Hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday. Thanks for continuing to read! Long live Andith!
"Ladies and gentlemen, your attention, please" the baronet's voice rang out, "Lady Edith and I are to be married!"
A moment of hushed silence followed Anthony's announcement before the crowd broke into cheers of congratulations. With the exception of Robert, who looked completely stunned and rather aghast, and of course, the Dowager Countess, who didn't even attempt to hide her look of disdain. We'll just see about that, the old woman thought before turning to Carson and requesting the car be brought round to take her home.
"We should start planning the wedding tomorrow" a giddy Cora gushed, hugging her middle daughter once more, "starting with the guest list. How many..."
"No Mama" Edith interrupted, her voice trembling, "Two weeks from today, Anthony and I are having a simple ceremony at Locksley. No frills, no fuss. That's what I..." she paused as Anthony let go of her hand and stepped closer to wrap his arms around her. Glancing up, the strawberry blonde smiled and gathering strength from the warmth of the tall man's embrace and the assuring gaze of his bright blue eyes, continued with firm conviction, "It's what we want. It's all been arranged with Reverend Travis."
The redhead took in her mother's frown, "But, I do hope you'll be there."
"I know we've had our differences Edith but you are my daughter. Wild horses couldn't keep me away!"
The young woman relaxed a bit and looked to Anthony, "If it's all the same to you, I'd really like to go home now?"
Anthony grinned broadly, unable to stop the rush of pride he felt at hearing Edith refer to Locksley as home. "Certainly my dear" he replied, placing a tender kiss to the top of her head before going to collect their coats.
Edith was extremely quiet on the way back, and as much he tried to act unconcerned, Anthony couldn't help but worry over what might be bothering his companion.
Unable to bear the silence any longer, Anthony pulled to the side of the road. ""Is anything wrong?" he finally asked.
"No... I suppose not" the strawberry blonde mumbled although the baronet sensed the young woman's frustration. "It's just...you've been extremely kind to me Anthony, a true friend, more even. I can't help but feel shame and remorse at having dragged you into this... this sham of a marriage because of my...my predicament."
"You done no such thing Edith. If you recall, I offered of my own free will. As I've told you, I'm more than happy to help." Besides, he thought guiltily, I have my own selfish reasons.
"Yes, but the problem is your the one doing all the giving while recieving nothing in return. It's unfair!"
"That's not true Edith. I've been a very lonely these past years, simply existing. My days filled with work, and reading, and not much else. Now, whether we're involved in a passionate discussion or simply walking together in silence, my day is brighter. Don't you see?" he implored, his blue eyes willing her to understand, "being with you makes me feel alive. Gives me purpose. At least for a short while, he sadly thought.
But I feel so much more for you, the young woman grieved inwardly. If only you felt the same for me.
Nearly two weeks later...
As the couple sat in the library on the night before the eve of the wedding, Anthony could sense Edith's growing apprehension.
"What is it sweet one?" the older gentleman lifted his arm from the back of the sofa, a sort of invitation. "You're not having second thoughts?" he teased, trying to lighten the dark mood that seemed to envelope his bride to be.
"NO!" Edith exclaimed, as she snuggled into the offered embrace as though trying to meld her and the baronet into a single entity. "These past few months have been wonderful. I can't recall ever being happier" she murmured.
"But?"
"It's just... I've had a bad feeling today. Things have been going so well. And, in my case, that's an unusally odd and, therefore, frightening experience." The young woman took a deep breath and exhaled, "I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop."
"Might it help to know that" the tall blond checked his watch, "in less than 36 hours we'll be married."
As if on cue, Edith's cell phone rang.
Picking it up, Anthony glanced to see who was calling, "it's your father" he informed her.
"You answer it. I'm not in the mood to listen to him trying, once again, to persuade me to postpone our vows. Tell him I'm in the shower. Anything, please!"
"Hello, Robert. I'm afraid she's busy at the moment." There was a long pause as the conversation became notably one sided. "If you'd just calm down man, perhaps, I'd be able to make sense of all this yammering." The baronet's eyes suddenly widened, "we'll come right over" he replied before disconnecting the call.
"What is it Anthony? Has something happened? Why do we need to go over tonight?"
"The best I could make out was something about you having an unexpected visitor."
"What? Who?" Edith cried. "You don't suppose..."
"Shhh. Let's not start making assumptions. You know, as well as I, that Robert has a tendency to be overly dramatic in certain situations" the older gentleman said soothingly, helping the young lady into her coat. "I'm sure it's not as bad as you're imagining" he assured her, although the look on his face said otherwise.
Arriving at the Abbey, the couple was greeted by Carson and immediately whisked away to the drawing room. Upon entering, Anthony came to an abrupt halt at the presence of a fellow he assumed was, due to his earlier conversation with Lord Grantham, Michael Gregson, the father of Edith's child.
His fears were confirmed by the vise like hold in which Edith gripped his arm as she turned to him in dismay, muttering, "Oh god, Anthony, what is he doing here?"
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