They disappeared into the early morning. They took only what they'd need for a day or two. The plan was to head into Eau Claire and get married, quickly and quietly. Once it was done, nothing could be said. There might be comments about the haste of their marriage, but Lucy intended to maintain an elopment was their plan all along. In fact, if she was honest with herself, she had never quite been able of picturing a traditional wedding for them. Perhaps this was how it was meant to be.

She never considered going home for fresh clothes. It was simply impossible. Rose wasn't there to ask, but she figured borrowing a few of her things would be acceptable. There was a dress hanging on the back of the closet door. Lucy touched the skirt gingerly, overwhelmed by its loveliness. Did she dare? She had no way of knowing it was the dress Rose planned to give her, but something told her to take it.

Fabrizo left plenty of food and water for the animals and locked everything up tight. A note for Lucy's brothers was placed under a rock on the front steps. It was only a matter of time before they came looking for her. She was surprised they hadn't arrived already, demanding to know what was going on.

They waited up all night for her, and sometime after midnight they out searching. "It's not like her to do this," Billy said. "You don't think something happened, do you?" He glanced from Adam to Tom. Their faces were heavy with worry. The memory of the last time Lucy didn't come home was still fresh.

"What could've happened?" Adam said. "There's no-one who..." He trailed off, unwilling to put the possibilities into words.

"She might've hurt herself," Billy said.

"Maybe," Tom said thoughtfully. His worry was real, but he wasn't panicking yet. What happened with Cal wasn't likely to happen again, and while it was possible Lucy was injured somewhere between the Dawson place and theirs, he just didn't believe it. He didn't want to admit it, but deep down, Tom knew exactly where she was. He should've seen it coming. All the time she'd been spending with Fabrizo. She was always an impulsive, emotional girl, and things were so crazy lately. No doubt the melodrama of Jack and Rose's romance had gotten her attention. He sighed. There was nothing to be done about it now. Sure, he could go over there and bring her back, assuming they were still there, but what good would that do?

He didn't want her breaking up with Fabrizo. He wasn't the problem. Tom rather liked him. He was a good man. He'd be a good husband for Lucy. No, the problem was Lucy going off without thinking, leaving them to wonder and worry. He didn't approve, far from it, but he knew enough to know causing a scene would only alienate his sister.

"Let's look around a little more and then head home," Tom said. "She'll probably be back soon."

But morning came, and still she wasn't home. Tom had to admit things had gone further than he expected. Young couples going off together wasn't unheard of, though it was generally kept as quiet as possible, for the sake of reputations. Swift marriages tended to follow. He was willing to grudgingly accept this for Lucy. At least she'd already been planning to marry Fabrizo. With everything going on, it would be easy to explain away the absence of a large wedding.

But then again, there was their father's reaction to consider.

...

"We should stay here a few more days," Jack said. He raised a forkful of pancake to his mouth. "Maybe a week." He glanced at Rose. "What do you think?"

"You don't think we should be getting back?" she asked.

He shrugged. "I don't see why. Trial's postponed. They don't need us for that," he replied. "Fabrizo can handle things at home. He's probably enjoying the quiet. And you know, I think we should talk to Eugene more. He's filing the papers today. We should stay close and see what happens."

"What about what might happen at home?"

"Well, Fabrizo can get in touch with us," he said. "It's not so far. We can get back if we need to."

"You want me far away from there, don't you?"

Her eyes met his, and however much he'd like to, Jack couldn't lie. "Yeah, I do," he said. "I just think it's not good for you to be so close to him."

"When the trial starts again, I'll have to be there, Jack," she pointed out. "It can't be avoided."

"What if it could?" he said quietly. It wasn't the conversation he wanted to have, but he'd put them on the path to it. He may as well keep going.

"What are you saying? You want-"

"I'm not saying anything for sure," Jack said. "I just think it's worth considering."

Rose stared at him. "What is?"

"Whether or not you really want to go through with this. Whether it's worth what being up there does to you."

Rose spoke in a calm, deliberate voice. "I don't have to think about it, Jack. This isn't something I can walk away from. I have to see this through. No matter what happens. If I run now, I'll be running for the rest of my life. Can't you see that?"

"I don't want you to be hurt anymore," Jack said, pressing her hand. "After what happened that first day-"

"It was terrible. I can't bear the thought of experiencing that again, but even more, I can't bear the thought of Cal thinking he's won, that I'm afraid, that he has any power over me whatsoever." She held his gaze. "Jack, do you understand?"

He nodded slowly. "I do."

...

"How're you feeling?" Fabrizo asked.

Lucy smiled. "Good. You?"

He smiled back. "Good."

City Hall loomed before them. Lucy's heart beat wildly. It was really happening. No matter how many times she told herself, it still felt like a dream. Fabrizo squeezed her hand. She wondered if he felt the same way. She snuck a glance at him. His expression was serene. If he had any nervousness, he hid it well.

