Wedgewick Woman Read Online Free Page A

accusers.”  He waited while James gave wide space and walked meekly to the front of the crowded room.
    A sense of stunned dismay passed through the people.
      “Here stands your man. What say all of you that we do with him?”
    When a few moments passed, with only whispers, “Well speak up.”  Lord Carmichael stood. “What say you?”  He asked again more forcefully.
    A small voice came from the back. “I say we should let Mr. Sinclair continue to work and pay us back.”
    Others began to speak now. “Let him work off his debt in the fields.”…”Pay us back double what he stole.”…“I say we send him to the gallows.”  The latter raised the Laird’s eyebrows.
    Quickly, he lifted his large hands and quieted the group.  “We’re a peaceable people in this clan.  It does no good to hold grudges for centuries, let alone generation upon generation.  Ye have all experienced the hatred that has passed from father to son and seen the results of it for far too many years.  We are proud Scots and well you know it.  But as long as I am Laird of this clan, we will seek peace among our brothers.”
    The people quieted and began to nod amongst themselves. 
    “Would the one who suggested we allow Mr. Sinclair to work and pay back the dues, please step forward.”
    A small young girl, hardly out of her braids, face red as an apple, made her way forward but did not come away from the crowd.
    “And where might you hail from?”  Lord Carmichael softened his hearty voice and waited patiently for the girl-child to speak.
    “From the McDougals.” She said while two or three hissed loudly, until the Laird’s sharp green-eyed gaze quieted them.
    “Speak your mind, lass.”
    “I have seen my mother and father fight until their deaths because they hated the Muldoons.  I wish to end my sorrow and that of others, that is why I came to be with you Lord Carmichael…because of your kindness.” She ended on a whisper.
    Humbled by the soft words of the waif, Lord Carmichael declared.  “It shall be as you say.” 
    The wee one’s face turned even redder, if that were possible; but he would not let her step back.  “Wait…what say you about the man?  Shall he work and every pence be given back or should he work and keep some for himself?”  She looked around, thinking the Laird was speaking to someone older than she. 
    “It is you I address.” He nodded.
    “Sir, if you would allow the man to work and pay some back each time he is paid, then it would not harm him and he would be the better man for it…if his soul is good.” She added.
    “Then let it be done as you have declared.  And you are called?”
    “Clare McDougal, my lord.”
    He nodded, pressing her name to memory.  “James you may enter your plea among those from whom you’ve stolen.”
    James Sinclair walked, head down, toward the huge desk and turned slowly to face his accusers.
    “I have been swooped into the arms of sin through a most devious woman…but it was I who agreed, out of my own weakness.” He admitted.  “I am guilty.”
    Lord Carmichael felt a certain pity for the man, for he, too, had been yanked into service by that same cunning, calculating woman.
    “Sinclair, if you’ve got the forgiveness of God, you’ve got ours.  Our people have agreed to let you work on, paying them back all that you took of them, if you will.”
    An audible sigh escaped the accuser’s lips. The other secret he held reproached his heart… moreso than the benevolence he had just received of the people he’d wronged so well.  “I shall be forever grateful to have the opportunity to make right what harm I have done.” He said staring at his boots.
    His shame was almost too great to bear, for these people and Laird Carmichael were of good stock.  But, he rationalized reasonably, he had given his word to Lady Carmichael.  His own signature had been required upon the promise he sorely made one year ago.  Surely the Laird would understand