“Anna, normally I would pretend that everything is okay and let you do what you want to do. But, in this case I have to say something. I understand you want to leave this place. You have every right to do as you wish. But, I just think the timing is all wrong. It’s like you are running away. If you are setting out to prove that you are strong and independent, then you should leave after this lawsuit has been settled. If you leave now, you are just giving up.”
“Hattie, if I didn’t know better, I would think you were trying to get me to stay around to console Warrenton.”
Hattie looked glum.
“Warrenton will be fine, Hattie. He has his many, many, women to keep him distracted from his grief. I, on the other hand, am sitting here as pitiful as I please waiting for some imaginary prince to come and sweep me off my feet. If I want a prince, well then, I will just have to go find him.”
“Maybe your prince is closer than you think.”
“If you are referring to a one Mr. Warrenton Bingham Boatwright, well then you, Hattie, are sorely mistaken. Warrenton may very well be a toad of a man, but he is certainly no prince.”
“How would you know? You’ve never kissed him.”
“Touché, Hattie. Touché.”
“Anna, how do you know Warrenton is not ‘The One’ if you have never given him a chance? You’re ready to pick up your whole life and whisk it away to some distant land when what you really want and need may be right here the whole time. One date, Anna. That is all I am asking you to give Warrenton one date. If you end up hating his guts, then at least you gave it a chance. You don’t want to be thousands of miles away wondering, ‘What if?’”.
Hattie was right. Annabella had never really given Warrenton a chance romantically. They had always been friends and grown up around each other. Annabella just assumed if there was a spark, it would have ignited by now. But, they had always seen each other the way siblings or cousins see each other – at their worst. Annabella never made much effort to impress Warrenton – she just assumed that her very presence was impressive. But, a man with means attracts women from all walks of life and Annabella was, well, predictable.
“Suppose I did want to go on a date with Warrenton, Hattie. How do I get him to ask me out?”
“You don’t. You ask him out. Anna, it’s late in the game, Dear. Warren knows how you feel about him. He would not dare put himself out there to be rejected by you. You have to ask him out. He will be pleasantly surprised.”
“But Hattie-”
“But Hattie nothing, Anna! The man just lost his father. For once, stop being selfish, prissy, and pig-headed and ask the damned boy out on a date!”
Annabella was stunned. Hattie had never so much as raised her voice at Annabella – let alone told her off. Annabella could not believe that she was being chastised for being the kind of young lady she was reared to be. She began to cry and got up abruptly from the table. She stormed up the steps and slammed the door. Hattie was positively beside herself, but she did not know what to do. She did not want Annabella to throw away an opportunity to find happiness right at home only to run off to Europe and find that happiness no more reside there than in her small, southern town. Hattie was a firm believer in making one’s own happiness and Annabella’s incessant whining about finding some obscure love that may or may not exist was finally taking its toll on the woman. She thought about trying to console Annabella, but after thinking better of it, she resisted. She knew Annabella would come around. Hattie had plenty to keep her occupied until she did. As Hattie went about her day, she lost track of time as she did chores and prepared lists and plans for the week. So, she was later floored to see a transformed Annabella sashay down the spiral staircase. She donned a conservative, yet provocative red dress trimmed in gold. She was stunning in the bare-armed frock that hit just above Annabella’s boney, pink knees. She had her flaxen blond strands coiled and upswept in a neat style that gave Annabella’s innocent face all the attention it deserved. She stepped lightly in her strappy, kitten heels that diverted the curious eye to her petite feet. Annabella looked amazing and Hattie wondered just what had come over the girl. What’s more, Hattie wondered where she scored such an outfit.
“A birthday gift from Caroline,” she explained to Hattie’s confused expression. “I swore I’d never dig it out of the back of my closet. But, as usual, you are right, Hattie. I have some chances to take and some living to do.”
“Does this mean you are going to ask out Warren?”
“No, I am going to wait until he comes over to give us an update about services for his father. That’s when I will hand him my wrap, my keys, and ask him where he is taking me for dinner. That should do it. Wouldn’t you say, Hattie?”
“I’ll say,” Hattie replied, still in shock.
Annabella sat quietly at the table and crossed her twigs for legs. She was sure Warrenton would appear soon. She seemed more confident than Hattie ever remembered and Hattie was excited. She wasn’t sure what would happen between the couple, but it was of no matter. Hattie just wanted Annabella to explore all of her options and make an informed decision based on logic, not emotion. Annabella would have been an emotional wreck if she went to London without ever exploring Warrenton as a possible suitor. At least she can go forward knowing that she gave him a chance and it was him who blew it – not her.
Just as Annabella had predicted, Warrenton appeared at her doors within the hour. He was not his usual dapper self, but at least he looked like he had showered. Annabella flung open the French doors to reveal the China red dress that shocked a man who had arguably seen it all.
“My word, Annabella! What are you wearing?
“You are not blind, you tell me.”
“I suppose you left your bags at the airport and picked up Ms. Christina Applegate’s,” Warrenton joked.
“In that case, I suppose you are not interested in escorting me to dinner tonight. I shall have to find someone else to take me to dinner.”
