THE

SALBINE
SISTERS
SAR AH E T TRI TCH
N O R N P U B L I S H I N G
TORONTO, CANADA
Copyright 2010 Sarah Ettritch
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced,
except for brief quotations, without written permission from the
author.
Tis is a work of fction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are
the product of the authors imagination or are used fctitiously, and any
resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments,
events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Published by Norn Publishing
www.NornPublishing.com
1
Chapter One
M
addy ran her hand up Lilli ans arm, her fngertips
skimming along the pale, damp skin. I cant wait for our
next lesson. She gently pressed her lips against Lillians shoulder
and then her ear.
Lillian rolled onto her back and threw her arm over her head, her
chest still heaving. Im supposed to be teaching you how to draw
and control fre, she said breathlessly.
Maddy laughed. If the point was to generate heat, Id say you
succeeded. She quickly smoothed her expression when Lillian glared
at her.
Your examination is next month and you can barely light a bloody
candle!
I guess extra lessons are in order. Somehow she managed to say
that with a straight face. All her lessons except the frst had followed
a similar route: frst the training room, then Maddys chambers.
A gust of wind blew one of the shutters against the wall with a
thwack that drowned out Lillians words, but her bulging eyes and
pinched mouth clearly conveyed her response. Maddy could under-
stand why one stern look from Lillian always sent the other initiates
into a bobbing ft. She might have become immune to Lillians powers
of intimidation, but she didnt want to disappoint her. Ill try harder,
she murmured as she leaned over and traced one of the lines near the
corner of Lillians eye. I know I can do it.
Im sure you can. Lillians face softened. But you have to focus.
We both have to focus.
2 The Salbine Sisters
Suddenly feeling like the inexperienced initiate she was, Maddy
snuggled into Lillian and buried her face in the other womans shoul-
der. Not for the frst time, she wondered what they were doing and
where it would lead. An initiate and a mistress? And not just any
mistressMistress Lillian.
Te wind carried a chill and the fre had long-since died. Shiver-
ing, Maddy reached for the blanket heaped at their feet and pulled it
to their shoulders. Tey lay quietly for a while, the only sounds their
quiet breathing and the echoing footsteps of the defenders patrolling
the courtyard below.
Maddy almost asked if Lillian would care to take tea together one
day. But Lillian had never approached her outside of their scheduled
lessons, had never asked her to go for a walk or to share a meal. Maybe
Lillians interest didnt extend beyond Maddys bedchamber. Maddy
would only ruin it if she asked for more, and she must remember her
place. Even so, curiosity pushed her to pry. What do you usually do
after early morning prayers?
Nothing important, Lillian said.
Oh. She searched for something else to say, then jumped when
Lillian threw the blanket aside, doused the kerosene lamp sitting on
the table near the bed, and stood. Where are you going? Maddy
asked, hoping her curiosity hadnt driven Lillian to return to her
own chambers.
Nowhere. Te moonlight silhouetted her as she pulled the window
shut. When she closed the shutters she disappeared in enveloping
darkness. Te bed creaked. Maddy pressed her body against Lillians,
to warm her.
Whatwhat will you be doing tomorrow? Lillian asked.
I have a history lesson, and my embroidery time, Maddy said,
thrilled by Lillians interest. Oh, and my lute lesson. Tough she
planned to give that up; her ears agreed too often with Sister Ediths
pained expression.
Its been a long time since I sat through a lesson. Cant say I miss
them. Lillian rolled away. Anyway, I have to be up for early morn-
ing prayers.
Disappointed, Maddy closed her eyes when Lillians lips brushed
her cheek, then smiled when Lillians hand bumped into hers. Good
night, Lillian murmured, holding Maddys hand.
3 Sarah Ettritch
Good night, Lillian.
It didnt take her long to drift of.
Her eyes flew open; she shot upright, ears attuned to the foreign
voice. A man, in the Initiates Tower! She blinked and wondered why
the shutters were open, then saw Lillian, already in her shift, step-
ping into her rough leather shoes. Te mufed male voice came again,
followed by a shriek. Maddy swung her legs of the bed, adrenaline
coursing through her.
