A Captive of Wing and Feather A Retelling of Swan Lake - Melanie Cellier Page 0,76

scare him. How thoughtless of me!”

“You aren’t thoughtless, Wren.” I took a deep breath. “And you seem to care for Ash. Have you considered welcoming his suit?” I hesitated. “I think Juniper would love to call him father.”

“And leave the haven? Certainly not.” Wren cradled her cup in both hands, sipping at her tea, and I had the distinct impression she was hiding behind it. She had said nothing of her feelings—or his.

“You would only be down the street,” I said. “You could return each day to teach the children. I’m sure Cora hasn’t been expecting you to spend the rest of your life here.”

“Certainly not,” said Cora in a weary voice. She took a seat across from us and gratefully accepted the cup of tea Wren offered to make.

“If it’s not one thing, it’s another,” she muttered to me, as Wren poured the water. “I’ve been run off my feet all day. Now if only old Aunt Florinda had left me a giant sack of gold along with this old heap.” She sighed. “If the roof makes it through two more winters, I’ll count us lucky.”

“We’ll find a way to get it properly fixed,” Wren said from the stove. “You always do find a way, somehow.”

I nodded. “Your aunt would be proud if she could see what you’ve made of your inheritance.”

“Old Florinda?” Cora snorted. “Clearly I haven’t told you enough stories about my aunt. She would have rather seen every one of these rooms sitting empty and unused. Sometimes I think I only turned this place into a haven to spite her.”

Wren and I exchanged wry smiles. Both of us knew Cora too well to believe that.

“I see you two grinning.” She chuckled. “It’s good to have you back here in the evenings again, Lady. And to hear your voice.”

“It’s good to be back,” I said sincerely. I could at least be grateful for the one aspect of my situation that had changed for the better.

As soon as Wren sat back down with the fresh cup of tea, Cora fixed her with a stern look.

“You’ve been a great help to me, Wren, I won’t try to deny it. But I ran this place long before you arrived—and I’ll run it long after you’re gone. I’ve kept my peace and let you run your affairs as you please, but I have to agree with Lady here. It’s getting downright ridiculous. Not that I dislike having fresh rolls and cake hand delivered for nothing by our local baker, mind you.” She winked at me, and I hid a grin.

“I don’t…” Wren looked between us and sighed. “I suppose there’s no point trying to deny that I like Ash very well. And he’s wonderful with Juniper—she loves him.”

“But—?” Cora prompted.

“But I just don’t think I can,” she whispered.

She looked up, and the raw pain in her eyes took my breath away. I bit the inside of my cheek, unable to think of a response.

“What if something happens to him? What if I lose him too?” Her soft voice was barely audible.

“Then you will continue on—as you’ve done before,” Cora said.

I stared at her, thrown by her brisk response to such open emotion. Her face held sympathy, though, and kindness. She reached across and placed her hand over Wren’s.

“I have lost everyone I ever loved—eventually. Only you girls are still here—and I know you’ll move on soon enough. You’re young, and that’s the right and proper way of things. I wouldn’t try to hold you back.”

I sucked in a breath, but she continued without pausing.

“And just you watch, someone else will come along, needing my love, and perhaps they’ll be the right one to stay.” She shook her head. “I’m not saying it’s easy, and I’m not saying you’ll ever forget, but you can’t live without love. Juniper needs a mama who’s opened her heart to love again. It takes courage, but you’re strong enough for it. You know you are because if you’re honest with yourself, I think you’ll find you already love Ash. You just need to give yourself permission to let someone else hold your heart again. You can’t regain what you lost, but you can create a new future for yourself.”

I nodded, my eyes focused on Wren, but my friend wouldn’t look at either of us. Tears coursed down her cheeks, and she rose shakily to her feet.

“I think I need my bed,” she said in a choking voice and fled from the room. I stood to follow