But she was older now, wiser, and far more mature. She could clearly see how incredible James was for her. She was not a young child anymore, she had twenty-three years of life and experience behind her. She knew just what was good for her and that wasJames.
With a surge of determination, Annabelle unlocked her front door and she let herself inside. When the door clicked closed behind her, she rested her head against it and just stood there for a little while tothink.
What am I doing? I am standing here, avoiding writing the necessary letter that I have just promised my fiancé that I will write, simply to wait for a man who is nevercoming.
Why would Floyd turn up at her front door now? It had been years, there was just no way. She had to let go of that notion once and for all. It was not fair to cling toit.
How would I feel, knowing that James still harboured some love for someone who was not me? I would not like it, so it is not fair for me to do thesame.
Her legs shook, her knees knocked together, but she forced herself to move. She walked towards her writing desk where a piece of parchment and an ink pen always waited for her. If she ever felt the need to connect to anyone back in London, she liked knowing that the option to write a letter at the spur of the moment was always there. It was never the same as speaking to them face to face, but Annabelle knew that there was nothing that could persuade her to return to city life, no matter what. However much she missed the people, she did not miss the lifestyle. Plus, most of her friends did not live in the heart of the city anymoreanyway.
Dear Father,she wrote carefully, spending a lot of time to craft each letter perfectly.I am writing to you with some wonderfulnews.
With that, she sat back and examined her words. Much as things were better with her family now, it still felt incredibly strange to be coming to him with this information. After everything they had been through as a family, another engagement could possibly be a littlemuch.
If only I were more like Beatrice, she thought sadly. My sister has always been wonderful at making the most of anysituation.
With her children now around her, it seemed that Beatrice had blossomed, motherhood had been the making of her. Maybe, if Annabelle had been willing, she would have found thesame...
But of course, Watson was not Abraham. He was horrible and brutish and he would have made her life a misery with his affairs and nasty comments. No, even in her darkest moment, Annabelle was certain that she had made the right decision. She decided to keep onwriting.
I have met the most wonderful man, and today he has asked me to be his wife. He is James Moore, the best teacher I’ve evermet.
She could not help smiling to herself as she wrote that. In this area, James was very successful, but in terms of London and the circles that her father ran in, he would not be considered as such. Still, Annabelle was proud of him and she wanted her father to knowthat.
It would be wonderful if you and Mother could come to visit us sometime, to get to know James a littlebetter.
If they had been in London, her family would already know James well. He would have asked for her father’s permission before he even proposed, but that was not possible considering how her life was now. Annabelle did not think that her father would be offended. At least, she hopednot.
I do not have any details about the wedding as yet, our engagement only happened tonight, but as soon as I have anything else for you I shall let youknow.
I miss you greatly. Love,Annabelle.
Once she had finished writing, Annabelle knew that the sensible thing to do would be to put it in an envelope ready to send to her family in the morning, but something held her back. As she stared at the words in front of her, they started to swim and moveabout.
I am just tired, she tried to convince herself. It has been a very long day at work, followed by an unexpected evening. There is nothing to worryabout.
She lifted herself off the chair and made the way towards her bedroom, untying her clothing as she walked. She did feel weary, there was no denying her eyes desperately wanted to close, but her wired brain was not quite ready to shut off justyet.
Annabelle Hathaway found herself engaged once more, and even though the situation was different, there was one issue that still plagued her. Did it mean something that she was still thinking of Floyd? She was notsure.
