Peony and Davin, leading Ambrose, Chelsey and the babe, turned south back to Sammy’s sister’s farm, while Theo, Hugh and Georges continued north toward the castle. Theo would have liked to smooth the request for shelter with Florrie herself, but didn’t want to overly influence her. Peony and the purse of coins would communicate well and fine. The sun, which had been indecisive about shining, joined them on their journey homeward. Theo caught the sound of Peony’s laugh though she was behind them now, as if it had been carried by the slight breeze that urged them forward. She noticed the tenor of sound was different than it had been. Not that Peony hadn’t meant the emotion before, but now she was actually, fully happy. Theo threw her head back and lifted her face to the sun. The light wind lifted her hair and her horse danced underneath her, full of life and energy. When they’d parted ways, everyone had been smiling, mostly at the mewling babe in Chelsey’s arms, but the joy was infectious and Theo relished the warm easiness of it.
