The Widow's Touch (A Whimsical Select Romance Novella) Read Free

“We’re just trying to make sure we have sufficient evidence so we do not put Mrs. Timmons away without due provocation.”
    “She killed all her husbands,” a man bellowed.  “How much more provocation does Caroline County need before convicting and hanging a murderer?”
    “She’s only been proven to kill one,” Jack argued, “And that was by her own admission.  As you are all aware, she was cleared of blame.”
    “We all know she poisoned the others,” Jonathon cried out, and the throng loudly hallooed their agreements.  “My father was a healthy man until he married that woman!”
    “Your father, sir, ” Eloda loudly finally chimed in, “Was sixty-six, had an over fondness for ale, and was diagnosed with Bright’s disease not even a year prior to our marriage.  That is by no means a healthy man,” she loudly called out.
    The crowd gave a strong resemblance to a pack of wolves when they turned sharply and stared hungrily at Eloda.  Their proverbial black sheep was garbed in her dark mourning clothes, and was completed with matching gloves and veil.  Most the men glowered at her, but Eloda noticed a few who looked properly embarrassed by standing against her, especially during her time of bereavement. Those particular folks cowered away from the rest of the group and ducked within the shadows of the assembly. 
    “She lies,” Jonathon shouted at the crowd.  He snarled at her and took a few strides closer toward her as if ready to attack.  A lock of his dark hair fell over his forehead and he looked even more menacing.
    “Everyone needs to settle down,” Sheriff Finley ordered.  “If it should come to it, the court will settle this matter.  Until then, I suggest you all go about your business.”  
    Sheriff Finley made long, quick strides and stood protectively between her and the angry mob.  She’d have given a thought of relaying her appreciation but she was techier than a bag of snakes.  With no reasons other than their speculations and rumors, the people in town had always regarded her with disfavor.  It had been that way since she was sixteen, and although their unwarranted behavior ordinarily brought sadness to her heart, she didn’t feel that way then as she stood against the crowd.  She was furious.
    T he people were reluctant to leave but gradually dispersed when the sheriff rested his hand on the hilt of his gun.  Although the others heeded his silent warning, Jonathon James remained.
    “You’re not getting away with it this time, madam, I assure you.  I’ll not rest until you are h anged,” Jonathon barked out, and he narrowed his coal black eyes to stare down at her.
    “ I’m beginning to understand why your father disliked you, Jonathon.  You truly are a sniveling child disguised in a man’s body.  Perhaps that’s why you weren’t left in his will.  Others may believe your rants are for justice, but we both know this is about getting even for your disinheritance.”
    She sufficiently angered him, and that was easily expressed when his face reddened with rage, but he couldn’t dispute her claim.  Everyone in Caroline County knew that he’d been overlooked in her husband’s will, as well as the man’s strong disfavor for his son.  Jonathon was pretentious, petulant, and instable.  On more than one occasion he had been committed to the state lunatic asylum due to a temporary aberration of his mind.  Eloda was sure that before the recent events came to pass, he’d find his accommodations there once again.
    “Good day,” Jonathon scoffed at the sheriff and stormed off down the road.
    “ Madam, if you plan to vent your gall in that manner to the rest of the town, you’re going to force me into arresting you for own protection.  You’re scraping up trouble where there’s already enough to be had.”
    “I don’t scare easily, Mister Finley,” she asserted.  Eloda tugged at her black, wool mourning gown by the jacket’s hem and then pulled her