Lucy’s expression turned contemplative. “Not until evening at the earliest. You see, Margaret makes daily visits to the old and infirm members of our Society to ensure that they are all properly cared for. And she mentioned attending a sermon tonight at an elder’s home.”
A thin strand of jealousy wound its way around me. With Henry gone from London, and Nora out for the day, I felt quite abandoned.
“When we first left Hopewell,” Lucy confided, “I feared that more harm than good would come of this trip. And now my daughter is doing the Lord’s work with George Fox’s great niece.” She beamed at us, while waving a hand at her face for lack of a fan. “It is all so exciting, I feel quite worked up about it.”
This was a strong reaction from the woman who hadn’t batted an eye at Henry’s lordship or upon learning of my private interview with the King of England. She saved her raptures instead for the great niece of a dissenting preacher, who had spent much of his life at odds with both religious and civic authority. Not that I blamed her. My father revered George Fox for his quick mind and simple teachings, and had raised me to believe the same.
“Did Margaret mention going out again tomorrow?” I asked. “If so, I would like to join them.”
Lucy frowned and some of the sternness returned to her face. “She did mention a great need amongst the people, but I’m afraid you will have to rise before noon if you wish to participate.”
My shoulders fell from her rebuke, and for a moment I felt returned to the Goodwin’s kitchen where Nora and I had often been scolded for any manner of youthful infractions. “I can manage that well enough,” I mumbled, before clamping my lips closed to avoid saying anything more. No matter how many years I gained, some things never seemed to change.
Silence prevailed, and I started to rise when Julian placed a restraining hand on my arm. “No doubt,” he said to Lucy, “the folks back home will want to know all about this new acquaintance with Margaret Fox. If you wish to write a letter, I will post it myself this afternoon.”
His suggestion immediately took hold. “Why yes, I think you are right, Julian.” Lucy stood, and gave him a look of adoration. “You are very kind to offer your assistance. I will write to my husband this very moment and ask that he share the news in meeting.”
Julian also stood. “It is my pleasure. I shall wait here for your return.”
Lucy swept around the sofa toward the French doors. I jumped up to follow when Julian caught hold of my elbow again. “Stay a moment,” he murmured.
Yanking my elbow away, I shot him a sharp glance. “Give me one good reason why.”
Julian held up his bandaged hand in response. “Because I want you to heal this.”
A stab of remorse pierced my anger. “I am so sorry, Julian. Nothing like this has ever happened before. I...I don’t know what came over me.” His gaze became too much, and I hung my head in shame.
“Selah, please sit down so we can talk. I promise not to repeat my actions from last night.”
He spoke in earnest, and I peeked at him through my lashes. “Just for a minute,” I said, relenting.
Julian sat, and unwinding the bandage, moved his hand in front of me.
I gasped from the damage. The entire palm was swollen and covered in watery blisters, as though it had been pressed flat against a hot stove. Having been severely burned myself last summer, I could well imagine his pain.
“Oh, Julian...” I choked past the sudden tightness in my throat. “How can you ever forgive me?”
“There is nothing to forgive. I forced myself upon you, and you acted in self-defense.”
Cate had said the same thing, yet hearing it from Julian did much more to assuage my guilt. “Give me your hand. I won’t have you suffer a moment longer on my account.” With no need to hide my gift, I bathed his hand in power until no sign of the damage remained.
He flexed his fingers, admiring the healed skin. “Your gift is miraculous.”
“Thank you.” I started to rise from the sofa. “I should go now.”
He caught my arm. “Why are you leaving? Please don’t say that you are frightened to be alone with me.”
I shook my head. “I am frightened of what Henry will do once he learns you have called on me. The fact that I needed to heal your hand should calm his temper somewhat, but anything more than that and I fear for your safety.”
Julian gave me an amused look. “Lord Fitzalan does not concern me.”
“Then you are a fool,” I snapped, “since he threatened to cleave you from neck to navel when I told him what happened in the garden.”
Contrary to my expectation, Julian’s mouth turned up at the corners. “He sees me as a threat. Otherwise he would never have made such a statement.” His smile grew wider. “I consider myself honored by the attention.”
Alarmed, I grabbed hold of his hand. “Julian, you mustn’t take his words lightly. I’ve seen Henry fight before. You’re no match for his skill.”
Julian’s fingers closed around mine, and his signet ring scraped my knuckle. I glanced down at the golden seal of the demi lion rampant imposed over the letter S.