Imported Love

Chapter Four

I couldn’t wait for what happened to happen again.

I refused Franny’s help when she offered to help me prepare for dinner, I told her that I wasn’t hungry, but she knew that I was lying. I couldn’t face Abel after what I’d just discovered, nor after what I’d just done. I couldn’t believe I allowed Ethan to kiss me, and I couldn’t believe that I wanted it to happen again. Maybe it was just the fact that I was angry with Abel. Yes, that had to be it. I was angry and did something irrational, but not unforgivable. I wouldn’t let myself be pinned down by this.

I crept out of my room and peered into the hall. As usual it was empty and I couldn’t hear any voices. I moved down the hall, away from Ethan’s room. I hadn’t been down this part of the house, and I felt like getting lost was exactly what I needed to do to clear my mind. I took turns and climbed stairways, never thinking once about where I should turn, I just walked.

“She isn’t in her room, Mr. Hastings, maybe she’s walking around.” I heard Franny say. In a moment of panic I threw myself into a closed room. I held my breath as the voices grew closer.

“She’ll get lost wondering around in here.” Abel growled.

“She’ll be fine, Mr. Hastings.” This time it was Lily’s voice I heard.

“This is all your fault,” Abel groaned.

“Well did you think she wouldn’t find out Abel? This is not Lily’s fault. Maybe if you didn’t leave her alone so often—“

“Both of you, leave me alone!” Abel shouted. I heard footsteps heading away, but Abel stayed outside of the door. I backed away from the door, tripping over something. I grasped out for something to grab onto. My fingers latched onto fabric and I pulled it with me as I fell. The sheet tore away and bright light flooded into the room. I shrieked out in pain as I hit the floor. The door opened and Abel stood in front of me.

“What are you doing in here?” he asked.

“I was—I was looking around.” I whispered, quickly climbing to my feet and straightening my dress. Abel looked around the room and smiled.

“This was my wife’s other favorite room, her art gallery.” He said. I glanced around and saw numerous paintings hanging on the wall. Each had a small plaque underneath it, stating the name and date of the painting. I wanted to smack the wistful smile right off of Abel’s face. How could he look at his wife’s things like that?

“How long ago did she die?” I asked.

“A year,” Abel answered, looking back at me. My eyes widened in shock. I was hoping that Mary Jane had been dead for at least seven years, but she’d only died a year ago. Had she known about Adler?

“Franny told me you fainted today,” Abel said. I nodded my head and looked to the door. I was closer, and probably much faster, I could easily beat him out of the room. I took a step toward the door, Abel didn’t seem to notice.

“I was still tired from the journey.” I lied.

“I imagine so. I just wanted to tell you that I’m truly sorry for leaving you alone. I should have been here for your first few days. I promise that I will clear my schedule and make our wedding top priority.”

“You don’t need to drop everything for me,” I insisted.

“No, I want to. We can go into town after dinner if you want to look at wedding dresses. Franny has a few picked out already, but it’s your choice after all.”

“I don’t feel much like traveling today, maybe tomorrow?” I offered.

“That sounds good. I’ll tell Franny and she can help you prepare in the morning. Would you like to accompany me to the library?” Abel asked.