Hillside the Novel - Chapter 5

Mary stood, pressing her palms down the front of her skirt, smoothing the fabric.  She walked calmly towards the front door of the manor to answer the insistent knocking there.

She knew she had to maintain control of the conversation. George had been found dead in his carriage at the side of the road the day before. Ashen but standing tall, she met Alfred’s gaze.

“I’ve come for Anna.  We are to be married as our families agreed.  I will be moving the date forward, since you are without protection now that your husband is gone.”

She looked into his eyes and saw the lack of compassion there, even as his words belied it. She knew he was in some way responsible for the death of her husband. He would not get his hands on their daughter.

“I’m sorry Mr. White, but Anna is no longer here.  She has been sent away to safety.  Anna will not be marrying you now or ever.  Good day to you.”

She slammed the door and quickly bolted it, leaning back against its solid support. She could hear him yelling outside as he walked to his carriage.  The housekeeper peaked from behind the library door. “Is he gone?”

“For now.  For now.”  She needed time to figure out what to do next.  She would talk to Nathanial. He would help her with a plan.