Chapter 63 An Alternate Path
“I… want to go with you.” Annabel said, her voice piercing the quiet tension with a gentle confident murmur.
Carson's face lit up with relief. With a firm comforting squeeze he assured her of his support.
“Are you sure?We can do this tomorrow.”
She straightened her back and said “No.This is what we'll do now. We'll work together on it.”
He didn't dispute. For the first time in a long time he just smiled, a sincere appreciative smile. They turned away from the opulent entrance hall and started to walk after exchanging glances and making a silent pledge of support.
Their slow, rhythmic footsteps reverberated on the marble as they got closer to the library. The woman who had caused so much of their past suffering was getting closer to them with every step.
The library was a large quiet room. The double doors were open allowing a small amount of warm buttery light to enter the foyer.
They pushed them open.The smell of old paper and polished wood filled the air making it feel heavy. Every wall was lined with bookshelves that extended from the floor to the tall coffered ceiling.
In the middle of the space was a large elaborate fireplace that was cold and unlit. Leather-bound ledgers were stacked high on a huge mahogany desk that dominated one corner.
A half-empty teacup rested on a small side table next to Victoria who was seated in a high-backed armchair. She continued to hold the book without raising her gaze.
Her face was a mask of icy sternness and her posture was perfectly straight. She was in shadow because her face, which was a study in sharp angles and pale skin, seemed to absorb all the light in the space.
Like a statue of disapproval she just waited.
Annabel followed Carson into the middle of the space. He still held Annabel's hand tightly. He didn't let go.
Victoria put her book on the table and thumped it quietly as she slowly closed it. Her eyes were as keen as shards of glass as she raised her head.
Her eyes which were the same intense blue as Carson's swept over Annabel lingering on her expression hair and dress. She had a thin, disapproving line on her lips.
“So…” Victoria said in a low, even voice that had a dangerous calminess to it. “You’re back.”
Annabel's heart began to race. She forced herself not to fidget or glance down. She remained steadfast looking straight into Victoria's eyes.
Squeezing her hand again, Carson was a silent anchor.
“Mother.” Carson uttered steadily. “Annabel is with me. We came here to be a family, to be with you.”
Victoria chuckled briefly and without depth. There was no humor in the sound.
“Carson the word family is strong. A word you have to earn. And you…”she uttered, returning her cold gaze to Annabel. “It's not a game, child. You think you can just return to this house and everything will be forgiven?”
Annabel didn't recoil. She inhaled, allowing the words to linger. With a purposeful and threatening motion Victoria leaned forward a little in her chair.
She said “I have some conditions. Rules that you will adhere to. Negotiation is not an option.”
She raised one finger. “First rule. You'll stop communicating with your old friends.”Victoria paused to process the statement. “They are a diversion, a negative influence. They will no longer be in your lives.”
Annabel had a twinge of disapproval. Her mind was racing. But she was aware that any dispute would only exacerbate the situation. She said nothing.
“Rule two. You'll act perfectly. This family will not be embarrassed by your public displays or outbursts. You will show up to the events I think are appropriate and carry yourself with the poise and dignity that my son expects from a future wife.”
Victoria squinted her eyes. “Unless you are addressed first, you will only be seen and not heard. Your views don't pertain to the general public.”
Carson's fingers closed on Annabel’s. He started to say something but Annabel silently begged him to wait by squeezing his hand in return.
This was her responsibility.
“Rule three. You will handle your relationship with Carson politely. No surprise visits or public displays of affection are permitted. For the time being you will live in a different wing of this home. You will have your own space until you have shown that you are deserving of being a real member of this family. You won't live together.”
One by one the words came down like slamming rocks. A chilling sensation swept over Annabel. They were’nt requests. The purpose of the chains was to restrain and control her.
They were designed to limit all of the freedom she had discovered. The cage was much more ornate and gilded than Carson’s. Yet a cage all the same.
She was aware of how heavy the demands and her decision were. She had to come to terms with it. These were the sacrifices she had to make. It was the only way to stay and the only way to live with Carson.
Carson caught Annabel’s eye. He felt tense. He fixed his jaw. He was silently standing by her side quietly supporting her. All that mattered was his support.
Victoria asked in a cool tone “Do you understand Annabel?”
Annabel inhaled deeply
She asked again. “Do you accept these terms?”
She glanced first at Victoria and then at Carson. Carson gave a nearly imperceptible nod his eyes brimming with affection and silent support.
“Yes.”Annabel replied. Her voice was steady and more powerful than she had imagined. “I understand. I also agree.”
Victoria remained unchanged in her expression.
She said “Don't think this is the end of it. Being accepted into this family is a long process. It is a challenging and protracted journey. One for which you might not be ready. Many more tests are in the works. Lots more trials. I can't promise that you'll be successful.”
She slowly rose her stance as regal as that of a queen. Her height was greater than Annabel had recalled.
“And you Carson.” She said, turning to face her son. “I count on you to uphold these regulations. Emotions can no longer influence you as a boy.”
Carson remained silent.
To let Annabel know that the meeting was over, he merely gave her a quick squeeze on the hand and started to lead her to the doors.
With her mind already buzzing with plans Annabel followed him. She wouldn't break. She would win. She would have to prove herself here.
Victoria's voice once more pierced the air as they arrived at the library door and placed their hands on the elaborate handles.
“And Annabel.” She said which made them both turn. “Don’t be around my son…in public.”