Read Online Thornhall Manor by George Benton - Free Book Online Page B

flowers?”
    There were lots of other street traders and the pavements were crowded with people
    On their way home after delivering their father’s documents to Mr Hardy they had a frightening experience.
    â€œExcuse me, young sir. We are looking for a William Bradley, who we have reason to believe is staying at your house.”
    A tall, rather gaunt man in shabby clothing stood before them.
    â€œWhy do you ask?”
    â€œHe’s wanted for murder.”
    â€œMurder!”
    Terrified for their father’s safety, they quickened their steps. Soon they broke into a run.
    Jeffrey could see the fear on the children’s faces as he opened the door.
    â€œOh, Father, thank God you are safe!”
    John was taken completely by surprise. With their arms around his waist, he ruffled their hair.
    â€œNow, what’s this all about?”
    Suddenly Jeffrey was knocked off his feet as three men rushed past him.
    â€œWilliam Bradley, formerly known as William Foster, we arrest you for the murder of Peter Nesbit.”
    The man coming down the stairs Paul recognised straight away. He was the man who had picked him up on the churchyard path, the man with the scar on his face.
    â€œYou have the wrong man. I’m William Bradley.”
    Shocked, puzzled, terrified - that’s the best way to describe their feelings.
    John was the first to break the long silence: “That’s a nasty cut, Jeffrey. Pour yourself a brandy and attend to that right away. Now now, Clare, dry your eyes. It’s all over now.”
    â€œFather, what will happen now they’ve taken him away. He’ll be on trial again for murder.”
    â€œMy brother never committed murder.”
    â€œHe’s your brother? I don’t understand, Father.”
    â€œPaul, I’ve had to live with a secret - yes, William is my brother and your father.”
    Paul could not believe his ears.
    â€œMy father? Oh no!”
    Paul and Clare listened intently as John told them everything. “Paul, I love you as a son. You mean everything to me, but there comes a time when it’s best to tell the truth. I’ve never been happy not telling you, but with your mother’s illness it was impossible.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight
    STEVE BRADLEY RETURNS TO ENGLAND
    Steve shook Lieutenant Morgan’s hand firmly. “It’s nice to be back in the old country again. Where’s William?”
    The Lieutenant shepherded Steve into the Sailor’s Arms, and over a flagon of ale he told him how William had been arrested and was now in Newgate Prison.
    â€œIs there nothing we can do?”
    â€œI’m afraid not.”
    â€œCan I visit him?”
    â€œYes. I’ve made arrangements for you to stay at his brother’s home in London. From there you will be able to visit William.”
    Lieutenant Morgan introduced Steve to each member of the family: “This is John, William’s brother, Paul, his sister Clare and, a dear friend of the family, Annie.”
    â€œWell, I’ll be damned if it’s not Annie Potter.” He took her in his arms. “Don’t say you don’t remember me, Annie. I’m the husband of Betty, your sister.”
    Although he was now grey-haired, wrinkled and browned by the sun, she recognised Steve straight away. Nobody in the room moved. They just stood there as Annie, with tears streaming down her face, hugged Steve.
    The evening was drawing to a close as Steve Bradley relived those years in Australia to everybody’s delight - especially the children’s. He told them of his voyage, his imprisonment, Betty’s death and William’s arrival.
    But it was Annie who surprised not only Steve but all the family when she said, “The day they arrested you and my sister, your baby daughter was not taken to an orphanage. Unfortunately, I was in service and single, but my dear friends Mary and Ned brought her up as their own and gave her a good family life.