” John Stafford said. “And I would be grateful, Major Greenaway, if you did not shout so.”“Shout... ?” I had been at pains to keep a calm ex...erior and an even tone of voice. “Have I been shouting?”“Indeed you have, Major. You would be heard clear across the river in Southwark. I can appreciate your fury and anger, but your language has been rather intemperate, and your voice extremely loud.”I shook my head in disbelief. “I was not aware I used inappropriate language, and I apologise most. ” She fidgeted nervously.“I know it doesn’t. It’ll be good for you though. Alright, let’s go inside and find seats,” Jess said.It was the first time I’d been in the auditorium. It was surprisingly large and cavernous. The class didn’t start for another twenty minutes, so the auditorium was still nearly empty. Jess let Emma choose the seats and she was disappointed that Emma chose ones all the way at the back to hide in. Well, ‘baby steps’ she supposed. As it happens, it was for the best. It fit her mood as she sank back in the chair, leg splayed with her trousers down at her ankles. Her breathing deepened, mewling softly with every ragged gasp. It was only natural that her eyes drifted over to the picture above the mantle. It wasn’t that she felt anything for the Duke. No, it was perfectly normal for her to seek out the closest thing the room had to a masculine presence. Just a convenient image that might help ease her loneliness. In and out. Slowly now. Deep, almost satisfying. Gerry thanked the Judge and proceeded. ‘Well as I was saying, I had just loaded Bessie, my fav’rit cow, into de trailer and was drivin’ her down de road when this huge Maclean potato truck and trailer came tundering tru a stop sign and hit me trailer right in da side. I was trown into one ditch and Bessie was trown into da udder. By Jaysus I was hurt, very bad like, and didn’t want to move. However, I could hear old Bessie moanin’ and groanin’. I knew she was in terrible pain just by her.