Prologue
1806, North of London
Soft music filled the night air. There were echoes of laughter from within the gaily lit home of the Thorntons. The party has well started already as expected.
Anne sighed as she took her cousin's arm and carefully stepped off the carriage. She gazed at the royal imposing structure of her best friend's ancestral home, feeling a sudden sense of foreboding. She stiffened unconsciously as she saw William approach them, a twinkle in his blue eyes and a gentle smile on his beautiful lips.
"Annie! I'm so glad you came." He gave her his customary bear hug, practically lifting her off the ground. "I can't believe you're actually here! It's been a long time, pet. "
Anne grinned forcefully, despite the tightening in her stomach, " Well, technically, it's been a year and 5 months since I last visited. How have you been? Anything interesting happened around here?" She asked curiously, taking his proffered arm.
William grinned, "There is so much to tell, Annie. But first, " He gestured with a wide sweep of his arms at the large doors that led to where the party was being held, "What do you say we go and get started with the festivities?"
With a ladylike laugh, Anne allowed herself to be led inside their magnificent abode. There were quite a number of people milling about the ballroom, all impeccably dressed. The women adorned their best gowns and jewelry, set to impress and attract attention while the men walked around conversing with each other on various topics of interest.
Smiling to herself, she absently noted the easy gaiety and laughter around her. Normalcy ... something which regular humans take for granted but one that I will never truly have in my life. She glanced at her companion fleetingly. Well, probably, except having him in my life...
She reacquainted herself with old friends as she circled the room with William. She was starting to have a good time, despite her nervous jitters earlier.
William Thornton. He had always been her Prince with his intense blue eyes, perfectly sculpted features and gentle nature. Even if it were only in her dreams. She never dared to let down her guard for fear that William would notice. She valued their special bond, a friendship forged since childhood.
And special it was indeed. No one knew her as well and as deeply as her William. And of no one does William confide his innermost desires and dreams but to his lovely Anne. It was a friendship both cherished and protected. Sadly for Anne, it evolved into something that is forbidden between best friends ---- a love that should never be.
She tried to fight her emotions, willing herself to look at her dear William without love clouding her vision. But it was infinitely hopeless. Still, no one knew of her secret. The risk was too great.
"Ahh... little Annie! It's been so long!" Charles Markham greeted loudly, interrupting her musing. His handsome features expressed his delight. "You look lovelier than ever." He placed a soft kiss on her hand as he stared, enraptured.
Anne smiled indulgently at the young man. Charles has been trying to charm her away from William's side for ages, and has yet to succeed in doing so. He held a strong competition against William in looks and social standing, yet Anne couldn't find it in herself to look at another man without seeing William's face. She despaired the fact that William will be the only man for her, no matter what she did.
She sneaked a peak at William, hoping to see a reaction for Charles' flirtation. But he seemed distracted, constantly glancing at the front door.
"Where..." He muttered, his hold on Anne tightening slightly.
"Will, my dear friend," Charles spoke huskily, still staring at Anne, "... may I then whisk this darling creature for a little dance? I'm dying to hold her in my arms and gaze on those lovely blue eyes ..." He winked at Anne, who blushed slightly at the exaggerated flattery.
William looked at his friend with a blank stare. He noticed the seductive glint in his friend's eye and, for some reason, didn't like it. Realizing an answer was expected of him, He began to shake his head emphatically, replying curtly, "I'm sorry Charles, but Anne is to stay by my side all evening." He grabbed Anne's elbow and led her off to the dance floor, leaving the man behind staring wistfully at them.
Anne knew she shouldn't take his words too seriously. But she didn't care! William acted like a possessive beau, if even for that short while. As they moved smoothly into a dance, she lifted her eyes; blue eyes gazed at blue eyes. She whispered, "I've missed you, William."
He smiled tenderly, "And I you, my lovely Anne. It's been too long, and a lot has happened this past year and a half. I don't know where to begin." He cocked his head to one side and asked, "How is your mother? I haven't seen her since..."
Anne's eyes clouded with sadness, "Mama is just fine. It's been a year since Papa passed away.... But we are coping." She smiled wanly.
