Anne scrunched her face in puzzlement. This was what Jane wanted me to hear? How odd…
“The baby had way too much soy in her diet,” Nurse Rooke explained, expecting acknowledgment from Jane. Instead, Jane returned a look which signaled the nurse was getting off topic, so her caregiver quickly resumed course. “Anyway, I overheard Mr. Wallis tell Mrs. Wallis that Will had asked him for another loan.”
With that, Nurse Rooke stood up, raising her eyebrows to look knowingly at Jane. Jane nodded her approval of the caregiver’s account, then turned to Anne for feedback.
“A loan?” Anne asked. “I don’t understand. Will is supposedly well off.”
“Not any more!” Jane exclaimed.
“Dear, you need to know that currently the life Will’s living is a sham,” Nurse Rooke stated matter-of-factly.
“But what about the income he makes from the MTV show?” Anne asked, “Surely that provides more than enough money for him.”
“Ratings have been worse than expected. Not only that, Will invested his own funds in the show,” Jane explained, “And it doesn’t have the needed sponsors to stay afloat.”
“But if Will doesn’t have any money of his own, then why would he…” Anne’s voice trailed off as Jane and her caregiver watched her with anxious eyes. Anne didn’t have to finish, she knew the answer to her own question. She felt used. “You mean Will has only been after me for my mother’s inheritance?” she spit out the words with contempt.
Jane nodded sadly. “But only in part,” she began. “Think about it, Anne. If it was totally for the money, then why not choose your sister who already likes him? There would have been no problem in securing her hand.” Anne nodded, knowing she was right. “No, dear, I really do believe he has an attraction to you,” Jane reassured.
Anne slowly got up and began to repeatedly pace the width of the room. Stopping abruptly, she turned and faced the ladies. “Why are there so many cads out there? Are there no decent men left?”
Jane and Nurse Rooke looked to Anne in sympathy while Anne sat down in a huff.
“That’s why I never married,” Nurse Rooke commented with a justified and rather pious look before taking a large bite of the cookie left untouched by Jane.
Observing the caregiver’s masculine build and faint mustache, Anne guessed there were probably other reasons why she hadn’t married—but kept them to herself. Sitting up, Anne raised a high-five in the air, “Amen to that!”
Chapter 44
Drawn to an exquisite floral display, Anne lingered to smell some roses while en route to the hotel where the Musgrove’s were staying. She’d decided to drive the back roads into Sacramento, and upon spying a local fresh flower stand couldn’t resist pulling over. The farmer had a wide variety of colorful tulips, cute daisies, intoxicating hydrangeas, and more. Anne was in flower heaven. Selecting several bunches of the vibrant tulips, lilies, and roses, she decided to put together a bouquet for Clara, thinking how much the dear lady must miss her gardens from home. Anne enjoyed their sweet fragrance as she finished her commute into town.
Clara opened the hotel door to see Anne holding the lovely arrangement of flowers.
“Anne, come on in!” she exclaimed, “What a gorgeous bouquet!”
“They’re for you. I thought you’d enjoy something to remind you of home,” Anne smiled as she presented them to Mrs. Musgrove.
“Just what I needed! You are such a sweet dear,” Clara smiled, her eyes declaring her home-sickness. “Etta and your sister left to run a few errands, but they should be back soon, and Charles took the boys to an aquarium.”
Anne nodded and stepped inside, following Clara to the kitchenette area where Mrs. Musgrove managed to find a vase in which to display the flowers.
“Etta can’t wait to show off the bridesmaid’s dress she got for you,” Clara said with a wink.
Glancing about the hotel suite, Anne became aware that she and Clara weren’t alone. Standing by the window was Harve, whose attention was fastened to a piece of paper in his hand. Sitting at the room’s desk not far from him was Rick, who was diligently writing. Anne turned to Mrs. Musgrove in puzzlement.
Clara immediately apologized for her lapse in manners. “Oh, Anne, I got so excited by the flowers I forgot to inform you of our guests. What with both of these gentlemen being involved in Louise’s wedding, I invited them for lunch hoping to get a fresh update on the wedding plans. Plus, Harve is headed back to Lincoln City tomorrow and he was nice enough to agree to take back some items I purchase for Louise.”
