An Old Fashioned Southern Romance Novel by Annalise Arrington Page B

accept it, but she was not going to accept it without trying to put that gutter trash in her place for once and for all. Hattie was, however disappointed in Annabella for running off without trying to make sense of things. She was frustrated with Annabella for not staying and fighting for what is hers. Hattie had always fought Annabella’s fights and she was still fighting them now. Hattie questioned whether or not she was really helping the girl or if she was further enabling her. But, it was of no matter at the moment. The ball had been set in motion. Whatever the outcome, Hattie was going to expose Marigold for what she is. If Warrenton chose to go forward with the marriage out of sheer loneliness and desperation, that would be his choice. And in that case, it would be best that Annabella did not marry him, lest she be stuck with someone as neurotic and confused as she is. When Hattie arrived at the attorney’s office, she was greeted by the grease ball of a lawyer.
    “Why Ms. Hattie! I haven’t seen your fine self in years. You are looking especially well , Darling.”
    “I have neither the time nor the inclination to listen to such foolery. I am here to get down to business. Now we all know that Ms. Marigold is not hurt – never was – and I have all the proof from the private detective. She was photographed playing double sets of tennis the day after the alleged injuries and every day afterwards. She swims, hikes, and cycles every day. The initial medical report showed no injuries whatsoever, not even a skin laceration. Then a few days later, she was seen by an independent medical professional who found bruised bones and the like. But, that is only the beginning. She used her company email to correspond with friends, family, and anyone that would listen to discuss her plot to dislodge Warrenton and Annabella from their family fortunes. And if that wasn’t enough, she bragged on social network sites about how easy it is to con the wealthy and stupid. She even went so far as to say she planned the whole thing and that is why she was dating Warrenton in the first place. It was her intention to sue him for something from the day she met him. So, when Annabella showed up in the new car, she saw her opportunity to get two for the price of one.”
    Hattie handed the attorney the envelope with materials from her private investigator. He dropped the package on the table and looked at Hattie. He looked at Warrenton and then he looked down.
    “That’s some fine detective work, Ms. Hattie. But you do not need to worry your pretty little head about this. We boys have got this thing figured out. So you can go run along and sew a dress or something. We are not in need of your services.”
    Hattie became furious, but she did not respond. She looked at Warrenton as though she thought he should say something. He looked at Hattie and dropped his head.
    “For God’s sake, Hattie. You are talking about this man’s fiancée. Now go on and stop agitating this mess. It is done.”
    “With all due respect, Sir, you are the agitator. This is a travesty. Warrenton should not be marrying that low-lifed trash. Mr. Boatwright would have never stood for such foolishness!”
    “Mr. Boatwright is dead!” The attorney screamed at her.
    Warrenton jumped up out of his chair.
    “Stop it! Just stop it! Hattie, I appreciate everything you have done. You will never know how much. And you are right, my daddy would have never stood for this. But he is gone. He is gone and the only thing he left me – the only thing he ever gave me – is his money. That’s it, Hattie. No softball games, no Saturday afternoon matinees. My daddy never even gave me a hug, Hattie. All I have of his is his money. If I don’t marry that girl, she will take all of it. Then I will be left with nothing of my father’s. I just want to hold on to the one thing he saw fit to give me. And yes, I do love Annabella. I did love Annabella. But she left me. She left me twice.