18. ~ An Unbreakable Link ~

CHAPTER 18

Jane Eyre lay unopened on the table. Instead of reading, I peered through the window into the gardens, where the sunshine bathed everything in a radiant glow, yet I was somber.

I heard Mrs. Allerton's entrance and subsequent bustling around the kitchen, but I couldn't get out of my thoughts. With no news of Alex, I paid the price for my haughtiness. Insecurity undermined my confidence, and I repeatedly rehearsed the things I could have done differently. He had called before embarking for France. Mrs. Allerton took the call as I was out riding with Thomas—again. No more calls came after that.

What was he doing in France besides his military duties? Would he seek amusement like the other soldiers did during their free time? Would he find another girl there? Perhaps not, but girls would surely find him.

Mrs. Allerton slipped into the chair beside me to write the week's menu. "Florence, why don't you call Margaret Sterling? She might know something."

"Father hasn't called?"

"No. He said he would be in meetings for the next couple of days. I wouldn't expect him to call anytime soon."

"If I can't reach Father, it won't hurt to try. I'll call Margaret from the library." I glanced at the clock on the counter. "Do you think it's too early?"

"Nine o'clock? Goodness gracious, no. Normal folks wake up at dawn, unlike . . ."

"Thank you, Mrs. Allerton. What would I do without your honesty?" I gave her a big smile.

"Always here to help." She smiled back.

I had met Margaret, a dark-haired woman with big blue eyes, and her tall, sturdy husband, William, last week. Alex forgot to submit a document to the army, and Father contacted the Sterlings to retrieve it. They invited us to their home in Landford to dine with them. It was a shame I had to meet them this way. Alex had never invited me home.

In the library, I went straight to the telephone on the credenza. I settled into a chair and asked the operator to connect me to the Sterlings.

"Good morning, Mrs. Sterling. This is Florence."

"Oh, Florence dear, it's so nice to hear from you."

"I'm sorry to trouble you. I hoped you might have news from Alex?"

A pause ensued.

"Margaret?"

"Well, yes. Hasn't he visited you?"

"He's home?" I almost fell off the chair.

"Well, yes, he came back Wednesday."

"Two days ago."

"He was gone all day yesterday. I thought he was with you."

"No. I haven't seen him since he left for France three weeks ago." I tried to keep my voice calm but could not hide my consternation. "Is he there now? May I speak to him?"

"He's out riding. I'll have him call you as soon as he returns," Margaret answered. "I'm sorry, dear. There must be a misunderstanding."

"Thank you, Margaret. Good day."

I replaced the receiver on the cradle and paced the library, processing the information. Alex got back from France two days ago. He didn't come to see me, not even a call. Was he done with me? After waiting, worrying, and even shedding a tear or two for him during his absence, I couldn't wait for the answers to fall from heaven.

I found Mr. Lewis in the courtyard, polishing the Silver Ghost.

"Good morning, Mr. Lewis."

"Good morning, miss." The chauffeur touched the brim of his hat in acknowledgment but continued to move his rag over the already shiny surface.

"Mr. Lewis, could you drive me to the Sterlings' house?"

"My pleasure, miss." A wide smile spread over his lips. Driving Silver was the highlight of his job. "When do we leave?"

"In a few minutes?"

"I'll be ready."

"Thank you." I came into the house and almost collided with Mrs. Allerton, who burst out of the sitting room.

"Are you going somewhere?" she asked.

"Yes. I'm going to the Sterlings' home to see the lieutenant." I retrieved my hat and gloves from the side table.

"He's back?"

"For two days now." I couldn't hide my disappointment, not with Mrs. Allerton. "I can't believe he's ignored me while I've been worried sick about him."

"Now, now. I understand your frustration, but surely there's a good explanation. You mustn't jump to conclusions."

"It's impossible not to," I choked. "Being a little pigheaded is fine, but he's beyond that now."

"Very well. I understand you must speak to him, but first get a hold of your emotions. You'll give him a fright if he sees you like this."

"That's the plan." I slammed the hat onto my head. "Will you please accompany me?"

"I'll get my bag."

