Her eyes moved about her bedroom and came to rest on the opened book on her desk, Brandon’s gift to her on the plane. She’d been reading it earlier but finally had to put it down, too restless with thoughts of him to concentrate on the images and literature. How could it be that without him around, she was beginning to feel incomplete? With his departure, Brandon had also taken with him her peace of mind. Marianne chuckled over this odd sensation, recalling the discussion she’d shared with her mother just the other night concerning Brandon’s age. When she’d first met him, his thirty-plus years had been a real turn-off to then eighteen-year-old Marianne. But now it only seemed an advantage. A year older and also wiser due to her recent heartbreak, Marianne found his maturity and life-experience attractive. And, well, she couldn’t help but notice lately how much he resembled a light-haired Bradley Cooper in both looks and form.
Diane, working alongside Margaret in the kitchen decorating cookies, could see Marianne through the opened bedroom door and observed her daughter’s far-off expression. It was obvious to her why Marianne felt restless and absentminded these past few days, but she would let Marianne, once so passionate and confident in matters of the heart, figure it out for herself. With a soft chuckle, Diane refocused on the task at hand and was all ears for Margaret’s spur of the moment culinary idea.
Margaret wanted to decorate the cookies to represent their family, including Mrs. Jennings, Brandon and Mr. Middleton. Diane agreed, but let Margaret be the creative genius, giving her free reign over the various colored frostings, sprinkles, and candies to decorate with. Marianne and Ellie soon joined in this festive activity and before long all the Dashwood ladies were immersed in laughter at seeing Margaret’s artistic rendition of Brandon. The cookie was surrounded by multiple box-shaped pieces decorated like presents for Marianne.
A knock at the door broke through their revelry, and Diane dried her hands on her apron to answer it. It was Mr. Middleton. In one hand he held the bag of powdered sugar Diane had asked to borrow, and tucked under the other arm was a newspaper.
“You’re a life-saver,” Diane thanked him, taking the sweetener and placing it on the counter. Margaret had been so intent with her goal of creating look-a-like cookies she’d finished off their powdered sugar supply—and there were still a half dozen cookies left to decorate. “Come in,” Diane invited Mr. Middleton. “I’ll replace your powdered sugar as soon I can make it over to the store.”
“That’s not necessary,” Mr. Middleton waved Diane off as he stepped inside the apartment and watched her start a new batch of frosting. “My doctor says I eat too much sugar as it is.” He smiled as he hungrily eyed the inviting tray of cookies. “However,” Mr. Middleton continued with a twinkle in his eyes, “When those cookies are done, I might be convinced to try one—you know, just to make sure they are edible. I’ll be your guinea pig.” He winked, and the girls laughed. “Oh, I almost forgot. . .” he remembered, pulling the newspaper out from under his arm and opening it. “. . .they showed Lucy’s marriage announcement in the paper today. Sweet little thing. I’m glad everything ended up working out for her.”
Although Mr. Middleton obviously considered himself the bearer of good news, he was mistaken indeed. All merriment came to an abrupt halt upon the elderly man’s announcement. Ellie’s family turned with concerned faces toward her, noting her ashen appearance.
“When did she get married?” Diane finally asked.
“Here, have a look,” Mr. Middleton offered her the paper, but she wouldn’t take it. Seeing that no one seemed interested in viewing the announcement for themselves, Mr. Middleton reached in his shirt pocket for his spectacles and began reading it out loud. “Let’s see . . . it says here that on September fourth, Lucy Steele, daughter of . . . oh, let’s skip that and get to the good stuff,” he smirked at them playfully, but then quickly returned to the paper following their blank response. “They were married in a private ceremony off the coast of Maine surrounded by family and friends. It is rumored that Federica Ferrars, the syndicated psychiatrist, refused to attend her own son’s wedding as she disapproved of the match.” Mr. Middleton glanced up and, despite the solemn response he’d received from them thus far, seemed surprised by their lack of enthusiasm.
Diane, more focused on her eldest than appeasing her cousin, searched Ellie’s face for any clue as to her daughter’s immediate need. Apart from her colorless face, Ellie gave little away as to her true state of mind. Sensing her mother’s probing look, Ellie silently untied her apron and left the room, leaving an anxious Diane behind. Fortunately, Margaret eased the tension with her natural charisma.
