A Daring Passion

“Come, come. It is too cold to be out here in the wind.”

Raine hesitated only a moment before she allowed herself to be urged forward. The woman might be a bit batty, but she didn’t seem to be dangerous.

Remaining on the road, however, might prove to be very dangerous.

Who knew where the magistrate might be lurking? Or even the treacherous Timms?

The last thing she needed was to stumble across either one while she was wearing her father’s costume. She would be locked in chains before she could utter her first lie. And no doubt her father would soon join her.

No, it would be far better to give them time to return to the village before she took off blindly down the road.

Besides, a few moments out of the freezing wind sounded like heaven.

They made their way along the broken flagstones, then entered the small cottage. Raine half expected to discover it littered with strange objects, dead animals and boiling pots. What she found instead was a small but cozy kitchen that was scrubbed clean and boasting nothing more frightening than solid oak furnishings and a china tea set.

Oh, there were a handful of herbs and plants that were strung from the open timbered ceiling to dry, and several jars of various ointments along one cabinet. But, nothing that couldn’t be found in Raine’s own home.

Matilda tossed aside her cloak as she bustled toward the kitchen and began to fuss with a tray that was set on a low table. Raine could not stop a small smile. The supposed witch looked like an elderly nanny in her prim gray gown with fine lace sewn into the neck and cuffs.

“Join me by the fire,” she commanded, waiting for Raine to settle in one of the cushioned chairs before handing her a plate that was piled high with food. “Here we are, then.”

Raine gave a startled blink. The plate was overflowing with tiny sandwiches. Some with thinly sliced ham, some with cucumber and some with smoked salmon. And then there were tiny wedges of cakes of all sorts.

“Good heavens.”

The woman settled in a seat opposite from Raine, a sparkle in her pale blue eyes.

“My talent is not quite good enough to determine which sandwiches and cakes you prefer, so I thought it best to provide a variety.”

“It is a feast.”

“And you are starved,” she said, more as a statement of fact than question. “Eat, lass.”

Raine did not need a second urging. Her stomach had been aching for the past two hours and the food was frankly delicious.

She managed to consume all of the sandwiches and two of the cakes before she at last set the plate aside and heaved a deep sigh.

This was heaven, she decided as the heat cloaked around her and her tense muscles began to relax.

“That was delicious, thank you,” she murmured.

“Would you like to try some of the seed cake? It is one of my better efforts, if I do say so myself.”

“I could not possibly eat another morsel,” Raine protested.

Matilda settled back in her seat, a smile curving her lips. “I must say it is nice to have some company.”

“I fear I cannot remain long. My father must be very worried about me.”

“Aye, he is, but first I must tell you what I have seen.”

Raine was not certain what to expect. “Are you going to read my palm?”

“No.” The woman gave a dismissive wave of her hand. “I have no need for such gypsy tricks. I see what I see.”

“And what do you see?”

“Crossroads.”