As they strolled along, they talked about healing herbs, and Rose’s knowledge delighted John. Some of what came out in their conversation was familiar to him already – lettuce as a sovereign remedy for heartburn, the dangling flowers of the nettle as a wonderful spring tonic – but other snippets about winter aconite for tumours and flowers of hawthorn to strengthen the heart, were new to him. She surveyed the beautifully tended knot-garden full of the infirmary’s medicinal plants, her eyes bright with pleasure. She walked among the herbs, bending to touch and to sniff the clean, robust bouquet of aromatic scents. Rose thought her son had it right – you really could tell this man anything. His manner was so understanding, so warm and kind. Besides, she felt so free and at peace in his company – a man of God, vowed to the monastic way of simplicity and holiness. She felt less cautious and guarded than she would ordinarily be with a man. Even now in middle life, her hair turning grey and her waist expanding, she took care to exercise the discreet reserve of propriety in her dealings with men.
What do You think about The Beautiful Thread (2016)?
