Persuade

Broken

Lieutenant Barton and Anne walked towards Ironhall the Stark family estate. Just before they got to the doors Lieutenant Barton pulled Anne into a grove of bushes around the corner. Surprised Anne called out "Lieutenant Barton what are you doing?" she asked. Lieutenant just smiled as he kissed her "Clint" he said before kissing her again when he finally pulled away Anne looked at him "What?" she asked. "My dear Anne my name is Clint you can call me by my name since we are now engaged" he responded before kissing her again. Anne looked up into his sky blue eyes and smiled at him. "Clinton" she said but he just shook his head and smirked. "Anne just Clint please" he responded softy. Anne nodded "Clint" she said softly with a smile. Clint gave a small smirk and kissed her forehead and Anne closed her eyes in the comfort of his movements. They just held each other for a few moments Anne with her head on his chest and his head on top of hers.

Barton sighed as he held her this outstanding woman who was so kind, intelligent, quick witted and she had a big heart which he was so blessed to have to call his. Barton sighed he didn't think his heart could be so full of love and happiness. "Darling, we should head in now" he said softly. Anne groaned and looked up at him " You are right but I wish we could stay like this forever" replied Anne. Barton just smiled  looking down at her "Soon my darling we can hold each other like this all we want I promise" he said then pressed a kiss on her forehead.

Sir Tony and Elizabeth were sitting in the parlor when  Happy their butler open the door. "Lieutenant Barton and Miss Anne" he announced with a firm voice. Sir Tony looked up from his paper with an arched eyebrow at the announcement. Elizabeth too looked up from the piano and frowned as her younger sister walked in the parlor along with that Lieutenant who was staying with the Vicar. Sir Tony stood up and walked to greet them " Lieutenant Barton this is surprise to hear today what brings you here?" asked Sir Tony as put forth his hand to shake Barton's hand which Barton took it.

As he took a step back Anne slipped her arm in the crook of his arm. Anne smiled at him "Brother we have something to tell you" Anne said smiling looking over at Barton. Sir Tony frowned at the way his sister was looking at the lieutenant.  With an arched eyebrow Elizabeth "What is it Anne?" she asked in a cool tone.
Anne missed it and turned to her siblings with huge smile. "Lieutenant Barton asked me to marry him and I have agreed so we are engaged" she said excitedly as she looked up at Barton with her face glowing with admiration. Barton gazed back down at her with equal love. Elizabeth scoffed "Really Anne you agree to marry this man" snapped Elizabeth. Anne turned to look at her sister in shock who was looking at them both with disgust.

Anne looked at Elizabeth and Sir Tony "Yes he asked and I agreed to marry him why wouldn't I" asked Anne. Sir Tony laughed "You are the daughter and sister of an Earl and a granddaughter to a Duke while he is just lowly Lieutenant can he even provide for a wife?" yelled Sir Tony. Barton stepped forward "Sir while it may not seem like I have much now I know I can rise in the ranks and will be able to give her a good life" said Barton. Sir Tony just shook his head and just frowned "What would people think if you married this man you would be completely cut off from high society and we would be the laughing stock of the Ton" said Sir Tony.

Anne shook her head "Brother I don't care for society and no one hardly pays me any attention so why would it matter besides he is a good man and would treat me well and we love each other and beside I have my dowry" said Anne firmly. Elizabeth laughed "Our whole family would be cut of from society Anne stop being so selfish for once in your life" snapped Elizabeth.  Anne rolled her eyes at her sister's remark "You call me selfish when for once in my life I am choosing to put my happiness before your place in society" snapped Anne back. Sir Tony raised an eyebrow "You Anne will not marry this man I will not allow it and as for your dowry that is to give at my discretion and if you choose to marry this man you will be left penniless and will be shunned from the family do you understand me" yelled Sir Tony.

Anne was left speechless she looked between the man she loved and her family though vain and selfish they were they were the only family she had. Barton gripped her arm lightly "Anne please we will be all alright it might be a struggle at first but together everything will be alright... I love you" pleaded Barton. Sir Tony narrowed his eyes "You sir shall not address my sister in such an informal way and you need to leave now you're not welcome anymore to Ironhall" yelled Sir Tony. Barton just shook his head "She is my fiancé so I will address her by her given name" snapped Barton back.To Anne the world began to spin and with all the emotions the were invading her senses. The world went black.

She was awoken in her bedchamber she frantically got out of bed to find Clint she had to talk to him. As she got up from the bed her bed chamber opened and Lady Maria Hill walked in "Anne what are you doing out of bed you are not well" said Lady Hill firmly. Anne just shook her head "No I need to find Clint I need to talk to him" said Anne firmly. Lady Hill stepped in front of her "Anne my dear you cannot marry this man you will just be miserable and alone" said Lady Hill. Anne shook her head "No we won't we love each other Lady Hill you don't understand he truly the only person to ever understand me, too see me, love me I cannot give that up" replied Anne. Lady Hill just close her eyes and shook her head "Anne you're so young and you don't know what love is and this match would be unsuitable. He would be at sea for months and even years at a time you would be left alone with no family or friends" said Lady Hill. Anne just closed her eyes as her heart was breaking.

Clint Barton was pacing back and forth in the small parlor at the rectory. His mind was troubled the women who had his heart and his happiness was hanging in the balance. Just then the door opened and the maid came in carrying a letter "Sir this came from Ironhall" said the maid with a bow. Barton nodded taking the letter. It was written in an elegant hand with his name. He open it quickly.

Dear Lieutenant Barton

I must write you tell you as much I have enjoyed our time together but I cannot marry you my family and my godmother Lady Hill do not approve and they are all I have in this world. Family is truly important I know you understand that. I do wish you all the happiness this world has to offer. I am truly sorry I wish circumstances were different but sadly, this cannot be. I am truly sorry.
Yours
Anne Stark.

Barton hope was gone and his heart which had been so full earlier now was completely empty and broken