They went up the steps and walked inside. There were forms to fill out, questions to answer, signatures needed. The clerk didn't look terribly interested in them, which Lucy was grateful for. If he had been, he could've stopped them. He could've questioned her age. Where her parents were. Whether this marriage was actually supposed to happen. But he didn't.

And almost before they knew it, they were married.

...

Billy saw the note first. "Look," he said, unfolding the paper. His eyes scanned the words. Adam read over his shoulder.

"What is it?" Tom asked, even though he already knew.

"Well, it says they-" Billy hesitated, afraid of his brother's reaction. "They've gone-"

"They've eloped, haven't they?" Tom finished.

Adam nodded. "Yeah."

Tom took a deep breath. "I figured as much."

"What're we gonna do?" Billy said.

"Not sure there's much we can do," Tom replied. "They're long gone. We'll never find them in time to stop it."

"So, are you-are you okay with this?" Adam asked. "I mean, it's-"

"I'm not exactly happy about it," Tom said.

"Neither am I," Billy said.

Tom went on, ignoring him. "But at least they were already engaged," he said. "And we know this isn't..." Now it was his turn to hesitate. "They aren't..."

The other two nodded. "Right," Adam said.

"What made them do this?" Billy asked.

Adam shrugged. "They wanted to."

"It's gotta be more than that," Billy said.

"Does it?" Tom said. He looked off into the distance. "You know how Lucy is. When she sets her mind on something..." He sighed. "We just have to make the best of it." There was a time when his response would've been much sterner, harsh even, but after everything that had happened over the past few months, he just didn't have it in him anymore. He knew his brothers would follow his lead, though he could tell they were somewhat reluctant to embrace their sister's actions. No-one had mentioned their father, who was due home in the spring. It was as though they had all agreed not to tackle that problem yet. He'd been gone nearly a year; sometimes, they forgot he was coming back at all.

...

Rose tried to enjoy the paintings, but their previous conversation kept gnawing at her. Was that the only reason Jack wanted to come? To get her away from the trial? What could he possibly think that would accomplish?

No, she couldn't be that hard on him. She knew what he was thinking, and his heart was in the right place. He just wanted to protect her. And yet, she couldn't let it go. Would there ever be a time when Jack didn't feel compelled to protect her? When he wouldn't worry about how she would react to everything? When he wouldn't try to stand between her and the world?

It wasn't something she could ask.

"You alright?" Jack said.

"Fine."

"You just seemed...distracted, I guess," he said.

"I was thinking about the painting," she replied.

"Not worrying?"

Rose shook her head. "No. I'm not worried." She glanced at him. "I'll handle things, when we go back," she added. "It won't be easy, but I'll survive."

"That's not what I want for you, Rose."

"I can't see why it would be," she said. "But it's what I have." She touched his hand. "I need you with me, Jack."

"Of course. You know I'm with you."

"With me," she said. "Not shielding me."

"Can you blame me for trying?" he asked.

"No. And I'd like to stay a few more days. You're right. It's good for us to get away for a little while, and we probably should meet with Eugene again."

Jack smiled. "I'm glad you feel that way."

...

Things were progressing, albeit slowly, in their absence, and in ways they never would've imagined. Milton had been on the phone with Nathan all morning, and rarely had he ever said so little. Nathan was threatening to come out there, which was the last thing Milton wanted. He had enough trouble without him breathing down his neck in person. Men like him never understood the law, never quite grasped it couldn't always be manipulated to suit their needs. He was doing the best he could with what he had. Cal's obvious guilt was a problem, but, and he couldn't stress this enough, if he were allowed to display his full talents, that problem could be minimized.

Cal wasn't helping himself, however. Since the scene in the courtroom, he'd hardly said a word. He just sat in his cell, glaring. It was as if he didn't care what happened. The truth was, he cared a great deal; he simply assumed, even now, things would turn out in his favor. And why shouldn't he? Nothing in his previous experience had prepared him for any other outcome. As far as he was concerned, even if he'd killed Rose-Lucy was usually forgotten-he couldn't be blamed. She'd brought it on herself. Anyone could see that. They could see just what he had to deal with, being married to a girl like that. It was a miracle he'd gone this long without some sort of drastic action.

And also, there was what he'd do when he was finally released. His thoughts were consumed by the future.

...

It had taken more time than he cared for, but Milton finally managed to get an appointment with Judge Fredrickson. Charlie was there was well. Of course, Milton thought when he saw him. Nothing about this was easy.

"Well, what is it?" Fredrickson asked. "What couldn't wait until we reconvene next week?"

"Thank you for seeing me, Your Honor," Milton said. "I know you're busy-"

"Just tell me what's so important," Fredrickson said.

"I'd like to know too," Charlie said.

Milton's features froze; his smile twitched. "I believe we should discuss a change of venue," he said. "And it's a question that should be decided before we reconvene."

"Change of venue?" Charlie said. "Why should we talk about that?"

