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“Well, all right, if you say so.”
“I’ll see only the ladies at this time,” the crone said to Daniel and Thomas, gesturing them to stay where they were.
Lily grabbed Rose and pulled her into the crone’s tent. “I’m sorry about this, Rose.”
“It’s all right. I’m just glad you were able to keep her quiet.”
“Now, now.” The crone sat down behind a small table laden with stones, a crystal sphere, and a deck of cards. “My name is Melina. Do have a seat, both of you.”
“I must thank you for your discretion,” Lily said, pulling several shillings out of her reticule and handing them to Melina.
“Then I am correct. You are both with child.”
“Yes,” Lily said. “How did you know we were sisters?”
“Melina knows all. So you both expect bairns, but only one of you is married.”
“Yes.”
Again, Rose’s eyes welled. Goodness, had she not cried every tear in England yet?
“Don’t cry, little one,” Melina said. “Your man is returning for you.”
“I’m afraid you’re mistaken,” Rose said.
“Melina is never mistaken. Shall we see what the cards have to say?”
“I thought you were going to tell us the gender of our babes,” Lily said.
“Yes, yes. We’ll get to that. But your sister is hurting. She needs the wisdom of the cards.” Melina took the stack of cards from her table, shuffled them quickly, and handed them to Rose. “You cut them, dear.”
Rose obliged.
Melina drew the first card. “Ah, the nine of swords. You are worrying. Suffering. It is a burden you have been carrying alone.”
“Lord, she didn’t need you to tell her that,” Lily said dryly.
“Your sister is protective of you,” Melina continued. “Know then, that you do not suffer alone.”
“My sister is helping to carry my burden, I know.”
“I talk not of your sister. Another suffers as you do. Another feels helpless.”
“Who?”
“The father of your babe, of course.”
Rose widened her eyes as Melina drew another card.
“The eight of pentacles. You have a talent with your hands.”
“Yes,” Rose said. “I play the pianoforte.”
“Don’t help her, Rose,” Lily said.
“Melina needs no help.” The crone drew the next card. “The ace of cups. Wonderful! This is the cup of life. You are the cup of life. You give life to your babe. Your babe is a miracle and a blessing.”
“But my babe will be a bastard,” Rose said, weeping softly.
