by D. J. Holmes
Walking around the cottage, Pierre is looking for Jehanne. Finally seeing her sitting under a nearby tree, he tries to make it look as if he has just wandered in her direction by mistake. “Oh hello Jehanne, I didn’t see you there.”
“Hello, Pierre,” she says in a low distant voice.
“What’s the matter, Jehanne?” I don’t normally see you just sitting and doing nothing. You seem to be deep in thought?”
“I’ll tell you, Pierre, but you’re going to think that I’m crazy,” Jehanne says, looking down to the ground.
“Why would I think that you’re crazy?”
…“I can see angels, Pierre,” she finally says with apprehension.
“There’s nothing wrong with seeing angels, Jehanne. If anyone could see an angel, I would think that it would be you.”
“They speak to me, Pierre,” she says finally looking directly into his eyes.
“And what do they say to you?” Pierre questions, looking directly back at her.
“They tell me that I am to go to Orleans, and lead the French army to victory. Once we have taken Orleans, the Dauphin is to be crowned King of France.”
“Then I think that we had better get prepared, don’t you, Jehanne?” he says with enthusiasm.
“You believe me?” she asks, wondering if he is joking.
“Is there any reason that I shouldn’t believe you? I’ve never heard you tell a lie,” Pierre says adamantly.
“Thank you so much, Pierre!” Jehanne says with a great deal of relief. “Thank you for believing in me. I’m scared though, Pierre. I’ve gone to church and told the priest. I don’t think that he believed me. I think that he believes that he’s the only one that can have experiences like that.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be by your side, Jehanne. I know that you don’t lie.”
Relieved, Jehanne stands up and brushes off the back of her dress. She and Pierre walk to their cottage, just as Isabelle begins to call them for the evening meal.
