Bitter wind was tugging at Adelaide’s hood and lashing her hair round her face. She was sitting in front of Lawrence on a grey warmblood. He was plunging through the deep drifts of snow at a great pace and smoothly passing over rifts and inclines of the land. Lawrence had both hands on the reigns while supporting Adelaide by his arms.  The saddle on which they sat was large and made of fine leather. It was black and simple but strongly made. Adelaide had both her feet secured to the stirrups by straps that Cosmas had attached.

Chapter the Third

The quill pen shook in Elvina’s hand, partly from anxiety, partly from excitement.

Dear Mother and Father,

You know I am not like Gwindreth. I love her beyond the world’s end, but we are very different. You know me- I do not jump to conclusions or pursue crazy whims. I do not remember ever acting on an impulse without deliberate forethought and careful planning. Based on this, which you know full well to be true of my character, please trust me and try to understand that I did not leave for any reason less than the best.

Part Four: The Meaning of Danger and the Beginning of Sorrow