Page 63 of The Magical Bed & Breakfast

“It’s the Hazard blessing.”

Kate began to read the spidery writing, Ivy mouthing the words along with her. “Thou who loveth, / Be blessed amongst us. / With breath bestoweth / Thy heart.” Kate paused and then let out a breath. “There’s more.” They all leaned in close, her friends peering over her shoulder. Her voice shook a little as she started to read, and she made an effort to steady it. “Thou who dwelleth, /Find home amongst us. /With heart bestoweth / Thy song.”

A second verse. Kate’s heart raced. She had been right. There was more. She had sensed it, a song to harpsichord accompaniment, but the page was torn. If there had been more than two verses, they were lost.

“Is that the composer’s signature?” Ivy pointed to a scrawl in the top corner of the page. They scrutinized it.

“The last name is Worthy,” said Kate, “I can make that out well enough. But the first name…is that an ‘F’ or an ‘S’?”

“Definitely an ‘S,’” said Malory, “They often drew them tall like that. I’ve seen it many times in historical documents.”

“So…Selah Worthy?” Kate thought about the possibility. Had she lived here in the 1700s?

“Selah means praise and was a virtue name given to girls. It’s the same name as the owner of the desk,” Malory added.

“I was right. A girl composer with a name that means praiseworthy. Well, she’s certainly that if she’s a female composer.” Ivy gave a little jump. “I wonder if she composed in secret and that’s why it was hidden away.”

“Or maybe that’s why the duet is so complicated, if she kept it secret and didn’t have anyone to practice with her,” said Kate. Selah Worthy. How was she connected to the inn?

*

Rory wondered athis decision to put on his historical garb. He’d done it on a whim without discussing it with Kate, but somehow it felt right. If she showed up in casual clothes that clashed stylistically, he might have to change. He shook his head. It had been an impulse, to dress in his soldier costume, but it didn’t really feel like a costume so much. He couldn’t explain it. He was pondering that when his granddad and cronies wandered in.

“We need to sit over there,” Lydia was pointing while Hazel glared.

“It’s too far from the stage,” she argued. “I want to sit right up front.”

“Yes, yes, I don’t hear as well as I used to,” agreed Seymour.

“Oh dear, those children just took our seats,” Marjorie said.

“I win,” said Lydia, and marched off to the side aisle where Rory was standing.

“Ah, my boy. You look just right for tonight.” Seymour nodded his approval.

“It’s not too much? I wasn’t sure I should show up in costume.”

“Costume! Does it feel like a costume?” Hazel was clearly affronted.

“No, actually.”

“They’re your clothes now,” said Marjorie. “They should just feel like your clothes.”

And they did, strangely enough.

“You wear them like you’re comfortable. Costumes are uncomfortable. Be confident.” Seymour patted his shoulder before they all settled into their chosen seats and began arguing about the order of the program.

*

“Dude, what areyou wearing?”

Rory turned and blinked. “Kyler? What are you doing here?”

“Backing you up.”

“It’s the town harvest festival.”

“You know we don’t perform solo.It’s a rule.”

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