I found my name in the morning paper.
The article called me "the solstice attendant" and described the ancient remedy being used to restore Julian Vale. It said the household had hired a young woman of exceptional purity to provide warmth at his bedside. It did not mention Dr. Hales, my refusal, or the fact that I had never been alone with Julian without another person's knowledge.
The words made me sound like a charm somebody had bought.
Mrs. Pell read the article over breakfast. "People will ask you questions."
"Then I'll tell them the truth."
"You'll tell them nothing."
"Why?"
"Because Lady Vale says so."
I folded the paper. "The article is already telling them something."
Lady Vale summoned me before noon. I expected to be dismissed. Instead, she asked me to stand beside the w
