Randolph nodded. "I did find something, however, but before I could show it to your aunt, Melissa was gone. Then I couldn't decide if it would be unnecessarily cruel of me to mention it
to Rachel, or if perhaps she wouldn't treasure the item even more. I wonder, would you have time to come by my shop next week? I'd value your opinion, and perhaps you can help me resolve what has become something of a dilemma."
"I come into town every day to visit with the woman who's keeping Christian, and see how he's getting along. I'll be happy to stop in to see you, too."
"Thank you. I'd hoped you wouldn't think this insensitive of me. I'm not concerned about the cost of the item. I'd be pleased to give it to Rachel as a gift, if you think she'd like it."
"That's very thoughtful of you."
Randolph smiled slightly. "You've changed since our last conversation."
That had been at the wedding. It had been such a happy occasion, and now, Alanna couldn't bear to think of how greatly her family's circumstances had changed. "You're right. Nothing is the way it was last spring."
"For some things, that might not be bad."
Randolph's parting smile left Alanna wondering just what he meant, and she found herself thinking of him throughout what proved to be a long and solemn day. Byron and Elliott were as morose as their parents, and Alanna was grateful when they excused themselves right after supper and provided her with an equally fine opportunity to slip away. She went up to her room and began to read the copy of Henry Fielding's Amelia that Elliott had given her, until it was time to get ready for bed.
Alanna went to see Randolph O'Neil at her first opportunity. There were several customers in the shop, but he summoned clerks to see to their needs and escorted her into his private office. "How is your little cousin today?" he asked.
Randolph's expression was devoid of the hostility Graham had shown over her devotion to Christian, and Alanna was delighted to find his interest sincere. "He's very well, thank you. He's growing so rapidly, if I didn't visit him every day, I'm sure I'd miss something."
"Yes, I remember when my daughter was small. Unfortunately, we had no other children, although we both wanted them very badly. Do you remember my daughter? I realize Karen is several years older than you, but I thought perhaps you might know her."
"No, I'm sorry I don't recall meeting her. I seldom came into town before last spring, so there are a great many people here in Williamsburg whom I've not met."
"I'm sure that will be remedied in the near future," Randolph predicted with an inviting smile. "Now let me show you the gift." He leaned down to open the bottom drawer of his desk and withdrew a leather box. He then removed the lid with care. "I know how much your aunt admires crystal, and this angel with silver wings is one of the most beautiful pieces I've ever seen."
He placed the angel on the corner of the desk where Alanna could appreciate it, but while she was equally impressed with its beauty, she had no idea how to advise him. "It's exquisite," she murmured.
"Yes, it most certainly is. The only question is: Would your aunt think it a fitting tribute to Melissa?"
The angel, who was glancing down at her demurely clasped hands, projected an air of serenity that Melissa had certainly never possessed while alive, and Alanna was afraid that should the name of Christian's father ever become common knowledge, her spirit would not be generally regarded as residing in heaven. As for the silver wings, they were highly polished, and yet so detailed, the softness of the feathers looked real. If not tended properly, those beautiful silver wings would tarnish, and knowing that symbolism would not be lost on her Aunt Rachel, Alanna decided against it.
"Truly, she is lovely, but my aunt is heartbroken over Melissa's death, and I fear any reminder of the life she and Ian should have had, or even of an angel, would be unbearably painful for her. Thank you so much for showing her to me, but I think you should keep her for someone else."
Randolph frowned slightly, and for a moment he looked as though he wanted to argue with Alanna, but he apparently thought better of it. With the same care he had shown earlier, he returned the angel to her box and replaced it in his drawer. "I don't think I'll display her until next year. She's a Christmas angel, don't you think?"
"Yes, someone is sure to treasure her and see that she's passed down for generations. Perhaps she would make a nice gift for your daughter."
Randolph broke into a wide grin. "She has two little boys, so I don't dare give her anything that delicate, at least not for a while yet."
Thinking her visit had come to its natural end, Alanna rose from her chair. "I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful."
Randolph moved between her and the door. "You needn't apologize. You gave me precisely the help I required. There is one other thing I'd like, though."
"Yes?"
"I'd like to see Melissa's little boy. I don't have much opportunity to be around my grandsons, and I'd just like to hold a baby once in a while."
Randolph O'Neil didn't fit Alanna's image of a grandfather any closer than she knew Christian would fit his expectation of Melissa's son. "I'm sorry, but the Barclays don't permit visitors."
"Oh, I didn't know that."
He made no effort to hide his disappointment, which made Alanna feel all the worse. "If it were up to me, I'd take you to see him right now, but when my aunt and uncle forbid it—"
Randolph raised his hands. "No, forget that I asked. It's just that I'd heard Captain Scott went home to England, and I thought the babe might enjoy an extra hug or two."
"Yes, I'm sure that he would. He's an adorable child."