Chapter 48: Altha

Summary

• Altha was preoccupied in late 1618, treating the villagers stricken by fever, staying up nights preparing remedies, and observing the comet in the sky as an omen.
• Altha noted the absence of John's wife Grace from church on Christmas and feared for her well-being, given John's abusive history.
• After Christmas, Altha observed the Milburn farm secretly, noting Grace's absence from daily activities and apparent ill health on the day she finally emerged.
• Altha witnessed a brutal act by John, who dragged Grace by the hair, confirming his abusive treatment towards her.
• Adam Bainbridge brought Altha a new year's gift from John's farm and awkwardly relayed that Grace had requested he pass on a gift to Altha separately.
• The gift from Grace was an orange studded with cloves, revealing through a secret symbol that Grace was pregnant and seeking Altha's help.
• Altha had a dream of her mother warning her to keep her healing abilities hidden but was awakened by the crying of a crow, symbolizing it was time to act.