Misadventures in Overland

Chapter One A Letter and an Invitation

Alannah was sitting at the table, sorting through large piles of healing herbs. She had gone out earlier in the week and replenished the majority of her stores. Katarina sat next to her, watching with avid interest. Every few moments, she would ask "What's that one do?" Alannah was very patient with her, answering all her questions.

Stayne and Michael were out in the gardens. Alannah had come in earlier with her arms full of the herbs, dropped them on the table, turned to Stayne, and pointed to the door, speaking one word. "Out." Stayne raised his eye at her. She sighed. "Michael is too young to be around some of these herbs. I need you to take him out of here for a few hours."

Stayne bowed. "As you wish, Milady."

She was bought out of her task by a knock at the door. She sighed, secretly relieved that she could take a bit of a break. She walked to the door, and opened it. The messenger made a bow, then handed her a letter. "Letter from the Lady Alice, My Lady."

Alannah smiled. "Thank you."

The servant bowed, and then departed. Alannah shut the door, and then sat on the couch, turning the letter over in her hands. Katarina came over and climbed onto the couch. "What's it say, Momma?"

Alannah grinned. "Well, let's see." She unfolded the paper, and read the letter out loud.

My Dearest Friend,

I have recently been able to make contact with my family in Overland, and have told my mother Helen and my sister Margaret all about you, and how you managed to redeem Ilosivic Stayne. I have also told Mother about your being a noble, but that was more because I knew it would impress her rather than any bragging on my part. I should tell you that I wrote two separate letters to my mother and Margaret, and Margaret's was a bit more…mad, I would say. Mother is still slightly upset that I refused Hamish. But I am happier with Tarrant than I have ever been in my life, and I know you feel the same about Ilosivic.

But I have rambled on enough, my friend. I shall move on to my purpose for writing this letter.

Mother has invited Tarrant and me to spend a week with her at the family home and she has graciously allowed me to invite a guest. If your husband and children have no objections, I would be overjoyed if you could accompany me. I promise that you will have a rather interesting time of it.

Yours,

Alice.

Alannah grinned, and then looked over at Katarina. "Would you be sad if Momma went to visit Aunt Alice's mummy and sister? I promise to bring you back a present from Overland to make up for it."

Katarina looked thoughtful, then smiled and shook her head. "No, because I know you will miss Michael Daddy and me a lot. Are you going to buy them presents too?"

Alannah laughed. "I just might. Your Daddy and brother should be getting back pretty soon." She grinned as she heard the door open. Katarina grinned.

"I think they're back, Momma."

Alannah smiled at her men. "And how are the two most handsome men in Underland doing this fine day?"

Stayne grinned, and sat next to her, shifting Michael onto his lap. Michael gurgled and reached for her. Alannah took him. "Did you behave for Daddy?" Stayne sighed.

"I think he's even more energetic than Katarina was at this age. He's crawling everywhere." Alannah laughed as she noticed the dirt covering Michael.

"Did he leave any soil in the garden, or is it all here?" She mock glared at Michael. "You need a bath, lad." She looked at Stayne, and grinned. "You could stand a washing too, love. There should be some buckets out on the back steps. I don't know if the water is hot or not, but if not, then just heat a few buckets over the fire."

Stayne frowned in pretend annoyance. "Oh, very well. Who wrote you?"

Alannah looked at him in confusion, and then brightened. "Alice. She's invited me to spend a week at her family's home in Overland. Will you be able to watch Katarina and Michael by yourself?"

Stayne scoffed. "Of course! It will be absurdly simple. You will not have to worry about anything while you are away."

Alannah glared at him. "You are the biggest liar I have ever met, love. I want an honest answer. Do you think you can manage both our children for one full week?"

Stayne leaned in and kissed her. "Yes. Besides, if I get into a jam, Mirana will be available. I presume Tarrant is going with Alice?"

Alannah nodded. "I wonder what her mother and sister will make of us."

She went over to the table, and began to write back to Alice.

Alice and Tarrant were in his Hat Shop when a knock came at the door. Alice opened it, taking the letter a servant handed to her. Tarrant looked briefly up from the hat he was making. "Who's that from?"

Alice smiled. "Alannah." She opened it, and grinned in joy. "She's accepted my invitation! She's coming to Overland with us!"

Tarrant laughed. "Overland is never going to be the same again."