The Silent Companions

It is 1635, and Anne is excited that her husband, Josiah, is returning from court. Anne’s maid, Jane, fears Anne is a witch since she has foreknowledge that Josiah has something important to tell her. In her diary, Anne admits that she uses her knowledge of plants to increase her family’s luck by adding tinctures to Josiah’s drink and putting plants under his pillow.

When Josiah arrives, he reports that King Charles and his wife will visit the Bainbridges’ estate in the summer. Josiah hopes that one of their sons will gain a position in court, ensuring that he will be knighted and raise the family’s social status. However, Josiah says their daughter, Henrietta (called Hetta) will not appear for the king and queen due to her “little aberration.” Anne is sad to hear this since there is nothing wrong with Hetta except that she doesn’t speak, and she begs her husband to reconsider.

Anne visits Hetta in the nursery, where her nurse, Lizzy, watches over her as she studies plants, Hetta’s favorite subject. Lizzy remarks that Hetta resembles Anne’s deceased sister, Mary. Anne tells Lizzy about the planned royal visit, but Lizzy doesn’t share Anne’s excitement. She fears the Puritan villagers won’t react kindly to the king’s visit since he seeks to increase their taxes and married a Catholic.