MULATTO (Iyila) (Editing)

chapter forty two

Gabriel told Anne to call off their engagement in her own fashion. Midday the next day, Anne visited Gabriel. He was busily touring a book in his chamber when her arrival was announced to him by Collete. Reluctant and quite hesitant, he didn't want to see her and, fortunately dodged her every visit with some frivolous excuse. However, he did go to meet her in the garden. Gabriel had promptly noted the changes that had occurred over the two months of bed rest. She was as usual beautiful and fashionably dressed in her usual prestigious manner in order to entice him to forget whatever issue they had, but to Gabriel her clothing seemed unnecessary. The most evident change he'd noticed was his feelings for her.

Gabriel had felt no anger or hate for her as he had done these past few weeks. There was nothing but pity that he felt for her. The visit had been so quick that he couldn't recall much that was said since their conversation had been marked by periods of irritating silence. Through that discussion that noon, he had realized that she was yet to tell everyone about their disengagement which had shocked him.

For a woman like her with almost every man at her disposal and highly sociable, he had expected her to knit good lies for anyone who cared to listen and perhaps move on to the next gentleman. Her demeanour had convinced him otherwise. And for a second, he wished to believe that she loved him.

Or she was too afraid of society's remarks, which prompted her steadfastness.

With a woman like Anne, he was unsure of what to think but he resolved not to ever be fooled by any woman again. But in a bid to protect her already tainted reputation, he asked her to announce their disengagement and at his expense. He was certain a lass like her would die of shame and indignation if the truth were to come out that he had left her. He wasn't bothered about society and what it thought of him. He hadn't been very fortunate as regards its concern for him, but Anne - that was all he knew she had.

He wasn't much of a gentleman and neither did he consider himself as one because he lacked many of those qualities. All the same he was a man of good conscience. He wasn't sure that he could live with the guilt of destroying her life because she would turn into an object of mockery and maybe, ultimately, run out of suitors. He had tried not to judge her too much. After all she had behaved as a true southern lady, he only blamed his own foolishness.

When Anne finally left almost sobbing, Gabriel returned to his chamber. When he opened the door, he saw Iyila arranging his books. An unusual warmth quickly raptured his heart, quickly reminding him of her absence and how he longed for the image of her snoring lightly beside his bed; her ruffled and wearing a broad, though suspicious, smile that could melt the most strict man. Sometimes her absence made him wish that he had not gotten well so she could continuously sit by his side.