William kissed her forehead comfortingly, "I know you are a strong girl, Anne. Although, it is a mite curious that after all this time, I haven't been able to catch even a glimpse of your father." His forehead wrinkled in a frown as he pondered on that.
Anne hurriedly explained, "I – I guess it was because of those frequent... trips to the .. uh, country. He didn't want Grandma Sinclair on her own all the time. And you're always busy with your work in the infirmary..."
"I suppose... But it is still a mite curious." William shrugged.
"So what else have you been up to?" Anne asked, trying to shift the focus of their conversation from her family.
William grinned, "Let's just say that there are a lot of new things to look forward to..."
"Oh, really? "Anne raised her eyebrows, "Please don't tell me you're planning to elope with Arianna Suffolk!" Arianna was the local bookkeeper, often found with her nose buried on her beloved books. She was also the only girl whom, apparently, hadn't fallen for William's easy charms and looks.
"That crazy bint?" He snorted. Anne slapped his shoulder in reprimand. "Ow!"
Anne glowered at him, "Don't talk like that. She's a nice girl. A little off sometimes, but..."
William laughed, " Fine. I won't." He held her close as they continued to dance to the soft music, and all talks of eloping went out of Anne's mind.
Then he led her to the courtyard, carefully avoiding some of their friends so that they could talk in private. Anne felt a strange fluttering in her stomach.
William grabbed both her hands, looking earnestly in her confused blue eyes. "Annie, this might be the last time we would be able to talk like this, and that's why I am taking advantage of this opportunity." He reached into his pocket and grinned, "I have something to give to you."
Anne's heart suddenly raced in anticipation. She couldn't believe the look in William's eyes. It was like he ... as if he was ...
He held a gold amulet in his hand. He placed it in Anne's trembling hand, explaining, "This has been in my family for years. My grandfather gave this to me by his deathbed. He said I should give this to a person I deem worthy of my utmost trust and confidence. He said it would serve as protection from the darkness. And I immediately thought of you, Annie." He smiled.
Anne looked at the large golden amulet, carved with the most intricate of designs and embedded with diamonds and rubies in an inconceivable pattern. Somehow, she felt deflated. It wasn't what she expected at all!
She gathered the courage to ask, "Why me? Surely you should gift this to the woman you choose to marry. She would be the one, who would have your utmost trust and confidence, would she not?"
William shrugged, "You're a very special person in my life, Annie. You are the first person to know the real me, Annie. You helped me realize who I am through our friendship. For that, I am eternally grateful."
Anne tried not to look with adoring eyes. Really, she did.
"... Anyways, I already bought a ring for my intended." He extracted a small black pouch from his pocket to show Anne a diamond ring. " What do you think? Will she like it?"
Intended? Oh God... no...
Anne couldn't answer. Her world was already crashing around her shoulders, her ears seemed to ring ceaselessly amidst the pounding of her heart. She stared at the ring, afraid of its power to hurt her. She took several deep breaths before attempting to speak as calmly as she could.
"In—intended? You .. you're already engaged?" Her voice sounded flat to her ears. She couldn't bear to look him in the eye, for fear her emotions are evident in her eyes.
William frowned, "Of course. Did I not write it to you then?"
She shook her head, "No. I would think I'll be able to remember such... such news, Will." Her head still bent.
William sighed, "I'm sorry if I surprised you. I didn't mean to neglect telling you about it, believe me. Things have just been so confusing these days, with my work at Dr. Haliwell's office and the preparations for my wedding..."
Anne forced her eyes to remain clear and blank. She took a deep breath before looking William in the eye, "I am so happy for you, William. I hope you have a good life with your... intended." She smiled, her heart in her throat.
William smiled gratefully, "Thank you, Annie."
"William?" A soft voice came from the doorway.
William swiveled to look and his smile grew wider, " Ahh... there she is. Love, would you step in here so I could introduce you to my dear friend, Annie."
A very beautiful raven-haired woman of about Anne's age stepped into the courtyard, a small smile in her lovely lips. Her features were smooth and delicate, almost childlike. She moved with the grace of a ballerina, her eyes gently curious and questioning.
"Anne, this is the love of my life, Elizabeth Bradley. Liz, this is my friend, Anne Sinclair."
