1116 “Who is Lady Elvira?” Arianna could not read very well yet, but she could make out the name on the packet Selene had just sealed with wax and her signet ring. “And what is this place where you are sending it?” “Poitou. She lives there. Elvira is a friend from my days in the convent. We promised to write to each other at least twice a year.” “You have never mentioned her before.” Selene did not answer. She had gone white, and Arianna could see her forehead was damp. “Help me.” Selene gestured wildly. “I’m going to be sick.” Arianna looked around Selene’s bedchamber, grabbing for the first vessel she could find, a wooden bowl. She gave it to Selene, who began to retch violently, and as it turned out, uselessly. “My poor dear, you’ve nothing left in your stomach. Selene, have you been sick earlier today?” “Yes.” Selene leaned back in her chair, looking exhausted. “It’s worse when I don’t eat, but I can’t look at food, it makes me queasy.”
