Page 64 of Dancing On Air

“This can’t be happening,” she sobbed, as she rode back to the abbey with Raven. The world was crashing down around her, and sadly, she had no idea how to find a spark of happiness or light in any of this anymore. She couldn’t accept that she’d never see Finnian again. Neither could she accept that his death would be by the hand of the man she thought she’d loved.

Mayhap the Connor she once knew and loved no longer existed. The years had been hard on him, and mayhap he’d stopped fighting it and decided to accept his destiny after all.

Sadly, she couldn’t accept it, even if he could. And if he went ahead with the execution of this poor boy, then Eleanor didn’t want anything to do with Connor ever again.

After a short while, Eleanor and Raven rode through the gates of St. Anne’s Abbey, greeted by Lark and the girls.

“There you two are,” said Lark. “I’ve been wondering all morning what happened to you.”

Eleanor dismounted and gave the reins to the monk who worked in the stable. Raven did the same.

“Good morning, everyone,” said Eleanor, trying to maintain her composure.

“Where is my brother, Connor?” asked Ginevra.

Eleanor wasn’t sure how to answer. She noticed that the girl was clutching the rag doll that Lark had bought to give to her own daughter.

“Isn’t that the doll you bought for Florie?” asked Eleanor.

“Yes,” said Lark. “But Ginevra was upset and I thought she should have it. It helps to comfort her. I’ll get another one for my daughter.”

“I named the doll Elly, like your name, Lady Eleanor,” said Ginevra. Her eyes were sunken in her face, and it looked like she’d been crying.

“Well, it is nice that you have a friend.” She bent over and hugged Connor’s sister.

“We’re her friends, too,” said the orphan Margaret. She held on to little Lena’s hand.

“Can I have the dolly?” asked Lena, her eyes fixated on the rag doll in Ginevra’s hands.

“Nay. Not Elly. She’s mine.” Ginevra possessively hugged the doll, not wanting to let it go. “She’s never going to leave me, the way my mother and father have.”

“But I want to play with her,” said Lena, pouting.

“Lena, you and Margaret have your own dolls that I gave you,” Eleanor gently reminded the girl. “Perhaps your dolls can make friends with Elly. Then you can all play together.”

“All right,” said Lena. “Ginevra, do you want to see my dolly?”

Ginevra’s eyes flashed over to Eleanor. She continued to hug the doll, looking very scared. “I think I have to go home,” said Ginevra.

“Oh, shall I go get Alaric and Leoric if they’re all leavin’?” asked Lark.

“Nay. Not yet,” said Eleanor. “Ginevra, you’re going to stay here for another day, so why don’t you go with the girls and they’ll show you their dolls.”

“All right.” Ginevra looked up at Lark and held out her hand. “Will you come with us, Lady Lark?”

“Och, well, all right,” said Lark with a smile, walking away with the girls.

“Here come Rook and Rose,” said Raven. “And Connor’s brothers.”

Rose walked up carrying little Alaric in her arms. Rook was with her. Leoric followed behind them, his arms wrapped around himself, and his face to the ground. The poor boy really looked traumatized, just like Connor said.

“Where were you two?” asked Rook. “One of the monks told me you rode out at sunrise.”

“Yes,” said Raven. “I escorted Eleanor to Connor’s house.”

“Did you say Connor?” Leoric’s head snapped up. “Where is he? Is he coming for us?”

“He… he still needs some time alone, so he’s back at your house,” said Eleanor.