A Burden Being Lifted

Dear Diary,
That man who has poisoned my home home with his presence now lies burning on the embers of hell, for he could not possibly be anyplace else. I am so stunned at this news that the joy of his absence hasn't quite become real to me as of yet. I cannot believe that he is gone at this moment, though. We had only talked an hour or so ago. I had informed him of the money that he will receive if he leaves this place and never comes back. It took much bribing, but he finally took it. I had only departed from him for upwards about ten minutes when I heard a gunshot. I didn't think a thing of it until I returned to the house. When I opened the doors, everyone had a panicked look on their faces. Someone had mentioned that a stranger had witnessed some injury. It took the crowd some time before they left, but when they did my mind was speeding through an endless wonder of what happened. It took some time, I had fallen asleep, before the crowd came back. When they did though, I was informed of the murder of James. I hope that no one suspects me of ridding the earth of this terrible being; that fear was the first thought that came into my mind. I had been with him what seemed like only moments before, and now he was gone! Mrs. Powell surely suspects it to be me, for she kept reminding the crowd of my absence. I do love my husband though, for he attempted to protect my name over and again. I informed my big pet that I will abide by the law if I was called to it. I have done nothing wrong, and surely there is no evidence to prove that I have. Oh, these days! Oh, these strenuous moments of agony! Will I ever be able to rid of this man that fooled me so long ago? The man whom I had assumed was dead has died again, but now my name will surely be paired with it. My hope is to find someone who can figure out what will be the best course for me to take. 

Dear Diary, 
This morning I sat in anguish as I awaited the news from the inquest. I waited with such a gut-wrenching feeling that John would find out my secret that nothing was able to satisfy the burning anticipation. That is, until that fool, the one people call the Softy, came bustling up to my window. My good dog nearly ripped him to shreds, but I kept the animal off him, only to hear what news he had brought to me. The half-wit was the being that delivered the news of my husband finding out my horrible first marriage, which only makes it known that my dear John Mellish is not my husband. I have wronged him. I have taken advantage of him, when all he did was bow down to me! I could never look him in the face again, so I left. I had to! I left my dear boy a note of apology and reason of my leaving. Then, I went to the only place I could think of- my perfect Lucy's. She will surely comfort me, and I will receive advice from Talbot! Yes, that's what I will do! He is an honorable man and will  lead me only to do what is best and right in this situation. If he tells me to leave my one true husband and hide my face in shame, then that is what I shall do. I hope I do not ever hear those words from his lips, but if they come through I will obey. I will obey, for the first time, a man who holds my future in his hands.

Dear Diary,
My secret has been delivered to Talbot. After I told him, my dear Lucy sat and comforted me when she did not even know the story of my anguish. She truly is something to be adored. How Talbot did so much better with her than he ever could have done with me. She only obeys what Talbot says, unlike how I have treated my dear John. He has been my pet for so long, but now I fear I must be his or he can never forgive me. 

Dear Diary,
Talbot surely is a good man! He has told me to keep the love alive that has kept my husband with me for so long. He told us to get a legal marriage, and we are sure to do so immediately! Oh, how happy I am! Surely nothing can bring me a truer happiness than what I feel right as of this moment! 

Dear Diary,
Today my husband admitted to me that he accuses me of the murdering that devil. I could not believe it, at least not at first. My own husband, turned against me! It struck me so suddenly, that my reaction was sure to be enough to prove to him and Talbot, who had come to our home, that I was not the murderer. This admittance does explain the dreary mood that has lingered in my home since we arrived back at Mellish Park. I am sure that all has past now, that my husband loves me again! All we need to do is convince the rest of the town. The only way we can do that is by finding the true murderer-my hero-and bring an end to this misery!

Dear Diary,
That half-wit! That mongrel! That chewed-up and spat-out piece of trash! Stephen Hargraves has been brought to justice with the murder of James! He'd seen the cash and tried to take it, but Talbot caught him! Caught him right before he attempted to flee! Oh what joy! This will all be put behind me now and I will forever be able to live my life with my husband! Oh good day, good day!