Anne forced a smile on her lips as she greeted the enchanting woman in front of her. She murmured, "I can see why William is truly enamored of you, Miss Bradley."
Elizabeth laughed, the sound reminiscent of tinkling bells, "Oh, but I am sure I was the one who is under his spell. William can be so charming at times."
"I know." Was Anne's whispered reply.
Suddenly, she felt suffocated. She couldn't stand being there any longer, knowing that her life with William is about to end. She sought the comfort of her quiet home; the gaiety sounding from inside only heightened the tension inside her.
She didn't know for how long she would be able to hold back her tears. She looked at the couple and hastily apologized, "William, I have to go now. I.. I just remembered that I still have work to do before I set off for my travels once more. I must be off for Scotland next week. I am really sorry but I must depart."
William looked confused, "But you must stay for the announcement of our engagement."
Anne shook her head, smiling gently, "I'm sure you won't be needing my presence there. Well, I want to wish you two a very happy and fruitful marriage. You deserve nothing less, I'm sure." With a nod goodbye, she walked back towards the crowded ballroom, her head high as her heart started to break.
"I'll send someone to deliver your invitation." William called out.
Elizabeth looked at Anne's retreating figure and whispered thoughtfully, " William..."
"Yes, my love?" William murmured as he lovingly wrapped his arms around her.
"I think she's in love with you."
"Who? Annie?"
"Yes. The way she looked just now..."
He chuckled, "No, I'm sure she's not. I would have noticed it if she harbored any feelings for me. She's just my childhood friend, nothing more."
Elizabeth sighed. Men could be so dense.
After whispering a hasty goodbye to her concerned cousin, she quickly requested for a carriage to bring her home. She refused to allow herself time to think of William's imminent nuptials or the censure she would be receiving because of her hasty departure. A few minutes later, she was on her way to her waiting house, her hand clutching the amulet as tears finally found release from her tightly closed eyes. Her silent sobs were swallowed by the rhythmic sounds of the moving carriage.
William will never know. Never. She vowed silently. She still had to guard her pride and dignity with utmost zeal.
It was all she had left.
1806, North of London
Soft music filled the night air. There were echoes of laughter from within the gaily lit home of the Thorntons. The party has well started already as expected.
Anne sighed as she took her cousin's arm and carefully stepped off the carriage. She gazed at the royal imposing structure of her best friend's ancestral home, feeling a sudden sense of foreboding. She stiffened unconsciously as she saw William approach them, a twinkle in his blue eyes and a gentle smile on his beautiful lips.
"Annie! I'm so glad you came." He gave her his customary bear hug, practically lifting her off the ground. "I can't believe you're actually here! It's been a long time, pet. "
Anne grinned forcefully, despite the tightening in her stomach, " Well, technically, it's been a year and 5 months since I last visited. How have you been? Anything interesting happened around here?" She asked curiously, taking his proffered arm.
William grinned, "There is so much to tell, Annie. But first, " He gestured with a wide sweep of his arms at the large doors that led to where the party was being held, "What do you say we go and get started with the festivities?"
With a ladylike laugh, Anne allowed herself to be led inside their magnificent abode. There were quite a number of people milling about the ballroom, all impeccably dressed. The women adorned their best gowns and jewelry, set to impress and attract attention while the men walked around conversing with each other on various topics of interest.
Smiling to herself, she absently noted the easy gaiety and laughter around her. Normalcy ... something which regular humans take for granted but one that I will never truly have in my life. She glanced at her companion fleetingly. Well, probably, except having him in my life...
She reacquainted herself with old friends as she circled the room with William. She was starting to have a good time, despite her nervous jitters earlier.
William Thornton. He had always been her Prince with his intense blue eyes, perfectly sculpted features and gentle nature. Even if it were only in her dreams. She never dared to let down her guard for fear that William would notice. She valued their special bond, a friendship forged since childhood.
And special it was indeed. No one knew her as well and as deeply as her William. And of no one does William confide his innermost desires and dreams but to his lovely Anne. It was a friendship both cherished and protected. Sadly for Anne, it evolved into something that is forbidden between best friends ---- a love that should never be.
