Little did Ari know there was more than enough reason for her to rush now. The desperation she felt back in Uncle's study had waned, and in its place a melancholy weight. Dismounting was a bit more difficult in skirts, but she managed to get on the ground steadily. Knowing the horse would remain there — potentially meandering over to her companion — Adrienne approached Ari, with no other motivation than to throw her arms around him in an embrace.

She needed him, knew that the news she came bearing would begin to make the foundation under them crumble. Adrienne wasn't ready for it, knew Ari wouldn't be either, and so she buried her face in his shoulder, saying nothing for as long as she could. To hold this off as long as she could. Just for a minute longer.

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