The Secret of the Key in the Floorboard

Chapter Eleven- Fitting in

My ankle was still bothering me as we walked to the dining room. Noticing me walking painfully Eddie scooped me up bridal style. I couldn't help but smile and giggle slightly. This only made him smile. He carried me the rest of the way. He set me down right before the dining room. A few people had confused looks on their faces. We noticed and instantly moved away from one another. Winnie gave us an angry pinched up look. You could see the jealousy forming in her eyes.

Eddie quickly went up to her, grabbed her hand and said "Darling do not worry. I was just helping her. Her ankle is still healing."

She looked at him unconvinced. He just smiled.

This only made her smile and say "I hope so"

I smiled lightly as they walked into the dining room together. Eddie has a movie star smile that could get him out of any situation. I slowly walked in myself and was luckily seated next to Ella. Dinner went by quickly now I'm back in my room writing to you Lottie. I miss all of you so much. It just breaks my heart to know I have to wait 20 years to see all of you again. That's if I even end up with Eddie. Right now he's engaged to Winnie. Ella is right, she is peculiar. Winnie also thinks she is beautiful and better than everyone. She dresses so tacky too. Her outfits look like a cheap Edwardian costume. I have absolutely no idea how I will break them up. I just know I have to marry Eddie or we don't exist. Right now, all I can really do is fit in. How? I have no idea.

*****

The next day

We were all at the breakfast table eating. I only had the one outfit.

"We really need to get you some new clothes. You simply cannot go into the holiday season with just that outfit and a borrowed dress. After breakfast I will take you to get some new clothes. There's a new shop in town that sells ready made clothes. We can get you a few basics to start the season." Mrs. Hamiltin said

"Thank you Ma'am" I replied nervously

"Annalise, if I may ask what happened in the library last night? We heard yelling, then James stammering out." Mr. Hamiltin asked

Eddie and I both stopped eating and looked at one another.

I started to say something but Eddie stopped me. "James had too much to drink last night, He I assume tried to have his way with her and Annie was not having it."

"Did he now?" Mr Hamiltin questioned

I smiled "Not exactly. I just needed a moment so I went to the library. He came in very intoxicated. Said I should not be alone and needed a gentleman's company. I said let me know when you find one. You can imagine what happened next"

Eddie and Ella smirked. Mrs. Hamiltin smiled a little but tried to hide it.

Mr. Hamiltin took a moment before saying "Eddie was right you still haven't lost your spunk. I would be more careful when talking to James. He might just be your husband one day."

I gulped "No not him" I thought

"Yes sir" I managed to say.

"Father, what is to become of Marrow textiles?" Eddie asked.

"Do not change the subject Edward" Mr. Hamiltin said sternly

"I'm asking because you cannot make any changes without Annie. I was rereading the will and it states that if she is the sole survivor and she is Marrow textiles is in her hands. If she marries before 21 it's in her husband's hands. Do you really think James could keep that company going?" Eddie questioned