‘You must be vigilant.’ The voice rose. ‘Observe your womenfolk for wantonness above their usual failing, watch for the meeting of covens without a man to give spiritual strength. You must keep an attentive eye for secret knowledge of herb-use, the mark of the Devil upon the skin, for these are the signs of wickedness.’

Daniel walked faster. The words moved like a poisoned vapour, slowly intoxicating the crowd, until it had them shuffling and shouting. He thought of Sarah’s mother and her herb remedies, the whispers he had heard of worse, and had no doubt he was not the only one. Some courageous female voices dissented.

‘I warn you now,’ the magistrate shouted above the rabble, ‘these women are among you, breeding like maggots. And they wish harm upon you in every way.’

He saw her head turn. Looking for him, and he not yet with her. Behind her now, an arm’s reach away.

‘I question why,’ the magistrate bellowed, ‘I do not see witch jars outside your houses, I do not see lights in windows at night and witch marks on your walls. I question if you are not warding off this evil, then who amongst you invite it in? My studies into the papist abomination you hold in the breast of this village are almost complete. Those guilty will stand before God and my judgement, and for the sake of your souls, no mercy shall be shown. Now is your chance to show your innocence, come to me with what you know, or stand tainted with those that sin.’

Daniel pressed through, reached out his hand, fingers grazing her shoulder. She turned to him abruptly, eyes dark with fear and fury.

Bett leaned back. ‘Get her away,’ she said softly. He saw her squeeze Sarah’s hand, then release it.

There was scuffling in the corner where Phyllis’s family sat, then the anguished crying out of a woman and a male roar of pain.

Daniel took Sarah’s hand, caring not for the eyes around them, and led her quickly towards the door.

The crowd swelled and surged as Phyllis’s father lunged forward, and those nearby held him back.

‘My daughter was not wanton. And no witch,’ he yelled. ‘Hear me?’

Daniel and Sarah recoiled to avoid his flailing fists and wild eyes. The open door just a few steps away.

Phyllis’s father pushed through the crowd. ‘She was an innocent that fell prey to—’

Daniel did not wait to hear more. He dragged Sarah through to the cool night air, passing the parson as he slumped against the wall by the door, head dropped.

‘I have to get to Mam,’ Sarah said, as soon as they were safely outside.

‘I know.’

They made their way back to the house, loitering in the shadows and speaking in whispers.