down the hall on the right and opened the second door.

The sparse room with one shuttered window was small. The narrow bed beckoned her, but sleep would have to wait. Mother Simone removed two goblets from the single chest under the window, poured the wine and handed one goblet to her. The abbess sat on the only chair in the room, next to the table. Andrea sat on the end of the bed.

Sister Danielle entered with a basin of water, honey and bandages.

“Put your hand in the basin. The cold water will feel good.”

Andrea, too tired to argue, did as she was told.

“You have my thanks for the wine. It is my one indulgence. Where are you going from here?”

Andrea thought she had gone to heaven. The cold water soothed her hand.

“We’re off to Amiens.”

Mother Simone was kind, but the casual question put her off. The woman took her hand, patted it dry, and dabbed honey on the open blisters before she wrapped her hand in linen.

“I’m returning some personal items of a fallen soldier to his family. Finding the family was like a treasure hunt. It was Maurice Cantrelle’s desire—”

“Yes, I’m aware of Maurice’s mission. He brought pieces of jewelry to me hoping I could shed some light on them. I identified a few, but the others I could not.”

Had Maurice shown Mother Simone the ring? Did she find the signet? Andrea sipped more wine.

No, of course not. If so, the items would have been returned long ago.

Mother Simone finished dressing her hand, then glanced at Andrea’s face. Despite the pain, Andrea clasped her hands in her lap.

“I forgot to take my riding gloves.” Her voice was a whisper, like an impish child who was found out.

“You must take better care.” Something in the abbess’s tone sent a sliver of panic that lifted the hair on the back of her neck. Mother Simone’s caution spoke of more than concern for her blisters.

“Do you know the Edens?” Andrea asked.

The abbess raised her eyebrow, then nodded, acknowledging the purposefully changed subject.

“Yes. Lords Hugh and Donald helped arrange the purchase of several fiefs. Lord Donald started an archery school and tournament. I was against the gambling it brought here, but he insisted the sport was not only necessary, it also had benefits. Improved focus, strength, and confidence. He was right.” She bent closer to her. “Although I will deny it if you tell him.”

Andrea brought her hand up to stifle the giggle that threatened to escape at the abbess’ out of character remark.

Mother Simone stood. Her soft, genuine smile transformed her from remote to approachable.

“Sleep well. Your hand should be better by morning.” She went to the door.

“May God be with you,” Andrea said.

Mother Simone faced her and stood for several heartbeats. Andrea waited for her to say something, but the moment passed.

“And with you, my child,” Mother Simone said, a tremor in her voice.

A yawn escaped her lips as she closed the door behind Mother Simone. The effort to undress was exhausting. Combing her hair, Andrea was overcome by a sense of guilt. She put the comb back in her satchel and unwrapped the jewelry and parchment. Mother Simone had said nothing outright to make her uncomfortable, but her apprehension didn’t go away.

She rewrapped the jewels and parchment, placed them under the scant pillow, and blew out the candle. The thin mattress on the pallet would not be comfortable, but that was of no concern. She laid down and her eyes closed.

She had barely fallen asleep when the sound of something hitting the shuttered window disturbed her. She sat up and peeked out surprised to see Donald and the sun.

Andrea opened the shutter and squinted her eyes. “What are you doing here?”

“The house is empty. Mother Simone and the others are at Prime. I’d rather be gone before they come back, or we will never be able to leave. Hurry and dress. Meet me in the common room.”

“I won’t be long.” She turned and saw a fresh basin of cold water on the table. Next to the basin was a pair of gloves, a small package, and a note.

“Here is a small pot of honey and some linen for your blistered hands, and a pair of gloves to wear while you’re riding. Take care of your treasure. Stay safe. May God be with you.”

Her heart raced. She hadn’t heard anyone come in during the night. Andrea rushed to the pallet and tore the pillow away. With trembling hands, she scooped up the linen, opened the package. Relieved, she sank onto the bed. Everything was in place.

There was no time to dawdle. Having dressed quickly, and almost ready to leave, Andrea searched her satchel for her comb. It wasn’t there. She looked on the chest and even the chair. She was about to tear the blankets from the bed when she noticed the comb was on the floor. It must have fallen out when she removed her clothes. Her hair combed and satchel packed, she left the room and hurried to meet Donald.

“The horses are waiting.” He took her satchel as they left the house. “Sister Danielle spoke to me earlier and gave us a basket Mother Simone had prepared for our journey. Mother Simone suggested we speak to Mother Beatrix at the Abbey in Amiens. Her note said she suspected we needed to leave early if we wanted to get to Amiens before nightfall. We are in for another long ride, but we’ll stop as often as possible.”

Her satchel secured with his, he helped her onto the saddle.

“Mother Simone came to my rescue.” Andrea put on her new gloves and got as comfortable as she could. “Like you, I’m eager to get to Amiens.”

“We’re in for different weather,” Donald said as he searched the sky.

The chill of the early morning was false. The sun had not fully risen. With her wool pulled close, they made their way out of the town gate. In a few hours, when the sun was high,

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