"Do you know how to read, Missus Hopmead?" Taite looked up from the half-furled parchment sitting beside her bowl of pottage.
"Aye, a bit, miss. What've you got there?" The portly woman wiped her flour-dusted hands on her apron and stepped up to the table.
The raven-haired young woman offered the letter while her mouth worked on a fresh spoonful of stew.
"Oi, it's from the doctor. You want me to read it out to you?" asked the cook.
"Mmm," mumbled Taite, nodding and smiling around her mouthful.
Missus Hopmead straightened her shoulders and cleared her throat, quite proud that she was able to perform this task. She began to slowly read out the words:
To Miss Rushwood,
Greetings
I've prepared some white willow bark and ginger tea. This should help with the aches. Drink 4 times a day; Morning, noon, afternoon and evening before you go to bed.
I've added some lavender oil that you can rub on your leg to further help with the pain.
Elias W. Dimheim
A warm smile blossomed over the younger woman's face, making her moss-colored eyes sparkle in the firelight. "How nice! He's such a thoughtful man. Thank you, Missus Hopmead."
The cook was still squinting at the parchment. "Lavender oil! Bless me, that sounds rather fancy, doesn't it? I wager you'll smell better than all the ladies in the village put together!" She laughed merrily and gently set the letter down again.
Taite clapped a hand over her lips to stifle her own chuckling. "Missus Hopmead!"
"You need anything else, child?"
"Not at all," replied Taite, offering a sweet smile up to the cook. "Dinner's delicious, and I'll let you get back to your work. Thanks again!"
She carefully refolded the letter and slipped into the pocket of her skirt, giving it a little pat once it was secure.