The ride to Landford felt like an eternity, my imagination conjecturing a million scenarios regarding Alex's indifference, none favoring him. As if reading my mind, Mrs. Allerton did her best to intercede on his behalf but without success. Mr. Lewis waited in the Silver Ghost across from the farmhouse while Mrs. Allerton and I called at the door.

Margaret was home alone. If she was surprised to see us, she didn't show it. She ushered us into the sitting room, where we removed our hats and gloves and Margaret gestured toward a red sofa. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. Alexander isn't back yet. Would you like some tea while we wait?"

"Oh, that would be lovely," Mrs. Allerton accepted.

"No, thank you." The anger flowing through my blood was sufficient heat for me.

"I'll be right back," Margaret said, and just then, a clatter of hoofs came from the side of the house. Margaret moved to the window to peek through the curtains. "Wonderful. Alexander is here." She sounded relieved. "Mrs. Allerton, shall we have tea in the kitchen? And I would love to show you the common dog-violet border that has just started to bloom." The pansy-like purple flowers were a natural beauty of the New Forest.

"What a splendid idea," Mrs. Allerton responded.

The women disappeared into the shadows of the hallway.

I stood in the center of the space, my stomach churning, my knees shaking. Seconds later, the front door opened, followed by footsteps. Then Alex appeared on the threshold. His color drained as if he had seen another ghost, for surely he hadn't missed Silver parked outside.

I took in his figure, and my words left me. He wore a white shirt, brown trousers, and high boots. His hair was tousled from the ride. How could I ever forget how devastatingly handsome he was?

"Florence, it's wonderful to see you." He took a hesitant step forward, guilt written all over his face.

"Is it, Lieutenant?"

He took another step.

My hand flew up in warning.

"It's not what you think. I?—"

"You what? Were you going to tell me you understand how lonely these past three weeks have been without you? And that you felt the same way about me, so when you came back to England, the first thing you would do was visit me? Well, that's not the case. But in all seriousness, Lieutenant, if dropping by Forti Radici meant such a sacrifice, at least you could have rung me."

"I didn't think you were so lonely when you had Frankfort to drag around," he snapped.

"Don't bring Thomas into this. You are the one dragging me around. It's been eight months since we started dating. Eight months of insecurity and avoidance. Eight months that have finally proven how shallow your commitment is."

"If that's how you think of me, you don't know me," he said defensively.

"The problem is that I know you too well. Though I love you, I can't play this game any longer. We are through. Goodbye, Lieutenant."

He remained on the spot, silent, unmoving, and unreachable.

I had to leave before he saw the rising sadness in my eyes. I passed him, exited the house, and got into the car, grateful that Mr. Lewis quickly collected Mrs. Allerton.

The Silver Ghost entered the rural road shaded by ancient trees, the ache in my heart deepening with each passing mile. I'd imagined a much different relationship with Alex. Was this really the end? I placed my head on Mrs. Allerton's shoulder and closed my eyes. Thankfully, she didn't ask any questions. I would answer them, but not now when I didn't know how to deal with the awful emotions.

"What the—" Mr. Lewis snorted.

Mrs. Allerton shifted to look through the back glass, forcing me to raise my head. "For heaven's sake! It's not a racetrack!"

I squinted to see a whirlwind of dust chasing us. "What is it?"

"A dimwit on horseback," Mrs. Allerton sputtered.

"He is in a real rush. Must be an emergency," Mr. Lewis conjectured. "We'll have to let him pass, or he'll run through us."

I turned again and saw the rider galloping at full speed, the distance between us rapidly closing. "It's Alex!"

"Nonsense. He wouldn't ride like that!" Mrs. Allerton's eyes widened. "Would he?"

"Yes, Mrs. Allerton, that dimwit is General Sterling." What on earth did he think he was about?

"Should I stop, then, miss?" Mr. Lewis inquired.

"No! Go faster, as fast as Silver can go."

"Florence, it's not a good idea," Mrs. Allerton objected.

"Just a few more yards. Go faster," I insisted.

Mr. Lewis obeyed, and the car shot forward, bouncing off every bump and rut in the road.

"Slow down! We are going to crash!" Mrs. Allerton clutched the front seat for dear life.

"He's gaining on us. Press the gas, Mr. Lewis!"

"No! Don't do that!" Mrs. Allerton cried.