She tried to fight her emotions, willing herself to look at her dear William without love clouding her vision. But it was infinitely hopeless. Still, no one knew of her secret. The risk was too great.
"Ahh... little Annie! It's been so long!" Charles Markham greeted loudly, interrupting her musing. His handsome features expressed his delight. "You look lovelier than ever." He placed a soft kiss on her hand as he stared, enraptured.
Anne smiled indulgently at the young man. Charles has been trying to charm her away from William's side for ages, and has yet to succeed in doing so. He held a strong competition against William in looks and social standing, yet Anne couldn't find it in herself to look at another man without seeing William's face. She despaired the fact that William will be the only man for her, no matter what she did.
She sneaked a peak at William, hoping to see a reaction for Charles' flirtation. But he seemed distracted, constantly glancing at the front door.
"Where..." He muttered, his hold on Anne tightening slightly.
"Will, my dear friend," Charles spoke huskily, still staring at Anne, "... may I then whisk this darling creature for a little dance? I'm dying to hold her in my arms and gaze on those lovely blue eyes ..." He winked at Anne, who blushed slightly at the exaggerated flattery.
William looked at his friend with a blank stare. He noticed the seductive glint in his friend's eye and, for some reason, didn't like it. Realizing an answer was expected of him, He began to shake his head emphatically, replying curtly, "I'm sorry Charles, but Anne is to stay by my side all evening." He grabbed Anne's elbow and led her off to the dance floor, leaving the man behind staring wistfully at them.
Anne knew she shouldn't take his words too seriously. But she didn't care! William acted like a possessive beau, if even for that short while. As they moved smoothly into a dance, she lifted her eyes; blue eyes gazed at blue eyes. She whispered, "I've missed you, William."
He smiled tenderly, "And I you, my lovely Anne. It's been too long, and a lot has happened this past year and a half. I don't know where to begin." He cocked his head to one side and asked, "How is your mother? I haven't seen her since..."
Anne's eyes clouded with sadness, "Mama is just fine. It's been a year since Papa passed away.... But we are coping." She smiled wanly.
William kissed her forehead comfortingly, "I know you are a strong girl, Anne. Although, it is a mite curious that after all this time, I haven't been able to catch even a glimpse of your father." His forehead wrinkled in a frown as he pondered on that.
Anne hurriedly explained, "I – I guess it was because of those frequent... trips to the .. uh, country. He didn't want Grandma Sinclair on her own all the time. And you're always busy with your work in the infirmary..."
"I suppose... But it is still a mite curious." William shrugged.
"So what else have you been up to?" Anne asked, trying to shift the focus of their conversation from her family.
William grinned, "Let's just say that there are a lot of new things to look forward to..."
"Oh, really? "Anne raised her eyebrows, "Please don't tell me you're planning to elope with Arianna Suffolk!" Arianna was the local bookkeeper, often found with her nose buried on her beloved books. She was also the only girl whom, apparently, hadn't fallen for William's easy charms and looks.
"That crazy bint?" He snorted. Anne slapped his shoulder in reprimand. "Ow!"
Anne glowered at him, "Don't talk like that. She's a nice girl. A little off sometimes, but..."
William laughed, " Fine. I won't." He held her close as they continued to dance to the soft music, and all talks of eloping went out of Anne's mind.
Then he led her to the courtyard, carefully avoiding some of their friends so that they could talk in private. Anne felt a strange fluttering in her stomach.
William grabbed both her hands, looking earnestly in her confused blue eyes. "Annie, this might be the last time we would be able to talk like this, and that's why I am taking advantage of this opportunity." He reached into his pocket and grinned, "I have something to give to you."
Anne's heart suddenly raced in anticipation. She couldn't believe the look in William's eyes. It was like he ... as if he was ...
He held a gold amulet in his hand. He placed it in Anne's trembling hand, explaining, "This has been in my family for years. My grandfather gave this to me by his deathbed. He said I should give this to a person I deem worthy of my utmost trust and confidence. He said it would serve as protection from the darkness. And I immediately thought of you, Annie." He smiled.
Anne looked at the large golden amulet, carved with the most intricate of designs and embedded with diamonds and rubies in an inconceivable pattern. Somehow, she felt deflated. It wasn't what she expected at all!
