Two Coins: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)

“None of this is true.”

“I believe you,” Dr. Scott says. I sense he means it and wants to be my ally. “But Mr. Hastie, a respected man both here and in Calcutta, validates the letters. We cannot dismiss his authority.”

Mrs. Wilson looks Dr. Scott directly in the eye. “You’ve investigated Miss Pigot twice now. Ye know the truth of the matter.”

“We looked at the charges regarding the Female Mission,” Dr. Scott says. “This new allegation regarding inappropriate behavior is something else entirely.”

“Stuff and nonsense,” says Mrs. Wilson. “Miss Pigot is a good Christian. She’d never commit such an indiscretion.”

“Miss Pigot, if the allegation appears publicly, you will lose your position regardless of the truth. I suggest you persuade Mr. Hastie to withdraw his validation. Without the weight of his authority to carry these charges, they come to nothing.”

“And how am I to do that?” Surely, Dr. Scott understands that this is an impossible situation. Mr. Hastie hates me.

“I’ll tell you how,” Mrs. Wilson says. “You’ll square your shoulders, go back to Calcutta, and meet the devil head-on.”