Mr. Lewis ignored her. Euphoria filled his features as he tightened his grip on the wheel and floored the gas. Undoubtedly, he was thrilled to discover just how fast Silver could go—so thrilled that when Alex won the race and stopped ahead, blocking the road, it surprised Mr. Lewis.

"Stop the car! Stop the car!" Mrs. Allerton shouted. "We're going to hit him!"

Mr. Lewis slammed on the brakes, and the car squealed, struggling to slow down. "He's too close! He's too close!"

Mrs. Allerton let out a terrifying scream. I hid my face in my hands, preparing for the impact—which, thankfully, never came. Silver came to a forceful stop, skidding sideways on the road.

"This was insanity—absolute insanity," Mrs. Allerton reprimanded me and Mr. Lewis. "General Contini will hear about this. Oh yes, he will!"

"He moved out of the road in the nick of time." Mr. Lewis heaved a sigh of relief.

"Thank heaven for that." At last, Mrs. Allerton let go of the front seat.

Just then, Alex opened my door, grabbed my wrist, and hauled me out of the car. "Don't worry, Mrs. Allerton. I'll take good care of her. Go ahead. I'll bring her home."

"No. Wait," I said to Mrs. Allerton. "Don't leave me."

"I trust that you will, General," Mrs. Allerton said with a mocking smile.

"No. Wait! No!" I said in vain.

Mrs. Allerton shut Silver's door, and they drove away. My behavior infuriated her, and I would hear about it when I got home. What made love so difficult to handle? Why did it come with so many incomprehensible and sometimes untamed emotions?

Alex dragged me into the trees. "I have something to say to you."

"Let's not make this any more painful. Clearly, you want out of the relationship, and I respect your decision. I won't hold it against you." I glanced at his horse, who wandered into the brush. "Could you please take me home?"

"I will, but you must listen first."

"Please, Alex. Let's just go."

"If you don't listen, you'll have to walk to the manor."

"You wouldn't dare. It would take me all day—if I ever make it back."

"Try me." He whistled for his horse, who came almost instantly. He had left me in the woods before and would do so again.

"All right, I'm listening."

"You, lady, have a bad habit of mistreating people."

"Me?" I laughed.

"Yes, you. But that's beside the point. Now, keep your mouth shut and let me speak."

"Look—"

"No, no, no." He reached for the horse's reins.

I pursed my lips and sat down on a fallen tree trunk.

"Florence, all I've done since meeting you is think about you. Being in France was torture. I even asked to be sent home early, but I wasn't allowed. Before I left, you said we didn't know how much time we had in life and we needed to enjoy our time together. It didn't take me long to realize you were right. If I'm ever going to have joy in life, it will only be with you by my side.

"You have no idea how difficult it was to return on Wednesday and not rush to see you. But I wanted to get this first." He extracted a box from his pocket. "I traveled to London yesterday to finalize the transaction. I bought it in France, but I had them make a few adjustments, so it took longer than anticipated."

My pulse accelerated.

"I was so worked up, I stayed up all night thinking about you. I went riding this morning to organize my thoughts. I wanted to have a perfect plan to give you this. But, of course, you caught me off guard. You know, you are the only one who can do that." Alex smiled, and the love I saw in his eyes left me numb. He knelt and opened the box, revealing a ring with a large ruby in the center, surrounded by sparkling diamonds. "Florence, will you marry me?"

Beyond any emotion I had ever encountered, the happiness of that moment overcame the frustration, loneliness, and the anger of the past. "I'm sorry I misunderstood you." Tears filled my eyes. How could I have gone from desperation to this much happiness in such a short time?

"Is that a yes?"

"A resounding yes!" I dropped to my knees in front of him.

Alex placed the ring on my finger and took me into his arms, then kissed me with a deep but gentle passion. When he finished, I begged for more. Seconds, then minutes went by.

"You know, I could do this all day, but I must take you home," Alex whispered. "Mrs. Allerton might come looking for you."

"If you must." The feelings of contentment raging in me were so overpowering I had to find a way to release it. An idea formed.

Alex walked his horse over and helped me mount.

"Now that I think about it," I started, "if we are to wed, we better be on equal ground."

He looked at me inquiringly.

