Three days passed. Three days of constant wondering and waiting on Anastasia's part. She knew that during that period Robert had called on Adelaide no less than three times, as well as having been to dinner with her one night at Adlington House and at a ball hosted by the Earl of Sutton the next.
And still no offer! Anastasia thought on the fourth day, worrying for Adelaide who was beginning to speak, very miserably, of not expecting anything from Robert.
Anastasia came to the conclusion that she would have to ask her cousin quite bluntly what his intentions were. And so she did.
"Robert," she began a little cautiously that evening after they had dined together. "Did you call on Lady Adelaide today?"
"I did."
"And how did you find her?"
"Very well," Robert replied. "She seems to be in excellent health." He smiled absent-mindedly. Suddenly, Anastasia saw him sit up and his attention returned to her, a question in his eyes.
"I know this will appear a little odd," he said, settling on the sofa. "But when you told me you didn't want to come to Brazil, why was it?"
She frowned, taken aback by the question. "Well, I was looking forward to coming-out, I suppose. And it would have been near impossible to persuade Mama and Papa... Brazil is so far away - "
"Yes, I am well aware of that," Robert snapped.
She raised her brow. "Why are you asking me this?"
He sighed. "Would it be terribly selfish of me to ask someone to leave England and live in the Amazon?"
"Not if she loves you."
Robert looked up quickly, surprised, and Anastasia smiled.
"Does she?" he asked quietly.
"Ah, now that would make it far too easy. Courage, my dear cousin! You must take a risk." She laughed as Robert rolled his eyes.
"Anna." He came to her and embraced her. "You think you have been very unhelpful, but I am not a complete fool."
"Indeed?"
"Yes, but I thank you for taking me for one."
And without another word, he left.
***
Author's Note
I think this must be my shortest-ever update, but I'm afraid I'm both battling writer's block and dealing with time constraints! We're so close to the end that it's really frustrating me, but oh well!
I'd just like to thank all those of you who have been reading, adding Anastasia to your Reading Lists and voting! (my 'silent' readers, as some authors say). You don't get acknowledged very much, I know, and I can't get around to thanking all of you personally unfortunately, but hopefully you'll accept this instead;)
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Anastasia
Historical Fiction"It's not right that we should have to fight for something so obviously right and just as having the vote but we must. Someone must!" Lady Anastasia Banks has lived her entire life thus far in a world where she may do as she likes, be it running aro...