Lillian pulled on her robe and quickly buttoned it. Stay here.
Maddy nodded as Lillian unbolted the door and grasped its iron
ring to pull it open. Te moment she stepped over the threshold,
Maddy slipped into her shift, wrapped herself in the blanket, and
padded after her.
Now that the door was open, she could make out the mans words:
Come on, darlin. Give us a kiss.
Maddy stayed in the shadows just inside her chambers. In the
early morning light, she recognized Conrad, the Duke of Merrin,
pawing at Gwendolyn.
Get of her! Abigail shouted, pulling on his elbow.
Let her go! Lillian snapped. When Merrin turned toward Lillian,
Gwendolyn seized the opportunity to duck away from him. Go back
to your chambers, Lillian said, her eyes still on Merrin.
Gwendolyn darted into an open door across the hall and quickly
swung it shut. Abigail scampered away. A moment later, Maddy heard
the thud of another door closing. Where was Nora? Her chambers were
also across from Maddys. Surely she wouldnt be sleeping through
this racket. Maddy was tempted to step across to check Noras door,
but she didnt want Lillian to see her.
Merrin squinted bleary eyes at Lillian. Now, who have we here?
He staggered toward her. Maddys nose wrinkledthe man reeked
of ale. I prefer lamb, love, but I suppose a bit of mutton wouldnt
hurt. He leered at Lillian.
Te hairs on the back of Maddys neck warned her. She stepped
back.
Come to me, darlin, Merrin slurred, reaching for Lillian.
Lillian thrust out her right hand. Merrin few back and slammed
against the wall, narrowly missing Gwendolyns door. He slid to the
4 The Salbine Sisters
foor, his mouth hanging open. Ten he clamped it shut and his eyes
cleared. You bitch! he spat, leaping to his feet. You f His eyes
bulged. He sank to his knees.
I dont like it when people are rude, Lillian murmured, her taut
hands and the veins prominent near her temples the only visible signs
that she was drawing an element.
Merrins mouth moved, but only a squeak came out. He clawed
at his throat, tears streaming down his red face.
Maddy was more interested in how Lillian was preventing air from
reaching Merrins lungs than in his discomfort. Forgetting herself,
she moved into the hall, closer to Lillian. Te duke wasnt turning
blueLillian wasnt completely starving him of air.
A voice cracked out: Lillian! Abbess Sophia and her consort,
Mistress Elizabeth, emerged from the stairwell with Barnabus and
Nora on their heels. Enough!
Annoyance fashed across Lillians face, but she relaxed and turned
away from the duke. Still on his knees, Merrin supported himself
with one hand while his other clutched his throat. He gulped in air
as if he were hyperventilating.
Mistress Elizabeth raised the lamp that had illuminated the stair-
well, casting more light on the situation. Barnabus stepped to Lil-
lians side, the glowing lamplight fickering along his polished gold
breastplate. Te clink of armour announced the imminent arrival of
more defenders. Te two newcomers stopped next to the abbess and
her consort.
I told you, Nora said to the abbess.
Yes, thank you, Sister. Abbess Sophia adjusted the position of
her spectacles and peered at Merrin.
Apparently hes mistaken us for tavern whores, Lillian said as
Merrin struggled to his feet and stood swaying. He managed to keep
his balancebarely.
Te abbess looked to the heavens and shook her head. Youre not
supposed to be here, Your Grace. Te defenders will escort you out.
He pointed at Lillian. I want her punished, he said hoarsely.
Lillians eyes widened. Me, punished? Youre the one trespassing.
Youre the one who tried to force yourself on sisters when the whores
didnt want you.
5 Sarah Ettritch
Merrin lunged at Lillian, then raised his hands and backed away,
three swords at his throat.
Get him out of here, the abbess murmured.
Te three defenders slid their swords back into their scabbards.
Two of them grasped Merrin by the arms and half led, half supported
him into the stairwell. Barnabus dropped to one knee in front of the
abbess and bowed his head. Forgive me.
Youll have my forgiveness when you fnd out how he got through
the gates, the abbess said. And how did he make it up the hill in
his state? Where are his men?
