Page 41 of Magic Touch
"No. Anyone might ride up." She checks the road for visitors.
"We've been here over three weeks. Miss Bishop has been our only visitor, and she comes on Friday. As it is Thursday, I find it unlikely you would be seen splashing around in the pond." I stand when I reach her, then walk to the grass, sit, and let the sun dry me.
"Maybe so, but I'll not risk being seen behaving in such a way." She continues to paddle in four inches of water.
Even though I've seen her naked, the glimpse of her legs is charming, and I have to concentrate on not embarrassing myself with a full erection. After all, she's right, someone could see us if they came down the drive. Even as we are, with me wet and her paddling, it's inappropriate and fodder for the gossips. If I'm seen aroused, it would be a scandal.
Thinking of other issues, I pull on my stockings and boots. "I shall go and tell Prudence of this new skill."
Esme strides from the water and picks up her abandoned footwear. "I will go with you. I'm not at all sure how one learns to control such a thing. I've never shared thoughts with another. Even my mother and I couldn't speak without words. Though, she and Father could." She says the last with a dreamy quality.
In the parlor, Prudence sits writing at the small desk in the corner. When we enter, she looks up. "How was your swim?"
"Refreshing," I admit without shame, while Esme's cheeks pinken. "I've exhibited a new magic that has Miss O'Dwyer concerned."
Prudence places the pen in its holder and caps the ink. "Oh? What happened?"
"I heard what she was thinking. I heard it as if she'd spoken out loud. Then it was difficult for me to stop listening." It is best to admit everything. If this is damning, I'll accept the consequences.
Slowly, and with a wince, Prudence stands and shuffles to the chaise. "I assume Esme told you it is considered rude to invade another's mind."
"Unless the circumstances are dire. Yes. She told me." I wait for Esme to sit, and then I lean against the mantel.
Prudence nods. "Read my mind now, William. I give you leave."
I stand up straight. This was not what I expected. "I beg your pardon?"
A warm smile tugs at her lips. "Read my mind. I'm curious if you can do this on command, or if it was because Esme was broadcasting her thoughts."
In contrast to Prudence's amused expression, Esme looks miserable. Her cheeks are flushed, and she’s gripping her elbows so hard her knuckles are white.
Wishing I could ease her concern won’t make it so. I focus on Prudence and wonder what she is thinking. "You are thinking that you hope there are cucumber sandwiches with the tea, and something sweet for me to enjoy."
Clapping her ancient hands, Prudence smiles. "Very good. Now. Send me something back."
"How do I do that?"
"Just think it and open the thought to me." Her gray gaze is steady and intense.
I think about the little cakes Anne is so good at making.
"Oh, yes, your Anne is a wonder. You should promote her when we go back to the city." Prudence grins, pleased. "I'm very impressed with your skills, William. How your family has withheld them all these generations is a wonder."
"Does it follow that the previous members of my family had magic? Would they have known and hid it from others?" I recall how angry my father was when he saw me looking at the books. I send the thought to both Esme and Prudence.
Eyes wide with a little panic, Esme pulls her lips into a line.
Prudence shrugs. "He may have known. He may have lit a fire or stirred the wind when he was emotional. I cannot say."
"Is it also forbidden to speak to your minds, or only to invade?" I worry at how uncomfortable Esme is sitting with her back straight and her face grim.
Esme meets my stare. "It is considered intimate."
"So, friends do not communicate in this manner?" I shift my attention to Prudence as she seems less worried.
Opening her arms, Prudence gestures for me to sit in the chair adjacent to the chaise and across from Esme.
With my wet breeches, I hesitate, but then shrug and sit.
