Read Online Thornhall Manor by George Benton - Free Book Online

you.”
    Sitting down one minute, and nervously pacing up and down the next, she listened as Mary explained what had happened during her absence.
    â€œWhere is she now?”
    â€œShe’s safe in her bedroom.”
    â€œI must go to her.”
    â€œAnnie, there’s something you must know first. You must prepare yourself. You will be as a stranger to her, but Dr Haywood said maybe in time her memory will return.”
    The book Rebecca had been reading fell upon the floor as Annie cuddled her in her arms and kissed her on the cheek. The look of surprise in Rebecca’s face was indeed that of a stranger. A long silence followed as both struggled to find the right words to save their embarrassment. Annie turned away, but not before Rebecca noticed the tears in her eyes. Rebecca was puzzled.
    Once before in Annie’s life had she faced such sadness: when she had given up Rebecca, her sister’s baby. From then on she had watched her growing up from afar, longing to be with her.
    Nervously rearranging the flowers by the window, Annie regained her composure.
    â€œThese flowers are lovely, Rebecca.”
    â€œYes, they’re from William.” Annie was turning to leave the room when Rebecca said, “Don’t go, Annie. Please stay a while longer. Tell me of your visit to Europe.”
    Annie mentioned the weather, Paris, Vienna, and how she enjoyed being a lady’s companion to Lady Newman, but this meant nothing to Annie now. Her thoughts were only for Rebecca.
    â€œDo you remember when we were picking flowers and you fell over and cut your knee, and the games we used to play? Your favourite was chasing butterflies.”
    It was then Mary came into the room and noticed tears running down Rebecca’s face.
    â€œNow, Annie, we mustn’t overdo things, must we?”
    Annie kissed Rebecca on the forehead and said, “I’ll see you tomorrow, my dear.”
    Annie then left the room, leaving Mary to rearrange Rebecca’s pillows.
    Mary’s heart was heavy with anxiety, especially when Rebecca said, “I can’t remember, I can’t remember.”
    â€œGood morning, Doctor. Let me help you with your coat.”
    â€œI wish it was, Ned. I have sad news. William’s been arrested - they say for the murder of Peter Nesbit.”
    Mary overheard the sad news as she came down the stairs.
    â€œRebecca must not know of this. Somehow we must keep this from her.”
    â€œNow, Mary, why are you so anxious about Rebecca?”
    â€œDoctor, I’d rather not say until you’ve examined her.”
    â€œIt’s been a long time, Mary. Don’t you think you should go up?”
    â€œWe will know, Ned, soon enough.”
    Suddenly they heard the sound of the Doctor’s heavy footsteps descending the stairs. He stopped on the bottom step.
    â€œShe’s with child, Mary.”
    He could tell by Mary’s face that this came as no surprise.
    â€œNed, don’t forget plenty of hot water.”
    Ned seemed to be all fingers and thumbs. Nothing seemed to be going right. He needed another brandy to steady his nerves. He could hear movement upstairs and the sound of muffled voices.
    â€œHot water, Ned!” called a voice.
    â€œThere you are, Annie. Is everything all right?”
    â€œDon’t worry, Ned.”
    Time seemed to stand still. The house was so quiet, until the sound of a baby crying was heard.
    Dr Haywood gave a long sigh of relief. It had been a long and difficult birth and a surprising one.
    â€œIt’s a boy, Mary.”
    He wrapped a blanket around the baby and handed the baby to Rebecca. How would Rebecca respond - this poor girl with no recollection of whom the father might be?
    Annie stayed with Rebecca while Mary accompanied Dr Haywood downstairs.
    â€œIt’s a boy, Ned. Rebecca’s fine, thanks to the good doctor. There you are,” she said, handing Dr Haywood a large glass of brandy. Mary remarked,