Ill fnd the answers you seek, Abbess.
And have Stephen tell him to stick to the whores next time,
Mistress Elizabeth added. All that ale must be addling his brain.
Yes, do, the abbess agreed, nodding. Te fool!
As you wish, Abbess. Barnabus rose and nodded, then marched
away.
Sister Nora, Sister Maddy, return to your chambers, the abbess
said.
Maddy bobbed a curtsey along with Nora, then winced when
Lillian turned to her in surprise. She should have ducked back inside
before Lillian noticed her.
Lillian, my study, half an hour, the abbess barked as Maddy
pushed her door shut. Did the abbess want to discuss Lillians han-
dling of Merrin, or her presence in the Initiates Tower at this hour?
Maddy leaned against the door in dismay. If the abbess ended her
lessons with Lillian, what followed them would likely end too, dash-
ing Maddys hope for more.
Merrin is a vacuous, useless, self-absorbed, lazy pig! Lillian spat.
Did you expect me to just stand there and watch him paw at the
initiates?
Sophia lifted the teapot from the silver tray and raised her eyebrows
at Lillian, who shook her head. No, I didnt expect you to just stand
there, she said, holding the teapots lid in place with one hand as she
poured tea into a fowered teacup. But he is the duke.
Everyone knows Stephen runs the county.
6 The Salbine Sisters
Well, we all wish Stephen had been born two minutes earlier.
Sophia set the teapot on the tray. She lifted the cup to her lips and
took a sip, then blew on its contents and returned it to its saucer. But
he wasnt. And as much as I loathe Merrin, we have to be careful not
to antagonize him. He comes up with enough reasons to resent us
on his own. Did you have to sufocate him?
I didnt sufocate him. I made sure he could breathe.
Barely.
Lillian folded her arms. Im not apologizing, to you or to him.
He got exactly what he deserved.
And now Ill have to soothe any hurt feelings, Sophia said, shak-
ing her head at the bother. He might insist I punish you.
And will you?
No. But only because he had no business being in the Initiates
Tower, or on monastery grounds, for that matter. I hope Barnabus
gets to the bottom of it. Sophia pointed a warning forefnger at Lil-
lian. But that doesnt mean Im not upset with you. If you need to,
um, deal with him again, show some restraintfor me.
Very well, Lillian muttered, feeling a smidgen of regret that Sophia
would have to make a grand show of smoothing Merrins wounded
ego. Better Sophia than her; there was a reason shed never coveted
Sophias position. Is that it, then? Can I go now?
Not just yet, Sophia murmured. She took another sip of her tea.
Annoyed, Lillian shifted in her chair and stifed a sigh. Would
Sophia please get on with it! She wanted to check an experiment before
early morning prayers.
Sophia set her cup down. I was just wondering when youre
planning to let everyone in on the amazing discovery youve made.
What amazing discovery? Lillian snapped, wondering exactly
what was in Sophias tea.
Why, the ability to teleport, of course, Sophia said lightly. It
didnt take long for me and Elizabeth to rouse ourselves when Nora
banged on our door. She waited for us in the hall, and a minute later,
we were on our way to the Initiates Tower. Te door to your chambers
is in full view of mine, yet Nora didnt mention anything about you
leaving your chambers. Barnabus met us when we were halfway down
the east steps, and he didnt mention seeing you either. Yet there you
7 Sarah Ettritch
were, fully robed, when we arrived. Her brow furrowed. I guess
you must have developed psychic abilities too, since you knew exactly
where Merrin was without anyone telling you.
Tis time she didnt bother to stife a sigh. If you want to ask me
something, ask! Why must you always drag everything out instead
of saying what you want to say?
If thats what you want. Who were you with, Lillian?
I dont think thats any of your afair.
It is my afair if theres going to be drama in the Initiates Tower,
Sophia said harshly. Now, there are only four chambers on that foor,
so if I have to summon four sisters here, I will. Tough I presume I
can eliminate Nora, because you wouldnt have sent her for me. So
who is it?
Lillian blew out some air and studied her fngernails. Te last
thing she wanted was Sophia questioning everyone about her bed
partners. Maddy.
