A/N: I plan to post an additional chapter when this story makes 100 reviews. Chapter 38 is going to be a hefty cliffhanger, so I'd like to be able to double update… That is, if you'll be kind enough to review.

Chapter 37

"Anne, where are you?" was Mary's inquiry over the phone.

"I'm not sure, but I'm trying to find my way to the Spanish museum.

"Well," huffed her younger sister, "you have left us consumed with worry over your disappearance. You could have at least left a note."

"I did not mean to worry you."

"You are very inconsiderate sometimes, Anne. This is the second morning you've sneaked off in a secretive manner, and we are left to bide our time wondering whether some evil has befallen you."

"Are Louisa and Henrietta waiting for me as well?"

"Well, no. They left before I made it down, but I called to see if you were with them. They were very concerned that something might have happened. You have given us such a scare."

"I will return for you immediately, Mary. It will take me some twenty minutes, I imagine."

"Twenty minutes! I had not known you were so far away. I will meet you somewhere instead. I have not taken breakfast as yet."

"Why haven't you eaten at the inn?"

Frustrated, Mary explained, "I was the last to enter the dining room and everything was cleared. I suppose late-risers must go without."

Anne managed to direct her sister to the whereabouts of a dining establishment she had noted would be serving breakfast during her morning jaunt. She made her way to the restaurant and waited for a full half-hour before the younger woman was seen.

Mary sat down across from her. "There is a darling jewelry shop just up the way. They are having a fabulous sale; look what I purchased."

The sisters ordered as Mary displayed her new trinkets. "I think I shall wear this one with my chartreuse gown. Don't you think it will look nice?"

Anne nodded and said every good thing that was expected of her. She did not feel aggravated at Mary's tardiness. For it did no good to dwell on that which no earthly power could change. She told herself that she was in no hurry to be anywhere, and she could just as easily enjoy her vacation while listening to her sister's happy chatter as she could being on her own. Though, perhaps, she might prefer the latter more. Yet, she would have time for solitary strolls another day. Mary needed her company in the absence of Charles, who would be on the course all the morning.

Mary saw no reason to tour the grounds of any of the fine buildings that Anne had wanted to view, so the day was spent perusing the shops along the boulevard. Mary was determined that everyone should have some small memoir of the visit they had not taken, from her sister in New York, with whom she felt no need to communicate when Anne was present to contact her, to the new nanny. Anne became the extra arms to carry all of the parcels and an extra opinion which, when asked for, was generally ignored.

At three o'clock, Anne was mercifully reprieved from having to carrying more articles by Mary's decision that she had found enough for that day and wanted to go back to deposit her many bags in the room. Her decision might also have been attributed to her curiosity at whether her husband was back from his game early. In this she was disappointed and decided to leave promptly to find lunch.

"Will you not go out again with me?" she asked when she knocked on Anne's door and it was answered.

Anne had already removed her shoes and told her sister, "I require a nap."

Mary sighed. "I sometimes think you the least adventuresome individual on earth! I've never seen a person so persuaded to think staying in and resting is a vacation. You must get out and enjoy the experience not coop yourself up all the day in a tiny little room." Mary looked behind her as though she expected someone to be listening in the empty hallway. "Which reminds me, Charles and I have decided not to stay here next week. It is not very roomy. And I always feel as though I have to stop and chat with the…well, you know." She was whispering as she stood in the doorframe. "I am sure we have stayed here long enough to be polite, but I am used to something more refined." Mary straightened her sage and royal blue-striped top and looked up to see Anne, unmoved, leaning against the door.

"I plan to go out again with you and the rest of the party to the lighthouse. Until then, I will take my siesta."

"Suit yourself," Mary shrugged and took herself down the hall.

Anne's head touched the pillow, and a small moan escaped her. Her arms and legs were weary with lack of rest. Poor Mary. She hated to leave her by her lonesome. Mary was such a social body, ever excited to be conversing with others, and always wanting some novel venture. The luxurious softness of the bed cajoled her muscles into relaxing. Never mind Mary. She would be well.

The mid-day light shone through the cream-colored curtains in its brightest tints, but it did not provoke the sleeping girl into wakefulness. Her parched body drank deeply of that much-needed draught of slumber.

A timid knock awoke her in the late afternoon. "Anne?" Henrietta called through the closed portal in hushed tones. Anne got up and went to the door.

