Once Roxanne had sailed in from Italy, and with Esther deceased, she’d immediately begun fixing Esther’s missteps. Supper was served every night at nine, and they carried on as was appropriate for people with their status and breeding. She was determined to be the premier hostess in the area, so they always had guests.
She stood and stretched, then meandered over to the window, and she was a tad disturbed to find Jacob in the garden with Miss James. Normally, she wouldn’t have cared or watched them, but they were huddled together in a way that was extremely vexing. They were much friendlier than they should have been, and sparks were practically visible in the space around them.
Jacob had been home for just a few days. How had he grown so cordial with the little strumpet? Why would he have considered it? Had he no regard for Roxanne and how she might view such a blatant amour?
Miss James was very pretty, and with her being so exotic in her habits, Roxanne could appreciate that he’d be enticed. There was no doubt that his manly interest had been piqued.
After an annoying bout of flirting, Miss James finally left. Roxanne lost sight of them, but she avidly pondered the encounter, struggling to deduce what it indicated. Should she be concerned about it?
She couldn’t decide. She was about to betroth herself to Jacob, and she wasn’t so naïve that she’d expect him to be faithful, but she wouldn’t tolerate carnal mischief occurring right under her nose. No wife should have to.
Surely he must realize how disrespectful that would be, but if he didn’t, she couldn’t mention it to him. So what to do?
Her anger flared. She was very possessive, and if Miss James imagined she could seduce Jacob without consequence, Roxanne would have to set her straight. And Miss James wouldn’t like to learn how ruthless Roxanne could be.
A knock sounded, which was a very odd occurrence, and Joanna froze. She was in the rear of the house, tidying up her workroom, but not particularly busy, and she wondered who had arrived.
It was rare when she had a visitor. Most neighbors requesting her assistance stopped her when she was in the village. The lane running near the cottage was a sufficient distance away that she couldn’t hear a carriage passing by, and the path outside was hidden by foliage. Anyone who’d traveled in a vehicle had to stop and walk the rest of the way. A horse could be ridden down the path, but a carriage wouldn’t fit.
Her maid had already left for the day, and Clara was at school, so there was no one to answer the summons. She sighed and shouted, “Hold on! I’ll be there in a minute.”
She removed her apron and headed to the door, and just as she reached for the latch, the knock sounded again. This time, it was more impatient. She smoothed her features, wanting to look welcoming and kind, when she wasn’t feeling very spry.
She opened the door, and when she realized the identity of her guest, she couldn’t completely conceal her consternation.
“Hello, Miss Ralston,” she said to the Captain’s fiancée and cousin. “I must admit I’m surprised to have you call on me. What brings you by?”
“Your residence is so difficult to find that it could be located up on the moon.”
“It’s an old gamekeeper’s lodge,” Joanna explained, “where men watched for poachers.”
“It appears absolutely wretched to me. How can you stand these dark woods? Don’t you worry you might be attacked by wolves?”
Joanna chuckled. “As far as I’m aware, there are no more wolves in England.”
“How about wicked elves then? It seems exactly the sort of spot where they would make mischief you couldn’t deflect.”
“I’m sure there are no elves either. What did you need? How may I help you?”
“I’m told you have private consultations. I should like one.”
Joanna should have declined, but she wouldn’t antagonize the awful woman. Miss Ralston had swiftly garnered a reputation as a harpy. People crossed her at their peril.
“I’m happy to talk to you,” Joanna said. “You can tell me what aid you seek, and we’ll discover if I can supply it. I may not be able to furnish what you’re hoping.”
“Your comment is perfectly ludicrous. Without knowing my mission, how can you be so confident you’ll fail me?”
Joanna nodded. “That’s a very good question. Please come in.”
She pulled the door wide and stepped back. Miss Ralston marched in as if she owned the place, and her meticulous gaze swept over the parlor, assessing every chattel, as if she was cataloguing the value so she could sell them later.
Joanna gestured to the sofa. Miss Ralston sat down, then Joanna seated herself on a chair. She couldn’t imagine Miss Ralston’s purpose, and she wasn’t about to start the conversation. She was adept at waiting, at letting the other party apprise her of the situation.
Miss Ralston was no different. “I expect this chat to be confidential. You will not mention that I was here. Nor will you reveal what we discussed.”
“No, I won’t. You have my word.”
“You’re treating Margaret Howell who will soon be my sister-in-law.”
“I am.”
“For melancholia and fevers.” Joanna didn’t reply, unwilling to provide specifics, and Miss Ralston said, “She speaks highly of you.”
“I’m flattered. I’ll have to thank her.”
“She brags about how you’ve improved her condition. Are you a trained apothecary? You’re a female, so how could you have obtained such a skill?”
“The women in my family are healers, and we’ve developed many recipes that are beneficial. I share them with those who are feeling poorly.”
Miss Ralston scoffed in a derogatory way. “Are you a gypsy? Is that how you acquired your tricks?”
“No, ma’am. I’m merely supporting myself and my young niece through diligent effort—and with no man in the picture.”
“I’m dubious about your claims of modest endeavor. The housemaids insist you cast spells.”
“I can’t fathom where they’d get
