As the door swung suddenly open, the strawberry blonde, gasping in disbelief, looked up into the azure blue eyes of Anthony Strallan.
An eternity seemed to pass as the couple simply stared at one another.
Not being tied down to me has certainly agreed with you sweet one, Anthony thought as he took in the young woman's countenance. As beautiful as ever, perhaps more so. Even with the shock of seeing me, she's positively glowing.
Meanwhile, the object of Anthony's admiration, was dealing with a barrage of conflicting emotions. Edith was confused, angry, and upset. And yet, though she loathed to admit it, some small part of her was unable to stop the relief and joy, that sprang to her heart at the baronet's unexpected appearance.
An uncomfortable atmosphere, the product of Edith's conflicting emotions and Anthony's apprehension, swirled about the couple as they scrutinized each other.
Edith spoke first, "What are you doing here?" she glared at the tall blond.
"I bet you're surprised aren't you Mrs. Strallan" Jimmy asked, hopping from one foot to the other in obvious anticipation of a happy reunion. The lad might have been oblivious to the tense cold tone of Edith's voice but the baronet certainly wasn't.
"Yes, quite the surprise, I assure you" the strawberry blonde replied, her voice dripping with contempt.
Though this was exactly the type of reception Anthony had expected from his former fiancee', his heart pounded as he tried to formulate an answer that wouldn't further upset Edith.
"So how about it Mr. Strallan" Jimmy gave the two a quizzical look, "aren't ya gonna kiss your wife?"
"How about giving us a bit of privacy, hmmm" Anthony suggested, fishing through his pockets for another bill.
"Umm, I think you made a mistake sir" the bellhop stated, gaping at the fiver the baronet handed him.
"Not at all" the older gentleman gave a weak wave of his hand in dismissal.
"Gee thanks" the bellhop exclaimed as he scurried off.
Edith watched until the boy was out of sight then focused her attention back towards Anthony. "You haven't answered my question. What, exactly, are you doing in Boston?"
"I've been searching for you. I was worried you were in some type of trouble or perhaps even danger. I needed to know you were safe."
"Well, well, when did you become so concerned about my welfare" Edith snapped.
"That's not fair Edith, you know I've only ever wanted what's best for you."
"I find that hard to believe. Actually, I really don't care why you're here" the redhead stepped around the tall blond, "I just want you gone. Now!"
"I'm not going anywhere until you explain your reasons for running off" Anthony replied tersely.
"You, Sir Anthony, are the last person to whom I owe an explanation." Edith fired back furiously, irked by the baronet's seemingly calm demeanor. "If you'll recall, you walked out of my life not once but twice without any explanation what so ever! So do what you do best and disappear again. This time though, do us both a favor and make sure it's for good. I have nothing more to say to you."
"Edith, please" Anthony grasped the young woman's wrist, "I saw the doctor appointments on your calendar. I want to help" the older gentleman's voice broke, "whatever health issues you're facing, please, let me be here for you?"
"Ironic isn't it, your wanting to help with my health issues after refusing to allow me to do so for you. Besides" she laughed bitterly, "you shouldn't make such an offer when you've no idea what my condition..."
"It doesn't matter" the baronet interrupted, "whatever illness..."
"Anthony!" Edith shouted in frustration, "I'm not ill, I'm pregnant!"
"What?" the tall blond's eyes widened, "Your what? Edith, how could you have allowed this to happen? How could you have made such a foolish mistake after the sacrifice I made!"
"Don't you dare talk to me about sacrifices. I wanted to be your wife, the mother of your children and you took that from me" Edith shrieked. "For the first time in my life I was truly happy but then you left me at the altar! Walked away and never looked back. Do you have any idea how humiliating that was?"
"Far better than lying awake nights filled with regret at tying yourself to a crippled old codger."
"Instead, for months I lay awake at night wondering if I'd ever find a man that truly loved and wanted me. At least I did until Michael came into my life."
Anthony's eyes fell to Edith's midsection, lingering there as images of the strawberry blonde locked in the throes of passion with Gregson filled his thoughts. While they were courting, the couple had never shared more than a chaste kiss on the cheek. The normally mild mannered baronet found himself unable to stop the rage and jealousy that suddenly bubbled to the surface, "that's no excuse for allowing yourself to end up in such a compromising situation" he spat out.
"I've done nothing I'm ashamed of" the redhead lifted her chin defiantly.
"Really" Anthony looked aghast, "You don't care that you've ruined your reputation or brought scandal upon your family by acting so irresponsibly."
"No I don't. And given a choice, I'd do it again. It was a huge relief to find there was at least one man who found me desirable. You certainly never did."
"Like hell I didn't" the baronet roared, slamming his fist onto the table and causing Edith to step back. You have no idea how desperately I wanted you."
"Not once did you express any physical desire for me" she accused. "Even after our engagement, we never shared a proper kiss!"
"You... don't understand...It wouldn't have been...proper. I'm not sure I could have contr..." Anthony paused. Once again, the images he'd so often entertained during their courtships of what he'd do to Edith once they were married and she were lying in his bed, raced through his thoughts.
"Oh, I understand perfectly Anthony, you couldn't bear the thought of being with me in that way."
"That's not what I was going to say" the tall blonde growled, "if you'd stop putting words in my mouth and let me explain..."
"It's far too late for explanations now" Edith screamed. "Get out!"
Anthony ran a hand through his blond waves. Perhaps it would be best to step back for a moment and gather his thoughts. Continuing this little screaming match certainly wasn't going to accomplish anything.
"Fine, I'll go" the baronet said as he made to leave.
"Good. As far as I'm concerned, the sooner you leave Boston the better."
"You needn't think you'll be shed of me that easily, my dear" came Anthony's steely reply, as he stopped in the doorway. "I'm not leaving Boston until you've explained why it's my name you're using."
I want to thank everyone who has stuck with this story. Again, I hope to update more frequently. I'm especially grateful to those of you who've taken the time to leave a review. They're very much appreciated!