“Nothing, ma’am, just a small tiff between some of the servants. Yer gown is laid out if yer ready to be dressed.”
I glanced over at the bed and saw a shower of lilac French silk with clusters of soft white flowers painted on the bodice. My anxiety over Henry rushed back, pushing aside any more thoughts concerning the girls’ argument.
With Mary’s help I managed to get into the gown, which was so well fitted that my stays had to be pulled extra tight to give my waist the right curve, while pushing up my bosom just enough to peek over the lace trimmed neckline. Normally, I would have worn a linen fichu, neatly pinned or tucked into the bodice to conceal such an excess of skin, but not tonight.
Once the dress was in place, Mary started on my hair, looping up the dark curls. She was undoubtedly the most talented hairdresser in all of Hopewell, and it vexed me to think that I might have to let her go.
My hair finished, I powdered my nose and slipped in a pair of pearl earrings. Then with one last look in the mirror, I grabbed my fan and gloves and went downstairs to the drawing room, where I found Henry staring out the window. He turned at the sound of my footsteps, stopping me dead in my tracks. Already an extremely handsome man, he was absolutely resplendent in a sage green velvet coat and breeches and an ivory satin waistcoat, embroidered along the edges. Seeing me, he also seemed caught off guard for a moment. Quickly recovering, he crossed the room, and took me in from head to toe. A faint blush colored my cheeks as his eyes lingered on my uncovered neckline.
“You are a vision of beauty.” He took my hand and pressed it against his lips.
Feeling his mouth on my skin again, I had to fight the urge to throw my arms around him. “Thank you,” I said, hoping he couldn’t hear the quiver in my voice, and pulled my hand away under the pretense of needing to put on my gloves. We hadn’t even made it out of the house yet, and I could feel the warmth stirring in my chest.
Alice came into the room to announce that Ben had brought the shay up from the carriage house. “Ye also have a visitor, ma’am. One of those Lenape men is waiting outside to speak with ye.”
“Did he say what he wanted?” A trip to the Lenape village would be one way to avoid dancing tonight.
“No, ma’am. Just asked for ye is all.”
“We will not be fording any rivers tonight,” Henry warned on our way outside. “I intend to dance with my wife at our wedding party.”
Unfortunately, Henry didn’t understand how little choice I had in the matter. If someone asked for help, Brigid’s law bound me to give it.
Teme stood next to his horse some twenty feet from the shay. “I’m sure it’s nothing serious,” I said, though more than a little anxious at seeing him here. “It’ll just take a minute.”“Good evening, Teme,” I said, walking over. The lowering sun lit up his long black hair and brown skin. Though he wore a pair of doeskin pants, I could clearly remember the last time I had seen him, lying naked in the longhouse.
“Tenteyuawen, I have come to thank you for saving my life.”
“You’re welcome. It was an honor to help so great a man.”
I hadn’t noticed he was holding something until he opened his hand. “This is a gift for you.” In his palm was a necklace made of small white shells. “Will you wear it?”
I smiled and pulled in a quick breath. “I would love to.”
In all the years I had known Teme, I had never seen him nervous. His fingers trembled slightly as he lifted the choker and carefully tied it around my neck. It was about two inches wide, made of four rows of shells, delicately woven together.
The necklace in place, he quickly withdrew his hands back to his side. “I have heard you are having trouble with your people.”
Good news travels fast, and bad news doubly so. “A Quaker minister accused me of being a witch,” I confirmed.
Teme shook his head in disbelief. “Your spirit burns with light. You are not evil.”
“Not everyone can see me like the Lenape. My people do not want to believe that burning spirits walk in this world. I must hide my power to keep them from fearing me.”
“If you are banished from your people, I will take you into my home.” Teme glanced over my shoulder at Henry. “I will protect you from the Quaker minister or anyone else who would harm you.”
My eyes grew wide with understanding. “Thank you, Teme. You do me a great honor. But Henry has promised to stay with me.” For now, at least.
Teme shifted his gaze back to me, his eyes pausing for a moment on the strands of shells clasped around my neck. “Come to my village if there is trouble. You will be safe with my people.” He turned and swung onto his horse.
“I’m sure I’ll be fine,” I said, looking up to him. “The constable has already cleared me of the charges.”