“I suppose you are wrong,” Warrenton assured her as he looked her up and down twice. He held her hand over her head and twirled her around gently. Annabella blushed profusely.
Just as she had told Hattie, she handed him her keys and her wrap. He gently placed the wrap on her shoulders and held out his arm for her to take. She clasped his elbow with one hand on top and the other on the bottom. She smiled and shrieked her shoulders as they walked out of the doors. Hattie giggled a little as they got into the car. She could not believe how easy it was for her to convince Annabella to do something she should have done at least ten years earlier. But, Hattie was sure that all is well that ends well. She wanted Annabella to be happy, but that meant taking chances. She was certainly taking a huge chance on Warrenton, the town’s Premier Playboy.
It was well after midnight when Hattie awakened to the sound of a familiar engine in the family’s driveway. She was content that they had neither spent too short nor too long of a time together. It was a positive sign. She, however, pretended to be sleep so that Annabella would not feel pressured into revealing details if the date did not go well. But, Hattie did not have to pretend for long. Annabella snatched off the heels she had worn to dinner and raced up the stairs. She banged incessantly on Hattie’s door and Hattie opened the door to a beaming Annabella.
“My word, child. What is your malfunction?”
“No malfunction, Hattie,” Annabella assured her. “Warren is amazing!”
“Amazing at what?” Hattie wanted to know.
“Not that!” Annabella squealed.
“Then do tell,” Hattie encouraged her.
“He was kind, funny, gentle. I kept wondering where was that jackal of a man I grew up with.”
“Well, where was he?”
“He wasn’t at dinner tonight. No, the man I went out with tonight might very well be my prince, my knight, my dream come true.”
“Slow down, Anna. It was dinner, not an engagement party.”
“Well, Hattie. If things cont
inue to progress who knows what we will be celebrating next!”
Annabella left Hattie with that thought and went to her room. She wanted to share her news with Caroline, but she knew how Caroline felt about Warrenton. She did not want her moment to be ruined by Caroline’s negative comments. She decided to write in her diary. She was still beaming and she wanted to remember every single detail about the evening. She didn’t know if Warrenton was supposed to call her or if she was supposed to call him. She was so new to the dating game and even newer to the feelings she was having. This was what she dreamed she would find in London. She was pleasantly surprised to find out that when you put yourself out there, good things can come to you. She hoped that she was not building herself up for a big fall. After all, she had known Warrenton for a long time, most of her life in fact, and he had let her down so many times. She hoped that this time was different. She hoped that he was sincere and that he enjoyed her company as much as she enjoyed his. Maybe he was actually becoming a man since his father died. It was entirely possible that Warrenton was finally maturing and that it was the ideal time to consider a real relationship with him. Annabella hoped that she was not getting ahead of herself. After all, Warrenton was a documented Playboy. He was known in most social circles as the guy who breaks hearts and lets girls down. She did not want to be the latest in his string of victims. She had not seen any new activity since the Marigold incident. She figured Warrenton was playing it cool because he was afraid any new girlfriends might try to score a payday as well. Besides, he seemed to be taking a special interest in Marigold right up until the accident. It was then that Marigold showed herself as a gold-digger and opportunist. Annabella was still beside herself for hitting the girl with her car, but she could not help but think that if it had not happened, she and Warrenton would not have gone out on a date. In that respect, she was happy that things happened the way they had and she hoped she wasn’t setting herself up for heartbreak. She could not help remembering all the times Warrenton came home from his dates and talked to Annabella about them. Some were good, some were bad. Then, of course, there were the times he got his heart broken and he thought he wasn’t going to be able to go on with life. Annabella was always there, always lending her shoulder for Warrenton to cry on. But this time, she was the girl. She was the one. If things didn’t work out, she didn’t know to whom Warrenton would turn. After all, his father was gone and his mother was emotionally, if not physically unavailable. He didn’t have any real friends in which he could confide. It may be that Annabella and Warrenton were meant for each other all along and they just never gave each other a chance. Annabella was too afraid to get close and Warrenton was too afraid to be alone. They made for a neurotic pair, to be sure. But, it seemed that with all the changes in their lives, they both were willing to take risks they had not previously wanted to take. Annabella was going to make the most of it and for the first time in a long time, she was no longer thinking about London. She was happy being at home and hoped the feelings she was experiencing would last forever. She fell asleep in her red dress, thinking about the time she had.
Annabella awakened the next morning to a frantic knock at the door. It was Warrenton and he wanted Annabella to go with him to his attorney’s office. He did not know what the emergency meeting was about, but insisted that Annabella come with him right away. So, in the previous evening’s ensemble, she rushed out the door with her new love interest. On the way, Warrenton feverishly talked to himself, trying to sort out what could be the problem. He was sure Marigold was causing more trouble and he was fed up with her. He regretted ever getting involved with the woman and he hoped that he could put it behind him - the short-lived relationship they had. He was willing to deal with a lot of things, but giving up his family’s fortune to that tart of a woman was not one of them.
Annabella grew more nervous as the car ride continued. She was relieved when they finally arrived at the attorney’s office, but she would not be for long. The attorney stood just outside the door as Warrenton held open the car door for Annabella and when he saw what she was wearing, he almost collapsed.