Maddy?
Lillian snapped her head up. Yes, Maddy! Can I go now?
Maddy is, what, twenty-four? Sophia said, ignoring Lillians
question. And you are . . . She stared at Lillian.
Forty-one. And a half. Sophia continued to stare at her. Tree-
quarters? Sophias eyes narrowed. All right, forty-two next month.
Much to Lillians dismay, her face had grown hot. And before you tell
me Im making a fool of myself, I know she probably has a diferent
sister in her bed every night.
Would it bother you if she did?
Terribly. Shed admitted as much to herself last week, when shed
had trouble working out a potion formula because thoughts of Maddy
had continually broken her concentration. But admitting that to
Sophia . . .
Her silence answered for her. Sophias forehead creased. Oh, Lil-
lian, she said softly. Ive hoped you might fnd a reason to emerge
from that claustrophobic old laboratory of yours every once in a while,
but I thought perhaps another mistress might catch your eye. Dorothy
shares your love of alchemy.
Well, good for Dorothy.
Shes been alone since Winifred went to Salbine last year.
8 The Salbine Sisters
Sophia, Im perfectly happy on my own, all right?
You were perfectly happy. Sophia peered at Lillian through her
spectacles. Why Maddy?
Shed asked herself the same question many times. I dont know.
And you dont seem bothered that you cant explain it. Oh dear.
Whats wrong with Maddy?
Nothing. Its just that Maddys . . . not like you. She doesnt ques-
tion, she simply believes.
Are you going to forbid me from seeing her? Lillian asked, want-
ing to end a conversation that had quickly become uncomfortable.
Of course not. Youre both of age. But where do you see it going?
I hope . . . She swallowed. I hope shes not another Caroline.
Rage forced Lillian to her feet. She isnt! she shouted. Needing
to move, she crossed to a window and stood with her shaking hands
shoved into her robes pockets.
A chair scraped across stone; a moment later, Lillian felt Sophias
hand on her back. Im sorry, but I had to say it, Sophia murmured.
I dont want to see you hurt like that again.
And it had hurt, and still did. After all this time, it still hurt as if
it had happened yesterday, not almost twenty years ago.
Maddys young. Shes not much older than Caroline was when
she left.
Maddy isnt Caroline, Lillian said quietly. Perhaps she does see me
as nothing more than a bit of amusement, but shes never been cruel.
Perhaps not, but if she sees you as nothing more than a bed partner,
youll be hurt nonetheless. Because you dont see her that way, do you?
She took her time answering. No. Even though theyd never
spent time together outside Maddys bedchamberapart from the
training room, but that didnt count.
Have you told her how you feel?
No, because she was afraid Maddy might tell her she was too old
to be more than a bed warmer. As Sophia had pointed out, Maddy
was only twenty-four; shed likely grow bored with the monasterys
loner once the novelty had worn of, especially since she spent most
of her time with fresh-faced initiates. And if Lillian were to voice her
feelings to Maddy, she could no longer pretend that Maddy didnt
matter. Shed be vulnerable, and she hated being vulnerable.
9 Sarah Ettritch
You do talk, dont you? Sophia asked.
Not about . . . whatever it is were doing, she said, glad that
Sophia couldnt see her face.
Oh dear. Sophia stepped to Lillians side and slipped an arm
around her shoulders. Talk to her, Lillian. You might not like what
she says, but at least youll know.
She rested her head on Sophias shoulder. Do you think Im mak-
ing a fool of myself? she asked faintly.
Sophia squeezed her. I dont know. Only Maddy can answer
that. So talk to her.
Te prayer bell sounded. Lillian tutted. I wanted to check an
experiment.
No time now. Sophia dashed to her desk and gulped down the
remains of her tea. You can do it after prayers.
When Lillian had nothing in particular to say to Salbine, which
happened often, she took advantage of early morning prayers to plan
her day. But she knew what shed beseech Salbine for today: courage.
Maddy plunked her bowl onto the wooden table and squeezed
herself onto the bench between Nora and Rose. She stirred her por-
ridge, hardly able to hear her spoon scraping the bowl over the spirited
chatter that flled the communal dining hall.
