These last words did nothing to convince him. “The Lenape hear many things. I will stay close.”
I was about to protest when Teme dug his heels into the horse’s side, urging the beast down the drive. Footsteps sounded in the gravel behind me, and I turned to see Henry approaching.
“Are you ready to go?” he asked.
I nodded, feeling a bit dazed from my conversation with Teme.
“That’s a charming necklace. Did Teme just give it to you?”
“It’s for healing him.” I ran my fingers over the smooth shells. Judging by the way Teme had looked at me, the gift had meant much more.
Henry inspected my neck. “Rather nice payment for pulling a tooth. Is that why he came to see you?”
I started in surprise, but then remembered telling the fib to cover up Teme’s lockjaw. “Yes,” I said quickly. “And to ask about Nathan. It seems the Lenape are well aware of my problems. Teme has just offered to take me into his home if necessary.”
Henry’s brows came together. “Why would that ever be necessary?”
“If you were to believe the charges and throw me out of Brighmor.”
“So he’s asking for you to be his wife? Does he not understand that you’re already married?”
My heart skipped over his question, and I gazed at him without blinking. “Are we really married?” I asked, somewhat hesitant. Are you ready to give up your previous life and live in Pennsylvania as Henry Kilbrid? Are you ready to accept that I am Goddess Born?
Henry stared at me, unspeaking, and I glimpsed the inner torment playing out in his beautiful green eyes. “We...” he started before swallowing hard over the remaining words.
I leaned forward in tense anticipation. What are we?
A shadow passed over his face, and he pulled his gaze from mine, letting it fall to the ground. “We’re going to be late.”
Henry guided the horses into a field adjoining the Oswalds’ house. The surprising number of carriages and wagons already lined up promised a good showing.
Lanterns lit up the grounds, and we followed a path to the far side where the dinner was to be held. As we rounded the house, a large crowd of people came into sight, milling about and chatting. Every household who owned land, operated a business, or held a professional position in Hopewell had been invited. From what I could tell, the number of people present exceeded the original guest list, and my heart swelled with gratitude at this open show of support.
Upon seeing us, Nora immediately broke from a group of young ladies. “It’s about time,” she said. “I was beginning to think that you got lost on the way.” More people followed after Nora, and we were soon surrounded by a sea of guests.
What a stark contrast from the other night in front of the meetinghouse! Rather than stern faces and harsh voices calling out for punishment, Henry and I were greeted with smiles and hearty congratulations. The men repeatedly patted Henry on the back while I received countless kisses on the cheek. Everyone was in jubilant moods and jostled for an opportunity to offer us their best wishes.
Martha Oswald finally intervened, calling us out from the midst of the crowd. “All my preparations will be for naught if you smother the guests of honor before dinner is even served.”
Henry took my arm and carefully steered us through the mass of people to where Martha was waiting. “Good evening, Mrs. Oswald,” he said.
“And a good evening to you.” Martha put ceremony aside and pulled Henry into a hug. With a small pat on the cheek, she released him and embraced me next. “You look radiant tonight, Selah. How I wish your mother could be here to see you.” Tears glistened in her eyes.
“I’m sure she would be pleased to have you acting in her place.”
“I’m glad to do it. And all these people here tonight share in my feelings that you deserve a party after what you’ve been put through. Now, come this way to the head table. I’ve heard more than one stomach grumbling while we waited for you to arrive.”