I pressed my heels into the horse's side, and he sprang into a gallop. Alex jumped back with a startled cry. "What are you doing?"

"I'm giving you a choice, Lieutenant," I shouted over my shoulder. "You can walk or jog back to the manor. It's your choice."

"You can't be serious!"

I laughed so hard I almost fell off the horse.

On this radiant summer day, nature bloomed in a full kaleidoscope of color—from the clear blue sky to the vibrant green of the trees and meadows to the colorful blanket of wildflowers covering the ground—perfect for a wedding.

From my bedroom window, I observed the garden where we'd hold the ceremony. The red carpet led to where Alex and I would share our vows at the base of a tiered fountain. Rows of chairs covered in gold fabric lined each side of the aisle. Some were already occupied, people conversing excitedly.

Mrs. Allerton stormed in. "Oh, dear. We must hurry, or you'll be late. Come now. Have a seat."

I moved to the chair in front of the mirror, where Mrs. Allerton's fingers swiftly wove my hair into a Grecian knot, leaving a few loose pieces around my face. She then helped me get into the ornate dress. Its delicate beads and intricate lacework made me feel like a storybook princess. Mrs. Allerton secured the slim crown holding the veil to my head and sighed. "You look beautiful. I've never seen a more lovely bride." She arranged the three-quarter sleeves of my dress one last time.

"Thank you for everything. You are like a mother to me." We clasped each other warmly. "What would I have done without you?"

"Well, enough of that." Mrs. Allerton blinked back her tears. "You already know how I feel about you, so let's get downstairs before your father comes looking for you."

Mrs. Allerton seized the train of the dress, and we descended the staircase. Father waited at the base.

"My dear daughter. I now understand the hefty price tag of the dress." With a smile, he pulled me into his arms.

"It was Mrs. Allerton's doing." I smiled back.

"Florence, there are no words to describe either the way you look or the feelings of my heart. I can only say that my joy is complete. You will be very happy with Alexander."

"Thank you, Papa." I found it difficult to say much. Father knew me. He understood. He would help me keep my emotions properly channeled on this, the best day of my life.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes." I planted a kiss on his cheek and couldn't help but wonder if he had looked this handsome in his brown uniform when he married Mother.

"Mrs. Allerton, are you composed enough to proceed?" Father asked as she dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.

"Of course, General." She pulled the veil over my face and turned to the ladies who would assist me. "When Florence reaches the path, carefully lower the train. And make sure it doesn't get stuck on the carpet."

"Yes, ma'am."

Father patted my hand, and we exited the house. As we approached the assembled crowd, all rose from their seats. I grasped Father's arm tighter as I looked straight ahead at the soldier awaiting me in his blue uniform.

"Florence, breathe. Smile," Father advised. "And focus on the priest."

Dressed in a deep-golden alb and matching cope and miter, the aged priest stood next to Alex. Holy book in hand, the man looked like a dove ready to take flight. As we advanced down the path, I saw many familiar faces. I acknowledged them but instantly forgot them in the excitement of the moment.

Father extended my hand to Alex, then joined Mrs. Allerton on the first row of chairs. Captain Thomas Frankfort stood beside Alex, a serious expression on his face. To my surprise, a few days earlier, Alex announced that Thomas would be his best man.

In a light, happy tone, the priest opened the ceremony. Most of his speech was a blur to me. The only clear sounds were Mrs. Allerton's sobbing. I thought I also heard whimpering from some of the young females and couldn't help but wonder how many hearts Alex had broken on his way to the altar.

"Alexander Sterling, do you take Florence Contini to be your wife,

to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer? In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do you part?"

Thomas produced the rings.

Alex placed a ring on my finger and answered, "I do."

The priest repeated the question to me. I slid Alex's ring on his finger and answered, "I do."

"I pronounce you husband and wife, legally and lawfully wedded," the priest declared. "You may kiss the bride."

Alex raised the veil and kissed me soundly, the clapping and cheering in the background soon bringing us back to reality. We shifted to the crowd, but our eyes didn't break contact. Alex smiled, brought me into him, and kissed me again.

"Let me be the first to congratulate the happy couple," Father said joyfully.

Mrs. Allerton came forward, congratulating first Alex, then me. The Sterlings came next. They glowed with joy at the union of our families. I took in the many happy faces surrounding us, and my heart filled with gratitude for their love and support.

