Her eyes frantically scanned the unfamiliar surroundings but at the sound of William’s footsteps, she hitched up her skirts and ran. At the bottom of the sweeping front yard, the river blocked her path. Gasping for breath, she flopped to the ground under a weeping willow tree. At the sound of William calling her name, she shuffled further into the shade of the willow. Its slender, drooping branches provided a private sanctuary as she muttered to herself, determined not to cry. What kind of man would say such things? What arrogance and insensitivity. She had never for a moment entertained the thought that he may believe her guilty. The fact he married her, meant he believed in her innocence. Did it not? Oh Lord, how could she be so foolish and naïve? William would not help her prove her innocence. He thought she was a criminal. He would always think of her as a criminal. She thumped the ground in frustration as she realized it mattered what he thought of her. Although he twice insulted her with his tactless comments, he did not hesitate to clarify her place in the household to Mary.
