He blinked and shook his head, certain that he was mistaken. Perhaps the cream was so thick it covered the burn because such a concoction couldn’t possibly take away such a severe burn so quickly.
Yet, by the time Madam Boswell sat back and wiped the cream from the arm, Miranda’s wrist was without blemish.
“Bring me a blanket,” the gypsy instructed and pointed to the coverlet by the fire.
Wesley grabbed it and then gently draped it across Miranda. Her lips were no longer blue, but not much color had returned to her cheeks and Wesley feared that she may still die.
“She will rest for some time as she should. Miranda has had quite a shock and her body needs to recover.”
“The burn…” Wesley started, still trying to comprehend everything that had happened.
“Is healed. I’ll heal you now.” The old woman pulled herself up.
“Me?” But as he said the words, Wesley became acutely aware of searing pain on his palms, knuckles and chest. He glanced down to find his clothing in ruins, the white linen shirt full of singed holes and one nearly the size of a handprint. Barnaby had pushed him back several times, but Wesley hadn’t recalled being burned.
“You’ve questions, Lord Epworth. I’ll explain while I treat your injuries.
As much as he didn’t wish to leave Miranda’s side, Wesley did follow the gypsy and removed his jacket, waistcoat and shirt.
“Was that man Captain Vail?”
Madam Boswell chuckled and then went about telling him of the three witches, how Captain Vail had gone to them because Miranda would not stay off Keyvnor land and knew what would happen. They came here to enchant a cream and then rushed to Miranda’s side. Further, she confirmed that the birds had transformed into women and he hadn’t imagined that either.
It was all too much to accept.
None of this was logical in the least.
Had he been in Bocka Morrow too long that he’d succumbed to the madness?
Wesley glanced down at the burn on his chest, which no longer stung and was healing beneath the magical cream.
Or, had he simply been too blind to what Miranda had been trying to tell him all along?
Chapter 17
Miranda blinked open her eyes and stared at the ceiling. How had she gotten to her attic chamber? How had she survived Barnaby?
She lifted her arm, surprised that there was no pain and expecting to see bandages. But it was unmarred.
Had she imagined or dreamt the entire incident. Was she slipping into madness like Epworth claimed?
“Thank God you’ve awakened.”
She turned her head to find Epworth on the other side of her bed, seated in a chair. He leaned forward and took her hand in his.
“It’s been over a day and I feared you might never wake up.”
He then shifted his eyes to something over her. “Please inform Grandmother so that she can tell the others.”
“Of course.”
Miranda turned her head and caught a glimpse of Uncle Jonathan right before he vanished.
This was all very confusing and she turned back to Epworth.
“What happened? Did you just speak to—”
“—Captain Vail? Yes, I did.” He laughed.
Miranda then listened in wonderment as Epworth described Sacha, Rowena and Gretchen, the three witches who had vanquished Barnaby, Uncle Jonathan, and the enchanted lotion that had healed their burns.
“Though you will suffer no scars, I am not so lucky.” The corner of his mouth twitched in humor. “Madam Boswell claimed it should serve as a reminder not to be so foolish in the future and to keep my mind open to possibilities.” Then he leaned in. “And, never to doubt you again.”
She didn’t know what to think. Epworth had just described a series of events that he would have claimed not even a week ago to be illogical. “You believe me now?”
All humor left his eyes. “Yes, Miranda. I do. How can I not, having witnessed everything with my own eyes.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back. “Can you ever forgive me for being so blind? Can you forgive me for not trusting you? Can you forgive me for being so blasted logical?”
She couldn’t help but smile at his last statement.
“I was a fool and if you give me the opportunity, I will spend the rest of my days making it up to you, if you will have me.”
She blinked. “Have you?”
“Miranda, I love you. I have loved you for years. I held my tongue because I feared you’d never return my affection and your friendship meant more to me than losing you completely. I can