“The judge wants to speak to you, Miss Jones. And to the girls.”
“Me? Why?”
“Because you were here when the girls arrived in Mud Butte. You know what they said to Carl Watson. The judge wanted to know why anyone would have left children in the brothers’ care.”
“Carl couldn’t have known what they were like.” Bella defended her friend quickly.
“But you had your suspicions.”
Bella nodded.
“So why didn’t he see the same things?” Sheriff Williams asked.
Bella didn’t want to answer but everyone was staring at her.
“Susan, the young girl, reminded me of what I used to be like. I once lived in a similar environment,” Bella said, her gaze fixed on the floor. She waited for them to condemn her, but nobody said a word. Brian stepped forward and took her hand.
“If it hadn’t been for Gracie writing and Bella refusing to forget those girls, I dread to think how many children would have suffered at the hands of those men,” Brian said, squeezing Bella’s hand. She returned the squeeze, thankful he had stepped in. She’d been far too embarrassed to continue talking.
“Very true,” Reverend Franklin said. “Now, I must get back to Riverside Springs. Is anyone coming or are you going to stay for the trial?”
The question was addressed toward Brian and Geoff Rees.
“I am going to stay. I want to be sure those varmints are dealt with properly,” Brian said. “Once it is over, I will escort Bella back to Riverside Springs.”
Chapter 63
Bella
Gracie and Giles offered Bella and the twins a place to stay while they remained in Mud Butte. Brian and Geoff would stay in town but promised to visit regularly. Everyone felt the twins would be better off being sheltered from the publicity surrounding the trial.
A knock on the bedroom door woke Bella who had dozed off beside Megan. She walked quietly to the door trying not to wake the children. She gasped when she saw her friend standing there, then she was quickly gathered into a hug.
“Bridget, what are you doing here?” Bella asked, finding her voice.
“Brian sent for us,” Bridget said, giving her a final squeeze before letting Bella go. “We came as soon as we could. Bella, how could this happen? We thought we were so careful. How are the girls?”
“Doing much better. They don’t say much, but the Doc says Eileen is now out of danger.”
Bella put her hand on her lips to shush Bridget in case they woke the children. She watched as Bridget silently examined each child, her face turning whiter.
Then they left the room, leaving the door ajar.
“Bella, those injuries. They have been so ill-treated. I can’t believe you and Carl met the people who did this.”
“I tried to warn him, but he wouldn’t listen,” Bella said, thinking Bridget was blaming her.
“Bella, nobody is holding you responsible. Carl told me you weren’t happy, but he thought,” Bridget faltered, her eyes filled with pity and understanding, “your past experiences may have been influencing you. I am so sorry we didn’t listen to you, Bella. We should have known better.”
“The fault lies with these horrible men. And the townspeople. They should have known something was wrong. But they didn’t care enough about the orphans to find out. Why would anyone ignore the plight of the children?”
“Many people believe the children are responsible for their own situation.”
“Why would anyone choose to live in poverty and be ill-treated?” Bella asked.
“Bella, we can’t lose hope. We have to think of cases like Sally, and Jacob and his sister Lizzie. Those children have found wonderful homes. So have Annie and Liam, you saw that for yourself.”
“There’s plenty in town who blame Susan for killing that woman. They don’t seem to question what the couple put that girl through.”
Bridget wiped a tear away. Bella asked her if she would like some coffee.
“Gracie is in town. She went to see what the latest is on the court case. I won’t leave the girls.”
Bridget sent her a questioning look.
“I know they will be housed with someone and I am too young to take them, but I need to be with them while I can. You understand that, don’t you?”
“Yes, Bella. I do.”
Bridget took a seat while Bella made more coffee. She poured it for both of them.
“Geoff Rees has been a godsend,” Bella said. “It’s not just the fact he seems to know a lot of people, but he has money to pay the bills. I don’t think we would have gotten this far without him.”
“He is a good man and a wonderful father. Maybe he would take the twins?” Bridget suggested.
“I don’t think so. He talks a lot about Liam and Annie and what a lovely family he has. But I doubt he’s even thought of extending it.”
Bridget stirred her coffee.
“How many times does a child have to suffer before those in New York realize the orphan trains aren’t the answer?”
“Bella, I know you went through a horrible time and so did the twins, but the majority of placements appear to work out fine.”
“Really?” Bella knew she was being sarcastic, but she was just so angry. Not at Bridget, but at the world. Megan was a totally different child to the outgoing, full of fun girl she had been on the train. Now she jumped at the slightest noise.
“Carl and myself aim to make a difference,” Bridget said. “We want to change the way the children are viewed and treated. We got it wrong this time but, unfortunately, we only learn by our mistakes.”
Bella didn’t know what to say.
“We will continue to make mistakes. We know every child is not going to be adopted, some people do not want that. The aim of the Children’s Aid Society was to provide homes. It was a form of indenture meaning the children work in return for food and lodgings.”
Bella was about to protest.
“I know that’s not what we dream of, but it is better than the reality of the children living on the streets of New York. We only fail when those we place end up worse off, like these poor kids.”
