Knowing that he could finally find her again made all the feelings come flooding back inside Floyd. He realized in that instance that he still loved her dearly, that he had never let her go, which was the reason he had never movedon.
Deep down, he had always loved Lady Annabelle Hathaway, and now he could be with heragain.
Very quickly after his meeting with Catherine, Floyd had made the arrangements to take some time away from his riding school. He had very capable staff members working for him now, so he hoped he would not be missed. There was no way that he could be aware of Annabelle’s whereabouts and not go to her immediately. He was worthy of her now, he had achieved everything that he needed to be with her, it was almost as if fate had intervened to bring them back togetheragain.
Maybe, as horrible as it was to think about, they needed that time apart. Maybe it had all happened the way that it had for areason.
With a smile on his face, Floyd started walking through the village as he searched for the address that he had been given. As he moved, he tried to imagine Annabelle living in this place. He could imagine her by the ocean, living a much freer life. The fresh, outside air felt like an adventure in itself, which was just what sheneeded.
I wonder what she is like now, he thought as he walked. I have changed so much, I wonder if she has too. Maybe she looks different, maybe she is quieter or more confident. It does not matter to me, I am sure I will still loveher.
They were young when they were together, naïve and childish. Their love was strong and powerful, enough to still affect him five years later, but they were not ready for all that life had in store forthem.
Maybe now, theydid.
It was not easy to find Annabelle’s home, but luckily since the town was small and the people were friendly, he eventually managed to find the right path to walk down. As he moved with precision, carefully placing one foot in front of the other, his emotions were mixed. He felt afraid, yet happy, nervous, yet exhilarated. It was the strangest sensation that flooded him, but he kept on going. His need to see Annabelle once more overshadowed any fear he could everfeel.
Voices disturbed him, he could hear them just ahead of him. After all the very kind people he had met in this place, he did not mind coming across some more. Maybe he would even tell them the love story that he was chasing. Maybe he would even let them know that Lady Annabelle Hathaway was the one for him and that he would do anything forher.
Anyone would love that story,surely?
All of a sudden, his heart stopped dead in his chest. He recognized one of those voices. It sounded just like Annabelle! He tried not to get his hopes up too high because he did not want to get too carried away but he could not stop his feet from picking up thepace.
Please be Annabelle, he pleaded internally. I cannot wait to see heragain...
His brain stopped whirring, his limbs stopped moving, an ice-cold sensation claimed him completely. It was Annabelle alright, she was ahead of him, but she was not alone. She was walking up the path towards her home with her arm linked through another man’s. They were talking and laughing, acting as if they knew one another verywell.
I am too late, Floyd thought with a stark realisation. Again, I am too late. I have missed mychance.
He had gotten so carried away with the thought of seeing Annabelle again he had not thought that she might not wish to see him. Catherine said she did not know what was happening in Annabelle’s life, which of course meant she did not know if Annabelle remainedunmarried.
I have been a fool, I cannot believe it. I need togo...
Before Floyd got the chance to run, Annabelle sensed a prickle on the back of her neck and she twisted her head slightly. Just enough for their eyes to connect in one heart-stopping moment that seemed to go onforever...
