A Modern Day Persuasion (3 page)

Chapter 3

Anne often dreamed about getting a place of her own, reveling in the thought of decorating and establishing herself as an individual—but she had yet to take that leap. After all, she was still considered a struggling artist, and until a company like Hallmark picked up her designs, she was not in a position to afford a place all by herself. At home, she was able to live rent free, and being a creature of habit, Anne didn’t quite relish the thought of leaving her comfortable surroundings without a substantial reason other then simply wanting her own space. She was sensible, and content where she was. Other than some friction between Elizabeth and herself, Anne was pretty much free to do whatever she liked— that is, as long as dinner was on the table by six o’clock sharp.

Now, as Anne sat uncomfortably in the living room on the leather couch opposite her father’s lawyer, Mr. Shepherd, she wished she had moved out long ago. Being at home obligated her to take part in family affairs she’d much rather avoid. Sighing, she looked at her watch. The two had been sitting in an awkward silence for nearly half an hour as they waited for her father’s return.

Anne studied the aged face of Mr. Shepherd. He was her father’s friend, having attended the same university as Mr. Elliot. Their friendship went way back, and Anne was glad Mr. Shepherd wasn’t easily fooled by her eccentric father.

Hearing a honk outside, Anne looked out the window to see an unfamiliar red convertible pull into the driveway. In the car sat Mr. Elliot, Elizabeth, and Susan. Anne glanced at Mr. Shepherd with raised eyebrows as she rose to head outside to greet them.

“Oh, hello, Anne!” Mr. Elliot said as he caught sight of his daughter approaching.

Anne couldn’t help but admire her father’s well-kept frame and appearance. Mr. Elliot was still a fine looking man and reminded many of an older Cary Grant. He had a way about him, something that set him apart from others. Her dad still walked with confidence in his step—that indefinable charisma which shouted wealth and status. In his mid-sixties, he could still keep up with the best of them, taking great pride in his appearance. His manly features and well-toned figure made him quite sought after by the ladies. Walter was aware of his effect on the weaker sex, so much so, it seemed to him an everyday event to have the admiration of women. Even so, everyone was sure Walter would never remarry. Mr. Elliot had never really gotten over losing his Emma, plus, his inflated ego convinced him no one could ever compliment his looks the way his late wife had.

Anne turned to her sister in greeting, but to her dismay, Elizabeth didn’t even bother to pause in her conversation with Susan to acknowledge her. Anne wondered why slights like this still managed to affect her. Anne and Elizabeth had never gotten along, though not due to any failings on Anne’s part. Anne had always been kind and supportive, but Elizabeth chose to shut her out. Anne couldn’t understand why. Elizabeth had it all. She was the beauty of the family and drop dead gorgeous. If one could win the lottery in face and form, she’d be hand’s down the winner, having received the best genes from both her parents. Everywhere Elizabeth went, she caught the eyes of strangers. Her sister had dark expressive eyes and European features. As such, Elizabeth was the darling of their father—but oddly enough
to Anne, it seemed that Elizabeth was jealous of her. Perhaps it was because people remarked that Anne reminded them so much of Emma.

Mr. Elliot motioned proudly to the car. “Isn’t she a beauty? A 1955 convertible…just couldn’t pass her up.” He stood back and admired it. Anne couldn’t pretend to be happy about it under the present circumstances.

“Dad,” Anne said, “Mr. Shepherd is waiting for you inside.” The tone in Anne’s voice caused Elizabeth to send Mr. Elliot a questioning look. As Anne watched Elizabeth’s reaction, she wondered how this news would affect her sister. Elizabeth made it a ritual to visit salons weekly to touch up her roots (she wasn’t a natural blonde), receive rejuvenating facials, and enjoy frequent manicures and pedicures. Not only that, three times a week, she met with a personal trainer. Elizabeth looked like money, having exquisite taste and it was
always
expensive. She spared nothing when it came to her appearance. To Elizabeth, it was her prize possession. Unfortunately, the maintaining of her beauty was time consuming and never allowed her sister to really find out what she could truly offer the world. Sadly, after people met Elizabeth, the only thing they could recall were her looks. It was the only thing that defined her.

