Forever and Forever (Historical Proper Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page B

dear wife was a God-fearing woman,” Mr. Appleton continued. “And she would say that it is not mere coincidence, but that our paths were meant to cross exactly like this. What do you think of that, Mr. Longfellow?”
    “If I am to be completely honest,” Henry said, “I do not put much stock into theories such as fate and Karma. I believe in God, and I believe there is purpose to our existence, but I am unsure of how much attention He might give to such things as people meeting in a foreign land.” He looked at his host. “I do not mean to argue your point, nor take away from your wife’s faith, I only mean to say that if such things as this happen for a purpose, then I must say that all things happen for a purpose, and I see no purpose in the suffering we have experienced—not yours, not mine. Not your children’s.”
    Yet another silence followed his words, and Henry mentally chastised himself for his honesty.
    “Perhaps you are right,” Mr. Appleton said. “Perhaps things happen for no particular reason and we are left to make of them what we will. To our betterment or our detriment, depending on our choice in the matter.”
    “I mean no offense, sir, but who would choose to make something work toward their detriment?”
    “Those who punish themselves unnecessarily.” He spoke so fast and with such certainty that Henry’s muscles tightened and released almost in the same instant. Mr. Appleton spoke as though he knew Henry blamed himself for Mary’s death, but how could he? Henry could barely articulate such thoughts to himself, and he certainly would never tell anyone for fear they would offer hollow platitudes and weak justifications. Or worse, agree that if he had not brought her to Europe she would still be alive and well.
    “Mr. Longfellow, would you join us for tea tomorrow?” Mr. Appleton asked.
    Henry was shocked. Why on earth would they want him to come back? Was not one ruined evening enough to convince them that his company was to be avoided? He was prepared to make a quick retreat. The idea of making another attempt of friendship with these people—Miss Frances Appleton especially—only spurred him to want an escape that much more. And yet Mr. Appleton had issued the invitation and, as had been the case earlier, Henry felt unable to refuse it.
    “If you should like me to attend, I shall attend.” It was the most feeble answer Henry had ever made to anything in his life.
    “Tomorrow, then,” Mr. Appleton said with a nod and a smile. “Come to our rooms at four o’clock.”

     
    After a restless night, Henry spent the morning and early afternoon with Mr. Gurmand and his fabulously diverting collection of Swiss and German literature. Henry purchased a few volumes he had learned of in Heidelberg and made plans to come back the next day. Once he left Mr. Gurmand’s company, though, his mind returned to the Appletons.
    Henry had accepted Mr. Appleton’s invitation to tea out of politeness, but the more he thought on it, the more grateful he felt for the second chance to make a new impression. The green of the mountain meadows and the grandness of the rocky cliffs above him seemed to empower him so that, when he returned to his rooms, he chose his dress carefully to shore up his confidence: the claret long coat—nipped in at the waist in the European style—and gray trousers tucked into knee-high boots.
    At precisely four o’clock, he knocked at the door of the Appleton’s apartments. But a moment later, when the servant showed him into the parlor where only Miss Frances Appleton was in attendance, his confidence fled.
    “Good day to you, Mr. Longfellow,” she said, giving him a quick curtsy. “Do come in.” Then she smiled, softening her face into an expression that renewed his hope in redemption.
    Her dark hair was curled beside her face and pulled up in the back. She wore a light blue dress featuring the European style of a lowered waistline and a fuller skirt. He noted how the