

Ellen nodded to this. “He is beyond my compassion. He gambled and drank away my dowry. He tried to sell me like some livestock to continue his gambling and drinking. He would have landed in debtor’s prison even if I had acquiesced to his schemes. He can blame me all he wants.”

“So true, my dear,” Sir Anthony agreed. “Some people are lost causes. Perhaps his stay in the prison will help him recover. I cannot imagine him getting spirits in there.”

“You’d be surprised, my dear Anthony,” Sir Jonathan corrected. “Almost anything can be had in those prisons. Although I shall allow that being penniless leaves him few options to obtain any contraband items.”

“Anyway,” Sir Anthony continued, “we decided to open our London house until Summer. We should also be able to find a better tutor for Eleanor, and Miss Trilby can join those lessons. You’ll find that our homes in London are not far from each other. This will also allow me to find an employment for Richard. You have been idle since late autumn, Richard, and you need to learn things beyond your public school education.”