“So this is the dress that’s causing all of the problems,” he coarsely acknowledged.
“What are you talking about?” Warrenton wanted to know.
“It seems one Ms. Marigold has gotten wind of a celebration between her two favorite litigants.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I got an interesting phone call in the middle of the night from Marigold’s attorney. Apparently, the word around town is that you and Annabella are celebrating the coming together of the town’s two wealthiest families. She wants to make sure she gets her cut. So, she has increased her demand by millions. She’s going after everything, Warren. Now Annabella, you are safe. She has already settled with you and that’s in stone. But you, Warren, she wants everything your father worked for – everything!”
“She can’t get it, can she?” Warren wondered.
“It depends. Gorgeous damsel in distress versus rich Playboy and his heiress girlfriend. It’s a tossup, Warren. A crapshoot. You don’t want to gamble with your daddy’s fortune.”
“So what are suggesting?” Warren wanted to know.
“I suggest you come back here tomorrow without Ms. Annabella and her inflammatory red dress and be prepared to hammer out a settlement with which you can live.”
“If Anna can’t come, then I am not coming. I need her. She is my rock.”
“The rock stays home, Warrenton. This is business. If Marigold sees your rock, she might just up her asking price by several more million.”
Warrenton looked thoughtfully at Annabella.
“It’s alright, Warren. I will stay home for this one.”
“Fine! Be here at 8 a.m. sharp and be ready to play ball.”
With that, Annabella and Warrenton slowly exited the attorney’s office. Warrenton was sure Annabella would be upset about not being there, but he was wrong. She was unusually understanding. Annabella squeezed his hand as he drove her back to her home.
“Anna, I will reach out to you later. I need to go handle the final plans for my father’s service.”
“I will wait to hear from you,” she assured him as he opened her door and closed it behind her.
Once again Annabella entered her house elated. She was finally starting to feel a real connection with Warrenton. He was trying to make her feel like a part of his life and she was enjoying being included on the important points in his life. She wondered why he did not bring her along to handle details of his father’s funeral, but she did not want to be pushy. She knew that in due time, she would be handling a lot more of Warrenton’s affairs. And she knew she was just the person to do it. With the parade of women that Annabella saw come and go over the years, there was never anyone quite like her. She knew he had been with more beautiful women and smarter women for sure. There were even a couple of wealthy socialites to add to his collection of broken hearts. But, none compared to Annabella who encompassed all of those things in one package. She was no dumb blonde. She was bright and capable. She knew once Warrenton overcame his insecurities, he would appreciate everything that she brought to the table. Annabella wanted to help Warrenton take his father’s legacy to a new level. And no one was more capable of doing it than she. Annabella spent the remainder of the day writing in her journal and thinking about how her life was going to change. What if she and Warrenton got married? Would she move into his house? Would they buy a house and move away? What would happen to Hattie? Would Hattie come with her and take care of Annabella’s children? Did she and Warrenton even want to have children? There was so much to think about and she daydreamed about it most of the day. She finally took a break long enough to get some dinner and take a warm bath. By nightfall, though, she was back to her journal and ended up falling asleep with her face buried in it. Hattie checked on her several times and each time she seemed more and more elated to be in her own skin. Everything was going swimmingly. What
could possibly go wrong?
Annabella awakened the next morning with the same wonderful thoughts that had filled her head the night before. Was this really happening? Was Warren finally ready to make a commitment? When she came downstairs for breakfast, she was ready to tell Hattie the wonderful news.
“Hattie you were right about Warrenton. He might actually be The One.”
“Well, just take your time Anna. Don’t put too much pressure on the boy. He doesn’t exactly have monogamy down pat just yet.”
“In due time, Hattie. In due time.”
Annabella looked at the clock often, each time wondering where in the settlement negotiations Warren might be. She hoped that by 10 o’clock things would wrap up soon, but there was no such luck. After watching Anna stare incessantly at the clock for hours, Hattie decided to distract Annabella with some shopping.
“Why don’t you let me take you into town and buy you something pretty.”
“Hattie, I am not a little girl anymore. You can’t distract me with presents.”
“How about a new red dress for tonight?”
“Alright, alright. You are twisting my arm,” she pretended to resist.
Hattie’s plan worked for a few hours, but by nightfall Anna was beginning to worry. She insisted that they go back home and wait to hear from Warren. Hattie and Annabella pulled up just in time to see Warrenton getting out of his car. He looked distraught. Anna rushed over to see what was the matter, leaving Hattie standing in the driveway. Hattie could not hear the conversation, but she could tell by the hand motions and facial expressions that it was not a pleasant conversation. When she saw her Anna drop her head and walk away, she knew it was nothing good.
“Anna, what’s wrong?” She asked the girl as Warrenton slowly walked into his house.
Annabella was silent. She went to her room without a word, no matter how hard Hattie pressed her. Hattie reluctantly went to bed, not knowing what happened between Annabella and Warrenton. But before the night was over, she would know everything.
An Old Fashioned Southern Romance Novel Page 6