Part XXII
EPOV (Edward)
"Sam!" Robert called. He was frantic, I didn't fully understand. He sent out an urgent message..
"Mother, do you know what is going on?"
"He's taking care of some business and I must say that I'm impressed."
We went out to the garden and took a stroll. "I'm baffled that these walls still stand. Everyone seems to have their have their priorities. I'm beginning to think that happiness is a myth."
"Why do you mean?"
I shrugged. "Everyone is bitter, bitter about something. There is nothing but discontent."
She smiled. "It's the way it is, Edward, happiness will come."
"It doesn't seem that way. Nathaniel and his wife are proof."
"Nathaniel is capricious. He traded her for land."
"It's hard to wrap my head around some situations." I found quite hard to understand the meaning behind people's actions. Miss Rose was terribly ill and Emmett was still tied up in London. He would not return for a week, she was miserable but there was still hope in her eyes. Somehow no one was judgmental of what was going on. No one questioned why she was here or who she was waiting for.
"Is that truly why you feel that way or is it because Bella is to leave soon."
I had been taunted for the past two weeks. It's been stormy and Santillana has been unwilling to leave in such weather but the skies are clear and he'll delay no more. I dread the moment she will set foot upon that ship.
BPOV (Bella)
Hannah was up in my bedroom helping me pack up all that was left. "The master seems impatient."
"We were supposed to leave a few days ago and we're still here, the weather has been terrible."
"He's temperamental, if I may be so bold."
Just as we spoke of him he entered. "Hannah, I'd like to speak alone with my wife. Gather everyone downstairs. Tell my sister that we're ready to go."
"I'm…not, I'm not done packing."
"Hannah was I clear?" She nodded and left in a hurry. He turned to me and handed me some papers. I looked up at him, completely confused. "It's what you wanted."
"What is this?"
"Our marriage has been absolved. I've gotten note of it, just on time."
My heart sped up, I could not process what was going on. "What does this mean?"
"It means that I'm returning to Spain with Lea, you'll do as you please."
"You hate me."
He sighed. "I've sold the house, you must leave within two weeks. The two horses will be taken to your father, they are yours. The employees will leave after the house is clean. I suppose that is all that needs to be said. Oh," He pulled out a letter from his pocket. "This is for Edward Masen."
I nodded mutely.
"If you see my sister, please tell her that I yearn to see her one day. She will always be welcome home, I'll make sure of it."
"I'm so sorry. I never thought that I would hurt you so much…I'm sorry."
He was unmoved by my apology. "Good day, Miss Swan. I wish you well"