An Element of Guilt
By J. H. Joseph
()
About this ebook
Accusations! Accusations! Nothing but accusations. Mr. Edwards paced up and down the length of his living room, his face drawn with a worried frown. Mr. Edwards was a middle-aged, medium built man and was widowed. He was speaking to his valet, Barney who watched his master with profound sympathy. Mr. Edwards did not consider him to be a servant any longer as he was trusted and honest and had been in his employ for quite some years and had often been of assistance in all his private work, business and personal affairs and had been extremely faithful. Barney was handsomely young with a broad face and brawn, unlike Mr. Edwards who looked frail and now his hair was getting white at the sides which marked the strain and worry he was going through. All his gleam and enchantment was lost from his countenance.
Mr. Edwards lived in a comfortable bungalow with a lawn and patches of flowers that filled the nostrils with a pleasant fragrance. The only occupants were his valet and himself. The sunbeams filtered through the window and gave a cheery appearance. It had not rained that morning. Barney sat motionless as he watched his master pace the floor.
Ah! What a world, this deceitful, disdainful sphere, Mr. Edwards exclaimed turning to Barney who now began to console his weary master.
Sire, be not aghast, your innocence will, eventually be proved.
J. H. Joseph
The author, J.H. Joseph, a resident in the United Kingdom, near his three children. For many years he worked as a businessman and in his retirement, commenced writing for pleasure. He has varied interests especially in Music and Literature. In his youth, he performed in an orchestra as a violinist.
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An Element of Guilt - J. H. Joseph
An Element Of
Guilt
A fictitious drama by
J. H. Joseph
(Also adapted for stage)
Copyright © 2012 by J. H. Joseph.
Library of Congress Control Number: 2012922463
ISBN: Hardcover 978-1-4797-4357-5
Softcover 978-1-4797-4356-8
Ebook 978-1-4797-4358-2
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
To order additional copies of this book, contact:
Xlibris Corporation
0-800-644-6988
www.xlibrispublishing.co.uk
Orders@xlibrispublishing.co.uk
304632
Contents
Acknowledgements
Chapter I The Accusation
Chapter II The Preparation
Chapter III The Arrest
Chapter IV The Pursuit
Chapter V The Assault
Chapter VI The Trial
Chapter VII Murder of Mr. Jenson
Chapter VIII The Verdict
Chapter IX The Appeal
In dedication to my late wife, Diana
Acknowledgements
In appreciation to my daughter, Suzannah, in assisting me with the production of this book. My thanks go to her and my sons, Richard and Charles, for all their support and also to my son-in-law, Alan, daughter-in-law, Karen, and my grandchildren, Rachel, Danielle, Reuben, Jessica-Lynn and Max.
Chapter I
The Accusation
A ccusations! Accusations! Nothing but accusations.
Mr. Edwards paced up and down the length of his living room, his face drawn with a worried frown. Mr. Edwards was a middle-aged, medium built man and was widowed. He was speaking to his valet, Barney who watched his master with profound sympathy. Mr. Edwards did not consider him to be a servant any longer as he was trusted and honest and had been in his employ for quite some years and had often been of assistance in all his private work, business and personal affairs and had been extremely faithful. Barney was handsomely young with a broad face and brawn, unlike Mr. Edwards who looked frail and now his hair was getting white at the sides which marked the strain and worry he was going through. All his gleam and enchantment was lost from his countenance.
Mr. Edwards lived in a comfortable bungalow with a lawn and patches of flowers that filled the nostrils with a pleasant fragrance. The only occupants were his valet and himself. The sunbeams filtered through the window and gave a cheery appearance. It had not rained that morning. Barney sat motionless as he watched his master pace the floor.
Ah! What a world, this deceitful, disdainful sphere,
Mr. Edwards exclaimed turning to Barney who now began to console his weary master.
Sire, be not aghast, your innocence will, eventually be proved.
Mr. Edwards admired his knowledge of the English language though Barney had not been highly educated. He was a boy when his parents had died and was forced to take up employment for his livelihood. He had learned quite a lot under Mr. Edwards and liked him.
Nay, I am lost,
declared Mr. Edwards. I am declared a wicked soul for in two weeks I will be brought to the stand and be judged.
Mr. Edwards continued pacing, his hands behind him and his head bent down. The accusations bear no bounds. I am astonished of the fact that I am accused of the theft of three thousand pounds and the enticement of the daughter, Ann, of the Earl of Leicester to elope with her lover, John.
Now, the Earl of Leicester was a very possessive father to Ann and disliked John and tried to discourage Ann from associating with him. He treated John disdainfully.
Mr. Edwards remembers committing small errors in the business relationship whilst in partnership with Mr. Costello but that was purely a business matter.
And this, what is this?
he thought. Mr. Edwards was connected with a crime of which he was innocent. He looked at Barney, his faithful valet, who never left his eyes off his master at these crucial moments. Mr. Edwards continued; I know not what the morrow brings for I fear the prison with accord to their verdict. The Lord be merciful for I have oft-times committed sins.
Mr. Edwards became very sullen. The sun darkened as clouds began to gather and a cool breeze now sprung. He was aware of it but Barney became tense and excited.
My lord stop, I cannot hear more. I feel agitated to hear these repetitions of accusations,
he ejaculated. Mr. Edwards could not blame him. Barney probably felt worse of these accusations piled upon his master. I shall endeavour to do my best for the sake of my master,
exclaimed Barney. My lord, I am your valet and also a true friend and I will stand beside you.
Mr. Edwards recalled the sincerity of Barney and trusted him. He did not doubt the anxiety and difficulties he had been going through for his sake on many occasions, and now a new trouble of false charges made upon him and yet Barney believed in him and was willing to go to the extreme for the sake of his master. A smile broke from his weary face which showed his appreciation of support by his valet. Alas! A servant and a friend do me justice…
he began but Barney interrupted:
If you be accused guilty I shall share your suffering. The babbling of the witnesses will be nought, for I shall avenge your innocence and clear your name of these crimes.
Mr. Edwards looked upon him with keen admiration for so noble a servant was hard to find. His muscular form fitted the picture as a pair of beady eyes looked humbly to his master for orders.
Barney,
Mr. Edwards exclaimed, I entrust you with the keeping of my household and execute any actions at your discretion.
Have faith in me, I’ll do my best,
Barney replied. In the name of the Lord keep this fact in secrecy for tomorrow I will be taken,
said Mr. Edwards.
Mr. Edwards did not wish to let the people know that he had left the entire control of his estate to Barney as he knew he would be arrested by the officials on the charges of these crimes. Barney could act in his stead and continue his work for he had taught him the ways and means of his business ventures. But Barney, having heard the words of his master and his possible arrest became indignant: I’ll go summon the best lawyer for your defence.
Barney thought it was time to act not by mere words but by action. He would seek out the best and most experienced lawyer for Mr. Edwards’s defence. Sire, I will now go to arrange for your defence,
exclaimed Barney.
Mr. Edwards expressed his thanks that Barney was taking a keen interest as he always had done to help him out of his difficulties. He was pleased with him but now knew this time it was different and