Chapter Fourteen
“Good morrow,” Joanie heard Diana whisper. Although awake, Joanie had yet to open her eyes. Diana’s green eyes slowly came into focus as Joanie searched for the strength and courage to face the day. In the end, it was the purple circles beneath Diana’s eyes that brought her fully wake.
“How are you feeling this morning?” Joanie asked as she sat up.
Diana smiled slightly. “Do you really need to ask?”
Joanie stood and grabbed her heavy satchel, searching for soothing herbs.
“What are you doing?” Diana asked.
Not looking up, Joanie said, “I am going to make your morning tisane. Then I will mix a fresh plaster for your chest, and—”
“Joanie,” Diana said, interrupting.
This time she looked up. “What it is?”
“Why do you bother?”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“I’m dying,” she said softly. “Why not let me die?”
“Don’t talk like that,” Joanie scolded. Then she turned back to her herbs. “I need more Horehound. I will ask Father Ambrose for some.”
Diana shook her head. “We have bothered the good father enough. It must be late enough for the markets to be up. Why don’t you go and buy what you need?”
Joanie considered her limited supply. She had been rushed the night before; there were several important herbs she had been remiss in packing. “Will you be all right without me?”
“No,” Diana said, tears stinging her eyes.
“How could I ever get on without you, Joanie?” She swept a trembling hand across her wet cheeks and took a deep breath.
“But in the end, I know I will be just fine.” Then she pointed to the table.
“Take Simon’s purse. There is more than enough there to buy whatever it is you might need. ”
Joanie reached for the purse and plucked out two coins. “This will be enough.” Then she swept her tattered cloak around her shoulders. “Is there anything in particular you would like?” Joanie asked.
“Your forgiveness,” Diana said.
Joanie’s eyes widened. “Forgiveness? Whatever for?”
Diana closed her eyes. “We all need forgiveness every now and then. None of us are perfect.” Then she looked up at Joanie and smiled. “Even if we would like to be remembered that way.”
Joanie returned her smile. “I think you should rest a while longer.” She bent and pressed a kiss to Diana’s cheek. “I will speak to the priest before I leave to ensure he checks in on you.”
“I’m sure he will,” Diana said. Then she turned and curled up on the bed facing the wall. “I love you, Joanie.”
“I love you too,” Joanie whispered, softly closing the door as she left.