Cimmerian Shade

Epilogue

Both Alla and Brandon had decided that they should not announce their engagement right away, both for two very different reasons. Part of Alla wondered whether Brandon would regret his proposal, and secretly wished to give him time and opportunities to bow out of the offer. Brandon was determined, as he told her, to take care of a few loose ends, before they got married. Although Alla tried to get him to explain what he meant, he kept silent on the matter.

After a full month had gone by, Brandon announced that he had to go away for a while on a business trip. Though sad to see him leave, she spent her time with William and Breanne, and even found time to read the book she’d been interested in for so long. Alla found Pride and Prejudice delightful, and even convinced William to sit still for a bit of it.

Brandon returned weeks later. When Godfrey informed her of his return, as she had requested he do, she ran outside to greet him. He had already come out of the carriage. So long had she waited for his arms around her again, that she embraced him, not wanting to ever let go. After several seconds, Brandon slowly lifted her hands from around his neck. Her eyes held slight question and uncertainty in them, as she wondered if his love had already worn off. Maybe he’d grown tired of her; maybe he’d come to his senses about his proposal. He had been away for some weeks now—

Brandon searched her eyes, smiled softly and then spoke. “I have something to show you, sweet. I thought that you may need some assistance…with wedding preparations.”

He left Alla looking confused and went back to the carriage, extending his hand inside of it. Curious, Alla took one step forward and then faltered. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw who stepped out.

“Mable!”

She ran to her, embracing her tightly, and both women cried upon each other. For an instant, Alla had thought that maybe her mama was in the carriage. When she looked up at Brandon over Mable’s shoulder, she knew that her mama was gone, and that he had retrieved the other person closest to her, the only remnant of home and family she had left. She silently mouthed a ‘thank you,’ to him, and she could swear that she saw his eyes glisten a little.

That night after they had dined, Mable and Alla stayed up chatting in the drawing room. Brandon had gracefully excused himself, leaving the two alone. As soon as he left, Alla moved to sit on the floor before the chair Mable was in, resting her hands on Mable’s knees.

“Mable, what happened to mama… after I left?” Her eyes traced the pattern of the carpet, unable to meet the older woman’s gaze.

Mable placed her plump hand on Alla’s head, and shook her own. “Yo’ mama died, child. Thas’ all you need to know.”

Tears came down from Alla’s eyes. “Did she die right there, on the ground? Alone?”

“She wasn’t alone, child.”

Mable’s words were not comforting. Alla knew that she was keeping details away from her. Part of her did not wish to know if something more had happened after she’d run away. Another part of her felt horrible, guilty, and wanted to know—

“Stop!”

Alla’s head jerked up and she looked into Mable’s eyes.

“Don’t.” Mable firmly stated. “Don’t you go’s thinkin’ whateva’s in that head,” she reiterated, tapping Alla’s temple to emphasize her words. “Yo’ mama wanted you safe; she wanted you alive. She did wha’ she could to keep you livin’!”

Alla shook her head and cried. “She was coming with me, Mable! They both were! It’s my fault that—“

“They wasn’t goin’ witcha’ girl!”