Harve looked up at that moment to smile at Anne. “Hi, there,” he greeted warmly, forcing Rick to acknowledge Anne with a quick but courteous nod of his head before returning back to his task.
Anne tried not to take his lack of enthusiasm personally, but it was hard not to—especially when she recalled the way Rick used to light up in her presence. The smiles he gave back then were so gentle they made her heart skip a beat every time he flashed them her way. Those special moments would stay with her forever.
On the television, Anne could hear the familiar sounds of The Price Is Right. Knowing it was one of Clara’s favorite shows, Anne wasn’t surprised when Mrs. Musgrove asked if she could finish watching the program. “Anne, would you think me rude if I ignored you for a moment? They’re just about ready to do the final showcase, and that’s my favorite part.”
Anne smiled, “Of course, don’t mind me—I’ll go bother Harve for a bit.”
With Clara’s attention riveted by the television, Anne headed towards Harve. As expected, Harve’s easygoing attitude instantly made her feel welcome.
“My best man speech,” Harve said, pointing to the paper he was holding in his hand. “Or at least it will be when I am finished. Rick over there is writing his as well, actually.” In explanation, Harve added, “Ben couldn’t make up his mind which to choose, so he made both of us his best man.”
“That sounds just like him,” Anne chuckled before seeing the almost imperceptible change in Harve’s demeanor. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but it was almost as if he was melancholy. “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but is everything okay?” Anne queried.
Acknowledging his altered mood, Harve looked at her kindly, thinking to himself what an intuitive woman Anne was. There were few besides his wife Melissa or Rick who could read him so well. Making sure Clara’s attention was securely attached to the television, he lowered his voice to explain, knowing Anne would keep his confidence.
“I must admit this is a very difficult chore for me,” Harve began, “Knowing that less than a year ago Ben was engaged to my sister. To think this should have been their wedding…”
Anne immediately understood and felt her heart break at witnessing the deep sadness in Harve’s sorrowful eyes. It was obvious Francie’s death still affected him, and Anne was genuinely touched by the deep affection Harve held for his late sister.
“I know Francie wouldn’t have forgotten him so easily,” Harve finished quietly, looking down to play with the paper in his hand.
“No woman who truly loves can forget,” Anne said with sincerity.
Unobserved by either of them, Rick ceased to write. Instead, his attention was diverted to that of listening in on their conversation once he became aware of their topic. Despite himself, Rick was anxious to know whether Anne was speaking in general, or from experience.
“Not the good ones anyway,” Harve continued, “I don’t think that applies to all women though.”
Anne shook her head in disagreement. “We don’t forget men as easily as they forget us.” Harve’s dubious look encouraged Anne to further defend her stance. “A man can suppress his emotions, whereas a woman’s are always on the surface and no amount of distraction can override them.”
The sound of Rick’s knee hitting the desk prompted Anne and Harve to seek the source of the noise. Noting the flushed look on Rick’s cheeks and his somewhat nervous demeanor, Harve assumed Rick was hinting it was t
ime to leave.
“Are you ready to go?” he asked Rick.
“Ahh…no, just a few minutes more,” Rick answered in distraction as he hurriedly grabbed a new piece of paper and began to write furiously. Harve thought it strange, but shrugged and resumed his conversation with Anne.
“I find it hard to accept that men are less committed then women,” Harve continued, bating Anne. “I believe the reverse. Men cannot forget those they love. Every man I know tells me how fickle the nature of a woman is.”
“Yes, but your view is very one-sided,” Anne replied pointedly.
“As is yours,” he retorted.
Anne began to wonder if Rick had ever confided in Harve regarding their former relationship. Did he blame Anne for her supposed “fickleness” in the breakup? After all, it seemed obvious from their initial meeting that Harve and his wife had heard Anne’s name before. Perhaps this was Harve’s attempt at satisfying his curiosity? She now wished the debate to end, and hoped to settle the topic by stating, “Then I guess we must agree to disagree.”
