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I had trusted him. When the service changed again, when the altar

stood where they had taken it down, I told him I could kneel with

my neighbours but could not believe what the priest required. I do

not believe the bread becomes our Lord’s flesh because a man

says the words over it. Nicholas bade me keep that thought to

myself. I thought he meant to keep me safe.

“Who have you told?” I asked.

He went to the door.

“Nicholas!”

His hand remained upon the latch. “Master Hewet will be here

tomorrow. You will speak civilly to him.”

“Who is he?”

“A man who can advise you.”

“You brought a stranger to advise your wife without telling her?”

“I have told you now.”

I put my hands upon the table because I could not keep them still.

The candle shook in its socket.

“Send him away.”

“Then give me your word. No more of this work. No more talk

against the Church. Let me tell him you are an obedient wife who

spoke in anger.”

“I was not angry when I told you what I believed. You had your

arm about me.”

He opened the door. The draught bent the flame, and the hall

beyond him smelled of the supper I had not eaten.

“You may lose more than a key,” he said.

I called his name once more. He left me.

I write this with the chest still shut. I know the man I married. I

have lain awake beside him while he spoke of what he meant to do

with this house. I have loved him when he was merry and when he