An Old Fashioned Southern Romance Novel by Annalise Arrington Read Free Book Online Page B

no idea how to find love. As far as Annabella was concerned, Warrenton was an uncouth, uncultured brat who used his family’s money and good name to intimidate and impress people. However, Annabella was neither intimidated nor impressed. She was from an exceptional family and, in addition to buckets of money, she had values. And no one, especially not Warrenton, was going make her compromise everything in which she believed for a few moments of pleasure or, in the case of Marigold, to get out of trouble for something that was clearly not her fault. Annabella was going to live life on her terms – everyone else be damned!
    When Annabella returned to her house, she was more intent than ever to leave. She asked her beloved and trusted friend to make arrangements for her to go away. Hattie was more than happy see Annabella take a vacation, but Annabella was thinking of something a little more permanent.
    “Anna, you cannot just leave with a lawsuit pending. You could lose everything.”
    “I know, Hattie. And you know what? I don’t care. I simply do not care. I will start a new life in England. I will just have to get a job to support myself.”
    It took everything in Hattie to keep from laughing at her baby girl. But, Annabella could see the laughter in her eyes.
    “I can , too, get a job, Hattie. Why, I was editor of my school paper. I could become an editor. Or, better yet, a famed author. The sky is the limit.”
    “Anna, I raised you for the most part, so I do not doubt your ability. I just question your motive.”
    "Hattie, you know me. I am the single most level-headed person in this town. Every decision I have ever made in my life has been based on logic, reason, cause, effect, and other people's feelings. I can no longer live my life for other people. It's time to start thinking about myself. Do you know how embarrassing it is to be me? There was a time in history when  a girl like me was every man's dream. Things have changed so much. No one wants a good, old-fashioned girl with real values. And at my age, one would think I would at least have some prospects. But no, I'm too much of a prude, a Goody Two-Shoes. Hattie, do you know the definition of insanity? It is doing the same thing and expecting a different result. I can't change who I am, but I can change where I am. Hattie, let me go. Tell my father to let me go.
    "As you wish, ma'am," Hattie said coldly.
     Annabella knew that when Hattie called her ma'am, she was not pleased with her. However, she would not give in this time. Hattie would just have to be upset with her.
    "Be ready to leave first thing tomorrow, Anna. I shall have all the arrangements made."
    Annabella went up to her room and collapsed on the bed. She tucked her pillow under her chin and imagined that by this time tomorrow, she would be in England, hob-knobbing with London's Literati. Surely she would fit in with a people who have been historically known for their inability to care what others thought of them. She thought about all the parties, cotillions, dinners, and theaters she would attend that would put her front and center, face to face with the most important and dignified people on earth. Yes, Annabella was sure she was making the right choice and she was only further badgering herself that she had not done it before. She fell asleep wishing that she could simply wake up and already be there. Instead, she awakened to Warrenton standing in her bedroom doorway.
    “How did you get up here!” Annabella screamed.
    “I used the stairs,” he joked.
    “Get out!” She warned him.
    “Relax, Anna. Hattie is in the next room. I just came to apologize for today .”
    “Well, you didn’t do anything – per se . But, to think you are going to be one of them next year. I already find you despicable. Once you pass the bar, I will downright despise you,” Anna teased Warren.
    “ I will never be one of them. When I finish law school in the spring, I will be a corporate attorney. My job