Harve acquiesced to Anne’s suggestion, although he still wanted to add more on this subject. “I hope though, you understand that not all men move on so easily,” Harve persisted. “As for me, once I fell in love, that was it.”
“I believe you, but if I might add,” Anne said, “So long as your wife lives, and loves you exclusively.” Even in the case of her father, who had loved her mother dearly, Mr. Elliot had found a way to compartmentalize his feelings and go on with his life. Anne did not believe women were as fortunate.
“Perhaps you are right…” Harve mused.
Emboldened, Anne continued, “The main difference between men and women where love is involved, is that women love the longest…even when there seems to be no hope.”
Anne paused, feeling as if her beating heart had been exposed for the world to see. She surprised herself by revealing these intimate thoughts to Harve. After the words left her mouth, Anne instantly felt quite vulnerable. She still loved Rick and would forever do so. Even now that all hope seemed gone, Anne would never be able to separate herself from the impact Rick had made on her life.
As Harve was about to make another comment the hotel door opened, announcing the arrival of Mary and Etta who had returned from their shopping excursion. Had the girls not been so preoccupied on their many purchases they might have noticed Anne’s blushing face or the way Rick was frantically scribbling away at the desk.
“We’re back!” Mary announced loudly.
“Oh good…Anne’s here!” Etta exclaimed happily at spotting her. “Anne, I can’t wait to show you the dress I bought for you. I think you’re gonna love it! But first, do you mind if I make a really quick call to Chuck?”
Anne nodded affirmatively. Etta immediately punched in Chuck’s number before scurrying off to the back bedroom for privacy.
“Sis,” Mary wasted no time in gaining Anne’s attention. “Look at these adorable matching outfits I got the boys,” she said, holding up two sets of train-themed overalls. Anne smiled, imagining her nephews pretending to be railroad conductors in their new clothes.
As Harve looked on, it was evident the man was beginning to feel out of place as Mary rummaged through various bags to show off her purchases. “Well, Rick…” he said, moving towards his friend. “You about ready? I think the room has been reclaimed by the ladies.”
Rick inclined his head as if in agreement, but seemed unnerved. When Rick made no effort to get up, Harve sent him a curious look. Rick cleared his throat, “Umm…I need a few more minutes.”
“What are you writing, man, a novel!?!” Harve exclaimed, playfully punching Rick’s shoulder.
Rick shook his head to deny the charge but semi-chuckled along with the others. “Sorry, it’s just that I remembered something else I needed to jot down before I forgot it.”
Anne sensed an oddly vulnerable state in Rick which was different from his normal behavior. Devoting more of her focus to study him, she noted that Rick didn’t want Harve hovering over him. What’s going on? she thought as she continued to watch with peaked curiosity at the interaction between the two men.
Harve grimaced teasingly as he glanced at the women gathered around their multiple purchases. “At this rate, I’ll have to see every outfit!”
Although the rest of the party found this comment amusing, Rick didn’t respond in kind. Instead he plowed ahead with his writing rather than allowing himself to be distracted by his friend. When Anne looked to Harve for his reaction, she was surprised at the concerned look he sent her. Harve found Rick’s behavior troubling as well.
“I thought you’d be used to it by now,” Clara said, claiming Harve’s attention as she responded to his earlier jesting. “I understand Melissa can be quite the shopper herself.”
“Alas, it is too true, her passion for home interiors never ceases to amaze me,” he said as a defeated man, but his lament was accompanied with a twinkle in his eye.
Mary touched Anne’s arm. “Do you think the boys might still fit into these by Christmas?” she asked, referring again to the outfits she had shown Anne upon her arrival.
Anne held them up for further inspection. “I’m not sure, Mary. You would know best.”
Mary nodded, but Anne could tell she had been hoping for something a bit more concrete. Although Anne had a general inclination that they would, she didn’t feel qualified to give a confident answer, not being around the boys enough to know their rate of growth.
Saving Anne from further questions, Rick captured everyone’s attention when he finally rose from his chair. Grabbing the recently written papers which previously consumed his attention, Rick proceeded to fold one of the sheets in half. Harve took this as an indication his friend was now ready to leave and began moving towards the door.