Gwendolyn and Abigail eyed her from across the table. We got
the shock of our lives last night, Gwendolyn said over the din.
Maddy nodded. I couldnt believe it when I saw Merrin. What
on earth did he think he was doing?
Oh, well, that was shocking too, but I wasnt referring to that.
Maddy paused her spoon. Oh?
I meant Mistress Lillian coming out of your chambers, Gwen-
dolyn said, her eyes bright.
Tose around Maddy grew quiet. You spent the night with Mis-
tress Lillian? Rose said around a mouthful of porridge.
I didnt know youd taken up the study of ancient artifacts, Nora
said, prompting gales of laughter.
Maddy hunched her shoulders and quickly lifted a spoonful of
porridge to her mouth. Te sooner she fnished eating, the sooner
she could escape.
10 The Salbine Sisters
Im sure there are easier ways to pass your fre exam, Gwendolyn
said.
What are you implying? Maddy snapped, more ofended on
Lillians behalf than her own.
Dont be crude, Gwendolyn, Rose said.
All right, maybe she was with the mistress because she misses her
ma, Gwendolyn said, provoking a chorus of groans.
Tank you very much, Abigail shouted, rising from the bench. I
have a hard enough time choking down this slop every morning with-
out you saying things that make me want to bring it back up. Salbine
preserve me. She grabbed her bowl and stomped of to another table.
Gwendolyn rolled her eyes. Shes always cranky when she hasnt
had enough sleep.
Or maybe youre not as funny as you think you are, Rose said.
Maddy silently thanked her friend. She should stand up for herself
and Lillian, but Gwendolyn would only twist anything she said to
show of her so-called wit.
Gwendolyn threw Rose a dirty look. If Maddy wasnt so quiet,
we wouldnt have to speculate. So come on, Maddy, enlighten us.
Whats the attraction?
Maddy dropped her spoon into her porridge. If Gwendolyn thought
shed defend or explain herself, she could think again! Im sure you
were shocked when you realized Mistress Lillian was in my chambers,
she said, bristling. But not half as shocked as I would have been to
see anyone come out of yours.
When everyone snickered, Maddy felt ashamed to have sunk to
Gwendolyns level. Her anger shifted from Gwendolyn to herself. If
she continued to see Lillian, shed have to get used to the teasing and
the barbs, learn to brush them of.
Gwendolyn glared at her. Perhaps Im more discreet than you,
she said with a snif, then drained her mug of milk and slammed
it down on the table. And I can assure you that if you ever do see
someone come out of my chambers, shell be my age! She rose and
fung See you all at morning prayers over her shoulder as she strode
of in a huf.
With Gwendolyn gone, everyone seemed content to let the subject
drop, at least until Maddy had fnished breakfast. She was on her way
11 Sarah Ettritch
to feed the squirrels, her pockets stufed with the nuts one of the cooks
always put aside, when Rose caught up with her. She slipped her arm
through Maddys as they neared a copse popular with the squirrels
in the monasterys western grounds. Now that were alone, tell me
everything! she squealed. How did you end up with Mistress Lillian?
Maddy had entered the monastery a month after Rose, and theyd
become fast friends. Tey usually told each other everything. Rose
wouldnt give her any peace if she refused to divulge details. It started
during my second fre lesson, she said as she dug a handful of nuts
from her pocket and scattered them on the ground. Trying to coax
that one shy squirrel to take a nut from her hand would have to wait;
even the brave ones were still in the trees, suspicious of the stranger.
You mean last night wasnt the frst time? Rose exclaimed, elbow-
ing Maddy in the ribs. Why havent you said anything?
Because I wasnt sure if Lilthe mistress wanted anyone to know.
Teyd always managed to make it to her chambers without running
into anyone on her foor. And since Lillian attended early morning
prayers, she was always gone by the time Maddy and the other initi-
ates woke. Maddy had wondered what Lillian would do if she wasnt
expected at the chapel, if she would still slip out early, regardless.
So what happened at your second lesson?
Shed literally fallen into Lillians arms. I drew fre for the frst
time.
