Amber had wanted to talk her out of taking the trip in such weather, but knew how excited Suzanne was for the Winter Ball and so she held her tongue and offered a dozen prayers that her friend would make it to town and return tomorrow, safely. As always, she hated to be alone at the cottage and began counting the hours before she could expect Suzanne’s return.It was a quiet evening which allowed Amber time to finish the Roman history and begin reading Richard II. She was in bed early and awake with the winter sun. That the sky was clear enough to show the sun improved her mood, and she quickly moved through the morning chores before putting on a stew to cook for supper. She kept an ear for the road and the wheels of the gig, but the afternoon dragged on and Suzanne still had not come home. Bored and feeling anxious, Amber tried to read, but put the book aside when she could not focus on it. Richard II was rather tedious, but she was determined to give it her best effort. She went out to the front porch, frowning at the sun that would set in two hours’ time.
