Page 64 of Magic Touch
She shakes her head and returns her attention to her hands.
"When I tried to lift you from the water, I felt as if something held you down there. Did you feel it?"
Her cheeks grow a patchy red. "I don't know. It all happened so fast, and then the world disappeared for a time."
It's hard to tell if she's lying because she's hiding something, or because she's afraid. Maybe a bit of both, but I need some answers. "I understand you can swim. How did the water overcome you?"
"I...I was trying a water spell. I thought to play a joke and walk on the water. My concentration failed me, I splashed down and breathed in the water. Before I could think, I was at the bottom. Sir William was there, then nothing." She plucks at the worn blanket.
"I'll see that you have a warmer blanket. You might catch a chill after today's events." I get up.
Her gentle sobs turn me around. She wipes her face. "I thought I would be safe. He didn't save me."
It's as if she's talking to herself, so I don't respond. In the hall, Anne is returning with tea. "Anne, I have an extra blanket in my room. Will you bring it to Trina? I worry that she'll be cold and catch a fever."
"Yes, miss. I'll just bring her this tea, and then I'll get the blanket."
"Thank you."
I return to William's room to find Henry sitting in a chair he's brought near the bed.
Head in his hands, Henry is as pale as the coverlet.
William sleeps quietly.
I whisper, "Are you alright, Henry?"
He tips his head up to meet my gaze. "I know I am a servant, but he is the closest friend I've ever had. Once the excitement was over, and I realized he could have been lost... It took a toll on me. But to answer your question, Miss Esme, I’m fine. I am in your debt for saving him."
I shake my head. "There is no debt. I would give my own life to save his. He is far too good to be lost at all, let alone so ignobly."
"He would hate that. If you died to save him, I don't know if he could live with himself. He is in love with you."
Heat rolls up my neck and cheeks. I don't know what to say.
Henry rises and clears his throat. "Forgive me. I am out of line to speak of such things. If you will stay with him, I will take my rest for the night."
"I will stay." I don't know if I can ever leave him. The future is clouded with uncertainty, and that is something I have never liked in my life.
As Henry leaves, Simon slips into the room, jumps on the bed, and curls up next to William. He blinks at me before resting his head on his paws.
Chapter
Seventeen
WILLIAM
When I wake, every muscle in my body aches. However, the fact that I actually wake at all is a miracle that I'll not take for granted. Another miracle is lying beside me like an angel.
At my feet, Simon purrs and stares at me. I have to move soon, but I'm too happy to have Esme back in my bed and will endure a few more minutes of discomfort while the sun edges over the trees and shines on her cheek.
Simon stretches long and makes a squeak before watching me with those half-lidded golden eyes.
Pulling a leg out from under him, I feel Esme stretch beside me much like the cat. Her mouth opens on a long sigh, and she blinks her eyes open.
"Good morning."
Her smile is warm and inviting. "How do you feel?"
