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Alanna chose the chair nearest the fireplace, seated herself, brushed Christian's hair off his forehead, and gave him a kiss. "Yes, but for my cousin's sake, please don't reveal that fact to anyone."
"Your cousin's dead, Miss Barclay, or should I refer to you as Mrs. Hunter? It's you I'm concerned about. A great many men, if not all of them, are uncomfortable around small children, so you mustn't think your husband's behavior was odd. He'll warm up to the boy in time."
When she had arrived, Alanna had had no intention of confiding her troubles to Charity, but the young mother's efforts to excuse Hunter's behavior touched her deeply. She soon found herself relating how she had spent her days since she had last been in Williamsburg. The children ran in and out, but despite their interruptions, she managed to complete the harrowing tale in a breathless whisper.
"Elliott's dead, my family won't speak to us, and Hunter wants me to give Christian away. Each of those problems is heartbreaking, but when taken together... Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to burden you." Alanna gave Christian another loving hug. "Do you really think he missed me?"
"Yes, every day. He's been, well, just plain restless without you. I may be tending the boy, but you know as well as I do that you're the one he loves. You're his mother, even if you didn't give birth to him. You can't give him away. It would break both your hearts."
Alanna sighed sadly. "I know."
"Just give your husband some time to get used to the idea of being a father. Where are you staying?"
"With Randolph O'Neil."
"The silversmith?"
"Yes, do you know him?"
Charity shook her head. "Someone pointed him out once, so I know who he is, but we've never met. I thought him a fine-looking man."
While he did not compare to Hunter, Alanna agreed. "He's not only attractive, but he's also kind and considerate as well. We can't impose on his hospitality though."
Christian was snuggled happily in her lap, but Alanna looked so dejected, Charity put the kettle on the fire to make her a cup of tea. "It's almost time for me to nurse the boy, but you're welcome to stay as long as you like."
"No, I should go." But, reluctant to leave, Alanna was easily cajoled into accepting a cup of tea. She sipped it slowly while Charity fed Christian. She had observed the same tender scene often, but now it served as a graphic reminder of how helpless the dear little boy still was. She had known all along that she wouldn't be able to give him away, but she had been hoping, foolishly it now seemed, that Hunter would love him on first sight, as she had.
When Charity put Christian into his crib for his morning nap, Alanna said goodbye and left, but she had nowhere to go. She didn't want to go back to Randolph's house, when she doubted Hunter would be there, and so she strolled aimlessly until she got too tired to keep walking and had to return to the silversmith's home. Randolph met her at the front door.
"When I came home for the noon meal, Mrs. Newcombe told me you and Hunter had left together this morning, but that he had returned alone and borrowed one of the horses. I've been so worried that he'd left you stranded somewhere."
Randolph was dressed in muted shades of charcoal gray. His watch fob and the silver buckles on his shoes were fine examples of his craft. He looked like the successful merchant he was, but she did not want him minding her business as closely as he did his own.
"I'm sure he hasn't stolen your horse. Is that what concerns you?"
Randolph looked aghast at that accusation. "Good lord, no! I was worried about you! I told Mrs. Newcombe to wait dinner for you. Now that you're here, won't you join me?"
Alanna excused herself for a moment to wash her hands, but when she found Randolph waiting for her with an eager smile, she wished Hunter were there, too. She had no more idea where her husband had gone than Randolph did, but she wasn't worried that he would not come back. Rather than allow him to pry into her life, she encouraged her host to describe the merchandise he had picked up from the Sarah Rene. It helped to pass the time while they ate.
"I'll stop by the church this afternoon, and see if Elliott's funeral has been arranged. I know you'll want to be there."
"Yes, we do, even if we have to slip in at the back after the service has begun." Alanna shivered slightly. "I'm sorry. I'm more tired than I thought. Will you please excuse me? I'd like to take a nap until Hunter gets here."
"Yes, of course. I have to get back to the shop. I'll see you this evening."
Alanna walked him to the front door, and then went up the stairs. Filled with the afternoon sunlight, the yellow room was almost too bright to permit sleep, but she was too tired to notice. She had only one dress now, and removed it before climbing into bed. When Hunter touched her shoulder to wake her for the evening meal, she sat up with a start. She had meant to take only a short nap, and the deep shadows filling the room surprised her. Where had the day gone?
"Did you just get back?" she asked, after covering a wide yawn.
Hunter sat down on the side of the bed. "No, I came in earlier, but you were asleep."
"Why didn't you wake me then?"
Hunter shrugged. "I had nothing to say."
Chilled by his icy tone, Alanna feared the worst. "And now?"
He shook his head. "I went out for a ride, and tried to decide what is best. I didn't expect Christian to look so much like me, but it doesn't make any difference. I still don't want him."
