The Secret of the Key in the Floorboard

Chapter Ten- The Engagement Party

Later that day was the engagement party. Mrs. Hamiltin let me borrow a dress. It was in an early 1910s evening gown style. It was a deep purple velvet with lighter purple train. It was really not my style but it was all I had. The dress fit but it was a little too big for me so Mabel had to pin it to make it fit me. She helped me with my hair as well. I had to wear my same boots and Dr. Whitman said my ankle was healing well.

When I arrived at the party everyone stared at me. It only made me feel worse than I already did. Great everyone knows I thought to myself. I just stood there uncomfortably. Eddie noticed from across the room. He walked over to me.

He smiled "Annie don't mind them. It's just nothing ever happens in Evergreen. Thank you for coming."

He held out a hand so I could steady myself.

I smiled "Thank you for hav-"

Before I could finish my sentence a pinched faced dark blond haired woman came up. She was barely 5ft tall.

"Annie, it's wonderful to see you again. I must express my condolences about your family" she said in a nasally voice

"Thank you, Winnie. It's nice to see you again too."

Then I felt a hand around my waist, I jumped. It was nice to not have all my weight on my ankle, but it still startled me. I turned to see a blonde, blue eyed man about the same age as Eddie.

"Ahh! The gang's back together." Winnie squeaked

I quickly realized from her comment who it was, James.

I quickly tried to smack the hand off my waist "James, I never got the chance to thank you for saving me in the woods"

He ignored my attempt to not have his hand on me and smirked "It was my pleasure. You know I'm the one who actually found you."

I noticed Eddie rolled his eyes.

I smirked "Of course you were, thank you"

Noticing I was uncomfortable with James' hand on me Eddie said "James, Annie doesn't remember everything. You're making her uncomfortable"

James scrunched up his face, tightened his grip, kissed my cheek.

"You'll remember me more soon darling."

He let go of my waist and stormed off. I shuttered. Eddie placed a comforting hand on my arm. I noticed a jealous look in Winnie's eyes.

I smiled "Thank you. I think I'll go find Ella, she's been waiting to talk with me all day."

He nodded "Of course"

I walked away, having to pick up my dress since Mrs. Hamiltin was about 3 inches taller than me. I looked back to see Winnie give me a he's taken look. I just laughed softly to myself as I looked for Ella.

My ankle was starting to hurt. I was missing the wheelchair. I quickly found a couch. It was the same soft pink Victorian couch that has always been in our living room, but the pink was brighter. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

"You can do this Annie" I told myself as I sat down.

"You, bored already too?" I opened my eyes to see Ella sitting next me.

"I'm just not feeling up to a party right now"
"Understandable. I apologize for this morning. It's been a while since I've seen you. You were always so nice to me. Not speak ill of my future sister-in-law but Winnie is peculiar" Ella expressed