Post by Annemarie Gardiner on Jan 25, 2015 16:10:19 GMT -5
Reed proved adamant; Annemarie would return with the rest of the Gardiners from Vasile to prepare for the imminent arrival of the Deveraux Princesses and their entourage. Tearing her from the place she looked upon as a home for the last eight years, but more, wrenching her from Alexander was proving unquestionably painful. However, duty to her family was paramount. She had to obey, trusting in Alexander's plan for their future and exercise her patience in that regard. Returning to Lockewood was not entirely without its merits; she had not seen Casper or Connor, her younger brothers, in a very long time. Letters were exchanged with frequency, yet proved no replacement for the true person.
Despite her reluctance, Annemarie privately conceded that it was pleasant to be home. Lockewood was at its most lovely in the height of summer when the gardens were lush and the weather was storybook-perfect. The reunion with her parents was enjoyable in spite of Marcus's efforts to play the heavyhanded, controlling elder brother; she promised her younger brothers that they would have their own private celebrations as time permitted. The preparations for their visitors proved a priority that prevented them from taking the hours they preferred to spend in each other's company to the desired extent.
Now that the chaos of the arrivals and the search for the missing princesses saw the young ladies safely returned to their sisters' custody unharmed along with their guardians, Annemarie was able to slip away for a few hours without concern for the impact her absence might have on their guests. Deciding that the gardens were a siren's call that she did not want to resist, she hastened away to fetch a basket, shears, her hat and a pair of gloves with the pleasure of an afternoon spent in tending some of the medicinal beds before her. Humming to herself, she put on a burst of speed to leave the castle before anyone saw her and thought to block her exit....
@casperdeveraux