She gathered the courage to ask, "Why me? Surely you should gift this to the woman you choose to marry. She would be the one, who would have your utmost trust and confidence, would she not?"
William shrugged, "You're a very special person in my life, Annie. You are the first person to know the real me, Annie. You helped me realize who I am through our friendship. For that, I am eternally grateful."
Anne tried not to look with adoring eyes. Really, she did.
"... Anyways, I already bought a ring for my intended." He extracted a small black pouch from his pocket to show Anne a diamond ring. " What do you think? Will she like it?"
Intended? Oh God... no...
Anne couldn't answer. Her world was already crashing around her shoulders, her ears seemed to ring ceaselessly amidst the pounding of her heart. She stared at the ring, afraid of its power to hurt her. She took several deep breaths before attempting to speak as calmly as she could.
"In—intended? You .. you're already engaged?" Her voice sounded flat to her ears. She couldn't bear to look him in the eye, for fear her emotions are evident in her eyes.
William frowned, "Of course. Did I not write it to you then?"
She shook her head, "No. I would think I'll be able to remember such... such news, Will." Her head still bent.
William sighed, "I'm sorry if I surprised you. I didn't mean to neglect telling you about it, believe me. Things have just been so confusing these days, with my work at Dr. Haliwell's office and the preparations for my wedding..."
Anne forced her eyes to remain clear and blank. She took a deep breath before looking William in the eye, "I am so happy for you, William. I hope you have a good life with your... intended." She smiled, her heart in her throat.
William smiled gratefully, "Thank you, Annie."
"William?" A soft voice came from the doorway.
William swiveled to look and his smile grew wider, " Ahh... there she is. Love, would you step in here so I could introduce you to my dear friend, Annie."
A very beautiful raven-haired woman of about Anne's age stepped into the courtyard, a small smile in her lovely lips. Her features were smooth and delicate, almost childlike. She moved with the grace of a ballerina, her eyes gently curious and questioning.
"Anne, this is the love of my life, Elizabeth Bradley. Liz, this is my friend, Anne Sinclair."
Anne forced a smile on her lips as she greeted the enchanting woman in front of her. She murmured, "I can see why William is truly enamored of you, Miss Bradley."
Elizabeth laughed, the sound reminiscent of tinkling bells, "Oh, but I am sure I was the one who is under his spell. William can be so charming at times."
"I know." Was Anne's whispered reply.
Suddenly, she felt suffocated. She couldn't stand being there any longer, knowing that her life with William is about to end. She sought the comfort of her quiet home; the gaiety sounding from inside only heightened the tension inside her.
She didn't know for how long she would be able to hold back her tears. She looked at the couple and hastily apologized, "William, I have to go now. I.. I just remembered that I still have work to do before I set off for my travels once more. I must be off for Scotland next week. I am really sorry but I must depart."
William looked confused, "But you must stay for the announcement of our engagement."
Anne shook her head, smiling gently, "I'm sure you won't be needing my presence there. Well, I want to wish you two a very happy and fruitful marriage. You deserve nothing less, I'm sure." With a nod goodbye, she walked back towards the crowded ballroom, her head high as her heart started to break.
"I'll send someone to deliver your invitation." William called out.
Elizabeth looked at Anne's retreating figure and whispered thoughtfully, " William..."
"Yes, my love?" William murmured as he lovingly wrapped his arms around her.
"I think she's in love with you."
"Who? Annie?"
"Yes. The way she looked just now..."
He chuckled, "No, I'm sure she's not. I would have noticed it if she harbored any feelings for me. She's just my childhood friend, nothing more."
Elizabeth sighed. Men could be so dense.
After whispering a hasty goodbye to her concerned cousin, she quickly requested for a carriage to bring her home. She refused to allow herself time to think of William's imminent nuptials or the censure she would be receiving because of her hasty departure. A few minutes later, she was on her way to her waiting house, her hand clutching the amulet as tears finally found release from her tightly closed eyes. Her silent sobs were swallowed by the rhythmic sounds of the moving carriage.
William will never know. Never. She vowed silently. She still had to guard her pride and dignity with utmost zeal.
It was all she had left.
