Chapter 34: Altha

Summary

• Altha and Grace reunite after seven years without direct contact.
• Grace enters Altha's home and sits at the table, still wearing her soaked cloak.
• Altha offers Grace food, observing a shadow on Grace's cheek, which might be a bruise.
• Grace mentions both are orphans now, but Altha points out Grace still has her father and husband.
• Grace, with a change from her once sweet laughter, indicates she's there to purchase something from Altha.
• Revealing she is pregnant, Grace asks for something to end her pregnancy.
• Altha is stunned by Grace's request, which is both sinful and criminal in their time.
• Grace insists that Altha can help, suggesting she has inherited her mother's knowledge.
• Altha reluctantly agrees to try to find a solution, though uncertain of the outcome.
• Grace leaves to return to her husband before he notices her absence.
• Altha struggles with guilt, recalling their childhood friendship and feeling the weight of Grace's hatred.
• After confirming Grace's visit was real, Altha decides to search her mother's records for a remedy.
• Altha finds a recipe that could induce menstruation, potentially terminating the pregnancy.
• She contemplates the morality of helping Grace and the risks involved for both the unborn child and Grace herself.
• Altha decides she must keep Grace safe, remembering her love for her friend despite the animosity between them.
• She secretly gathers tansy, an ingredient for the potion, avoiding the notice of villagers.
• As Altha prepares the remedy, she reflects on her mother's presence in the garden and her own fear of loneliness.
• Altha hides the mixture to steep in the attic and the strong scent lingers as she tries to rest.