Chapter Three:
Ben's Fate is Sealed
"Well Ben, I can't say I'm not relieved or proud. To have won the heart of such a match! 'Tis surely a miracle sent from heaven itself," Mr. Davidson said as he paced back and forth with pride.
Ben turned from solemnly staring straight ahead at the wall and made a confused smirk at his father, who didn't notice and moved on.
"Ever since those ships of mine did not return to harbor, we've lacked the financial security our family requires. I'm indeed surprised by the Coles—I don't know many a family that would happily unite themselves with another family in the midst of such upheaval. How very charitable of them! It speaks well of Ms. Coles' admiration for you, my boy," Mr. Davidson said.
Ben continued to look straight ahead at the wall as he slowly swallowed big, hard gulps.
"Well, let's not pretend this isn't the answer to every one of our prayers!" Mr. Davidson exclaimed with enthusiasm, picking up on Ben's lack thereof.
"Father," Ben finally mustered, "Among many things, Annabelle Cole is an untalented, stuck-up, spoiled, bossy, boring, and rude girl to say the least. I beg of you, please do not make me do this. I would be miserable all of my days!" Ben fought.
"My dear lad, I understand your apprehension for marriage," Mr. Davidson said, almost as though he hadn't heard a word Ben said. "I myself had been quite fearful of the institution before marrying your mother. But I will tell you what I wish I could have known then: it's not marriage that's difficult, it's life that's difficult! Marriage is what enables you to endure life's difficult moments. The blessing of family is exactly what God intended for His children. Right now, your family—your mother, younger brother, and sisters—they all deserve the best, and that's something I've been wondering how I could continue to provide them. That is, until today. Ben, you are my oldest son. If there's anything I've striven to teach you all your life, it's honor. So help me God, you will not disappoint your family. You will not disappoint me," Mr. Davidson firmly communicated. "Do you understand?"
What was Ben to do? He couldn't object to that. "Yes, sir," Ben replied in defeat.
"Excellent," Mr. Davidson said, shaking Ben's hand and pulling him into a hug. It was settled. Benjamin Davidson and Annabelle Cole were engaged.
Mr. Davidson turned back to his desk to reply to the Cole's letter.
"Bananabelle," Ben mumbled, shuddering.
"What was that?" Mr. Davidson asked, looking up from his desk.
"'Tis nothing," Ben smiled as he thought of Felicity.