Eleanor squeezed her hand. “My brother is worried.”
“I think I worry him a lot,” she replied, though the thought of his concern warmed her despite her nervousness.
The courtyard began to fill. Jacquetta arrived first, resplendent in a gown of deep purple velvet, her silver hair coiled into braids. She took the central seat, nodding regally to Beth. Queen Elizabeth followed, her golden beauty enhanced by a gown of emerald green that set off her fair coloring. To Beth’s surprise, King Edward himself appeared, laughing at something Sir Roland had said, his massive frame dominating the space.
Courtiers and nobles filtered in, filling the remaining seats or standing along the walls. Beth spotted Cedric among them, his dark gaze fixed on her with predatory intensity. Of Baldwin, there was no sign.
Jacquetta raised a hand, and the murmur of conversation died away. “We are gathered to witness a demonstration of natural philosophy by Mistress Anderson,” she announced. “Who has kindly agreed to share her... western learning with us.”
Beth stepped forward, forcing a smile. “Thank you, my lady. What I’m about to show you may seem strange, but I assure you, it’s merely the application of principles that govern our natural world.”
She began with something simple, mixing vinegar with baking soda she’d managed to create from the castle’s kitchen supplies. The resulting fizz drew gasps and murmurs from the audience.
“The vinegar and this white powder react to create bubbles of air,” she explained. “The same principle can be used to leaven bread or clean tarnished silver.”
Encouraged by the positive response, Beth moved on to her next demonstration. She poured a solution of copper sulfate into a shallow dish, then carefully added iron filings. The blue liquid began to change color as the iron displaced the copper, creating a reddish precipitate.
“The blue substance and the iron are exchanging places,” she said, aware that her explanation was grossly simplified. “One metal takes the place of another, just as in nature, elements are constantly transforming.”
Queen Elizabeth leaned forward, her interest clearly piqued. “Can this be used to transform base metals into gold?” she asked.
Beth hesitated. “No, Your Majesty. Despite what alchemists believe, such transformation is not possible.” Seeing the disappointment on several faces, she added quickly, “But there are other wonders that are.”
As twilight deepened and torches cast flickering shadows across the courtyard, Beth prepared her final demonstration.She mixed copper sulfate with alcohol in a shallow dish, then added a pinch of salt.
“What I’m about to show you is a property of certain minerals when combined with fire,” she explained, her voice steady despite her racing heart. She struck a flint, creating a spark that caught the alcohol alight.
Blue flames danced across the surface of the liquid, casting an eerie, otherworldly glow over the courtyard. The assembled nobles gasped in unison, some crossing themselves, others leaning forward in fascination. In the unearthly light, Beth saw Jacquetta’s eyes gleam with triumph, Cedric’s narrow with calculation, and the king’s widen with childlike wonder.
“Magnificent!” Edward exclaimed. “It’s like holding a piece of the sky!”
Just as the flames reached their peak, the courtyard door crashed open. Baldwin strode in, his face a mask of fury as he took in the scene. His hunting clothes had been replaced by formal attire. A doublet of pale blue that matched Beth’s gown, silver embroidery catching the torchlight. His dark hair was still damp, as if he’d bathed in haste.
The blue flames reflected in his gray eyes as they locked with Beth’s across the courtyard. She saw anger there, yes, but something else too. Fear, perhaps, or a deeper emotion she dared not name.
“What is the meaning of this?” he demanded, his voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd.
King Edward laughed, a goblet of wine held loosely between his fingers. “Your alchemist is putting on quite a show. Come, see how she captures the very essence of flame and bends it to her will!”
Baldwin approached the table, his gaze never leaving Beth’s face. “This was not what we discussed,” he said quietly, for her ears alone.
“It’s just basic chemistry,” she whispered back. “Nothing dangerous.”
“Everything about this is dangerous,” he replied, his voice tight with suppressed emotion.
Jacquetta rose from her seat, gliding forward to stand beside Beth. “Lord Baldwin, mistress Anderson has shown remarkable talent. Such knowledge should not be hidden away in the countryside.” She placed a hand on Beth’s arm. “I would have her join my household, to study further under my guidance.”
The courtyard fell silent. Baldwin’s face went still, a muscle twitching in his jaw as he stared at Jacquetta’s hand on Beth’s arm. When had he picked up the goblet he held? It dented slightly beneath the pressure of his fingers.
“Mistress Anderson is under my protection,” he said, each word measured and precise. “I would prefer she remains at Glenhaven.”
Jacquetta’s eyebrows rose. “Is that so? I was not aware she was your prisoner.”
“Not prisoner,” Baldwin countered. “Guest.”
“Then surely the guest may choose where she wishes to go,” Jacquetta pressed, her dark eyes glittering. “Unless there is some other reason you wish to keep her close?”
The implication hung in the air, heavy with suggestion. Baldwin’s knuckles whitened around the goblet.
