The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker by Cynthia DeFelice Page B

stars peeked down from the blue-black sky. Lucas walked back to the wagon with the Stukeleys, and helped Lydia up onto the seat. “I’m glad you came today, Lucas,” she said.
    â€œI’m glad, too,” Lucas answered truthfully, adding, “I hope to see you soon.”
    â€œYes,” said Lydia, smiling. “I hope so. Good night, Lucas.”
    Lucas said goodbye to the Stukeleys and stood waving until their wagon was out of sight. He looked around and saw that he was the only person left at the square. The fire had burned down to a faint reddish glow.
    Still full of the power and mystery of the ceremony, Lucas began to walk slowly back to Doc’s house. He wanted to hold on to the feeling of awe and certainty as long as he could, and he didn’t know which was going to be harder to face, Doc’s kindly skepticism or the scorn and disapproval of Mrs. Bunce.

Fifteen
    When Lucas stepped into the kitchen, Doc was sitting at the table sipping tea. He offered Lucas some soup, and Lucas sat down to join him.
    â€œWhere’s Mrs. Bunce?” asked Lucas, thinking that if she was going to question him about the curing, he’d just as soon get it over with.
    But Doc answered, “Her rheumatism was acting up. She took to her bed early.”
    Relieved, Lucas sipped his soup, grateful for its warmth. He waited for Doc to ask about the ceremony, but Doc said nothing about it. Instead, he asked, “Do you remember when we spoke about Moll Garfield, lad?”
    Lucas was surprised. “The witch?” he asked. “I mean, the granny woman?”
    â€œYes,” said Doc.
    â€œSure,” said Lucas.
    â€œWell, there’s something I’d like you to do for me,” Doc went on. “You know I send to Philadelphia for most of my medicines, but a good many of them I make up from herbs and plants I get from Moll. I’d like you to go there to replenish my supplies of certain items. That will be one reason for your visit.”
    â€œWhat’s the other reason?” Lucas asked.
    â€œWell, you see, I’ve intended to pay her a call to see how she’s fared over this long, blasted cold spell, but, what with one thing and another, I haven’t gotten to it. So I want you to go and make sure she’s all right. And that’s the tricky part, lad. She can’t know that’s what you’re doing.”
    Lucas raised his eyebrows questioningly.
    â€œMoll’s a proud old girl,” explained Doc. “Keeps herself to herself and has never needed or asked for help from anyone. She still chops and hauls all her own firewood, hunts or grows all her food, not to mention gathering and digging her plants and roots. I’m sure she’s made it through the winter better than most. But I’ll feel more peaceful in my mind knowing for sure.”
    â€œWhat will I say to her?” asked Lucas cautiously.
    â€œI’ll give you a list of supplies that I need. Tell her you’re my apprentice. Tell her I want you to learn some of the old Pequot healing secrets,” he added with a twinkle in his eye. “And, meanwhile, keep a sharp eye out.”
    â€œFor what?”
    â€œAnything that needs doing. If the roof was leaking—”
    â€œI could fix it, I guess,” said Lucas.
    â€œThat’s the idea. If she’ll let you.” Doc laughed. “And if she hasn’t already done it herself.”
    Lucas frowned. “But how long do you want me to stay?”
    â€œThat depends,” Doc said cheerfully. “As long as you need to.”
    â€œWhat about my chores?” Lucas asked. “What about helping you and Mrs. Bunce?”
    â€œWe’ll just have to manage without you for a time, lad,” said Doc. “Don’t you worry about us.”
    Lucas sat quietly for a moment. All the exhilaration he’d felt earlier was gone. “Is it because I went to the curing today?” he asked. “Is