Page 82 of Magic Touch
William rises and kisses his mother on the cheek. "I'm happy to see you, Mother. You look well."
"I will be coming to this judgment." She shakes her head at the argument building in William's eyes. "Don't waste your breath. I will be there, and that is final."
I rise and curtsy. "Goodnight, Mrs. Meriwether. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"And you, Miss O'Dwyer. I'm happy my son found a woman whom he loves with a full heart, rather than some debutante whom he might have tolerated, and been kind to."
I incline my head, but inside I'm brimming with the knowledge that William would have done just what she said. He would have married because he felt he had to continue his family name. His wife would have been lucky to have a man who was kind and warm, but he would never have loved her. Perhaps I flatter myself that I'm the only woman William could ever truly love, but it fills me with joy.
Chapter
Twenty-One
WILLIAM
As annoyed as Simon is to get back into the carriage, he is thrilled when we put him inside Esme's kitchen at the back of her shop.
Esme is just as happy to be home. "I didn't know I would miss this place so much. She checks each shelf, running her finger along them. "Not a speck of dust. Minerva kept everything clean and orderly."
The bell above the door chimes. The woman who rushes in is carrying a child of perhaps a year old. He is whining as his mother pats his back. She stops short when she sees Esme. "Oh, Miss O'Dwyer. You've returned. I'm so happy to see you."
"Mrs. Bates, is everything alright?" Esme rounds the counter and reaches for the baby.
His mother relinquishes him without fuss. "Donald is so fussy. I think it might be an upset stomach, but I've tried everything to help him. He just keeps crying and whining."
Mrs. Bates spots me leaning against a shelf and her eyes grow wide. "Sir William. Umm, am I interrupting?"
I give her my most reassuring smile. "Not at all, madam. Your son's comfort outweighs anything I might want."
Esme raises her brow but speaks to Mrs. Bates. "Let's have a look at him." She carries him to the counter. "Donald, what seems to be the problem? Does your tummy hurt."
Worrying her hands, Mrs. Bates follows. "I've not fed him anything out of the ordinary."
Esme wraps her hand around the boy's stomach.
He kicks his feet and flails as if she's killing him. His hand connects with Esme's cheek, causing her to stumble.
In two strides, I cross the shop and lift Donald into my arms. "There, now, big fellow. You can't go around smacking people who are trying to help. Give the lady a hint at what's wrong, and I promise she'll fix you right as rain."
Donald stares into my eyes as if he'd love to tell me exactly what is wrong. A second later, frustration scrunches his face, and he cries more softly as he rubs his stomach.
Esme closes her eyes and feels his stomach. She looks at me with wide, hopeless eyes, then turns to Mrs. Bates. "I think he might have eaten something he shouldn't have. Let's go make him a nice tea. Sir William, will you watch little Donald for just a few minutes while I heat some water for tea?"
"I couldn't ask that of you, sir." Mrs. Bates looks horrified at the idea.
"It would be my pleasure. We'll be fine. Let Miss O'Dwyer show you how to make the tea. Donald and I will stay out here and find something to distract him."
Simon runs through as the ladies enter the kitchen.
Donald points. "CA!"
"We will play with Simon in just a moment. Will you let me have a look at what's in this stomach and make it all better, my little friend?"
Donald cocks his head and studies me.
My hand spans the boy’s belly and halfway around his back. I feel a growth, but it doesn't seem natural. Not a cancer as with Mrs. Kyle. This is similar to the dark I saw in Trina. Not the same, but reminiscent, as if it comes from the same malice. I will attempt to find what it all means later. I can't imagine why anyone would wish to harm this baby, unless they know I will heal him. How does that help the person with malignant intentions?
In my mind and heart, the boy is cleansed of evil and in full health. He grows to a toddler, a boy, and then a man. I release my magic, feel its heat, and let it surround Donald.