Bella couldn’t disagree with Bridget’s logic even if it fell far short of the ideal situation.
Chapter 64
Bella
The trial began two days after Bridget and Carl arrived. Bella didn’t attend. She couldn’t bear to hear what the children had been through and someone had to stay with the girls. Gracie was called as a witness, but Brian stayed with Bella, so she wasn’t alone. She enjoyed his company and so did the girls. He didn’t make them come sit on his knee or touch them in any way. He let them come to him if they wanted to. At first, they kept their distance, but he continued to play ball with them outside. He also taught them how to look after the animals the MacDonaghs owned. He laughed at Bella’s attempts to milk the cow.
“If you think you can do it better, you try,” she protested when he kept laughing. She got up so quickly the milk bucket and stool she’d been sitting on overturned. The twins started laughing, causing Bella to stare at them. It was the first time they had laughed since they’d been rescued.
Brian took her elbow and sat her on the stool. He put his hands over hers and gently guided her on how to milk the cow. She couldn’t listen to his explanation as her brain was trying not to react to his touch, his nearness, his smell. She didn’t fear him like she did most men. In fact, he made her feel safe.
She mastered the art of milking far too quickly for her liking. He praised her efforts before calling to the twins to help him collect the eggs. The twins followed him around like chicks after their mother hen. Watching them, Bella began to have hope for the future.
A rider coming to the house had Brian reach for his gun. “Bella, take the girls inside. Shut the door and don’t come out until I say.”
Bella didn’t argue. She grabbed both girls and ran to the house. She held them both as they listened to what was happening outside.
&n
bsp; “Howdy, stranger. Might I get a drink?” the strange man asked.
“Sure, the well is over there.”
“Mind if I rest my horse? I’ve been riding some ways.”
“Sorry, mister,” Brian said. “My missus don’t like strangers. Take a drink but keep your hands where I can see them.”
Bella held her breath wondering what would happen next. Another voice joined in. Thankfully, she recognized Sheriff Williams straight away.
“Hank, what did I tell you about riding up to these people and not introducing yourself. Everyone is on edge. Sorry, Brian, I don’t employ him for his brains. He is a great shot though. I came to escort Miss Jones into town,” Sheriff Williams said.
“Bella? What do you want with her?”
Bella thought her heart would come right through her chest. Megan held her hand tightly while Eileen pushed the hair back from her forehead. The twins could sense her fear, but she couldn’t control it.
“Judge wants a word with her. Don’t worry, we’ll keep her safe. I promise.”
“I want to come with you,” Brian said.
Bella had come out of the house by this time. “Brian, you can’t. You have to stay here with the girls. We can’t leave them alone and we don’t want them in town.”
“Judge wants to speak to the girls too, but he says he’ll come out here and speak to them in private.”
“Will he let me stay with them?” Bella asked.
“Probably, Miss Jones. I think that’s why he wants you in court today. So nobody can say your evidence is tainted.”
“Bella, I don’t want you to go into that court alone.”
“Thank you, Brian, but I need you to be with the girls. I trust you with them. Please. Look at them, they’re scared.”
Brian looked at them quickly before turning his attention back to her. “I will be thinking of you. Don’t ride back alone. Make sure Geoff or Giles is with you. Understand?”
“Yes, boss,” she joked, trying to make light of the situation and hide the fact she was terrified.
He pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. “Hold your head up and tell the truth. I love you,” he whispered. “And remember, you’re not alone anymore.”
She sniffed, trying not to cry.
Sheriff Williams coughed and apologized, “Sorry, Miss Jones, but we didn’t think to take a wagon and the MacDonaghs have theirs in town. You will have to ride with me.”
“She can have my horse. Samson knows Bella and will mind her.”
Brian helped her to mount the horse. She was thankful he had started teaching her to ride while they were waiting for the train. At least she wasn’t a complete novice anymore.
“Sheriff, take it easy going back to town. Miss Jones isn’t up to a gallop just yet.”
“Understood. Miss Jones will set the pace. Good day, Brian, girls.”
“Bella, you will come back, won’t you?” Megan’s fearful comment made her stomach clench.
“I will and, what’s more, I will bring you home some candy. You look after Brian and don’t let him drink too much coffee,” Bella told her.
Megan and Eileen stood holding Brian’s hands as Bella rode out. She looked back at them once before facing front. She hoped she would do well in court but couldn’t help wishing she had Kathleen by her side. She didn’t even know where her friend was.
Chapter 65
Bella
Bella dismounted outside the church which was being used as a court house. She let one of the boys standing outside the church look after the horse and followed the sheriff into the court room. She didn’t see anyone she knew; her gaze was focused on the judge.
A clerk advised the judge she had arrived. He motioned for her to come forward. The crowd murmured as she walked up to the top of the church. The judge banged his gavel, making her jump.
“Quiet. Court is in session,” he roared.
The clerk came forward with the bible and asked her to swear to tell the truth.
She stood with her legs resting at the edge of the chair, holding her hands together tightly trying to quell her nerves.
