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more interesting. In order to answer the young woman’s question she should stick with the accepted theories of this time, so as not to bring down any suspicions on herself. Or she could eliminate a few superstitions. She chose the second option. Maybe it was time to take a few chances.
    “I believe the planets move around the sun. The other part seems a bit far-fetched.”
    Elaenor set her telescope aside, jumped down from the table and picked up a poker from the fireplace. She stirred the dying embers until they crackled into flames. “I think so, as well.”
    “Where did you learn so much about astronomy?”
    “Lachlan sent me to London with the Lady Marcail. They wanted me to develop interests outside of the books in my brother’s library. Instead, I disguised myself as a boy and attended classes at Trinity College.”
    Amber took a fresh look at Elaenor. The history books she’s read seemed to think women of this time period were content to sit at home, weaving tapestries until their fingers bled.
    “That's terrific. Who gave you the idea?”
    “The Lady Marcail. She was able to accomplish it when she decided to become a physician. I felt I could as well.”
    So, Marcail was a doctor. It explained Lachlan’s confidence, but a picture of leeches and bloodletting came to mind. Amber made the decision to change the subject. “How long did it take before you were discovered?”
    “Two years.”
    “And weren’t Marcail and your brother worried?”
    Elaenor shrugged. “Oh, Marcail discovered where I was right away and convinced Lachlan it would do no harm. She thought it was a grand adventure.” Elaenor lowered her voice. “I think it was what she had in mind all along.”
    Amber slid off the table, reached for a stick from a woodpile and tossed it into the hearth. She smiled. “What about Lachlan?”
    “That was different. He was a little sad. He thinks I should spend more time with people. But then, after talking to me for a time, he muttered something about warriors needing intelligent leaders and walked away. He feels responsible, somehow… but he is not to blame.“ Her voice trailed off and she stared at the fire for a moment before she continued. ”How can I waste my time with people when there is so much to learn? Knowledge is die real power. It can never be taken away from you.“
    Amber put her hand on Elaenor’s shoulder, suspecting the young woman was attempting to fill an emotional void in her life by immersing herself in books. It sounded as though Lachlan was trying to reach her, but he didn’t know how. “Do you feel alone?”
    “At times.” Elaenor’s mood changed abruptly and she turned her head to the side. “Do you smell something burning?”
    Amber looked at the brick oven. “It smells like burnt sugar.”
    “Oh, no, it is my shortbread.” Elaenor grabbed a long wooden paddle which hung on a hook by the wall. She opened the oven door, shoved in the paddle and pulled out a charred cake.
    Amber glanced down at the smoking confection. “Well, I guess we’ll just have to start again.”
    “I am always burning something. Everyone in the castle says it is because my mind is so full of ideas that I cannot concentrate on the things that are important.”
    “I think it’s your ideas which are important. You can always make more shortbread.”
    “I was baking it for Lachlan. It is his favorite.”
    Amber had a feeling that Lachlan would like the shortbread regardless of how it tasted, but it was important to Elaenor that it was perfect.
    “There’s time to make more before Una needs her kitchen.”
    “Do you really think so? Wait right here, I shall get more flour.” Elaenor disappeared through a doorway to the pantry.
    The candles flickered over the mantel and Amber saw a shadow in the stairway. It was probably King Arthur coming to finish his milk. Maybe the cat needed a little coaxing. She walked toward the stairs and recognized Lachlan in the shadows. She wondered how long