Thomas turned his back, unwilling to see that I had valid points, too, but that I would miss him.

“You’ll soon return and we’ll be together again,” I said.

He shook his head. “You needn’t see me off, then.”

“Please let me help you pack,” I said, but he would not have it. I tried to dissuade him, but he would not change his mind, nor his heart.

My husband went north without me and I watched him ride away, second-guessing whether or not I should have gone with him. It was too late, in any case. I returned to service.



EIGHTEEN

Year of Our Lord 1585