Chapter 71: The ship.

"You can never trust these women." He took a breath intake, looking for the strength to tell his story. "She was pregnant with that white devil's child all along. She agreed to marry me still... wanting to pin their mistake onto me."

"Uncle Eli, I'm sorry you had to go through that." Thomas said listening attentively. He had been surprised when Elliot had asked to have a word with him. They were not close, they were not friends neither family but they resided together at commune. Thomas wondered what was his reason for abruptly coming forward to tell him his story personally. There had always been rumors of him being played for an imbecile, rumors of his supposed wife giving birth to a mulatto. Elliot has always been a quiet lad, Thomas was shocked at his visit.

"The child is supposedly six years old now. She is still with him..."

"How awful."

"I thought I ought to come give you advise after hearing the other men laugh at the news of Merrigold being impregnated by Master Austin."