Her Wicked Sin by Sarah Ballance

far before halting. Turning, he said, “There is a man, though not as you describe. He seeks Lydia.”
    The tone made Henry’s neck prickle. “He has not found her? As you say, there are not many people and as the physician she is one known by most.”
    “Verily,” Andrew said. “The nature is suspect, but he must mean no harm. She has been alone for some time. If the stranger’s intentions are foul, surely he would have acted upon them by now.”
    Privately, Henry wasn’t so sure. “How does he appear?”
    “Common dress. Not of means, as are you.”
    The observation gave Henry pause. “You find in me evidence of wealth?”
    “It is no insult, Sir, as you have not boasted. But we are simple and afford little, so your appearance speaks much. The dyes of your clothing are rich and deep, and your horse is the finest Salem has ever seen. Considering the Goodwife’s apparently limited resources, your evident means have many taken aback. News has spread quickly.”
    Henry measured his words. “As you say, Good Puritan, we are simple. Lydia prefers modesty of appearance—especially as an unprotected woman, but firstly of her faith.” Though Henry was forced by circumstance to invent Lydia’s cause, he had no doubt the words would ring true to all who knew her. He had seen enough women seeking his riches to know she was not one of greed. Furthermore, she had not at all expressed interest in the weight of his coin.
    “She has been a good neighbor and a respected physician. Her timing in coming to Salem could not have been a greater blessing, as we had just lost her predecessor Goody Sibbes.”
    “I am glad to know she was welcomed here,” Henry said, his words honest in ways young Andrew could not know. Henry’s association with Lydia had already proven beneficial in ways far beyond her rescue and attention to his injured knee. “Her timing is indeed a blessing. I fear what might have happened had she not come upon me during the night.”
    Andrew nodded and shoved a board into place. “You were gone some time. Were you abroad?”
    The question gave Henry pause. He tried to remember what he and Lydia had discussed and recalled mention of seafaring merchant travels, but he knew not what details she might provide of her own behalf. Having no idea what she might utter, he opted for a vague version of the truth. “I have often traveled abroad, yes. And it is good to be here in Salem.”
    “I must say, some thought it odd she traveled here on her own. She is an independent woman to come to a strange town without the protection of her husband.”
    Henry smiled most genuinely. “She is that. But it is in her nature to care for others. If there was a need in Salem, to Salem she would be led.”
    “Indeed,” said Andrew. “And for that, my wife Eunice is most grateful.”
    The young man’s voice had taken to a higher octave. Henry found Andrew’s face to be a bright red, but his words and countenance beamed with pride.
    “Ah,” Henry said. “Your bride is with child? Huzzah!”
    “She is,” Andrew said, grinning widely when Henry clasped his shoulder.
    Though Henry’s cheer was heartfelt, his thoughts had taken a sudden and unexpected turn. He and Lydia had shared their marital bed. She might well carry his child, but that was not the news that altered him.
    What affected him was the realization he could want nothing more.
    …
    By the time Lydia had helped to ready the last of the bread, the day had grown dim. Willard, to her relief, had stayed well within the confines of the Bradshaw fence, and with the hour growing late she found herself most grateful for his company for the ride home. She had just bidden farewell the goodwives when she came upon Andrew Bradshaw, approaching on foot.
    “How do you fare?” asked Andrew, offering Willard a pat on the nose.
    “The bread is made,” said Lydia, smiling. “And what of the fence?”
    “In good repair. Your husband is a good man.”
    “As are you. I am