“Miss Jones, can you please explain to the court how you came to know the twins?” Mr. Perry, the defense attorney asked.
Bella explained how Megan and her sister had come to the sanctuary and how Lily had promised their father they would find them a good home.
“Why were you living in a women’s sanctuary, Miss Jones?”
Bella couldn’t speak, her mouth was too dry. She looked to the judge, but he didn’t offer her any hope. The attorney repeated the question.
“I asked you why you were living in this establishment which I take it caters for fallen women. Are you a fallen woman, Miss Jones?”
“Miss Jones is barely more than a child herself, Your Honor,” the prosecution attorney argued back. “I fail to see what this line of questioning will achieve.”
“It goes toward her credibility, Your Honor,” Mr. Perry answered. “My clients are fighting for their lives.”
“I will allow it,” the judge said. “Miss Jones, please answer the question.”
“Miss Lily gave me a home when I returned to New York,” Bella said.
“But why go to live with this Lily person? Why didn’t you go to your own family?” the defense attorney queried.
“I don’t have one,” she spoke softly.
“Speak up, girl. So, you are an orphan too?” The defense made being an orphan sound like a horrible crime. She shrank farther back almost falling into the chair behind her.
“Yes, sir.”
He looked to the judge then to the crowd watching before turning his attention back to her. It seemed everyone was waiting to hear what he asked next.
“So, why didn’t you go to an orphanage?” Mr. Perry’s tone suggested that was the smart option.
Bella’s legs started to shake. She looked around the room in desperation, but nobody came to her aid. She realized, on some level, they couldn’t, but it didn’t stop the sweat running down her back. She bit her lip continuously.
“Miss Jones?”
“I didn’t want to be put on the orphan train again,” she said, finally.
“So, you admit you were a runaway?” Mr. Perry smiled but it didn’t warm up his eyes. He hesitated before saying loudly, “Perhaps also a criminal?”
“I didn’t do anything wrong,” Bella insisted quietly.
“Didn’t you? Then why did you end up back in New York. The orphan train people found you a place to live, didn’t they? A new family.” The defense attorney seemed to answer his own question, but when she didn’t reply, he looked at her, his eyes piercing hers.
Bella nodded.
“So why run away?”
“They didn’t treat me right,” she replied, wishing her voice would stop shaking.
“They didn’t buy you nice clothes, you mean?” Mr. Perry sneered.
“No, it wasn’t like that. The woman, she beat me all the time,” she protested, her voice rising slightly.
“Maybe she had just cause to beat you. Children need discipline. Just as my clients had to discipline the children in their care.”
“That wasn’t discipline. Nobody needs to be hurt like that,” she retorted sharply.
“Like what?” Mr. Perry asked.
Bella stared at the attorney. She believed he could see right through her, read what was in her head. She couldn’t admit to that in public. If she did, she would be ruined forever. But if she didn’t, then maybe these terrible men would be set free. She was trapped, the room seemed to be getting smaller, there was no air. She opened her mouth but couldn’t speak, her lips and tongue were too dry. She heard a chair scraping back as someone stood.
“Your Honor, may I please speak?”
Bella recognized Bridget’s voice, but it seemed like it was coming from a great distance. The defense attorney protested but the Judge said he would allow it.
“My name is Bridget Watson. I lived in t
he sanctuary with Bella and some other girls. Lily Doherty, the owner, provided us with a home in return for our labor.”
“So, are you a runaway too?” the defense attorney sneered. Bella gripped the side of her chair. She didn’t want Bridget to lose her temper and get into trouble. The Judge could throw her in jail for contempt.
“No, sir!” Bridget replied, but nobody was left in any doubt by the use of her tone, the sir wasn’t meant to be complimentary.
“Your Honor, I moved to the sanctuary of my own free will. Believe me, when I say Bella Jones is a young lady of the highest integrity.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Watson, but the question remains. Why did you run out on your adoptive family, Miss Jones?” the Judge asked Bella. His eyes seemed kinder than the defense attorney, almost as if he was willing to listen without judging her first.
She had to say something. Megan and Eileen were depending on her.
“They didn’t treat me right. They beat me, starved me, and when I started getting older, the man he… he…” She looked helplessly at the judge.
“He what, Miss Jones?” The defense attorney demanded an answer.
“That’s enough,” the Judge intervened. “I think we all can imagine what happened to this unfortunate young lady.”
The crowd started whispering and staring at her. They were judging her. Just like everyone else had. Just like she had. They were blaming her. She stood straighter.
“I was ten years old,” Bella said. “Same age as Susan.”
At first the crowd kept talking, but gradually everyone stopped to listen to what she said.
“I didn’t know what was happening or why, but I knew it was wrong. That’s why I ran, and that’s why I knew leaving the twins with those men was a mistake.” She pointed at Joe and Jack before turning to face the judge. “I can’t tell you why, sir, I mean, Your Honor, but I just get a feeling when I am near men who would treat children that way.”
“Thank you, Miss Jones,” the judge said. “You are excused.”
Orphan Train Trials Page 17
