The Guilt of Innocents by Candace Robb

Author:Candace Robb [Robb, Candace]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Crime, General, Mystery & Detective, Historical, Fiction
ISBN: 9781446439173
Google: dxOCvGMhbAMC
Amazon: B004EYSXSO
Publisher: Random House
Published: 2010-12-06T18:30:00+00:00

Seven

SECRETS

OF THE HEART

While Kate instructed Gwenllian and Hugh in some kitchen chores and Phillippa napped by the fire, Magda tried to engage Alisoun, just home from school and rosy-cheeked from the cold, in a discussion about her future.

‘I never wished to be a nursemaid,’ said Alisoun, her pouting face above her thin neck giving her the look of an indignant bird. ‘I’ll be relieved to quit this house.’

Magda could tell by the girl’s jagged breath that it was not so, but she did not intend to argue with her.

‘Kate’s cousin Maud needs the warmth and healing of this household, so Magda is glad thou hast no desire to remain here. Thou needst not worry about thy schooling – it will not be interrupted unless thou shouldst choose to journey with Magda when the floods begin.’

Alisoun sat a little straighter, subtly fluffing her feathers. ‘You’d let me come with you?’

Magda nodded. ‘Unless thou art needed in the city. Thou needst a lodging, so it is thy choice whether to bide with Magda or accept another post. Magda thinks thou couldst do much for an ailing young woman, the daughter of a shipman. Thou wouldst get much practice in healing by attending her.’

Conflict shone in Alisoun’s eyes. ‘You would teach me how to care for her?’ she asked.

‘Aye. Her healing requires both physicks and a supportive presence, a listening friend. Wouldst thou have the patience for that?’

‘I want to be a healer, not a friend.’ Alisoun almost growled the last words.

Now she reminded Magda not so much of a chick as a small, testy dog. ‘Thou hast much to learn about what a healer does. When Maud is ready to come here, Magda will take thee to meet the young woman and thou canst decide for thyself.’

‘And if I don’t choose to take care of her?’ Alisoun barked.

‘The city and the countryside overflow with people in need, young Alisoun. Thou shalt not lack for work if thou art willing.’

The question remained in Magda’s heart – was the girl willing? She must be patient, for only time would provide the answer to that troubling question.

* * *

Her lower back aching and her ankles swollen after a full day of sitting on the high stool in the shop, Lucie was glad to accept Edric’s offer of his arm for support as they crossed the garden to the hall. Frost softened the winter twilight, and where the lamplight spilling from the hall window illuminated the wisps of air and the stark winter garden, Lucie felt as if she’d stepped into another world, one more magical, with different standards of beauty. She mentioned this to Edric and he paused to look around.

‘It is wondrous,’ he said in a reverent whisper. ‘The world must be so beautiful seen from your eyes, Dame Lucie.’

Sometimes it was difficult for Lucie to remember that he was older than Jasper, he seemed so artless in his youthful infatuation.

‘I was so caught up in how cold I am that I had not noticed how the fog swirls,’ he said.

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