Right, I remember you telling me. I didnt want to say anything
at the time, but I was surprised that you waited until your second
lesson. I did it during my frst lesson, and so did Abigail and Grace.
Perhaps she would have done the same, if Lillian hadnt been her
tutor. As a rule, Lillian didnt accept students. Horror had rippled
through the assembled initiates when Mistress Ivy announced that
because Mistress Clarissa was away tending to her ailing ma, Mis-
tress Lillian had agreed to teach one student about the basics of
drawing fre. Te same thought had run through everyones mind:
please, dont let it be me! To the initiates, Lillian was an intimidat-
ing fgure, a powerful mage who cared little for people and was
easily annoyed. She spent most of her time preparing poisons in a
secret laboratoryat least that was the rumour. Aloof, impatient,
12 The Salbine Sisters
unforgiving, and in possession of a supply of poisonswhod want
someone like that for a tutor?
Maddy couldnt have been more dismayed when Mistress Ivy
announced that Lillian would be her tutor. Everyone patted her
arm in sympathy, relief in their eyes. By the time she arrived at the
training room for her frst lesson at the unusual time of eight in the
eveningwhen Lillian could ft her inshe was terrifed of making
a mistake or of failing to quickly grasp a concept, sure that Lillian
would eagerly pounce on her. Nothing could have been further from
the truth. If anything, Lillian was bored, valiantly trying to appear
engaged while wishing she were somewhere else. Still, Maddy was
too nervous to draw fre during that frst lesson. When shed tried
and failed, Lillian hadnt pushed her. Next lesson, shed said as
shed dashed of to wherever shed rather have been for the past hour.
Well, I didnt try until my second lesson, she said to Rose, not
wanting to admit to her failures, and the mistress warned me not to
draw too quickly or I might feel nauseous or light-headed.
Rose nodded. I swayed a little.
Maddy snorted as she pulled Rose away from the trees and up the
path that led to the inner courtyard. Shed visit her other spots later;
she preferred to be alone when she fed her furry friends. I did more
than sway. Fortunately Lillian had been prepared. I almost fainted,
and would have ended up on the foor if the mistress hadnt caught me.
Did she get angry? Rose asked, her eyes wide.
No. I grabbed onto her to steady myself. Lillians rough robe had
scratched her hands. And I looked up at her, and she looked at me,
and I dont know why, but . . . I kissed her. Or she kissed me. Or we
kissed each other. I dont know, we just kissed.
Mistress Lillian!
Yes. And they hadnt stopped at one kiss. Te lesson, the training
room, everything had faded away as theyd melted into each other.
Teyd briefy come to their senses when theyd started to unbutton
their robes and remembered where they were. We ended up in my
bedchamber, and thats where weve ended up after every lesson since.
Mistress Lillian?
Will you stop saying that, please?
Sorry, Rose murmured. Youve certainly kept it quiet.
13 Sarah Ettritch
As I said, I wasnt sure what the mistress wanted.
You, obviously. Rose grinned, then yelped when Maddy play-
fully slapped her arm. Tough are you sure youre not part of some
experiment?
She hoped not.
I didnt think Mistress Lillian had, Rose lowered her voice, those
sorts of needs.
Maddy could personally vouch that she did.
But she does like to do experiments, or so Ive heard, Rose added.
Maybe she does. Shed heard the same, and wished she could hear
it from Lillian herself. But Im not part of an experiment.
Rose grunted, looking unconvinced. What do you think will
happen, now that everyone knows?
I dont know. She paused. I hope shell still see me.
Rose stopped and faced her. You like her! As more than a friend,
I mean.
Maddy nodded. But I dont know how she feels. She bit her lip.
Do you think Im foolish?
No. You cant control who you like in that way.
Oh, so if I could control it, then youd think Im foolish, Maddy
said ruefully.
I didnt say that, Rose said with a laugh, slipping her arm through
Maddys again. I just hope the mistress likes you in the same way
you like her.
She fervently hoped so, too. Her next lesson should be interest-
ingthough it could turn out to be disappointing and humiliating
if Lillian made it clear that shed return to her own chambers when
it fnished.
Rose frowned. Well be a bit early if we go to the chapel now.
