Moondance of Stonewylde Read Online Free PDF Page B

Maizie tended their produce well. He thought of how much happier her life would be now, free from Alwyn and his cruel domination of the family. He wasn’t the only one who’d benefit from Mother Heggy’s magic.
    Yul stooped and picked a few luscious strawberries, savouring the explosion of sweetness in his mouth. He thought instantly of Sylvie and felt the familiar tugging at his heart. She’d probably be in the Village along with everyone else at Stonewylde. Every cell in his body longed to go there right now and find her; to take her in his arms and smell her, feel her silky hair and smooth skin, drink her beauty with his eyes. And more than anything else in the world, he wanted to kiss her again. He’d been in a fever for her since their first kiss only two nights ago under the yew tree. But the Village was crawling with Hallfolk and Magus was everywhere. Yul couldn’t risk angering him at any cost.
    He stormed out of the garden and down the lane, tears welling up again in a hot, angry flow. He loved Sylvie but how would they ever find a chance to be together? Now he must work every day at the Hall, he wouldn’t even get a glimpse of her during the holiday that everyone else was enjoying. How could Magus do this? Hadn’t he suffered enough?
    Darkness had fallen and Yul skirted the Village and headed down to the river. He sat on the grassy bank watching the sparkling water as it flowed to the sea. He should’ve expected this. Had he really believed he’d get away with leaving the quarry? Or climbing onto the Altar Stone and taking the Earth Magic from Magus? He tried to swallow his disappointment at how the Midsummer Holiday was turning out, but his throat ached with tears and bitterness.
    The willows whispered all around him, offering their sympathy and comfort. The waxing moon shone brightly again, fuller than last night. Everything gleamed in the moonlight. Fish came up to the surface by the silver reeds of the river bank, their mouths circles as they gulped at the gnats just above the water. There was a movement upstream. Yul saw the glossy head of an otter, its blunt skull clear against the water as it headed in a V-shaped ripple towards the fish. It dived smoothly, long body sinuous and slick in the moonlit water, and disappeared. Yul stood up and gazed at the stars, the noise and merriment from the Village seeming very distant. He felt, as ever, alone and on the outside. The only one who’d broken through his isolation to touch his soul was forbidden to him. Alwyn might have fallen, but happiness seemed no closer.
    A week later, the holiday now over, Miranda had just finished teaching her class when Magus walked into the schoolroom.
    ‘Are you free for a while?’
    ‘Yes!’ Miranda said breathlessly, standing up from her desk. He smiled and led her out through the French windows onto the stone terrace. They stood looking over the lawns, watching swallows soar and swoop in the blue skies. She leant against him and he put an arm around her, holding her close. She closed her eyes in bliss, unaware that Magus was surreptitiously looking at his watch on the other wrist. A group of blond children ran onto the lawn breaking the silence.
    ‘Let’s go into the formal garden,’ he suggested. ‘We can be more private there.’
    She nodded eagerly, and as they strolled along the raked gravel paths, Magus took her hand.
    ‘Did you enjoy the Midsummer Holiday?’
    ‘Oh yes, it was lovely.’
    ‘And still no sign of your period?’
    She looked up at him quickly.
    ‘No. I’m never usually late. I really think I am pregnant.’
    ‘That’s wonderful, Miranda. Hazel can do a test, if you like.’
    ‘Yes, I’d like to know for sure. I’m a little worried, and …’
    He stopped and turned her to face him, tilting her chin so she had no choice but to look straight into his dark eyes as he held her shoulders.
    ‘Why? Do you think I won’t take care of you? You know how it is at Stonewylde, Miranda. Babies are