Forgotten Child. Kitty Neale

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       Prologue

      The argument had raged for two days, but the man couldn’t give in – wouldn’t give in. His wife had to agree, and once again he urged, ‘We’ve got to do something. All right, I know they were distant relatives, but it was still a shock to hear they died.’

      ‘You’ve never mentioned them before.’

      He sighed – he’d been through this, told her all this, but nevertheless he tried to remain calm. ‘I told you, I haven’t seen them since my childhood; lost touch with them when my parents died, but nevertheless we’re the only family she has left now.’

      ‘You’re her only family,’ his wife snapped.

      ‘Like it or not, by marrying me they became your relatives. If this was someone in your family, I wouldn’t think twice.’

      ‘That’s easy for you to say, but something like this wouldn’t have happened in my family.’

      ‘There’s no need for the high and mighty attitude. We’ve no idea what happened to her – how she came to be in such a dreadful place, and I for one am not going to judge her.’

      ‘I don’t care. I can’t do it. I’ve been unwell and you’re asking too much of me.’

      ‘And if you expect me to just walk away, you’re asking too much of me. I’d never be able to forgive myself – or you.’

      ‘Now you’re using emotional blackmail.’

      ‘If you had an ounce of compassion I wouldn’t need to.’

      ‘That isn’t fair. I do feel sorry for what happened to her, really I do, but…but…’

      The man saw the strain on his wife’s face, but couldn’t stop now. He had to convince her. His voice softened, trying honey this time. ‘I’m sorry, darling, that was cruel of me. Of course you’re compassionate, in fact it’s one of the things I love about you. I think that’s why I’ve been taken aback by your attitude. I somehow thought that, like me, you wouldn’t be able to just walk away.’

      ‘Please, please, we’ve been arguing about this for so long and my head is splitting. Let me think. I need time to think.’

      He could tell she was weakening and felt a surge of triumph – sure that at last, one final push would do it. He stood up, bent to kiss her and before leaving the room said, ‘All right, darling, I’ll leave you to think. You’re a wonderful woman, a kind, caring woman, and I feel sure you’ll come to the right decision.’

      It was another two hours before he got his answer. His wife had agreed, but only in part. She’d been adamant, and he’d been unable to bend her any further.

      There was only one thing he could do now, but he dreaded it.