An Illicit Romance

Aftermath (I)

Author's Note

I just wanted to apologise for the lack of updates these past few months. I've been extremely busy and I still am BUT this time I will be updating at least twice a week.

Enjoy!

Aftermath

Annabelle's POV

I stared helplessely into space. There was a silence in the dining room. It was the same silence that followed me wherever I went. Mother made it look as though nothing had happened. She told family friends that Daniel was just on 'vacation' and would be back shortly.There was an order for Daniel's name to not be mentioned in Harrington Manor. It was as if my outburst all those months ago was meaningless. It had been at least four months since Daniel left and I was certain they blamed me for his disappearence. What could I have done? Daniel was bound to leave anyway, he had thought about it for years. Father had finally decided to be home more often, but only to keep the peace, even though it hadn't changed anything.

"Annabelle, dear, please eat something." Mother said.

I shook my head. "I'm not hungry."

"You're looking awfully thin these days." she sighed. "How are you going to find a well-suited husband with such a frail figure? Frank Hutcherson has had his eye on you for weeks if I can remember correctly."

"Why, yes, that's true," Father spoke. "His parents have already spoke of his hopes of marrying you."

I stood up. "For the last time, Mother, I am not hungry. And I have no intention of marriage!"

"Well, all I'm saying is-"

"I know what you're saying! Am I the next victim of your impudent medling because Daniel refused?"

Father held his hand up. "Annabelle, enough."

"How dare you!" She stood up, making the table jump beneath her. "You dare not mention that name in this house!"

"Why? Your obsession with marriage is exactly why Daniel isn't here!"

"Don't mention him to me. Forget that name!"

"I will do no such thing. My brother could be anywhere and he isn't coming back because of you!"

"Young lady, that's enough!" Father yelled. We both sat back down. "Child, there is no point blaming your mother for this. From what I hear you played a part in his disappearence as well."

I was silent. I knew it was partly my fault. "But it's like you don't even care. Your son is missing and you're carrying on as normal-"

"Yes, because that's what we do. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've lost my appetite." He got up and Mother watched as he left the room. She avoided looking at me.

A servant came running towards me. Earlier had sent her to ask about Daniel. She courtesied before speaking.

"Ma'am, forgive me, but noone has heard of," She glanced at Mother. "His whereabouts."

"Don't bother," Mother interrupted. "You are not to go looking for him. He'll come back."

I sighed and turned to the servant. "Thank you, that'll be all." She nodded and hurried away.

"Mother, I won't stop looking for him. You may not care, but I do."

She smiled. I wanted to slap her there and then but I decided against it. She walked towards me and put her hands on the sides of my face. I pulled away but she forced me to look at her. "Now listen to me. I have a plan so stop worrying. Daniel will be back. Tomorrow, I'll announce that the marriage of Melanie and Daniel shall go on. He'll have to come back to confirm. And who knows?" She released her grip. "Maybe he'll see sense and leave that silly little girl."