Persuade

The Letter*

Anne had searched the streets of Bath hoping to find some type of clarity. But all she could think about was Barton the way he had made her feel all those years ago so loved, never had she had connection to someone in her life. Never had there be two hearts so connected like her and Barton. But that was all lost when she had foolishly listen to her family and Lady Hill. All they cared about was status and wealth, where had that thought gotten her not happiness and joy, just loneliness and regret. Anne took a deep breath and looked up at the sky it was darkening with grey clouds and few raindrops fell on her face. Anne wiped them away and began briskly walking towards home to get out of the rain. Anne made it home just as the skies fully burst open to releasing its wrath upon the world.

Anne walked into the foyer as she handed her hat and outerwear to Quill. "Miss Anne, Mrs. Banner and Captain were here twenty minutes ago to call upon you but I told them you were out" said Quill formally. Anne sighed in frustration and nodded "Thank you Quill" said Anne with a frown. Quill stepped forward and handed Anne thick letter "They left you a note Miss and send their regrets in missing you" said Quill. Anne took the note and raced up to her room. Anne looked at the letter in her hand and carefully open it. Anne read the word slowly and her heart raced as she read the words written so eloquently on the page.

Anne
'I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, ten years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone, I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes? I had not waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice when they would be lost on others. Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in C.B.

"I must go, uncertain of my fate; but I shall return hither, or follow your party, as soon as possible. A word, a look, will be enough to decide whether I enter your brother's house this evening or never.'

Anne closed the letter and sighed she pressed her lips to the paper kiss it. Barton still loved her and tonight she would tell him that she loved him and nothing would persuade her to change her mind this time.

Anne was sitting in the parlor as the guests filled in the room. Her heart was beating rapidly waiting for Barton, her eyes were glued to the door. She hardly paid attention to anyone else that was in the room. "Anne is what is the matter with you this evening?" asked Lady Hill in an annoyed voice. Anne turn to look at her godmother "Lady Hill I am fine just waiting for someone arrive" answered Anne. Lady Hill scoffed "Really Anne you need to think of your family..." started Lady Hill when Anne in low bur firm voice "Lady Hill that is all I have done in my life and where has that gotten me, nothing but loneliness and an empty life with people who think I am a burden, no Lady Hill I am taking a chance on a life with someone who will cherish me with all his heart and make sure that we will be happy together no matter what, so Lady Hill I expect to keep your opinions to yourself, cause nothing will persuade me otherwise" snapped Anne stand up leaving Lady Hill's mouth wide opened in shock.

Anne moved to the other side of the room as she was doing so Quill entered "Admiral, Mrs. Banner and Captain Barton" said Quill. Anne watched as Barton entered the room he looked at her with his cerulean eyes. Anne smiled and nodded he returned her smile walking quickly to her. Barton grasped her hands "Are you sure?" he asked softly. Anne nodded "Nothing can change my mind now let's everyone know" she replied. Barton smiled widen "Of course my dear sweet Anne" he responded happily.