Lucy sighed and pushed her hair back from her forehead with one hand. "I wish you two could be happy. It's very sensible of you, of course. It will be easier in most ways. But I hate to see you both suffering so." Edmund's heart was ready to break. She wished she could tell Al that, but she couldn't break her brother's confidence. Even if she was at liberty to speak, it might only make Al's decision harder on him, if he was so sure this was for the best.

She looked more deeply into Al's face, studying his expression. "Your friendship meant a great deal to him. I've never seen him like this before. I can't say I'm not worried about him." The horses' hooves clopping filled the silence for a moment. Then, quietly, "You're going to miss him, aren't you?"