While I find the amulet on my own, the rest is pointed out by Nicolas, who acts as tour guide. That might be his considerate side, easing a difficult journey, but I think it is also his nature, like mine, our own curiosity thrilled to find one who shares it. I am the eager pupil, asking endless questions, which he happily answers.

We’ve been crawling for a half hour when he finally twists around to face me.

“We are approaching the home of a friend, whom I must tell of the goods we hid so he may retrieve them. It is his family’s home. I am never entirely comfortable with that. It is one thing for a man and his wife to choose to shelter me, but another for his children to be expected to do the same. Yet if I were to ask that they not be involved, he would be insulted, as if I were saying his children cannot be trusted.”

“I understand.”

He nods. “I wanted to be clear so I do not seem cavalier.”

“I could not imagine such a thing, but yes, thank you for explaining.”

“I would also like to ask you to remain here, so that I may speak to them and say I have a friend and allow them to decide whether they are comfortable hosting you as well.”

“Of course.”

“If they choose not, I will return with food, and we will depart as soon as we have eaten. Is there anything else you require?”

“I would say a hot bath, but I will settle for a dip in the ocean when it is possible.”

He smiles. “I will ensure it is possible soon, as I am in need of the same. One last question. Is it all right if I tell them you are a woman, or would you prefer to remain a man?”

“If I were a young woman, would that affect how they view me, being alone with you?”

“It is the country, crécerelle. There are none of those silly city rules here, at least not among people like this. I shall tell them you are a young woman related to Lord Thorne, and that will explain everything. They would not expect the usual behavior from you then.”

“Good. Then that shall be my story.”

Nicolas’s compatriots invite me into their home. They work the sea, with a small fishing boat, and I am reminded again of how fortunate I have been in my birth and my life. Oh, I do not lack for reminders. I receive them whenever I accompany Portia on her medical rounds, visiting the homes of those who do not care whether their “doctor” is a man or a woman, with a school degree or the equivalent informal studies. Yet poverty is not something I will ever inure myself to, nor should I want to. I visit those homes, and the next time I am tempted by a gorgeous pen or a rare book of history, I do not stop myself from buying it, but I find a charitable use for the equivalent of my indulgence.