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Sandra Wagner-Wright
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Two Coins: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)
Literature & Fiction
Author Insight
"It must be a serious matter."
After reading through the letters Mrs Walker sent him, Rev Hastie is speechless, which is unusual for him. More than speechless, he's stunned. In the 21st century we are accustomed to scandal, but in late 19th century Calcutta, for such charges to be openly made is as scandalous as the charges themselves. If he forwards the letters, will he be implicated in the alleged deeds? Rev Hastie paces, picks up his Bible, reads, prays on his knees, and comes to a decision. He will consult with others on the truthfulness of the charges. Rev Hastie first visits Col Walker who forwarded the letters on behalf of his wife. The letters that turn Rev Hastie's life upside-down are of little consequence to Col Walker. I imagine Rev Hastie moistening his lips and swallowing, before he asks the fateful question. "Do you think the accusations are true?"
Book Excerpt
Two Coins: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)
The next morning, I take the first train to Dum Dum and make my way to Colonel Walker’s house. I arrive while the servant still sweeps the porch, hand my topi to Colonel Walker’s durwan and go to the breakfast room. The durwan rushes to open the doors for me.
“Sahib, you have a visitor.”
Colonel Walker glances up from his newspaper. “Mr. Hastie, I didn’t expect to see you. I’m just back from putting the ladies on the train for Darjeeling. Sit down.”
The durwan pours out a cup of coffee for me. I nod towards him.
“Leave us,” Colonel Walker says. “What brings you here? It must be a serious matter.”
“I find it so,” I reply. “Yesterday I received a packet of letters from you.”
“Yes, Mrs. Walker wanted me to send them as soon as possible, but I hardly expected a visit from you.” Colonel Walker looks puzzled.
“Have you read them?” I ask.
“Yes.”
“Do you think the accusations are true?”
“If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have sent them,” Colonel Walker says.
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