“Yes, an awful business. Very sad. It bears remembering that there are some among us whose lives may not be as free of regret as our own. I am certain she would have chosen differently if she had known.”

Alinea was silent for some time. They paced the garden paths, each feeling the warmth of the day and of companionship from the other. “I wonder if any of us would choose as we do, if we knew the future.”

“Perhaps not. But it is a blessing nonetheless. The burdens of the day weigh heavy enough; we could not bear tomorrow’s as well”

“Of course. How wise you are, hermit. Yes, it will be good to see Esme once more. Perhaps we may help heal old wounds.”

Just then they heard the happy twitter of childish voices and looked up to see Princess Brianna and Princess Elena running toward them as fast as their spindly little legs would carry them. Behind them Bria walked at a more leisurely pace.

“Grandmother! Oh, Grandmother!” called the little girls. “We have a secret! A very great secret!”

“A secret? Whatever could it be?”

“You must guess it, Grandmother!” shouted Brianna.

“Yes, guess! Guess!” shouted Elena.

Alinea placed her hands together and raised them to her lips. “Let me see,” she said, her eyes shining at the sight of her beautiful grandchildren. “Are you going on a trip?”

Both little heads wagged from side to side, their braids flying.

“No?” continued their grandmother. “Then you have learned a new game and have come to show us!”

“That’s not it!” they cried, and burst into giggles. “Lady Esme is coming! She’ll be here tonight!” Both girls began hopping up and down.

“That is good news!” said Alinea.

“Did you hear, Durwin?” they shouted. “She’ll be here tonight.” Then they looked at each other as a new and better thought occurred to them. “Maybe she’ll bring us presents!” said Brianna.