Intrigued by curiosity, Elizabeth and Susan went inside, followed by a rather hesitant Mr. Elliot. Anne was left standing alone with only the forgotten suitcases. Sighing, she picked up what she could carry and headed indoors.

Anne arrived just in time to hear Mr. Shepherd deliver the news. The room became deathly silent. Elizabeth sat in shock and Susan looked uncomfortable, wishing to escape this awkward situation. All eyes were on Mr. Elliot as they waited for his reply. Walter had stationed himself in front of the large bay window overlooking the well-kept backyard and pool, not uttering a word since Mr. Shepherd announced the reason for his visit.

Breaking the silence, he turned and looked at Mr. Shepherd with disbelief. “File for bankruptcy?” Mr. Shepherd
nodded affirmatively, pulling some papers out of his briefcase. Mr. Elliot turned to Anne, “Anne, did you know about this?” he asked.

Anne nodded and took a seat. “The foreclosure notice came on Friday.”

“Well, I must say I am quite surprised!” he said as he sat down.

Mr. Shepherd shot Anne an exasperated look. “Really? I don’t see how that’s possible. I’ve been sending you notices for weeks.”

Mr. Elliot looked between Anne and Mr. Shepherd sheepishly. “Come on, Shepherd—” he pleaded.

Mr. Shepherd’s demeanor remained unchanged. “There’s nothing I can do to get you out of this one, Walter.”

“What do you suggest we do then?” Elizabeth asked.

“The only plausible option is to do exactly what I’ve been recommending…get legal protection to keep what assets you have, and then sell everything else.” Mr. Shepherd’s advice shocked Mr. Elliot.

“Everything! Even the new convertible?”

“Yes, Walter, even the car. But to be honest, the convertible is the least of your worries,” said Mr. Shepherd.

Elizabeth whitened. “It’s that bad? But what about my stuff? Will I have to give up my car, too?”

Taking pity on Elizabeth’s frightened face, Mr. Shepherd answered, “There’s no need for you to panic. Anything that is in your name, including your Mercedes, is safe. Now, regarding your father’s estate—it doesn’t look good. Fortunately though, I’ve been approached with an offer for the house.” With a somewhat scolding tone, Mr. Shepherd turned to face Walter, “When I hadn’t heard a response from any of the numerous letters or phone calls regarding the terrible financial state of your affairs,” Mr. Shepherd continued with a despairing look at Mr. Elliot, “I took the liberty of letting a few key individuals know, discretely of course, that you were considering selling your home if the offer was right.”
Mr. Shepherd handed a paper to Elizabeth who looked it over in haste. Mr. Elliot crossed the room to view the document, and Elizabeth handed it to him. Mr. Shepherd added, “I’m pleased to tell you it’s a generous offer.”

“Does that mean I can keep the car after all?” inquired Mr. Elliot hopefully.

Mr. Shepherd frowned. “It’s not
that
generous. Walter, you have to face facts. It took years to get this deeply in debt so it’s going to take time before you’re back on track. For a while, you’re going to have to live on a budget. If you follow my advice, in a few years you just might end up being able to purchase quite a number of one-of-a-kind cars.”

“A budget!” exclaimed Mr. Elliot in disgust. The word ‘budget’ was taboo to Anne’s extravagant father and sister.

Mr. Shepherd didn’t bother trying to hide his contempt. “Yes, join the club. Most people do live on a budget, including me. Lucky for the girls, you weren’t able to touch their mother’s inheritance since it’s still in trust.” Mr. Shepherd eyed Mr. Elliot pointedly, and their father had the decency to look shamefaced.

By now the paperwork had reached Anne. “Do we know the people who made the offer on our house?” she asked.

“I doubt it,” said Mr. Shepherd. “It’s a man by the name of Cedric Croft, a retired Naval Admiral. But I do recall his wife mentioning that her brother, a Mr. Wentworth, worked some odd jobs in this area some time ago.”

The mention of the name “Wentworth” visibly shook Anne’s countenance, and this did not go unnoticed by her sister. Ashen faced, Anne felt as if the wind had been knocked out of her. Surely it had to be Rick! Hadn’t he once mentioned having an older sister whose husband was in the Navy?

