“Will you keep quiet if I release you?” she finally demanded.
The old woman’s head bobbed up and down.
Penny removed her hand, expecting the worst. But Julia did not scream. Instead, she stared fixedly at the girl.
“Julia, I must see the ceremony, and Father Benedict isn’t to know I am here,” Penny whispered. “Will you keep my secret?”
Again Julia’s head inclined, but the look of terror remained in her eyes.
“Go!” she whispered, pointing to the window. “Leave while there is time!”
“Not until I’ve seen the ceremony. Julia, I need a robe. Where can I find one?”
So stupidly did Julia stare at her that Penny was certain the woman did not understand. However, after a moment she shuffled to one of the storage cupboards where linen was kept. Returning with a white cotton robe, she placed it in the girl’s hands.
Penny put the garment on over her coat, pulling the hood well down over her blond curls.
Then, with another whispered warning to Julia not to reveal her presence, she left the kitchen. The disguise gave her renewed confidence, for in the shadowy halls she felt that only at close range would anyone recognize her.