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"Of course, forgive me," Randolph begged. Like most men, he preferred to carry his hat rather than wear it over his wig, and he used it to gesture down the road. He had wanted to bring his carriage, but his guests had wished to walk and he had given in to them. Randolph had planned to go on to his shop, but now that Hunter had announced his intention to depart, he remained at home to bid him a safe trip. Believing the Indian and his bride would like to be alone, he excused himself.
* * *
Alanna watched Hunter saddle Marshal. The gelding was high-spirited, but no more so than her uncle's mounts, and she decided Randolph must not be much of a horseman. His driver, Stanley Crotty, maintained the stable, but he was nowhere to be found. Rather than being annoyed by the man's absence, Alanna was relieved they didn't have to say their farewells in front of him.
She crossed her arms under her bosom; feeling that everything was wrong, she couldn't stop trembling. She was positive this simply wasn't the way things were meant to be. They were good people. They deserved every happiness, rather than the endless string of tragedies that plagued them. With Hunter gone, she would have only Christian to love, but it was the fact that she loved the baby so much that was driving her husband away. It wasn't fair.
Hunter knew how to saddle a horse with a minimum of effort, but he was paying scant attention to the task, and it took him twice as long as it should have. He could feel Alanna, and not simply her presence, but her longing as well. He turned slowly to face her.
"I told you I belong to the wolf clan. Last summer I saw a magnificent young wolf, and later I heard his howl. I felt it was a sign, a warning of danger to come, but I didn't understand how bad it would be. I hope to see that same wolf again, and this time, I want him to promise me something good."
Alanna had no such faith in the wolves he might sight in the forest. "Just be certain he doesn't bite you," she cautioned. "I want you to come home to me, Indian."
"You already have my promise."
Alanna had lost too many loved ones to believe in a promise he might not be able to keep. "I know you mean to come back."
"I will," Hunter countered forcefully. He dropped Marshal's reins and, his heart breaking, he pulled her into his arms. If only she were not so loyal to Christian, they could remain together, but he also knew she showed him that same devotion. When she loved, she loved with her whole heart, and he could not have loved her half as much if she didn't. It took all of his strength to find the courage to step back.
"I'll come back as soon as I can."
"I know." Alanna moved out of the way. Hunter swung himself up on Marshal's back, gave her one last, sad smile, and rode away. Feeling completely lost, she remained at the stable door long after he was gone.
Randolph heard Hunter ride by, and when Alanna did not return to the house in what he considered a reasonable amount of time, he went to find her. That she was just staring off into space alarmed him. He took her arm, and when she did not pull away, he escorted her into his house.
"It's time to eat. Even if you aren't hungry, I hope you'll keep me company. I imagine Sally Lester went to Elliott's funeral, but her shop should be open this afternoon. Why don't you come into town with me and order some new gowns? You need something else to wear, and choosing new garments would lift your spirits. Out of respect for their grief, I'll wait a day or two, but then I'll go out to your aunt and uncle's place and ask to pack your belongings. They certainly don't need them, and you do."
Alanna was in no mood to share his preoccupation with her wardrobe. Clothes were the last thing she cared about that day. She recalled how Hunter had once criticized her, and thought the same comment now fit Randolph. "You're a very practical man, aren't you?"
"If by that you mean I'm being insensitive to your feelings, you're wrong," Randolph argued. "I'm just trying to help you have a normal life, and a beautiful young woman needs pretty clothes."
When they reached the dining room, Alanna slipped into her chair, but she had never felt less like eating. "I appreciate your concern, but I really don't feel up to doing any shopping today. I'd rather just take a long nap, and then visit Christian. My marriage to Hunter will undoubtedly cause the worst sort of gossip. I won't add to it by doing something so frivolous as ordering new gowns on the day Elliott was buried."
Stung by her rebuff, Randolph nevertheless feared it was justified, and hastened to apologize. "I was only trying to suggest something you might enjoy. You will at least allow me to pick up your belongings, won't you?"
"Don't bother. They've probably been given away."
Randolph had to hold his tongue as their soup was served, but the instant they were alone, he continued. "I don't consider helping you a bother. I'll take my carriage and go out to your uncle's place tomorrow. Even if they are contemplating disposing of your things, they haven't had the opportunity yet."
Alanna had always loved potato soup, and the sight of the steaming bowl was surprisingly comforting. She hadn't been hungry, but now dipped her spoon into the thick soup and sipped it eagerly. She remained silent for a long while, but when she spoke, her thinking was clear.
"If you truly want to visit my aunt and uncle on my behalf, will you take them a letter? I want to tell them what Hunter did for Elliott, and how difficult it was for us to bring his body home. Not that it would make any difference—I don't hold that hope—but I would like for them to at least know what a good man Hunter is."
"I'll be happy to deliver anything you'd care to send."
"You're very kind. Thank you."
Encouraged, Randolph searched his mind for a lighthearted response, but Alanna's expression was still such a serious one, he thought better of it. Fearing that he had always tried too hard to impress her, he waited for her to encourage conversation, and when she didn't, he tried not to let his disappointment show.
* * *
When she was too restless to nap, Alanna left the house. It was too early to visit Christian, but, longing to see Elliott's grave, she walked out to the cemetery. An attendant pointed toward the fresh grave, but it was near Melissa's, and Alanna would have found it on her own. This was her cousin's second burial, and she knew it had to have been far more peaceful than his first. Sh
e still wore his ring, and would always cherish it.
Her first memories of Elliott were of a fair-haired, freckled-faced boy, who'd shown endless patience with a little girl who had had no one else to love. "Oh Elliott, I miss you so much. What am I going to do without you?"
Standing so close to Melissa's grave, it was impossible not to think of her, too, and now thoroughly miserable, Alanna was unaware of Robin Frederick's approach until the petite brunette called her name. Startled, she turned slowly. Robin was dressed all in black, and Alanna had to remind herself that Robin didn't know Elliott hadn't loved her.
