accomplished in so short a time is a miracle blessed by God. The whole town supports you.â
At being called a miracle, Murdoch shot Lissandra a glance that should have sizzled, but she ignored the warning. âMy husbandââshe sought some explanation for Murdochâs behaviorââseems not himself. Was there some accident in which he was hurt?â
Père Antoineâs eyes widened. âHe was shot from behind while saving his friends from thieves. He healed so well. . . .â
Shot! Someone had almost killed a potential Oracle? Lissandra glanced in horror at the half-hidden man, but he offered only an angled eyebrow, daring her to comment. Aelynners healed quickly, and Murdoch faster than most, since he possessed Healing abilities of his own. She shook her head free of fretting thoughts to concentrate on getting what she wanted.
She touched the priestâs arm earnestly, willing him to believe her. âI donât think itâs wise for my husband to travel until he recovers fully.â
The priest relaxed. She felt sorry for the man. The villagersâ homes and livelihoods had been ruined, and only Murdoch had come to their aid. The priest protected his people as fiercely as she guarded hers.
âYour . . . husband . . . has gifts that we need,â the priest murmured, âgifts from God. I do not understand how he does it, but in only a few days, he has restored the church. And in the absence of our menfolk, he has begun replanting the wheat fields all on his own. He is a miracle worker.â
âHe has studied under great men from around the world,â Lissandra assured him.
Murdoch coughed to cover a snigger. She knew him that well, even after all these years. At least he wasnât raging and throwing a tantrum at the lies she was telling. She would no doubt pay for them later. If human behavior was the same here as at home, heâd be scorned by all if he did not eventually leave with his âwife.â
âAh,â the priest said. âThat explains much.â He looked at Murdoch sharply. âPerhaps we will not say this too loudly for a while yet. These are simple people who need a miracle to believe in. If you are to stay for any length of time, you will need to behave more circumspectly.â
âI will attempt to refrain from heaving scoundrels into trees,â Murdoch said with insouciance, daring the priest to believe the impossible. âBut I would house my lady wife safely.â
Lissandra suspected she was about to regret her impulsive decision to become his âwife.â
âOf course,â the priest agreed, pulling on his bottom lip in thought.
âThe woodcutterâs cottage will suffice,â Murdoch continued as if heâd not been interrupted. âIt is some distance from town, so I cannot get into too much trouble.â
âBut the fields . . .â The priest looked up anxiously.
âHe is injured,â Lissandra reminded him. âIt is far better if he imparts his wisdom to your people rather than do it all himself.â
âFair enough. We will provide the cottage and what food we can in return for his lessons. Knowledge can be passed on, and we will be richer for it.â
âWise man, Père Antoine, not to argue with the lady. We wouldnât wish her to lose her temper.â With a smirk, Murdoch straightened from the wall heâd been leaning against. âIt might be best if the committee does not know where we are. Iâll come to town instead.â
âPerhaps that is best,â the priest agreed. âBut if you need anything . . .â The priest made the sign of the cross. âIn this time of trouble, you have been our savior. Go with God.â
He blended into the shadows in the direction of the chapel, leaving them alone, together.
Five
Murdoch grabbed his wifeâs elbow, and dragged Lis toward the stable. She resisted. He tugged. She practically
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