-
Sandra Wagner-Wright
a book bubble about
Two Coins: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)
Literature & Fiction
Author Insight
The Verdict
We've been on this journey for a long time: the animosity between Miss Pigot and Rev. Hastie, the charges of mismanagement he brought against her, the libelous letters he forwarded, Miss Pigot's efforts to redeem her reputation before the Foreign Mission Board in Scotland, and in the civil suit she brought against Rev Hastie for libel. During the course of the trial what was left of Miss Pigot's reputation shattered. Now Justice Norris delivers his verdict in favor of . . . who? Technically, the judge found Rev Hastie guilty of libel, but when the sentence is a mere one anna, it's hardly an affirmation of Miss Pigot's innocence. Rev Hastie places two one-half anna coins on the table. Is that all Miss Pigot's reputation is worth?
Book Excerpt
Two Coins: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)
Justice Norris picks up his last sheet of paper.
“I think the defense has substantially succeeded. The evidence of Mr. Wilson and Babu Banerjee broke down during cross-examination, and what little superstructure remained was entirely removed by Miss Pigot’s testimony. I can’t attach any importance to it. It was given in a deplorable manner that left no doubt it my mind it was false.
“The charge of cruelty toward the children wasn’t proven, therefore I order the defendant to pay damages amounting to one anna, and each party bear their own costs.”
One anna? One-sixteenth of a rupee? I’m destroyed. Mr. Hastie shakes hands with Mr. Gasper and Mr. Geddes and walks towards me. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out two coins, which he lays on the table.
“I think this concludes our business,” he says, and walks away.
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
GooglePlay
Apple Books
Kobo
Click Follow to receive emails when this author adds content on Bublish
Comment on this Bubble
Your comment and a link to this bubble will also appear in your Facebook feed.