Chapter 17
SEVENTEEN
It was almost nightfall when Lucine returned home.
She had walked off her anger at Lenora and Seraphina until her boots were steeped in mud and the hem of her dress were too.
She understood they wished her no harm, and it was her eternal soul they cared about.
What they did not and would not understand is that Lucine would give her eternal soul up to be with John Hadden for the rest of her life.
There was something about the man that made her knees weaken and her heart beat much quicker than it should.
Lenora was waiting for her, pacing the floor, wringing her hands. She grabbed hold of her as she stepped inside and held her tight.
‘I am sorry, that was uncalled for. Are you well?’
Lucine nodded. ‘Very well. I am a grown woman; I can take a slap on the cheek and make my own decisions about John. I am no fool, Lenora, as much as you wish to think of me as one.’
‘I know.’ Lenora sighed. ‘He worries me the way he talks so freely and openly about the things we must not. It seems he has no care for the Puritan way of life, and it is very foolish indeed when he is but a mouse in a nest of venomous vipers.’
‘Is it not refreshing to hear a man speak so free?’
‘Yes, ’tis also dangerous for him and for us. You must see that.’
Lucine did see, but it didn’t stop her from wanting a life where she could speak freely, with a man whom she also desired. ‘I will be careful and watch my tongue when the villagers are in the distance.’
Lenora nodded. ‘Make sure you do, sister, or we will all swing.’
‘I am sorry for what I said about Corwin.’
Lenora gave a sharp laugh. ‘You are not and I know that he is like a heavy stone around my neck. I am hoping he will find another to take his interest soon, for I would rather drown myself in the pond than spend my lifetime at his service.’
Lucine laughed. ‘Pray, let us hope that it does not come to that for either of us. Good night.’
Lenora walked to the door and opened it.
‘And where might you be going?’ Lucine asked.
‘To see to the cow, now we have her I want to make sure she is cared for.’
‘You like May.’
‘Lucine, ’tis not the cow’s fault she has ended up in our pasture. The best we can do is to take care of her. Tell thy man next time he brings you a present to make it a book full of unwritten stories to write inside of and make use of.’
Lucine laughed and watched as her sister took a pail of water for the cow to drink from and a fresh apple off the tree.
She did not know if cows ate apples, but Lenora would not care.
It was a scene that soothed her heart, watching her sister fuss with the cow who was staring at her with its big brown eyes as if she understood every word Lenora was cooing to her.
However, she would ask John if he had such a book just to show to Lenora out of spite.