Act VII: Reunions
And that was how Eustace Turpin won his first case. The judge cleared Barker of all charges, saying that it would be punishment enough to stay married to his wife. Turpin did not stay to sit on his laurels though; he rushed over to find Tabitha.
She was less beautiful, her eyes were puffy and red, and she had wrinkles on her forehead and bruises on her face. She was massive, her stomach protruded in an unflattering way from her black crepe silk gown.
"How are you?" he asked breathlessly.
"I will manage. Somehow."
"How? You have no money, and the trial has probably disgraced you from society."
She nodded, "My family has already disowned me."
He cleared his throat and looked down at the bump. "So… how is it?" He couldn't bear the thought of another Cadmus Crawford running amuck in the world.
"She's doing fine," she smiled. "Kicking, always kicking. This girl's going to be a fighter, I can tell."
"You know it is a girl?" he asked.
"I can feel it." She paused. "I think I'll go for something classical for a name. What are your thoughts on Lucretia?"
"Sounds lovely." He reflected on this matter. "I cannot marry you, you know. It would be bad for my future prospects, but I can help you."
"Please, I do not want your charity."
"Take it anyway, for old times' sake."
"Very well. Now if you excuse me, I have a long walk back to my apartment, and I want to get back before the rain ruins my only set of mourning garments."
"You do not have an umbrella?"
"I do, but it is much too cheerful. As a widow, I am obligated to do without it."
And that was the last he ever saw of her. He did keep his promise, and sent monthly cheques, but that was it.