Free Bewitching Kisses (Bewitching Kisses Series) by RainyKirkland Page A

to Mrs. Agatha Beaumont and tell her how distressing her notes were for Nick. Then again, she thought, what if the woman was truly ill? Filled with doubt and confusion, Sarah returned to her room.
    I don’t understand these people , she thought, sitting upon the soft mattress of her bed and pulling her knees up to rest her chin upon them. I need to be home . Tears swelled but she blinked them back. Samuel , she sighed as her throat grew tight, who hated you enough to forge your name on such a document? If only I had a way to let you know that I am safe. Silently, she rocked back and forth. I’ll never forgive myself for the anguish I’m causing you, dear brother.

Chapter Five

    Salem, Massachusetts

    Ann Tate shifted anxiously on her wooden stool, her eyes never leaving Samuel Wittfield’s back as he hung his coat on the peg by the door.
    “Well, Samuel, are you going to take all afternoon, or are you going to tell us what happened?”
    Samuel fought back the grin that hovered at the corners of his mouth. Stone-faced he turned to his wife and their neighbor. “I presented the evidence to the Reverend Mr. Noyse, the Reverend Mr. Parris, and the magistrates.” Slowly Samuel pulled out his chair and wearily sat at his place at the head of the table.
    Feeling a sudden chill, Elizabeth wrapped her shawl more tightly about her shoulders.“Samuel, ‘tis unkind to keep us in suspense. Tell us what they said. What was their verdict about Sarah?”
    Samuel folded his rough hands as if in prayer. “Reverend Parris said that under the circumstances we witnessed, Sarah must be considered a witch. We are to notify the magistrate immediately if her human form appears again.”
    “Dear Lord in heaven.” Elizabeth flopped back in her chair, her face pale as parchment.
    “Well, what did you expect?” Ann demanded shrilly. “Did we not see Sarah turn into a cat with our very eyes?”
    Elizabeth rubbed her temples with fingers that felt like ice. “I did see the cat in her bed,” she whispered. “Samuel?”
    Samuel Wittfield shook his head. “I was standing in the hallway when I heard your cries. By the time I reached you . . .” His voice choked, and Samuel looked away.
    “Well, I saw it all.” Ann declared emphatically. “One minute Sarah was sitting in her bed, then within a blink she’s gone and a black cat is standing on her nightdress. You might as well face it, Samuel Wittfield . . .” She paused for effect. “Your sister is a witch.”
    “Stepsister.” Elizabeth snapped, reaching for her husband’s hands. “They carry none of the same blood.”
    Ann pulled her chair closer to the table. “Why do you think Sarah’s name was missing from Tituba’s list?”
    Samuel shrugged his shoulders. “Tituba is but a slave. I’m sure the Reverend Mr. Parris has tried to instruct her, but we must remember, she’s been influenced by the devil. Today at the trials, she spoke of riding between Sarah Good and Sarah Osborne as their specters flew through the sky in search of mischief.”
    “They flew through the sky?” Elizabeth’s voice quivered with apprehension.
    Samuel nodded solemnly. “Tituba said she stood at the reverend’s back door when they appeared and bid her to join them on their broom. She said she refused at first, but they pinched her and struck her with a stick until she agreed. Her back is covered with fresh welts, so her story must be so – “
    “But what of Sarah?” Ann interrupted. “She turned into the devil’s familiar before our very eyes.” The widow’s voice was tinged with awe. “Why would she show herself to us in that way?”
    “I can’t say I’m completely surprised.” Anxiously, Elizabeth’s eyes darted to the shadowy corners of the room. “Jonathan always encouraged Sarah to speak her mind. And they always went way over to Topsfield for services.”
    Ann’s eyes narrowed as her imagination took hold. “Yes, but did you never wonder why Jonathan Townsend did not get on