The Spider- Chapter 26-27

Revelations

Chapter 1-4| Chapters 5-6| Chapters 7-8|Chapters 9-11| Chapter 12|Chapter 13|Chapter 14-15|Chapter 16-17|Chapter 18-19 | Chapter 20|Chapter 21 |Chaper 22-23|Chapter 24-25.|26-27|28-29|30/Epilogue.

26

29th November, 1892

Dear John,

Yesterday, I awoke as though from an enduring, terrible dream. Mother has brought us to New Brighton, under doctor’s orders. As I’d tried to tell her all along, Swinson was poisoning me, and every day I was sick or feverish. I loathe that man. I knew he’d try to kill me in the end, whether it be through dull conversation or other means. She is beside herself with grief. I forgive her. She wasn't to know.

Ablewhite has been so kind and attentive. He says I shall make a full recovery, but it will take some time. I am thin, and I do not like to look upon myself in the mirror, for I look… I look like her.

Mother wouldn’t tell me when I asked where you were. I hoped that it was the 28th of November. No one would confirm what date it was, which I thought was odd, and I could not find a single letter or newspaper in the house.

As I was not at home, I asked when I could see you, but nobody seemed to have an answer with which they could provide me. I feared the worst: your death.

It was cool outside with a brisk wind, but overall, not terribly cold. We went for a walk along the pier. Elsie skipped ahead and flew her kite on the sands! She is ever so good. She misses you. I have embraced that child more times in this past week than I have in all of her life, because she is all I have right now to keep me alive.

I’ve never been on this side of the river before—I could almost see our house from the golden beaches! Hundreds of vessels entered and exited the river, tooting and puffing with their characterful sounds. I wondered which one you were on, and I wept, because I cannot bear to be apart from you.

On the way back to my aunt’s house—against mother’s wishes—I happened to find a paper boy, and I looked down at the paper he gave me, and it gave me quite a start. I had not expected to see my husband’s face on the front page. Mother rushed to hold me as I fell to my knees. It cannot be! I cried. It cannot be!

They say you are to be hanged for the murder of a woman found in our home. I cannot believe it. I will not believe it. The only fact in this matter is that I have to write to you as you wait in your cell. The doctor does not advise me to cross the river to come to you. I sense no deception—he is good mannered and I am frail.

With what strength I have left in this weak body, I will fight for you. Mother, and every reputable name she knows is behind you, John. I have a new found passion in my soul that is indefatigable, and they will not take you from me. I have written to our solicitor. Hold fast, John.

All my love,

Frances

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