It was peculiar how clearly the events of that long ago evening filled Lydia’s mind. Details that she had forgotten rose to the surface. She saw Cyril’s face in all its clarity. She saw Lord Geoffrey Paston, and she could not help but see the likeness he shared with Antone. Why had she not remembered any of this this before?

James looked into Cyril’s pleading eyes and said, “Tell me what happened Cyril.”

Before he began Cyril took in a deep breath. With eyes fixed on James, he stuttered, “T-that old hog that were always gettin’ loose had gone a missin’. I saw her tracks in the dirt and followed her a long while. I made it to that lonely oak. Beneath it were Lord George and Lord Geoffrey. Lord George were sittin’ on his horse, Star. Too late I saw the rope around his neck. Lord Geoffrey slapped the horse and off he bounded leavin’ Lord George swingin’. Lord Geoffrey told me to come along, and I did. Crossin’ through the field we spied a lad. I think he seen the whole thing the way he took off. Lord Geoffrey wanted me to catch him, but I dunna. No more blood on me Lord’s hands is what I thought. So I held back.”

James glanced at Lydia. He told Father Thomas, “I believe him.”

In a broken voice Cyril said, “Thank you James.”

Jame said, "You are welcome. Plus, we have a witness." He wanted Lydia to speak.

She said, "I am that lad. Though I did not see him arrive at the scene. He did nothing when the man was killed. It was all the nobleman's doing. After they saw me, they took chase. I know this man could have caught me. He is swift, I saw him run on another day in the woods. I thought he looked familiar and then I remembered seeing his face in the dating daylight. I have a question thought, why did the man on the horse not fight his execution?"

Sudden sobs broke from Cyril. It took him a couple moments to regain his composure. "He were havin' one of his spells and he were drunk. Not dead drunk, but drunk enough to sit a horse without knowin' why."

Father Thomas laid his hand upon Cyril's shoulder. "You have known much torment. It is time for you to seek your peace and God's mercy." Father Thomas turned to Lydia and James. He said, “Thank you for your witness and your testimony. I will take care of him from here. Come Cyril.” With a gentle hand, Father Thomas guided Cyril out of the cathedral.

As soon as the doors closed, Brother Matthew said, “Imagine, God providing a witness! You Luke all this time you knew a secret you did not share. Tight lips you have. Glad you spoke when you did. Cyril would not hurt a fly. Every time he has to butcher a pig, he weeps." he shook his head. "This is an unexpected ending to our Pilgrimage.

Lydia sputtered, “W-what?”

James gave Brother Matthew a warning look before he said, “We will go to Domina Simeon’s. I am in need of her counsel. She is a wise woman.”

Confused Lydia followed them outside. How could the pilgrimage be over? They were not in Rome!

The instant they were all aboard the cart, Moses Aaron bolted. He took them down a street, through a gate, whizzed passed a huge house made of gray stone, and headed straight for the stables. James shook his head. “I cannot believe you remember this place too, you old mule.”

Brother Matthew asked, "James, how often do you actually drive that creature?"

"Honestly I do not know."

A stable boy took Moses Aaron's reins and they climbed down.

The yard behind the house was large. It smelled of spring. New grass grew. Flowers that Lydia had never seen before were beginning to bloom. The air here was not cold and damp like home. Not a single gull flew overhead and yet she had the strangest feeling of homecoming. This was proving to be a most peculiar morning.

James went to the back door and knocked. A middle aged woman, opened the door, saw James and gave him a big hug. “Ah, James it has been long since we have had the joy of your company. I see you brought friends.”

"Oui, Celeste, this is Antone, my nephew, Brother Matthew and Luke."

Celeste smiled on the group. “Nice to make your acquaintance. Come in, come in." They entered a small room with shelves that touched the ceiling. A boy servant stood dressed in full uniform. He nodded at them as they entered. Celeste asked, "Are you in need of lodging?"

“Perhaps," said James. “I need to speak to Domina Simeon.”

She nodded at the boy servant and said, "Fetch Pierre.” The boy headed down the hall. Celeste ushered them into a large kitchen. A pot of gruel bubbled over the fire. Two boys dressed in fine clothes sat at the table. These were not servant’s children. Celeste introduced them, “Na Simeon’s grandnephews, Paul and Gerard.” They looked to be around eight and twelve.

Paul, the younger one said, "Fine morning to you." He grinned.

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Gerard sat very straight in his chair. He did not speak at all. In fact, he gave them a rather cold nod.

An old man popped into the kitchen. He had the most exquisite blue eyes Lydia had ever seen. The instant he saw James his face broke into a smile. “Ah James,” he said, “Na Simeon will be delighted to see you.” James followed him through the door.

