“I agree,” Amala said, both relieved and concerned—not only about what might be wrong, but about whether or not she was ready to face all that had changed at home.

“And I think we should make our journey with some haste,” Paulina added. “It won’t be enjoyable or relaxing, but . . . I do feel there is a need for us to get there as quickly as we can.”

Amala only nodded, feeling a sudden urge to cry. She’d come to trust Paulina’s extra sense, and Paulina's response to the letter was even more concerned and determined than Amala had expected. She wondered what might be going on at home. Was someone ill? Or had someone been injured? Or was it something she couldn’t even imagine? Writing to inquire wouldn’t do any good. They would be back in England before a reply could ever be received.

Amala had difficulty saying good-bye to the cottage and the village and the sea where she had come to feel so at home and where so much healing had taken place for her. But her mind was preoccupied with her true home and her loved ones there. She wondered if she would ever return to this place with Paulina; logic told her it was highly likely, given the status of her life. But a subtle, chilling sensation coming from deep within herself led her to wonder if she ever would.

Chapter Nine

MUCH CHANGED

Setting out to cross the channel, Amala was exhausted and aching from the long carriage rides with little rest between stops. They had made fairly good time, but her body certainly felt the effects of their hasty journey. The fatigue and sore muscles seemed a tangible manifestation of the concern and worry consuming her mind. Paulina had cautioned her more than once not to leap to assumptions that would only cause her grief when she had no idea what might actually be taking place at home. But Paulina couldn’t deny that she too felt something was not as it should be.

Crossing the channel felt soothing to Amala, even though she felt somewhat impatient with how long it took. Still, being able to walk about the ship was far better than being confined to a carriage rumbling over bumpy roads. As soon as they arrived in England, they were quickly whisked into yet another carriage with more miles of hasty travel, being jostled about on seats that were not terribly comfortable under the best of circumstances.

When the hired carriage finally drove onto her family’s land, Amala could hardly breathe for all of the relief she felt at having the journey behind them, the concern she had for whatever might be wrong, and the fear of her initial reunion with Henry and Kat.