“Yes. Well, I tried.” Thoughtfully Rowan folded trousers, packed them. “On one level it went better than I ever expected. They were upset at first, and baffled, that I’m going away, that I’m giving up teaching. Naturally, they tried to point out the flaws, the consequences.”

“Naturally,” Belinda repeated, just dryly enough to make Rowan smile.

“They can’t help it. But we talked a long time. You know, I don’t think we’ve actually talked like that before. I explained why I was going, what I wanted to do and why—well, not all the why.”

“You didn’t ask your mother about what you are?”

“In the end, I couldn’t. I mentioned my grandmother, and legacies, and how being named after her had turned out to be so … appropriate. My mother waved it off. No,” Rowan corrected with a sigh, “closed it off. It’s as if she’d blocked it off—if she ever even really knew or suspected. What runs through my blood, and even through her own, simply doesn’t exist in her world.”

“So you left it at that?”

“Why should I push her on something that makes her uncomfortable or unhappy?” Rowan lifted her hands. “I’m content with it, so that’s enough. If I’d insisted on stripping away whatever barrier she’d put up, what purpose would it serve?”

“None. You did the right thing, for yourself and your mother.”

“What matters is, in the end, my parents understood as much as they’re able about the decisions I’ve made. Because in the end all they want is for me to be happy.”

“They love you.”

“Yes, maybe more than I ever gave them credit for.” And she smiled. “It helps some that Alan’s been seeing someone else—a math instructor. My mother finally broke down and told me she’s had them over for dinner and they’re charming together.”

“We’ll wish them well.”

“I wish them very well. He’s a nice man and deserves to be happy.”

“So do you.”

“Yes, you’re right.” Giving it one last look, Rowan closed the last suitcase. “I intend to be. I’m excited, Belinda, nervous but excited. Going to Ireland like this. One-way ticket.” She pressed a hand to her uneasy stomach. “Not knowing if I’ll stay or where I’ll go or what I’ll do. It’s thrilling.”

“You’ll go first to Castle Donovan in Clare? See Morgana’s and Sebastian’s and Ana’s parents?”

“Yes. I appreciate your contacting them, and their asking me to stay.”

“You’ll enjoy them, and they you.”

“I hope so. And I want to learn more.” Rowan stared into the middle distance. “I very much want to learn.”