Page 54 of Magic Touch
"Does she?" William asks.
"Indeed. An old friend, and he's made her a table for the kitchen. I found no sign of her infirmity. And other than her need to gain weight, there is no indication that she was ever ill."
"Then William is a healer and likely an earth witch." Trina is pacing behind Prudence's chair.
"Sit!" Prudence points to the chaise. "You're making me dizzy, girl."
With a childish pout, Trina does as she's told. "But I'm right. He's an earth witch."
"Whatever the nature of his magic, he is a very accomplished healer." It's odd how important this is to Trina. I feel that surge of jealousy again, and I don't like it one bit.
"I'm only saying that an earth witch isn't likely to turn to dark. A fire witch is more susceptible to such forces." Trina pops a biscuit into her mouth.
Prudence closes her eyes as if looking for patience. "Trina, will you go and ask Anne if she has any of those nice pastries with the cream inside?"
"Yes, Great Mother."
Once the girl is gone, Prudence takes a long breath. "I can't imagine what Sara Beth was thinking by sending that one to us. She's exhausting and of little use."
"She's powerful." William finishes his tea and puts the cup on the table.
"What makes you think so?" I ask. I haven't seen any great feats of magic from her.
He shrugs and leans back against the sofa. "I can sense it." His gaze is distant and thoughtful. "There's something inside her that's held back, but she has power. Undisciplined and chaotic in her mind, but I have learned a lot from her."
Prudence watches him over her teacup. "I didn't realize you sensed other people's magic, William. This is a skill that I am known for. When did you first notice you had this ability?"
"Perhaps a week ago. I noticed that people both magical and not have a sheen of magic around them. Strong, weak, different colors, I don't know what it all means, but you and Esme have been busy with Mrs. Kyle, so I kept it to myself." He looks from me to Prudence. "Do many witches have this ability?"
"Some, but not many." Prudence puts her tea down. "What do you see in Esme?"
His attention on me makes my cheeks heat, but I don't look away. There's a softness to his gaze when he looks at me. He clears his throat. "Her sheen is green like her eyes or the leaves in spring. It's strong and steady. When she does magic, it burns brighter with flecks of gold."
"It's called an aura, William," Prudence corrects. "And mine?"
"Gold with some orange and red, and very strong. I've noticed when you're tired it dims." He adds the last gently.
"I'm old." Prudence sighs. "And what of our little Trina?"
"Mostly reds, but a lot of gray and muted colors. It's hard to pin hers down. With Esme, it's a green that can't be mistaken. Trina's wavers with her mood." He shakes his head as if he's sorting through it all.
Trina's return to the parlor with a plate of pastries stops the conversation. I wonder over a red aura emanating from a water witch. It would be highly unusual. I wish we were back in Windsor where I have my mother’s books to consult.
Chapter
Fifteen
WILLIAM
The cool nights in late summer give me no excuse for not sleeping. All I can think about is Esme. The way her eyes sparkled when I talked of her aura and the way her soft hair feels sliding through my fingers.
Would she send me away with my shaft half aroused if I went to her room?
She might.
She should.
I throw off my blanket and pull on my breeches, easing from my room and down the hall. Standing in front of her door, I hesitate and am about to return to my room.