“Mr. M, would you like a cookie now?” she asked, coming to the rescue.
“Oh, sure!” Mr. Middleton answered, stepping forward to take his cookie. Although he wanted to ask what all the fuss was about, he decided to keep his mouth busy with devouring the cookie—for which Diane was very grateful.
Not a word was said about Mr. Middleton’s announcement the rest of the day. The Dashwood clan continued with their daily tasks as if nothing happened, yet all the while remained watchful of Ellie. It was difficult at times for Diane and Marianne to keep their silence when witnessing the occasional unguarded weariness on Ellie’s face, but they followed her lead. When and if Ellie became ready to let them in, she knew where to find them.
Thankfully, Brandon was expected back the next day and his awaited return served as a welcome distraction. Diane wanted the house in tip-top shape for his homecoming and by Sunday mid-morning, the team was exhausted from cleaning chores. After a reposeful lunch however, Diane had one more task she wanted to complete and asked her eldest to join her in pruning the garden. Ellie complied without complaint, secretly grateful for any task which might prolong dealing with her present misery. As both mother and daughter got to work, Margaret relaxed on the grass with Rover while Marianne rocked peacefully on the hammock.
The sound of an approaching vehicle caught their attention. As it was still early in the afternoon, Marianne thought perhaps Brandon was back sooner than expected. Although it didn’t look like his car, maybe it was wishful thinking which made her exclaim, “It’s Brandon!”
“No, Marianne, it’s not Brandon,” Ellie observed, getting a better look at the advancing car.
Sitting up and pushing Rover playfully away, Margaret finally joined her family in studying the vehicle and its driver more closely. They watched as the car pulled up and parked in a space next to Mrs. Jennings’s house about a hundred yards away. Although they already knew it wasn’t Brandon, they were still curious to find out who it could be. The apartments didn’t receive many visitors.
“Maybe it’s someone for Mr. Middleton,” Diane suggested logically.
“Edward! It’s Edward!” Margaret shouted, running toward the vehicle with Rover following closely behind.
Edward? The only reason Ellie could surmise that Edward would be coming to the complex was to talk with Mrs. Jennings and Mr. Middleton about his and Lucy’s rental situation—very unpleasant business if you asked her.
Sure enough, Margaret’s eagle eyes proved accurate as they all watched Edward emerge from his car to be greeted by the zealous youngster.
“Edward!” Margaret enclosed the bottom half of his body in a rapturous bear hug.
“Hey, Margaret!” Edward smiled, and Margaret grabbed his hand. Before he could react, she began dragging him toward their apartment with eagerness.
When the two came within hearing range, Diane calmly greeted him. “Hello, Edward,” she smiled, albeit somewhat half-heartedly.
Ellie plucked up her courage and snuck a peek at him, but only to find that Edward was already looking at her. Quickly averting her eyes, Ellie’s cheeks began to burn with confusion. Oh, why did Margaret have to drag him over here?! she thought. He’s married now. He didn’t come here to visit us.
“Would you like a glass of homemade lemonade, Edward?” Diane asked in an effort to ease the awkward moment.
“That would be nice,” he accepted, following her inside the apartment with Margaret still attached to his hip.
As the others entered the apartment, Ellie stayed behind, forcing herself to take deep breaths. She attempted to mentally prepare herself for Edward’s surprise visit—but how? No matter what topic they discussed, Ellie was sure her heart would maintain its quickened rhythm until he was gone. Finding it useless to linger outside any longer, Ellie finally stepped inside and took the seat next to Marianne. Meanwhile, Diane hurriedly poured Edward his lemonade and handed it to him.
“Thank you,” Edward smiled upon receiving the ice cold refreshment. “Oh, I see you received the picture I sent,” he said, noting the eight-by-ten frame hanging on the wall.
“Yes, thank you, Edward. That was very nice of you to mail that,” Diane answered with a tight smile. Then unable to beat around the bush any longer, she asked, “Have you talked with Mr. Middleton about settling into one of the apartments here with Mrs. Ferrars?”