"Because my client isn't from here. He's been away from his home and business long enough," Milton replied. "There's no reason to keep him here. He can be tried just as easily in Pennsylvania."

"He committed a crime here," Charlie argued. "Why should he be sent back there? Just because he knows every judge on the bench?"

"I don't appreciate slander against my client," Milton said.

"It isn't slander when it's true," Charlie snapped. "I've read all about him and his family. They've never been held accountable for anything. That's going to change."

"If you're implying-"

"Enough," Fredrickson said. "I don't want to hear any more of this. He was arrested here. He broke the law here. I see no good cause to send him away for the trial. Our jail is perfectly adequate." Milton opened his mouth to protest. Fredrickson held up his hand. "I don't care who he is or how important he is back home. That changes nothing."

"Sir, I belive the local citizens are prejudiced against him," Milton said. "He's an outsider. Naturally, they assume the worst."

"I'm not an outsider," Fredrickson replied. "And I know these people better than you. They're perfectly able to come to a fair, rational decision about this matter. I've seen nothing so far to indicate otherwise."

"But Your Honor-"

"And furthermore," Fredrickson went on. "Your client has done himself more harm with his outbursts in court than any supposed prejudice the jury might have. We reconvene on Monday. That's my final decision."

Milton fumed as he left the courthouse. If he couldn't get the trial moved, he'd have to focus on the witnesses. Cal still believed Rose wouldn't be a problem, and he was inclined to agree with him. It was all she could do to get up on the stand once; he doubted she'd manage it a second time. But the other girl, she could be a real obstacle.

There was always a chance he could find a way to replace the judge. It was diffiuclt, but he'd managed it before.

...

They were even shyer than they had been the previous night. Lucy hadn't anticipated that. Wasn't marriage supposed to bring them closer? Fabrizo smiled over at her, and she smiled back. He touched her hand across the table. "How do you feel?" he asked.

"Good. You?"

"Good, still," he said.

"No regrets?"

"None about you," he replied.

"Are you worried about my family?"

"Yes," he said.

"Don't," Lucy said. "It'll be fine. They won't be happy at first, but they'll get over it. They already like you."

"You don't care what people will say?" Fabrizo asked. "You really don't?"

She shook her head. "No."

"So, what do we do next?"

"What do you mean?" she said.

"How long before we go home?"

"Tomorrow?" she suggested. "We didn't have a wedding, but we can have a wedding trip. A short one," she added with a laugh.

"Tomorrow sounds good," he said. "When we go back, where are we going?"

It was something they hadn't really discussed. Fabrizo had trouble seeing himself moving into the house with her brothers. There were so many personalities there already, and creating their own life would be nearly impossible. And yet, would living with Jack and Rose work? It would probably be better, though he doubted it could last for more than a year or two, at most.

"I thought we'd stay at your house," Lucy said.

"You mean Jack's."

"Well, I considered it yours also," she replied. "I got the impression so did he."

"He's a good friend," Fabrizo said. "Are you sure that's what you want?"

"It's the best choice, don't you think?"

"I do," he said.

...

"Well, I filed the paperwork," Eugene said. "It'll be at least a week before we know anything. The judge will have to review my petition. If we're lucky, he'll rule in our favor, and you won't have to deal with this anymore. It'll take a few months to be completely over, though. Don't forget this can be a slow process."

"We know," Rose said.

"And even if he takes our side," Eugene pointed out. "Your former husband can still contest it. Now, like I already told you, it's not likely he'll be able to do that while incarcerated, but-"

"A man like him can manage just about anything," Rose finished.

Eugene nodded. "Exactly. If that happens, we'll have to go to court."

"We know," Jack said. "We just wanted to check in."

Eugene nodded. "I understand. Perfectly normal reaction, especially in a case like this. I assure you, if anything new comes up, I'll let you know. You're staying in the area?"

"For a little while," Rose answered.

"That's good. It will make getting in touch with you easier," Eugene said. "We've filed in Illinois, so if we do have to go to court, it should be here. He won't like that very much. His lawyer will fight for a change of venue. He'll want things done closer to home."

"Of course," Rose said. "I'm surprised he hasn't done that with the trial."

"I'm sure he can't," Jack said. "His lawyer knows that."

...

"Do you think people can tell?" Lucy asked in a low voice. Despite the cold, the park was fairly crowded. They walked at a leisurely pace, hands clasped. The sky had threatened snow before they left home, but the clouds had dispersed, leaving a bright sky. "It's for us," Fabrizo said, when they saw it.

"Can tell what?" he said, with a teasing grin.

"That we just ran away and got married. Of course."

"Oh, that," he said. He looked around. "You know, I think they can. See those people over there? They're probably talking about it."

Lucy rolled her eyes. "You don't have to make fun."

"I wasn't," he said.

"Really?"

"Really, Lucia," he said. He put his arm around her. "I think they can tell we're happy," he said.

She leaned her head on his shoulder. "I want them to know."