Chapter 10: Collinwood

Daphne's Decision

Daphne stood in the center of the room, her back turned to the door. She straightened up when she heard the door open and slowly turned to face the two men who walked in. She put up her hand to halt their advance toward her and then indicated to them with a sweep of her hand to seat themselves on the plush settee in the room.

Once they were seated she addressed them, "I ask that you remain silent while I explain to you my decision."

Ian opened his mouth to speak, but one look from her halted him. "Yesterday was a very difficult day for me as I'm sure it was for you. Seeing Jonas come back from the grave the day after I took a new husband overwhelmed me. I'm ashamed to say, my distress nearly drove me to take my life. If not for my guardian angel my broken body would have been found on the rocks beneath Widow's Hill."

 She paused to gather her thoughts. "Ian, you know how much I love you. Your strength comforted me and brought me back to life from my mourning. Jonas, you were my first love, the father of my children and I love you still. Now, I have decided which of you I will stay with."

Jonas could stay silent no longer. "Daphne, you have no decision to make, I am your husband. Since I am not dead, your marriage to Ian is not valid."

Ian protested, "Daphne became my wife in good conscience. The marriage will stand."

Daphne looked upon both of them sadly. "Ian, Jonas is correct, I promised myself to him first. I do love you and will always love you, but I love Jonas as well. He has first rights to my heart. I'm sorry, Ian, but I ask that our marriage be ruled invalid."


Ian gasped, "But I love you, Daphne. What shall I do without you?"

She turned from him, tears coursing down her face. Jonas went to her and embraced her.

Quietly now, Ian spoke, "If only I had met you first, Daphne. I promise you, my love, we will be together. No matter how many lifetimes it takes, you will be mine."

Suddenly, Amanda was no longer a participant to the scene, but a witness. She watched as if through a tunnel and as she observed she sensed herself being pulled away, the bedroom and its inhabitants eventually vanishing from view.