“Well, looks like we’re headin’ out,” Harve said to Clara, eager to leave behind all the chaos. “I bet you girls will appreciate some ‘alone’ time.”
As Clara and Mary began to say their goodbyes, Anne’s attention was redirected when she noticed Rick attempting to make eye contact with her. The gesture was far too obvious and pointed to be imagined, yet Anne felt it to be somehow surreal, like a dream. Rick’s riveted and compelling look led her to see the note in his hand, which he then tucked under the leather table mat on the desk. Locking eyes with Anne once more, she couldn’t mistake the pleading request Rick was making, which was confirmed by his tapping the mat directly over the now hidden message. Anne felt stunned, almost paralyzed, and yet a consuming urge beckoned her to rush directly to the note. What could he have written? Anne pondered.
“We’ll see you later tonight at the Elliot’s?” Clara’s voice cut through the insanity surrounding Anne’s mind.
Harve nodded and turned the door handle, only waiting long enough for Rick to catch up before leaving. All of this went unnoticed by Anne who’s concentration was solely on the piece of paper and the telling look Rick gave her before his departure.
“Mom,” Mary sought Clara’s attention once the men were gone. “Etta and I spotted a dress for you to wear at the wedding.”
“Really? Where at?” Clara asked, all ears since she’d been having trouble finding just the right outfit for this special occasion.
“Macy’s,” Mary responded without missing a beat. “It’s the perfect color, and it has a matching jacket.” Overjoyed, Clara listened as Mary proceeded to describe the dress in detail while Anne remained in her frozen state.
Cautiously looking to see if the women were paying any attention to her, Anne found them completely preoccupied. Taking a deep breath, Anne nervously inched her way to the desk—her desire and great anticipation driving her to see what Rick had written. Is it good news or bad news? Anne thought anxiously. Did something I said earlier move him? Or maybe the opposite, and I inflamed his anger so much that he couldn’t wait to express his disappointment in me? Checking again to see if the girls were still engaged elsewhere, Anne quickly lifted
the table mat ever so slightly and slid the folded piece of paper out from underneath, grasping it with concealed eagerness.
Feeling especially tense, Anne stole another glance in their direction. Mary, maintaining her domination of the conversation was now in the process of describing various shoes and accessories which could be purchased to complete Clara’s perfect look. Before opening the note, Anne tried to compose herself. Recalling Rick’s face just prior to his departure, she drew courage. Either way, Anne would cherish the unique intimacy just that little interaction with Rick had allowed her that afternoon. Anne knew the contents of the letter would bring one of two things: either fulfillment of her hopes, or the final blow that would shatter her heart into a million pieces.
Feeling like she couldn’t wait another minute to see what the future held, Anne slowly began to unfold the letter with trembling hands. As she did so, it was almost as if the note whispered to her the promise of freedom—the freedom to love or to let go. Anne was ready—she was over seven years ready.
Inside was Rick’s familiar hand writing scribbled across the page, and Anne felt her eyes glisten as she began to read the letter that would forever change her life. As she read the words became alive, and in her mind, she heard Rick’s strong and masculine voice speaking.
My most dearest and lovely Anne,
I felt as if my life had ceased to exist when your family persuaded you not to marry me. Although I never stopped loving you, to my shame, I have to confess to also harboring feelings of resentment, bitterness, anger, and disappointment. Like a fool, I let my pride get involved, and stupidly walked away. I should have stayed to earn your dad’s approval and make something of myself. Instead of putting your feelings first, all I worried about was my bruised ego and thought you’d surely come after me. But as days turned into months, and then months into years, I realized I’d been foolish and let down the most important person in my life. By then, so much time had elapsed, I began to believe it was too late to fix what we once shared. I was sure you’d forgotten me, and more than likely already married someone else. I convinced myself that what you had felt for me was merely a school girl’s crush, and it was only I who had experienced real love. Yet, after hearing the words you spoke today, I dared to hope again.
A Modern Day Persuasion Page 18