Page 19 of Magic Touch
Sara Beth blushes slightly.
For the first time in my life, jealousy jolts me, but I push it aside as stupidity. William is not mine, and even if he were, such emotions are a waste of energy. A man as good as William would never stray.
Blush gone as if it had never been, Sara Beth says, "We are finishing the protection spell, and you can be on your way in a moment." She rejoins the coven as they make one more turn around the vehicle.
Each witch stops at the door and bids Prudence good travels before Sara Beth leans in. "Your counsel will be missed here, Great Mother. I will send a bird if we are in need. I beg you to take care of yourself and come back to us."
Prudence pats Esme's knee. "Esme will see me cared for, Sara Beth. I will return. We too shall send word should we have need. You are ready to fly on your own. Have no doubt."
The idea that the strong and overt Sara Beth doubts her abilities has never crossed my mind. Seeing worry in her eyes makes me like her more. We still have many years of doubt to overcome, but at least at this moment, I can see her humanity. It makes me worry less about her trying to harm me, or worse, William.
Sara Beth makes a curtsy. "I will do as I believe you would, Great Mother."
"Seek your own counsel and that of your sister witches. You will do well, as your heart is just." Prudence's thin lips pull up in a warm smile.
Sara Beth turns and goes inside the coven house.
Henry rounds the back to ride on the boot.
William climbs up, and Samuel stows the step before helping Anne to the driver’s seat. He joins her there and coaxes the horses forward.
Prudence asks, "When did you take on a familiar, Esme?"
A loud meow sounds from the green bag next to William.
"Simon found me a few days ago, and no one has come to claim him. He has a good face and a fine instinct for trouble, I think." The sweet kitten has been good company since staking a claim to my home and shop. It will be interesting to see how he likes a country setting.
William tugs the tie at the top of the bag and pulls it open.
With a mighty meow, Simon pushes his black and white head through the gap. Intelligence shining in his green eyes, he gives us each a look before he settles his gaze on Prudence.
"Oh, I see." Prudence reaches across and lets the kitten sniff her hand. "He's a fine young cat. He'll serve you well for many years."
Simon purrs and rubs his head on Prudence's wizened fingers. He pulls himself completely out of the bag and leaps across to William’s lap, where he curls up and purrs so loudly, he can be heard over the rumble of wheels as we make our way out of Windsor.
Once we are out of the city, the ride is pleasant. Sun streams down, warming the world. With six people, a kitten, and luggage, we are moving at a leisurely pace. A soft breeze brings scents of summer grass and flowers.
"This is quite nice. I've rarely left Windsor,” I say, casting my gaze around. “When my father was alive, we would sometimes take rides out to the park to picnic. Mother never wished to go after his death. I once visited a small farm near Eton to help heal a boy. It had this nice earthy scent. My small herb garden cannot compare to the scent of earth in the wild."
"You may like the cottage, my dear." Prudence gazes out the window. "It is full of the elements."
"Maybe I will." The idea of practicing magic in an environment outside my kitchen is thrilling.
William clears his throat. "Esme, I would like to tell Madam Bishop of my experience this morning, if you have no objections."
My heart pounds. When he came to me without his body, I was surprised at first. It takes a special connection or incredible power to travel with one's mind. "If you wish it, you should do as you deem right."
Attention no longer on the scenery outside, Prudence watches William.
Simon yawns then jumps across the carriage to sit in my lap. It's as if he knows I'm uneasy about sharing something that could indicate an intimacy between us. Though it might also mean that William is far more powerful than will be comfortable for the coven's liking.
After a hesitation and another clearing of his throat, William tells of how he left his body and traveled to my home with only the thought of me.
Prudence frowns.
"I shouldn't have told you?" He lowers his gaze to his hands fidgeting in his lap.
"You should, my child. Of course, you should. I only worry that whatever such a gift means may leave us all heartbroken." Prudence brushes a wisp of hair back from her wrinkled forehead. "I have only been able to bring my mind out of my body to seek out one person, and he was not to be mine. It brought both of us misery. I do not wish that for you or Esme. If you can port yourself at will, the skill is considered dark and doesn't bode well."
