The morning breeze felt glorious against my face as our carriage rolled through town. After weeks confined to the estate, even the smell of the bustling streets seemed like a luxury. I breathed deeply, savoring my momentary freedom.
"You look happy, Your Grace," Clara Meadows commented from the seat across from me.
"I am," I admitted. "I was beginning to feel like a caged bird at the estate."
Clara smiled. "The Duke was quite generous with the allowance for Master Alistair's gift."
I patted the heavy purse in Clara's possession. Alaric had insisted I take a considerable sum for shopping, particularly since my main purpose was finding a gift for Alistair. Though still recovering from his injuries, Alistair's condition had improved enough that a small celebration seemed appropriate.
