Daniel broke from the crowd and walked away. The magistrate remained where he stood, his anger like frost burn against Daniel’s back.

‘Be warned, young man,’ he called. Daniel did not stop. ‘I will be watching. Your insolence shall not be forgotten.’

Maggots

Annie and I sidle among the crowds down by the harbour, peering at the fishes and cockles and mussels on display. There are but a few selling radishes and baby turnips, though most will grow them in their own scrubby wind-beaten gardens and have no need to buy. Today the sea is flat and grey, appearing placid, but I know it cannot be trusted. In but a moment it may turn, and claim its next victim.

I catch an eye or two, searching out a soft-heart. Women are more likely to give but less likely to control where the coins go. Market day, when men are scarce, can be good to us. Not today. To a one, they step away, casting a disgusted look at Annie and wrinkling a nose at me.

This we’re used to. But now there is a boldness in their cruelty that is new.

‘Get away,’ one seller yells, charging round to where we stand and shoving his face in mine. I pull Annie behind me. He shakes a fist and I do my best not to flinch, not to let the anger take me over, confirming all they think me to be. ‘Away, shoo. We don’t want your kind with your filth and spells.’

More gather behind him, stepping out from behind the wares they sell. Looking us up and down, whispering, curling their lips. There is an angry face wherever I glance. I hold tight to Annie.

A woman shoves me so that I almost knock Annie over. ‘Should’ve finished the job after your brother set about Sam Finch,’ she says, turning to bask in the approving nods and jeers from the others. ‘Should’ve burned that dirty plague shack to the ground that night, and all you in it.’

I cannot find my voice, and am appalled to feel tears rise in my eyes.

‘There are other nights,’ the man says.

I swallow, draw myself up, willing my tears to stop. We’ve been hurt by villagers before. We’ve been sent away. But never have I been feared as I am now. Never have I looked to find a friendly face, a kindly hand to offer protection.

I spin around. A small way off I see the farm housemaid, Bett, bending over a pile of fish and arguing with the seller. Next to her stands Daniel.

The last person I want to meet. He must not see more of my humiliation.

I step back. ‘Come, Annie,’ I say. Feel the stalking of he that chose me, calling to the loathing in me – willing me to act. I drag myself away from the urge to do his bidding. ‘We shall leave.’