Lets go to my chambers so I can empty my pockets.
Tell me about what happened with Merrin, Rose said as they
wandered toward the Initiates Tower. I wish Id been there.
Somehow he got past the defenders at the
Maddy, look!
She followed Roses gaze, and her breath caught in her throat.
Lillian stood near the Initiates Towers main entrance. When they
approached her, she crooked a fnger. Sister Maddy, a word, please.
14 The Salbine Sisters
Ill see you at chapel. Rose let go of Maddys arm and bobbed a
curtsey to Lillian. Mistress.
Yes, run along, Sisterum . . . Lillian screwed up her face. Rose!
Yes, Sister Rose.
With an amused smirk, Rose strolled away.
I didnt mean to interrupt, Lillian said as soon as Rose was out of
earshot. I should have waited until your next lesson. We can talk then.
You didnt interrupt anything, Maddy said quickly. Waiting
until her lesson would be excruciating. We were just on our way to
my chambers, so I can empty my pockets before morning prayers.
Lillian looked down at Maddys bulging pockets. Oh.
What would you like to talk to me about? Maddy asked, hoping
Lillian wouldnt rush of.
Talk ... Yes, talk. Lillian scratched her head. Lets go in. I dont
want to be interrupted. Without waiting for a reply, she pushed open
the door and disappeared inside.
Maddy followed, in time to see Lillian knock on one of the frst
foor study room doors and open it a crack. She closed it and moved
on to the next one. In here, she said, waving Maddy inside. She
shut the door behind Maddy. Tey remained standing, ignoring the
four chairs around a square table. Lillian stared at Maddy and gulped.
Was the abbess upset about Merrin? Maddy asked, then kicked
herself. She wasnt supposed to know about Lillian seeing the abbess.
No, Lillian said. Well, not really.
Good.
She wanted to know who I was with last night.
Maddys heart sank. Oh.
Talking to the abbess helped clarify things for me. About you.
No wonder Lillian seemed nervous. Telling someone youd no
longer share her bed was never easy, regardless of how much or little
you cared for her. Maddy braced herself.
I realized . . . Lillian swallowed. I realized that Id like to know
more about you, more than how well you draw fre and . . . and how
you like to be touched. Id like to spend time with you outside your
bedchamber. She crossed her arms against her chest and gripped her
robe. But thats probably not what you want. And thats all right. I
understand. She turned to the door. I wont keep you.
15 Sarah Ettritch
Wait! Please dont go, Lillian. I want the same thing you do,
Maddy blurted, elated.
Lillian became very still. You do?
Yes, very much. Ive wanted to ask to see you, but I didnt know
if thats what you want. She longed to touch Lillian, but Lillians
posture dissuaded her.
It is, Lillian said, turning to Maddy and slowly lowering her arms.
Tey stared at each other. Would you like to meet tonight, after
evening prayers? Maddy asked, sensing that Lillians nerve had run
its course. Shed already learned that a shy woman hid beneath the
bluster.
Yes, I would. Lillians face fell. Oh, but I have to go to my labo-
ratory, to prepare something for Mistress Meredith. Id do it earlier,
but Im helping Tomas all day. It has to be tonight. She needs it.
So the laboratory did exist. But what would Mistress Meredith
want with poison? Would you like company?
Lillian hesitated, then nodded.
Where is it?
What?
Your laboratory.
Oh. Why dont you meet me outside the chapel after the service?
All right.
Lillian cleared her throat. Well, then. She looked down at Mad-
dys pockets. Whats in your pockets?
Nuts.
Nuts? Lillians brow furrowed. All for you?
Te morning prayer bell sounded. Maddy couldnt resist the urge
to touch Lillian any longer. She took Lillians hand and rubbed her
thumb along the red markings on its back, markings that matched
those on her own hands. Warmth fooded through her when she felt
Lillians fngers curl around hers. No, not for me. Ill tell you later.
Lillian nodded and squeezed Maddys hand. Later, then. She
turned to leave the room, but not before Maddy caught her smile.
Here Endeth the Excerpt
Te Salbine Sisters is available at online bookstores, including
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