Chapter 10
Westlecot Manor, Oxforshire, May 1677
Jem
I counted myself lucky I could remain at home throughout the autumn and winter, only leaving for London for a brief spell this spring. After two stifling months loitering pointlessly at court, I was eager to return to Oxfordshire and some clean country air. Luke’s smiling face was all the homecoming I needed. He was so glad to see me and not only for the pile of books I had for him, with a few volumes added by Mrs. Knowles, now his firm friend, who even tolerates me in small doses.
I am heartily relieved to leave the endless parade of court life behind me, only doing my duty in short bursts when required by Pa. Luke, in his innocence, avowed he thought me an influential figure, which made me laugh out loud. He didn’t believe me wh
