A New Beginning

Chapter 5

"I am not sure if Ross will be welcome here again though," Elizabeth said

"I hope he is but I will understand if he isn't," Annabelle said.

Later that night over dinner Amber took hold of her courage.

"I need to know. Is Ross still welcome here?" Annabelle asked.

"I don't want him anywhere near me. He has betrayed us," Francis said.

"I think it would be best if he didn't visit," Charles added.

"What does that mean for him and I. Am I still permitted to see him?" Annabelle asked.

"Yes of course but not here," Charles said.

Annabelle nodded. She would have to send word to Ross not to come to Trenwith to see her in the meantime.

"I'm sorry Annabelle that this has happened. Perhaps you can go and see Ross tomorrow and let him know," Elizabeth said.

"No I don't think so. I am in no condition to ride and nor are you," Annabelle said.

"I hope things will have blown over by the time my babe is due to arrive. Ross will want to come and meet our child after I have given birth," Annabelle said.

"I am sure Father and Francis will allow him to come here for that," Elizabeth said.

After dinner Annabelle sat in the sitting room sewing and mulling over things. She was deep in thought when George Warleggan walked in. He greeted everyone and was quickly filled in about Verity and Blamey.

"So I heard. Word travels quickly. I am sorry it happened this way," George said.

"It was the only way it could happen. Francis and his father would never have approved," George said.

"Ross will not be welcome here again," Francis spoke up.

"See Annabelle that's why you should try things out with me. I would never have allowed Verity to run off with that skunk. I have more regard for social standing than Ross clearly has," George said.

Annabelle glared at him.

"For the last time George Warleggan I am NOT interested. So let it go. I am marrying Ross whether you like it or not," Annabelle said.

George looked put out but he went and talked with Francis.

"Honestly the nerve of that man. I know he's sweet on me but he's got to accept that he has NO chance with me. I'm not interested. Ross is the only man for me," Annabelle said.

"You can do a lot better than Ross believe you me," George spoke up.

"George leave it alone. Annabelle has made her mind up," Elizabeth spoke up.

The next day Ross came to visit and Annabelle went outside to meet him.

"You can't come in here, you aren't welcome. Your uncle and cousin have said as much," Annabelle said.

"How are we supposed to see each other then? You're in no condition to ride at the moment," Ross said.

"I don't know. Maybe we can meet somewhere close enough for me to walk to," Annabelle said.

"How dare you show your face here," Francis said, coming outside.

"I came to see Annabelle," Ross said.

"You're not wanted or welcome here," Francis said.

"Francis do be reasonable. I can't exactly go and visit Ross as I am in no condition to ride," Annabelle said.