She didn’t see the scenery disappearing behind her though. Although her eyes watched the ground passing swiftly beneath her dangling feet, in her mind, she saw the look in his eyes. A look that held promises he ought never to make.
So caught up in her thoughts that by the time they drove into the village, she glanced up and around in surprise. Lanterns and ribbons crossed above her and colorful tents had been set up along both sides of the road. Mr. Bateman turned them off the road to where other carts were parked and where stable lads eagerly took charge of the animals in exchange for a bit of coin.
Before Aubrey could climb off on her own, Mr. Bateman had come around.
“Stay,” he ordered as he handed off Mrs. Wooten’s jams to her husband. Only when his hands were free did he turn back toward her. “Now, Mrs. Bateman.” His hands landed on her waist again at the same time she settled hers upon his shoulders. He easily lifted her off the wooden cart and down to the ground all the while leaving less than an inch between the two of them. Aubrey didn’t step back but left her hands on his shoulders, enjoying the feel of his muscles, his strength, foolishly wanting to extend the moment.
“Newlyweds!” Mrs. Wooten laughed. “Let me introduce you around to a few of our dearest friends. As I’ve said, its not often we have visitors.
Mr. Bateman laughed into Aubrey’s eyes, almost as though he was reading her mind, and then they commenced following their hostess up and down the lines of vendors, meeting what Aubrey did not doubt was nearly every single person who resided within five miles of Joseph’s Well. There was no possible way she would remember any of these people, and yet she enjoyed every minute of it, Mr. Bateman at her side, leaning close to ask her to repeat a name to him every so often, making a comment about something in one of the booths. Twice, he asked her opinion; did she prefer jam or pudding? What was her favorite dance? Mr. Wooten placed a mug of ale in each of their hands and eventually they were left on their own to explore the vendor’s wares and the aromatic offerings.
“Come with me,Princesse.” Mr. Bateman tugged her away from a lady selling baskets and feathered hats to another tent where an exotic older woman beckoned with a mysterious smile.
“Lovely lady, come inside and discover the secrets of your future.”
“This is Madam Nadya. She is going to read our fortunes.” Mr. Bateman led her inside the darkened interior before Aubrey could protest. The idea of inviting a stranger to predict her future was nothing she ever would have considered at home in Rockford Beach. Winifred would have deemed it the work of the devil. Even knowing it was all in fun, as Aubrey entered the darkened tent, she shivered.
“She feeds her grandchildren this way,” Mr. Bateman flicked his eyes in the direction of three youngsters huddled in the far corner. “She does not want charity from us but will take coin in exchange for telling our fortunes.” His voice rumbled near her ear.
Although the older black-haired woman in the tent, with her silk scarfs and flowing gown seemed oddly foreign, there was nothing to fear. Any magical powers could only be an illusion. Aubrey looked over her shoulder and smiled. “It will be fun.” It would be another memory she would remember in the days, in the weeks, possibly years, to come.
“Your husband is very kind. Enter, please, and be seated.” The woman spoke with an accent Aubrey didn’t quite recognize. “We shall see what the future holds for you both.”
Aubrey and Mr. Bateman lowered themselves onto the bench set along a table covered with silken material. Flames flickered from several candles placed there, creating dancing highlights and shadows along the canvas walls.
A metal pitcher vibrated on a small stove, and a dish of burning incense sent up a thin line of smoke, permeating the space with a spicy and unfamiliar scent.
When the woman closed the flap of the tent, muting the outside sounds, the silence in the room caused Aubrey to sit up straight.
After rearranging dishes lined up on another table, Madam Nadya addressed them again. “Summon one question to your thoughts and then direct your life energy upon the power of the universe.”
Mr. Bateman flashed a grin in Aubrey’s direction. Of course, he did not believe in fortune telling. Aubrey didn’t either and yet, the temptation to have an answer, any answer, to some of the questions in her mind, was strong. Aubrey closed her eyes and organized her question.
Madam Nadya turned and approached them carrying two empty teacups, each resting in a saucer. After placing them on the table, she then brought over a tray with a spoon and a canister of what Aubrey presumed to be tea.
“Keeping your question in the very front of your mind, spoon the tea into your own cup.”
Aubrey felt Mr. Bateman’s stare on her, and knew he would find it amusing, but she did just as the lady instructed and then taking matters quite seriously, handed the spoon to the grinning man beside her.
She met his eyes and frowned. “Please, do not make a joke of this.”
His eyebrows shot up but he nodded. “Of course. How very rude of me.” He then carefully scooped a spoonful of tealeaves into his own empty cup.
“I will pour the water. When it is cool enough to drink, do so, but leave a small amount of liquid to rest in the base of the cup. Hold the handle of your teacup with your left hand please.” The fortune teller carried over the kettle of water and steam swirled out of the cups as she poured them into each. “Set the power of your mind upon the answer to your question. The leaves will seek the answer as you drink.”
The tea was weak but had been blended with aromatic spices. Aubrey gave it a moment to cool before sipping carefully from her cup.
“Just one question?” Aubrey asked, making certain she understood. She wanted to know the answer to so many things.Will I be happy in London? Will I be accepted?But she could not deny the one that burned in her mind as the most vital.
After we part in London,will I ever see him again?
And so she ran the words through her mind, over and over again. Occasionally she slid a sideways glance in his direction. He was being serious now. They sipped the tea silently. The quiet only broken by the sounds of the children as they quietly played some childish game on the floor.
“When you have finished, tip the last of the water onto the saucer,” Madam Nadya instructed. “After a moment turn it upright again and I will read your leaves.”
Again, Aubrey did exactly as she said. Looking into her cup with tea leaves randomly plastered against the porcelain, she continued chanting the question in her mind.
Will I see him again?