Mr. Elliot’s voice broke Anne’s reflection. “Do you think we should accept?” Mr. Elliot asked and instantly received a nod of approval from Mr. Shepherd.

“You’d be a fool not to,” he stated empathetically.

Elizabeth, who always thought ahead when it came to matters concerning herself, asked, “But where will we live?”

Mr. Shepherd assured her, “You should make enough on this offer to buy another home, though one significantly smaller.”

Mr. Elliot turned to Elizabeth excitedly. “Elizabeth, remember that house we saw during our tour of the vineyards? The one where I said if I ever purchased a quaint little vacation home that would be the one?” Elizabeth nodded in remembrance. Susan, finding out they weren’t totally destitute became talkative again.

“Yes, it was the one with the ‘for sale’ sign on it,” agreed Susan.

Mr. Shepherd intervened, “Walter, if you give me sufficient information, I’ll make some inquiries on your behalf.”

Mr. Elliot, Elizabeth and Susan began to formulate plans for their move to California which left Anne time to ponder about the young man whose last name had just been mentioned. How could simply hearing his name have such a profound effect on her!? She tried to convince herself she was no longer the giddy, immature girl she once was—a teenager who had showed up almost daily at the country club where Rick worked. Anne blushed at remembering how she had enrolled in nearly every conceivable swim or tennis class just for the opportunity to spend time with the lifeguard who had rescued her. Over the course of that summer, a friendship had formed which progressed into something much deeper, ending in their declarations of love—at least for her. Anne now questioned the depth of Rick’s feelings. Surely, his must have been nothing more than mere infatuation.
How strange fate can be. To think of Rick’s sister and brother-in-law living in my house
?
What a funny sense of humor God has
, she ironically thought.

Chapter 4

Anne found herself upstairs with the task of cleaning out the attic. Normally this would have been a duty she dreaded, but today it provided Anne an escape from her overly stressed sister. Her father had left the two of them to pack while he attended to some business at the office—which most likely meant golfing with some old buddies of his. Despite the circumstances, Anne found herself delighting in rediscovering treasures and keepsakes passed down through her mother’s side.

The Elliot’s attic was like those only found in novels, holding great mysteries from the past. It had a forgotten quality about it, making one believe that hidden within were many lost secrets just waiting to be uncovered. A single window allowed a stream of natural light to reveal a dusty room overrun with boxes and vintage furniture. There was even an old dress form dating back to when her ancestors clothes were hand-made.

Reaching for a box, Anne opened the lid to find vintage
Women’s Daily
magazines which most likely had belonged to her grandmother. A small cough escaped Anne from the accumulated dust. She wasn’t sentimental enough to want them and knew her sisters wouldn’t give them a second glance. Anne was ready to toss them in the recycle box but then changed her mind. Setting them aside, she made a
mental note to see if they might sell on eBay. Considering the financial state of their family, every bit would help.

Anne then moved on to the next storage container atop a stack of old trunks against the wall. Opening it, she discovered it was her old keepsake items. Anne smiled with interest and lowered the large container to the ground, seating herself next to it. An old wooden carved box caught her eye and she pulled it out.

Inside Anne found her old report cards, a girl-scout sash and an award she’d won for the best drawing in fourth grade. She smiled at the recollection of rushing home to share the good news with her parents. The next item was Anne’s acceptance into the National Honor Society. Beneath that was a book. The title read,
Persuasion
by Jane Austen.

Immediately, emotion surged inside her. The book had been a gift from Rick on her seventeenth birthday. She opened it with a sort of reverence, delicately turning its pages only to have a note slip from its hidden depths, falling to the ground. Anne’s breath caught at the sight of it.

Setting the box down to reach for the letter, she unfolded it with shaking hands and looked tenderly at it. The letter showed evidence by its worn page that it had been read many times before being put to rest when she realized Rick was not returning. Viewing it once more would be painful, but she was willing to suffer the consequences. Slowly reading the discolored paper, Anne allowed Rick once again to enter her life.