A Dream to Call her Own, continued-part 4

Michael woke the following morning with a heavy head as the sun streamed into his room.  He awoke alone, thank goodness.  Even though he broke his own plan to not drink another ale,  he had found the serving girl, Allie, very pleasant to talk to and definitely to see.  He couldn't remember when or how he managed to return to his room, but he had.  Now he had to get out of bed.  They had a long journey ahead of them, and he knew that sitting in the carriage with Meredith would prove uncomfortable. Not to mention the happy prattle of Annie, the maid.  At least the sun was shining this morning.  He got out of bed, washed his face and proceeded down to the stables.  It was time to see about acquiring a horse.

Meredith was awoken by Annie as she pulled the curtains away from the window.  Annie, who had been up and about for several hours, brought Meredith her breakfast and busied herself with the last minute preparations.  Meredith ate quietly and contemplated her journey and what would await her when she returned home.

"Stop the fretting, Miss.  What ever is to be cannot be predicted by your frowning.  Come along.  The day is fine and the air is fresh.  Such a lovely omen for a journey."  Annie said as she left the room.  Meredith quit frowning and went down to the lobby.

Michael was in the courtyard standing beside a beautiful brown stallion as the ladies walked toward the carriage.   Tipping his hat to them he said, "Ah, good day to each of you.  I hope you slept well.  The bags have been stowed and the driver is ready to depart.  Let's be on our way."  Walking to the women, he handed Annie up into the carriage.  Taking Meredith's hand, he lingered a moment holding it gently.  Just enough to make Meredith's heart begin an unusual rhythm.  Maybe the ending of the journey was not the real reason she worried.  It was the journey itself.  Especially since it required Michael Warren as her companion.  Watching him alight onto his horse through the carriage window, Meredith felt somewhat confused by her reaction.  Part of her was thankful he would not be in the carriage, but the other part of her felt bereft.  She shook her head and tried to pretend his presence or lack there of did not bother her in the least.  Smiling at Annie, she allowed the other woman's words to take her mind off of her situation.