"Mary said that you might want to go to the lighthouse with us."

"Oh, I do. Is it time to leave already?"

"Yes, my brother and the others have returned."

"I will be down presently." Anne took a moment to comb her hair and cleanse her face. Refreshed, she owned that the situation did not seem nearly as bleak as she had viewed it that morning. The countenance that met her in the mirror as she turned to leave surprised the woman. Her face displayed a healthier radiance. Her long lashes looked fuller, her dark eyes shone clearly, and the coral tint had returned to her lips. Walking down the stairs, she espied Benwick sitting in a decorative chair in the foyer. "Has everyone gone on?"

"Yes. I hope you don't mind that I volunteered to drive you."

"Not at all. I thank you."

Benwick opened the door for her graciously. He seemed very eager to be of service but did not introduce any conversation as they made their way to his car.

Once in the vehicle, Anne asked him about the morning's outing. "It was enjoyable. Charles and Frederik were very entertaining. They were quite competitive on the course. I understand they played together in California before they came?"

Anne acknowledged that she had the same information. She was taken aback at Benwick's next question. "What do you think of Frederik?"

She had hardly time to consider what to respond when he went on to say in a musing manner, "I think he has changed since I last saw him. I think this theatrical work has been a bad business, for he is not as lighthearted as I remember him from our trips. Certainly, he was always a serious sort." He turned to look sidewise at Anne adding, "Very serious about his music, as you witnessed yesterday. But I gather there is a great deal on him to see that this musical of his fares well."

"I would assume that it would be quite a burden to have a performance of such great reputation brought to a country where it might float or sink with the whim of the viewer," reasoned Anne. "Especially when you consider this pivotal score he has agreed to rework."

"Ah, yes. That is undoubtedly the thing that causes my friend to be so distant this visit."

Anne could not help but desire to ask how Frederik had been distant, but she dared not. She told herself that it would not be expedient for her to know more.

"I do hope you will enjoy the view from the lighthouse. It is very breathtaking." At Anne's positive syllable of response, Benwick stated. "I have only toured it once, when we first moved here. You know, I lived with Harville for a couple of months in their home further inland. Once his injury prevented him from working on the cruise-lines, he beseeched me to come and assist him. I am sure his reasons for inviting me had more to do with his concern over my welfare. Yet, I have enjoyed my time with the Harvilles. They are quite a family, are they not?"

Anne agreed readily. "They are very good. I do not think I have met any like as they."

Benwick smiled and nodded. "I do not know how it will be when I leave them." The woman beside him looked questioningly at his profile. He noted it and explained, "Not that I have any intentions of going at this time. I just know that the time is coming when I must take my leave and be on my own again." He changed the subject rather abruptly. "Do you think that I might like New York?"

Again, his question had found her unprepared to answer. Yet, he waited for her response. "I am not sure. It is certain that the city is not of the pace of this one. No, it is not so relaxed. And there are times when I find that in the mass of people, I am alone. While I am grateful for time to myself, too much time might be hard when-"

"If you were there, I would not be alone. Would I, Anne?" The statement took on such a definite meaning that she did not dare to respond. Fortunately, they were turning off the road, and Benwick did not await her reply.

Lightly, he stated, "I hope we won't be too far behind the others."

From their position Anne could see the tall monument, a figure that through night and day had kept the sailors of a time long-passed from the shore's treacherous shoals.

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A/N: (To the toddler tune: If You're Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands)

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Ana-Misa: Remember in ch 31 Erik said, "I promise you that under my guidance you will not only conquer it, but it will become one of your signature pieces." He was keeping his promise. I hope you can understand why he pushed Anne away; she is not really the object of his anger, though neither of them knows that in ch 35. Remember that it is the current timeframe that instigates the dream. You are right that she is suppressing her emotions, and they have surfaced through the flashbacks, the emotional attachment to the scarf, and now, the "white night." Yes, as you have seen from 36, she is trying to exorcize her memories of him from the current Frederik Wentworth. Poor thing, she's trying to deal, but having to see him daily isn't helping any. Your input is so helpful! Thanks!

followthestory: First, you absolutely took my breath away with your analysis. "Whose love was truer?" Brava! The answer will come. Two other points: 1) How many other girls have seen him w/out his mask? Obviously, he's not experienced w/ how to react. 2) Oh, we are both welcoming the hunk Raoul with open arms! (Grin)