You have chosen to commit the crime of bigamy

For many years you have been married to your faithful and devoted wife, but she has not begotten you any sons. After the third girl, you decide to marry another who lives in your house, but only leaches off your family income, not really doing anything except gazing at herself in the reflection pond that is housed on the other side of your land. Alas she is now six months with child and the physician says that there are great possibilities it may be a boy, someone to carry on you legacy.

On the night of January 18, 1763, a loud pounding alerts you whilest you sit by the fire. You walk to your front door only to find a police officer standing there. Your hands begin to tremble as you open the door, for you cannot begin to think of what you may have done, or crime you have committed. You ask, “May I help you with something officer?” You ask in a charming and calm voice. The officer tells you that, the old gossip that owns the next plot of land, has seen a young woman, with child, whom looks like she could be your wife or daughter.

“But,” the officer states “We already know, that you have one wife and three daughters, we checked the records.” It is then that you drop your head, in shame, allowing the officer inside your house.

“Yes,” you start to explain, “I have not reported this young lass on the records, she has just come to live with us from Sweden, I did not really have the time, nor did I know it was a crime.”

“No,” says the officer, “But bigamy is.” Now you must go to court to face the consequences of your actions. The officer handcuffs you, and you go quietly trying not to disrupt your sleeping children.(14)