Edward glanced back at Diane strangely. “In the apartments here? No offense, but they’re not quite her style.” The Dashwood clan appeared puzzled by this statement, so Edward decided to explain. “No, my mom will never leave New York. She loves it there,” he finished. Still seeing the confusion on their faces, he disguised his bewilderment by taking another sip of his lemonade.
“I meant your wife, Mrs. Edward Ferrars,” Diane clarified, almost tripping over her own words. How could he confuse his new wife with his mother?
Turning sheet white, Edward nearly spat his drink. With eyes darting questioningly about the room, he blushed, looking quite perplexed. After some hesitation, he began, “Ahh, I think there’s been a misunderstanding . . . I’m not . . . well, you see. . .” Edward stammered and started again, “Are you referring to my brother’s wife? Mrs. Robert Ferrars?”
“Robert’s wife!” both Marianne and Diane exclaimed, turning to Ellie with glee.
Ellie, both embarrassed by her family’s declaration and also overwhelmed by the revelation itself, began to feel faint. He’s not married?!? Is this a dream?! were all she could think.
“Perhaps you aren’t aware—you probably haven’t heard—” Edward continued, “my brother just married Lucy Steele.”
“Lucy married Robert?” the joyful Marianne demanded clarification.
“Yes, they were married last week and are now honeymooning in Florida,” he added.
Ellie was, at this point, quite overcome. It all seemed too good to be true. Without being able to make any sense of her feelings at that moment, Ellie rushed for the exit in tears. Everyone sat, void of motion or speech, as she burst through the door and into the courtyard.
Edward turned to Diane for help as to how he should respond. Unfortunately for him, Diane was at a loss herself, never having witnessed such a display from her grown daughter. Should he chase after her? Or did Ellie want to be alone? Several times, Edward started to move, but then would second guess himself. It wasn’t until Margaret finally spoke up that he found direction.
“Well, aren’t you going to chase after her?” Margaret questioned him with her hands on her hips.
Diane and Marianne, taken aback by the youngster’s very unexpected words, chuckled.
“Yes, ma’am,” Edward winked at his young friend, not wasting any more time before running after his beloved.
Ellie had made great time in those few distressed moments, getting as far as the gate near the edge of Mrs. Jennings’s property before Edward finally spotted her. As he approached, Edward noticed how Ellie brushed at the continuous flow of tears which trickled down her face and was reminded of their first meaningful conversation.
Stopping so he was mere inches from Ellie’s face, Edward raised his hand and gently dried a fresh tear trailing down her cheek. “Ellie,” he said so sweetly it caused her to let out another sob, “I’d made a commitment with Lucy long ago, long before I met you. I was only eighteen at the time, and I believed myself to be in love before I really knew what love meant. I was young and stupid. I made a mistake—a terrible mistake,” he glanced away, his jaw clenching, “And Lucy reminded me of that mistake every time I tried walking away. I’m sure I wasn’t her first, but she led me to believe so. It was because of this I felt obligated to marry her. Although we became secretly engaged, I kept putting off setting the date, hoping she would grow restless and move on—I knew she didn’t really love me, only what she’d gain when my now nonexistent trust fund materialized. I even tried separating myself from her for months at a time, which is why I visited my sister. Little did I know, however,” he smiled at Ellie, “what awaited me there. During my time in Seattle, I told myself it was only my heart which I risked by getting to know you better, and that you only felt friendship for me. And when you left, all I could do was pray that Lucy would find someone else or tell me she had changed her mind—because, you see, the last thing my dad said to me before he died was that he wanted me to be a man of honor, to be a man who keeps his promises. And even though I didn’t feel for Lucy as I should have, I couldn’t have ended the engagement as long as she still wanted to get married. So when she finally texted me about her feelings for Rob, and that he shared those feelings, you can’t imagine how relieved I felt. You wanna know why?” he asked. Not waiting for her answer, Edward continued, “Because it meant I could finally pursue what I really wanted—you.”
Ellie, embarrassed at being unable to stop crying, couldn’t look at Edward. She was both pained and elated by his disclosure. It hurt her deeply discovering Edward had physically loved another, yet her spirit soared knowing she alone possessed his heart.
