Moonrise by Ana Seymour

Author:Ana Seymour
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 1995-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

The pungent odor of the tannery hit Sarah’s nostrils while she was still several steps away from the door. She hesitated before knocking. She had known the tanner, Silas Thatcher, and his family all her life, but she was curiously reluctant to face his daughter Norah, who had so recently become involved with Jack. Especially now that she knew exactly what Norah and Jack had been doing during those nights out in the meadow. She had learned the secret yesterday in a long, glorious afternoon that she would never forget. But the feelings and thoughts were still tumbling about wildly in her head. It was at times like this that she missed having a mother or sister, or even a good girlfriend, to confide in.

Perhaps she should confide in Norah. The girl was certainly experienced enough in these matters. Sarah gave a little laugh. What irony to think of the daughter of the great Puritan John Fairfax seeking advice from the “bad girl” of the village. She lifted her hand to the door.

Norah’s mother, Merry, answered the knock. She was a drawn, tired woman whose premature aging belied her name. Her lot had not been easy. She’d borne nine children and seen four of them put in the ground.

“Good day, Mistress Thatcher. I’m looking for Norah.”

“She be not at home.” Not even the ghost of a smile relieved her weary expression.

“Well, actually...” Sarah paused. “I’m here to inquire after my brother. Has he been here? Or do you think Norah might know something of his whereabouts?”

Merry Thatcher shrugged. “A strapping lad, your brother,” she said. “But not for the likes of my Norah. He’ll break her heart one of these days.”

Sarah could not think of an answer. To her shame, it had not even occurred to her that Jack’s liaison with Norah would be anything more than entertainment—on both sides. It was well-known in the village that Norah gave of her body freely and often. Furthermore, she was a poor tanner’s daughter, whereas Jack, in spite of their tainted lineage, came from much higher stock.

“When Norah comes back I’d appreciate it if you would ask if she has any news about Jack.”

The woman nodded and started to close the door, but stopped and looked down the road instead. “There she be now. My Norah.”

Sarah turned and saw the dark-haired beauty sauntering along the road. She always walked around town with a kind of sway to her hips and a half smile on her face. It was no wonder that the men sought her out and the women whispered about her behind her back.

“I’ll just ask her myself, then, Mistress Thatcher,” Sarah said hastily, relieved to turn away from the woman’s sad eyes.

Norah was carrying a basket of buns, which swung back and forth to the rhythm of her hips. “Mistress Fairfax,” she called to Sarah. “What brings you here?”

Sarah felt an unaccustomed shyness as she approached the girl, observing her now not as just one of the village maids but as her brother’s lover.

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