Celeste asked, “Hungry?”

Lydia was not. In unison, Antone and Brother Matthew said, “Oui Madame.”

“Take a seat then.” They sat down across from the boys. The younger boy, Paul noted their pilgrims’ robes. He asked, “Are you bound for Rome for the Year of Jubilee? We want to go but Great-aunt will not take us.”

For once Brother Matthew held his tongue. Antone told him, “Your Great-aunt is a wise woman. The roads are lined with bandits and pestilence lurks wherever crowds circulate. It is best to avoid sin at home and live rather than travel far and die in search of absolution.”

“Aw, you sound just like Great-aunt.”

Celeste scolded, “Monsieur Paul, mind your manners.”

A servant girl entered the kitchen. Lydia glanced at Antone. If he found her pretty, he did not give any indication.

Gerard on the other hand was all eyes. His face became flushed. His entire being was focused on the girl.

She said, “Na Simeon would like some refreshment for her guest.”

The tray the Celeste prepared for James had a choice piece of ham and some rolls with cheese. Celeste handed the tray over to the servant girl. Gerard watched her leave the kitchen. Seemingly unaware of anyone, he said, “I am going to marry her.”

Celeste laughed. “Like your papa would let you marry a servant, Monsieur Gerard!”

Paul added, “Besides you are betrothed to cousin Marie.”

Gerard glared at his brother and growled, “If I run away you will have to marry cousin Marie.”

Placing his hand over his heart, Paul vowed, “I will promise myself to God first.”

"That is enough," said Celeste. She plunked a tray with five bowls onto the table. Steam rose from the gruel. It was wrong to waste food and Lydia did her best to eat. Antone and Brother Matthew each had two bowls full.

The kitchen door opened and Pierre came inside. He said, “Na Simeon would like to see the one called Luke.”

Nervously, Lydia rose. She had a knot in the pit of her stomach. Something was about to happen, something she might not like. She followed Pierre through the hall to double doors that opened into a room of vivid blue. Seated at its center was an old woman dressed to perfection in black. She held out her hand and said, “Come here child.” Lydia went to her. “Lean closer.” Lydia did. She squinted at her and said, “Oui there is a resemblance to that rascal Thomas Wade. If she has his talent with wax, I am sure Madame Beauxchampe would profit from her employment.” Na Simeon leaned back in her chair and asked Lydia, “Are you a worthy chandler?”

Confused, Lydia stood straight up and responded, “Oui I am." What was happening?

“James, I will send Madame Beauxchampe word. And now, you my child, you will stop this farce. My maid, Collette will take you upstairs to dress you in your true nature.”

Horrified, Lydia turned to James. What! Her true nature. Her true nature? She looked at James.

He said, “I am afraid Brother Matthew was right this pilgrimage is over,” he said. “Lord George is not in need of absolution.”

“Why not?”

A tautness came to James face, His voice was strained as he said, “He did not commit the sin we thought he did.”

Before she could stop the question it popped out of her mouth, "What sin did he commit?"

Her question was met with silence. From past experience Lydia knew, James would not tell her a word more. She turned to Na Simeon.

The older woman gave her a sympathetic smile. "My cousin had hope that Pope Boniface could be forgive any sin, even the sin of Judas. I am sure that by now she is assured of his forgiveness due to the declaration of this year of Jubilee. Only, he is not the son who needs forgiveness."

For a moment, Lydia stared at Na Simeon blankly. The sin of Judas? All at once she understood. Dame Paston had thought Lord George had committed the sin of Judas. They thought he had hung himself. For Brother Matthew to have agreed to this pilgrimage, he must have believed Pope Boniface would and could secure forgiveness for the sin of suicide. What of James and Na Simeon? Did they believe? She could not ask. In truth, she was not even sure what she believed herself. Still, she had always pitied Judas, and she hoped for those who had done as he had done that God did forgive. She asked, "What is to become of me?"

Na Simeon said, "Show me your candles, Lydia."

From her bag, Lydia pulled her candle box. She opened it and unwrapped the candles.

Na Simeon took the box from her and studied the contents. "Thomas, always knew how to pack candles. They have suffered only a bit of travel damage. I think they will impress Madame Beauxchampe. If she approves, you may become an apprentice in her candle shop."

These words were unbelievable. Lydia's mouth dropped open. Was it possible that God had indeed heard her prayer.

Na Simeon said, "Do not gape dear. It is unladylike. This is not a certainty. It is a possibility and a good one. Now we need to get you cleaned up."

In dazed wonder Lydia looked down at her dirty robe. She had never been so filthy in her entire life. What would it be like to wear a dress and women's shoes again? What would it be like to make candles again? Heaven, it would be heaven.