Jane had given evidence to the court that should have cleared her husband, of three months, of any of the charges. The judge did not seem to want to believe her evidence and she was worried that if he didn't Jack would be convicted and her life, as well as his, would be ruined. They could not afford a lawyer to defend Jack and things were not looking good. The judge said that they would have to come back after lunch to conclude the case but asked that Jane be shown to his chambers. Jane was surprised and worried about this but knew she had no option. The judge invited her into the room and dismissed the clerk who had shown her in. He did not offer her a seat leaving her feel even more uncomfortable.
"I have a number of options. I am not minded to find your husband innocent but there are options still left open to me. A prison sentence would certainly be very bad news for both your husband and you. I could consider a probationary period of say a year and if your husband's behaviour is exemplary, he would serve no time in prison."
"Oh, Sir I know he would never do anything to bring him back to the court, I guarantee it."
"I shall hold you to account for not only his behaviour but also yours. You will report to me once every week for the whole year. If you do everything required of you during those visits you will both, be free at the end of the year."
Jane had her doubts about the proposal as she was sure it was one. Her relief at having a way out was so strong that refusing the proposal was never an option for her.
"Thank you, sir, thank you, you will not regret it I promise."
"I certainly hope not my dear. You will tell your husband that you will be required to do some domestic work for my wife and me. You can also tell him that you will be required to accept some punishment on his behalf."
The judge concluded matters in the court within half an hour of the lunch break, finding Jane's husband guilty but giving him a suspended sentence. It was five days later that Jane arrived at the Judge's house as required. She was welcomed by his wife who said that she was very keen to see what Jane had to offer. Jane was very nervous of the visit. She was not experienced in life matters but was not expecting to be cleaning the house. The Judge's wife said that Jane was to call the Judge Sir and her Madam. She added that Jane would do everything she was told to without question or hesitation. It was only then that Jane was shown into the living room where the Judge sat reading.