Hopeless Romance

13.1 | The Accomplished Woman

Two days had elapsed, and Addie was eager to return home. She had spent most of her time in Tiana's dimly lit room, the air heavy with the scent of medicinal herbs. Sharing meals and providing companionship to Tiana, who was still confined to her bed, had become Addie's primary focus.

Mr. Forsythe, with his ever-kind demeanor, had repeatedly extended invitations for her to join him and the others for meals, but Addie consistently declined. She preferred to limit her interactions with the ever-watchful Mr. Crandall, the passive-aggressive Ms. Meredith, and the aloof Ms. Sophia. Their visits to Tiana's room were inevitable, but Addie only needed to endure their company for a couple of hours each day, a small price to pay for her sister's comfort.

Earlier, she had discreetly entered Mr. Forsythe's study—with his permission—to select some books to entertain herself during her voluntary seclusion in Tiana's room. The room was a sanctuary of knowledge, lined with towering bookshelves that groaned under the weight of countless volumes. She perused the shelves, her fingers lightly grazing the spines of well-worn books until she came upon Mr. Crandall, who was engrossed in his own reading within a hidden corner of the room. She managed a polite, albeit brief, greeting before hastily selecting a few books and retreating back to the sanctuary of Tiana's room, the encounter leaving her heart pounding in her chest.

As Tiana slumbered peacefully, Addie attempted to lose herself in the pages of a novel. Yet, her mind was anything but at ease. The impending arrival of her family gnawed at her thoughts, disrupting her focus. Stranded at the manor by the relentless storm, she had begrudgingly written a letter home, explaining her unexpected predicament and the reasons for her extended stay.

The thought of her stepmother's impending ire filled her with a sense of dread. The letter she received from her had been curt and formally subliminal, outlining their imminent visit to see Tiana and escort Addie back home. The news left her feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. She braced herself for the inevitable confrontation, knowing her stepmother's sharp tongue would spare her no mercy.

She understood that although she would so return home (something she wanted), her departure from Forsythe Manor would certainly grant Tiana and Mr. Forsythe more time together, free from her vigilant watch. She was aware that her sister's blossoming romance would likely thrive in her absence, causing a sense of despair in her heart amidst the storm clouds gathering outside the window and over her unknown future.

The guest room door creaked softly as it swung open, announcing Mr. Forsythe's arrival. He stepped inside with a warm, welcoming smile, his presence immediately filling the room with a sense of calm. His eyes then drifted to Tiana, who lay peacefully asleep, her serene expression undisturbed by the world around her. Addie, observing from her corner, recognized the depth of his longing gaze; her sister truly embodied the essence of a sleeping beauty, captivating all who beheld her.

"How is she?" he whispered. "Do you think she might need more pillows?" His concern was almost comical to Addie, considering her sister was practically perched atop a mountain of pillows, diligently fluffed and switched by Mr. Forsythe's servants every hour.

"I believe she's quite at ease, Mister Forsythe," she responded. "We're truly grateful for your hospitality."

"The pleasure is all mine, Miss Addie," he replied, his charming smile disarming Addie where she sat. "How do you fare? May I assist you with anything?"

"No, thank you," she said. "I'm most comfortable."

"I notice you're nearing the end of that book," he observed, eyeing the cover. "I confess, I found it challenging and never did finish it. Theo, on the other hand, managed it a few weeks back. He seemed to find it captivating, though he shared little about it. Perhaps he presumed it would be beyond our comprehension." At that, Addie felt her eagerness to complete the book wane significantly. "We're all gathered in the parlor downstairs," he said cheerfully. "The ladies are busy with their needlework, Theo is preoccupied with writing tiresome business letters, and I've been perusing the town's newspaper. You're more than welcome to join us."