“The ship was sturdy, but I wasn’t. I’m no sailor, that’s for sure. I’ve never been so happy to see land in my life. When the ground is taken away from you, you sure miss it.”
Briar closed her eyes. Henry didn’t know how right he was.
“A huge storm picked up halfway through the trip and even the seasoned sailors were praying for deliverance. They made all passengers go below decks as wave after wave crashed over top. It was as if the sea were trying to spit up everything in it, and take us down at the same time.”
“How terrible,” Briar whispered.
“After we made it across the Atlantic and landed in Southampton, I stepped off that ship with a skip in my step and my burdens all gone. My parents had letters they wanted me to deliver to our family near the Black Forest in Germany, so I made my way there.” He stroked her arm. “Are you sure you’re up to this? Would you rather rest?”
“Keep going.” She opened her eyes. She could hardly believe Henry was back. He was the same boy who left months ago, but not. He was taller, shoulders broader, his face thinner, more determined-looking than it used to be. This felt right, him sitting here with her. She never wanted him to leave again. He was home.
She worked to keep a look of peace about her as her mind fought her body for control. Breathe. Breathe. Her lungs rebelled, wanting instead to stiffen and not allow air through.
Henry continued to describe his trip through Europe, and Briar closed her eyes, focusing on his voice and her next breath. How had she lived when he was gone? She’d noticed the hole he’d left right away, but now that he was back, she was hit with how much better life was with him in it. Not only was he a part of the valley, he was a part of her. They may not share the same heritage but they shared so many other things—most importantly, the same heart.
When she felt herself drifting off to sleep, Henry grabbed her hand again and she squeezed it. Thank you.
There was a rustling at the door and in walked Fanny, her hair a bit ruffled. “Oh. You’re back,” Fanny said. She worried the apron in her hands.
Pansy ran in after, out of breath. “Where were you, Miss Fanny? I was looking everywhere for you.”
Fanny glanced at the girl, then back at Henry, looking like she wanted to say more. “How was your trip?”
“Successful. I thought,” Henry said hesitantly, returning eye contact with Briar.
“Run along outside, now, Pansy. I think it’s time to feed the chicken.” Fanny gave Pansy a little push.
Pansy frowned and looked to Briar with pleading in her eyes. She knew she was being sent out so they could talk about things they didn’t want her to know.
Briar nodded. Yes, sweet Pansy, you need to go.
Reluctantly, Pansy walked out as slowly as she could.
Fanny followed behind and shut the door.
“What is Briar really sick with?” Henry asked. “Is it polio like the doctor thinks?”
Fanny shook her head. “No, dearie.” Her voice was sad, almost defeated. So unlike the bubbly Fanny they had grown used to.
“How bad is it?”
Fanny held his gaze. “Quite.”
Henry’s face paled and he ran a hand through his hair. “No. It couldn’t be.” He stood. “I did just what you said. I filled the box with rocks and locked it.”
He dug under the collar of his homespun shirt and pulled out a fancy scroll key on a chain. “I waited until we were crossing the deepest part of the ocean and threw it in. I watched it sink, and waited a full day, two days, three days. Nothing. I thought it worked. How could it end up back here? If anything, it should have found me. I was the closest. How does that blasted thing keep ending up here?” He gripped the back of his neck, staring up at the ceiling.
“What are you talking about?” Briar asked. He didn’t mention any of this in his accounting to her, and what did it have to do with her illness?
“I hoped it would work this time, too,” Fanny said.
“This is worse than not working out.” Henry pounded the table. “Now she’s being punished.” He pointed at Briar. “She’s innocent. It should be me lying there.”
Fanny pushed her hands down in a calming motion. “You had a good plan. We were right about one thing, the curse is weak. Since my connection with Isodora has thinned I thought it was time to try, too. Don’t be so hard on yourself. I think it was a trick. She found some way to get around our connection.” She slapped his shoulder. “It’s time we forge ahead,” Fanny said. “I’ve come from the mill. The spindle is set firm into Briar’s spinning frame and I can’t get it out. Isodora gave it to her, so she’s still here somewhere.”
Realization forced its way through Briar’s muddled brain. Henry knew. Henry Prince knew everything.