Through a sea of well-wishes, handshakes, and hugs, we traveled to the ballroom, where a quartet played the first strains of "Roses from the South." Alex and I moved to the happy rhythm of the music, and for the next several minutes, the world faded away. There was only the man I loved and the assurance that we would be together in life. When I returned to earth, we parted for the traditional parents' dance.

My father waited, beaming.

"Would Mrs. Sterling give me the honor of this dance?" he asked.

"My pleasure, sir."

"Florence, I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, Papa. Thank you for everything you have done, especially for inviting Alex to the house so I could meet him."

"I knew he was the perfect match for you. If anyone would stand up to your stubbornness and not flinch at your arrogance, it would be him." Father grinned.

"Your honesty is most humbling," I teased. "But I assure you General Sterling has suffered much in his conquest."

"Of that, I have no doubt, but at least I spared him from sleeping in the stables."

I laughed.

A new waltz began, and this time, couples swarmed the dance floor.

"May I steal my beautiful bride?" Alex interjected.

"I think Florence would step on my foot if I refused." Father chuckled as he kissed my cheek. "She's all yours."

"Thank you, General Contini."

"This is a dream," I said to Alex. If my feelings of joy were of any monetary value, the world belonged to me.

"One I hope will never end."

"Arianna and George are moving this way."

"With a goblet of punch?" Alex joked, alluding to the plot against Nelly's dress.

"You won't ever forget, will you, General?"

"No. I will use it to my advantage every chance I get," he said in my ear, hiding his face from the approaching couple.

"General Sterling, I must confess I never thought you would get serious with a girl, or marry one, for that matter," Arianna said with a laugh.

"Miss Whitley, life is full of surprises, isn't it?" Alex replied with an irresistible smile.

"Indeed, it is. But I must also say you have done extremely well in marrying Florence. I'm not sure I can say the same for her." Arianna chuckled once more, trying to make light of her comment, but I had my doubts she was joking.

"We agree on that much. I've married the most beautiful girl in England. George, you may have to leave the country to find someone to wed," Alex said, successfully annoying Arianna.

"Good luck, Florence! You'll need it." She rolled her eyes, taking the slight rather well. "Come, George, let's have some fun."

Once they'd merged with the crowd, Alex and I resumed our dancing, swaying in unison to the rhythm of the music.

"She doesn't like you very much." I noted the obvious. "Why?"

"You don't want to know."

"Yes, I do." I had a pretty good idea, but I wanted to be sure.

"She cornered me once in her father's factory."

"And?"

A mischievous glint crossed his eyes.

"I won't kiss you again until you tell me," I pressed.

The song ended and another started.

He held me a bit tighter. "We'll see about that. But since you are so curious, I'll tell you. Arianna said she could get me a discount on the arms order I was placing for the army. However, she required that I kiss her in exchange."

"And your response was?"

"I said I would gladly pay full price for the order. She left the office in a rage."

The image formed in my mind: Alex sitting on the edge of Arianna's father's desk, his amused eyes mocking her. Poor girl. She must've been beside herself. "You know, sometimes I wonder how you've managed to stay alive this long. However, I must ask why. She is an attractive woman. Other men would've been honored to fulfill her terms."

"I'm not other men. I dislike girls who throw themselves at a man. It's not proper or fun."

"Proper?" I let out a startled laugh. "You, of all people, chased me in the most improper manner. Even more so considering I'm your superior's daughter."

"That's different, my lady. Men always chase, and an easy catch is not worth keeping."

"Thank goodness I didn't chase you."

"You did something worse. Mrs. Sterling, you tortured me. Although I rather like being tortured at your hands."

The evening wore on, the dream continuing. Soon, we would be on our way to Alex's flat in London for an undetermined length of time. Only a few guests remained when an out-of-breath Colonel Swinger, my father's aide-de-camp, burst through the front doors in an agitated state. All eyes turned to him. He was late for the wedding and party. I wasn't sure he had even been invited, for that matter. A large, bearded man, Swinger always presented a calm exterior, and so his panicked appearance spoke volumes.

Addressing Father and Alex, he said, "Gentlemen, we have problems."