Chapter Two:
Felicity and Elizabeth Share a Delectable Secret
"No! Surely, Annabelle didn't! What will Ben say? What will he do?" Felicity laughed, completely shocked. Never could even Felicity's imagination have predicted this outcome. "Ben would be perfectly miserable with Annabelle!"
"Well, I would imagine that he will refuse," Elizabeth stated, trying to reassure Felicity, as well as herself. "We've always known Annabelle to be stubborn, but we've also long known that she's fancied Ben. I suppose we really should have seen this coming."
"Your sister possesses many qualities, yes, but I never supposed insanity to be among them!" Felicity joked. Elizabeth couldn't help but release a tiny giggle. "Ben has always known of Annabelle's snobbishness, so I too would think that he would refuse. But what if he should accept?" Felicity asked, second guessing herself.
"That's hardly likely, Lissie. My only real concern is how Annabelle will ever hold her head up under the embarrassment of being rejected—twice!" Elizabeth explained.
"Oh dear," Felicity and Elizabeth sighed together.
"Well," Felicity finally said, "Ben is actually leaving this evening to visit his family in Yorktown and won't be back for another week. Do you think Ben's family will have received Annabelle's letter by then?" Felicity asked.
"No doubt Annabelle has rushed father out to post her 'love letter' by now. It should reach the Davidson's within a few days, so when Ben returns, you'll have to catch him alone and see if he brings it up!" Elizabeth said excitedly.
"I'll do my best, and then I'll come to visit you directly afterwards!" Felicity agreed.
"Very well," Elizabeth replied. I'd best go home now; nobody knows I've gone." Felicity stood to see Elizabeth off as she tied the silken ribbons on her blue cape. "Please remember not to say anything yet to Ben—or anyone else for that matter—until we know for sure where things stand." Elizabeth said.
"Wild horses couldn't drag it from me," Felicity reassured with a wink. Elizabeth smiled at the metaphor.
"Good. See you tomorrow at Miss Manderly's!" Elizabeth waved goodbye as she closed the Merrimans' front gate behind her.