Page 168 of Moon Craving

the boys?"

"It could be." Barr was a cautious man and would not accuse without some

indication of guilt.

Not even youths known for their pranks.

Despite being unsure what her husband was feeling toward her, Abigail found the

evening meal surprisingly pleasant. It was more relaxing than any meal she had eaten in

the presence of others since coming downstairs for the first time after her fever when she

was ten. She did not have to worry about revealing her secret anymore.

The release of pressure was most amazing. No one got impatient with her when

she missed something they said. Everyone acted like her ability to understand them was

some great talent, that she was something special.

Not someone cursed.

"Did you hide your deafness among your English family?" Earc, ever the curious

one, asked.

"Of course. Only my mother, stepfather and eventually my younger sister Jolenta

knew."

"Why 'of course'?"

"At best my affliction was considered a great misfortune."

"And at worst?" Earc prompted.

"Many priests teach that to be so infirm indicates possession by a demon."

"Are English priests so gullible, then?" Fionn asked. "Or are you expecting us to be

by believing you?"

"I assure you, it is the truth." She only wished it was not. "The abbess says they cry

demon when they cannot explain why a fever leaves one person deaf or blind but another

untouched by any such difficulty."

"Your abbess sounds like a wise woman," Guaire said.

"I never met her. We only corresponded through letters, but I counted her friend.

She was the only person besides my sister Emily who found value in me after discovering

my affliction."

Talorc took hold of her face and turned her head so their eyes met. "Stop calling