If he was going to be the castle priest, no sense beating around the bush. “You mean so they don’t think I’m a witch? I take it you’ve heard the rumors?”
He blushed a deeper shade of crimson.
“I did not mean to offend, lady.”
Lucy waved a hand around. “I’m not offended. It’s actually a good idea.”
Then she grinned at him.
“I am not a witch, it’s just that I have my own beliefs about how people should prevent illness and other things.”
She told him of how important it was for people to wash their hands and to stay away from the sick. They went back and forth, ending with Father John agreeing with her, and saying he’d do what he could to convince the worshippers to wash their hands.
He finished giving his credentials. “I am well-versed in the scriptures, masses, and rites expected of a priest. Besides providing spiritual guidance to the castle residents, I will deliver sermons and perform sacraments. My conviction lies in serving all of God's children.
Lucy nodded. “I think you will do well here, Father John.”
He bowed his head. “I am honored, my lady. I promise to serve you and the lord of the castle, and all its inhabitants, with devoted spiritual guidance.”
As he examined the chapel, Lucy could tell there was something bothering him. The castle chapel was small, maybe he’d been expecting something grander for his first posting?
There were two small rooms at the back of the chapel, one for sleeping, the other boasted a good-sized hearth, a table, and three chairs where he could speak with any who would seek out his counsel.
During their walk from the chapel to the kitchens, she told him when they took meals and that she would have new clothes and shoes provided for him for which he was most grateful.
Finally, when he had still said nothing, she decided to just ask.
“Is something wrong? Is the chapel not to your liking?”
Father John stopped, wringing his hands. “Nay, it is most beautiful. It is just…”
He gave a small shake of his head, then stood up straight, looking her in the eye.
“I have a sister, Isabelle. She recently found herself with child. The man who had promised to marry her left. Turns out he already has a wife and two children. Isabelle claims she did not know.”
He risked a glance at her and whatever he saw in her face must have given him the courage to continue.
“She is a healer, and I wondered if she might be of use here?”
“Shut the front door.”
The man took a step back.
Lucy let out a small laugh, waving a hand in front of her face. “Don’t mind me, I’m just excited. Our healer passed from fever last year, as did the priest. She would be most welcome here.”
Father John took her hand. “I thank you, my lady.”
Lucy was so happy the castle would have a healer again, and Catherine could continue her apprenticeship that she almost skipped the rest of the way to the kitchens.
Once in the warm room, she saw him fed, then left him to get acquainted with the grounds and told let the steward know if there was anything he needed.
She made a mental note to let Catherine know a healer would be arriving in a few weeks so she could continue her training.
With plenty of time before dinner, Lucy went up to the nursery in search of her children.
When she entered the room, Jason held up his wooden horse for her to see. “Horse!”
“Such a beautiful horse,” Lucy said, taking a moment to admire the toy. It was a simple thing, yet crafted with care. A gift from Norbert, the carpenter, who had carved it for him after he saw how much Jason adored the horses.