Cupping his hand to her chin, Edward delicately lifted her face until her gaze met his. “Ellie, I’m yours. I always have been. From the moment I saw you, I finally knew what true love was.”
Ellie’s tears began to stream uncontrollably as she gazed, overwhelmed, into his eyes.
Pulling her to him, Edward kissed her forehead and Ellie melted into his embrace. “Will you do me the honor of allowing me to love you for the rest of my life?” Edward asked her softly, stroking her hair back from her face. “I want to marry you, Ellie.”
Ellie was speechless. Too happy for words, all she could do was let out a joyous laugh-sob and nod. Edward’s face lit up like she’d never seen before. Then slowly lowering his lips onto hers, they kissed for the very first time.
Gathered at the window, Diane and her cohorts strained for any glimpse of Ellie and Edward. Yet the lovebirds were too far off and their efforts seemed in vain. Even so, together they strived. Diane was sure the two specks under the large tree at the end of the property were Edward and Ellie. But until (and if) the specks ever did move closer, there was really no way to tell. Preoccupied with her speck-gazing, Diane therefore didn’t pay too much attention to Margaret when she ran off and quickly returned with something in her hands. She assumed her youngest had grabbed a snack or a beverage. Thus when, out of the corner of her eye, Diane spotted Margaret raise a big, black object to her face, she did a double-take and found that the youngster had retrieved the pair of binoculars from the closet and was now using them to view the couple outside!
“Margaret!” Diane scolded. “It’s one thing to look out one’s window—but binoculars?!? That’s really going too far!”
“He’s kissing her!” exclaimed Margaret.
“Margaret!” Diane squeaked. “Hand me those binoculars right now! I want to see!” she said as she wrenched the device from her youngest.
Both Marianne and Margaret laughed at their mother’s immediate shift in perspective when it came to something so serious as a kiss. Yet in Diane’s defense, what could be more fulfilling for a mother than to see her daughter happily in love with an honest and trustworthy man? And Diane wasn’t just thinking about Edward; she also had her hopes pinned on the imminent security of Marianne’s happiness as well—through Brandon.
The day both Ellie and Marianne dreamed of as little girls had finally ar
rived. Today, they would marry their sweethearts—their knights-in-shining-armor. And not only that, they would share in a sisters’ secret delight: a double wedding.
The two looked stunning in their unique wedding dresses. Ellie’s was a simple, pristine white strapless gown with lace which covered her arms and shoulders. Her hair was done up elegantly, and Ellie didn’t wear much makeup, allowing her true beauty to shine. Marianne’s dress, as Margaret had described, reminded one of a church bell. It, too, was pure white, but had an empire waist with wide shoulder straps which fell delicately off of Marianne’s shoulders. The skirt finished off the look with its elegant flair and exquisite train. And unlike Ellie, Marianne left her curly hair loose to hang over her shoulders. Diane, with tears in her eyes, declared them both angels.
The double wedding was a beautiful one. Margaret, who doubled as their flower girl and maid-of-honor, was in her element as she walked confidently down the aisle before her sisters. Diane beamed from her place of honor, looking rather like a bride herself. Standing next to her were Mrs. Jennings and Mr. Middleton who, like proxy grandparents, looked on with pride. The whole sanctuary was filled with joy and laughter. Even the somewhat uncomfortable Francil and Mrs. Ferrars, who’d surprised everyone by attending, couldn’t help but feel the significance of this event.
That gorgeous afternoon, two couples very much in love declared themselves before God to be forever faithful and true to the ones who would always hold their hearts. They made a promise which they swore to keep till death.
As the couples exited the church surrounded by those who loved and cared for them, Willoughby was just down the street, watching from the shadows. His features were etched with bitterness as he studied the radiant Marianne in her happy state. Willoughby knew it was selfish, but he’d secretly hoped Marianne would remain single, eternally pining away for him into her old age. But what pained him even more was knowing Marianne married Brandon, of all men. Willoughby hated Brandon. Not only had Skylar, Brandon’s adopted daughter, ruined his chances with Marianne, but now Brandon was living the life which should have been his. Eyes burning with emotion, Willoughby sank back into his dreary existence, swearing to never forget his one true love.
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