Annabelle pulled Edrington to his feet and laid her hands on his chest.
"Charles, you know I cannot marry you. It was only three years ago that I had faced the lost of Lieutenant Ecclesston. Then, when you came along, you had given me renewed hope that I could fall in love again. The night we shared was one that I shall never forget, nor will I be able to forget the time that we shared in Muzillac. A few days ago, when I saw Mr. Hornblower kneeling next to that poor woman and was so willing to risk his life just as long as she lived. That was true love, Charles. I do love you, darling, but I fear that it's a love that will be weakened if we were to get married. I do hope to remain a dear friend of yours, but I fear we can be no more."
Edrington said nothing, only gave Annabelle a stare that was filled with such sadness. Annabelle felt her heart sink into her stomach.
"I'm sorry, Charles. It was not my intention to hurt you." said Annabelle, her voice quiet.
"You've made a mistake, Annabelle. A mistake that I hope will fill you with such regret that you are unable to sleep in the evening. A mistake that I hope will one day lead you into such a depression that you are unable to marry anyone and you'll become nothing but a worthless old spinster."
With those words, Edrington left Annabelle alone. Annabelle wanted to cry, but she had no tears. She knew she had done what was right for both her and Edrington. She could only hope that, as time passed, that Edrington would learn to forgive her. For not making a mistake, but for giving him the freedom to marry someone whom he would truly love.
Later in the evening, Archie was asleep when he heard some noise not far from his hammock. He followed the noise and found Annabelle tearing the gown that she had received from Edrington.
"Annie, what are you doing?" asked Archie.
"This gown means nothing to me any more, Archie. I have little use for it." said Annabelle.
"What happened?"
"Major Edrington proposed marriage, and I rejected him. It was no misfortune. We will both live and we will both find happiness."
"You rejected him? He was an Earl, a man who could give you everything in the world. Good God, you would have had little need to move from your bed. A servant would have carried you anywhere. You would be able to wear fancy gowns, ride in the best carriages, be the envy of every woman in England."
Annabelle turned to Archie and gave a tiny smile.
"Mr. Kennedy, when have I been known to choose a life of elegance over a life of adventure?"
Archie began to chuckle. "Never."
"Now, shall these rags be thrown overboard or simply burned to ashes?" asked Annabelle.