The light stings my eyes as I''m led out to the gallows.


    Not for the first time, I wish my hands weren''t bound so I could use them to shield myself from the glare.


    Or cover my ears.


    The excited shouts of the villagers at my hanging is not something I ever thought I''d have to hear.


    I meet the eyes of a child who could be no more than ten and flinch.


    It never fails to disgust me that public hangings are a family affair.


    I nearly stumble as a guard pushes me.


    I hadn''t even realised I''d stopped moving.


    If not for the gag in my mouth I would have cursed the man out.


    Who cares if it''s not ladylike?


    I''m about to die.


    /Don''t think./


    Right.


    Push it away.


    /Don''t think./


    The last thing I want to do is make things harder on those that I''m leaving behind.


    I scan the crowd as the noose is put around my neck.


    The relief at not finding the faces I was looking for is nearly overwhelming.


    The last thing I want is for sweet Arabella and staid Kent to have to see this.


    Arabella.


    The poor girl just lost her brother and now she''s about to lose her sister-in-law.


    Still Kent will take care of her.


    And in her own way Arabella will take care of him.


    If not for his duty to protect her he''d probably -


    /Don''t think./


    Right. That doesn''t bear thinking about.


    The crowd seems to grow ever more boisterous.


    It''s time then.


    I feel the trapdoor below me move.