Chapter 6: Hester's Notebook

Tobin found me sitting on the bed with the notebook open on my knees.

He had come to check my pulse for the healer, and he stopped in the doorway with his satchel in his hand.

"Somebody tossed your place," he said.

"Somebody wanted me to find this."

He crossed the room in two steps, read the page over my shoulder and swore softly.

"That's Hester's handwriting."

"Yes."

"Morven. She's been keeping a count."

"Read the right-hand column," I said. "I can't do it twice."

He sat down on the bed beside me, and I held the book out between us.

The left column held dates.

There were seven of them, and I knew each one in my body, because each one was a night Dane had said the words at the Stone.

Beside the first date Hester had written, in her small tidy hand: W. cut. Fever by dark.

Under it: D. wild with guilt. Sent him back on the fourth day.

Beside the second: Same. Valerie gone Thursday.

Beside the third: Same. She asked if she should leave. I said no.

I remembered that.

I remembered Hester holding my hand and telling me to stay, because I was the only one who loved him properly.

Tobin turned a page.

By the fifth line, the notes were shorter, and they had begun to change.

Beside the fifth date: Five. One more and the Law takes it. Must not let him reach six.

Beside the sixth: Six. Held. Held her. Held him.

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