Forever and Forever (Historical Proper Romance) by Josi S. Kilpack Page B

had been almost exactly a year since they had seen one another in Strasburg—and she was convinced of her full recovery from any foolish fancy she may have imagined between them. Her only expectation was that of friendship and intellectual discussions.
    Fanny had seen Europe differently after having met Mr. Longfellow, searching for the influence and the beauty within the cultures they saw. She had looked at herself differently, too, and realized the fulfillment of study and learning she had taken for granted before. It was also because of him that she had applied herself so intently to her French lessons. She was eager to show him what she had learned, eager to see the pride in his eyes, confirmation that she had met his expectation—an expectation no one else seemed to hold for her.
    At some point, Mr. Longfellow would be invited to Beacon Street. She looked forward to such a meeting but did not allow herself to look forward to it too much. Too much attention toward a reunion might tempt her to wonder if there was a deeper connection between them, and she had already made her decision about that.
    Fanny forced herself to think of other friends she had not yet seen—Emmeline Austin, for instance, who had grown up just one street away but who was visiting family in Pennsylvania until next week. And Susan Benjamin, who would love to hear of all the fine art Fanny had seen. And of course there was Fanny’s dear friend Robert Apthorp, who had written Fanny faithfully throughout the entire two-year trip. So many people to see, so much history to share. And there would be dances and dinner parties and afternoon teas. Fanny had not lost her appetite for fashion and entertainment, and she yearned for the energetic company of her young friends. Learning had not deadened all her other interests.
    Her maid was waiting for her in her bedchamber. Molly must have sent her; she was such a good sister. Fanny turned so the servant could undo the buttons of her dress, glad for the comforts of home all over again. Yes, it was very good to be home. Very good indeed.

 
    Eleven
    Renewed Acquaintance
     
    Henry stood in the parlor of Craigie House—a stately Georgian mansion on Brattle Street where he’d lodged for nearly four months—and watched the front walk, waiting for Tom Appleton to appear.
    Has it truly been a year? he asked himself. Henry wished he weren’t nervous about renewing the acquaintance, then again he would be an idiot not to be.
    Now that he was a resident of Cambridge, Henry better understood the Appleton family’s place in society and how it contrasted with his own. Not only was Nathan Appleton one of the wealthiest men in New England, he was also politically active, a faithful member of the Federal Street Church, and respected to the point of devotion among many. He and his partners had actually founded the town of Lowell when they brought the modern-age of textile production to the area and an entire settlement grew around it.
    Beyond that, Nathan Appleton stood as proof that the entire premise of the United States worked. That the son of a church deacon could change his circumstances justified the fight for their independence from Britain, who still marginalized their citizens based on the society of their birth.
    Being part of a new nation, however, did not remove the distinction of class between its citizens. Born or earned, one’s situation prescribed their society. That Henry had ever been included in the Appletons’ circle—even abroad where the choice of company was so limited—was a thing to be appreciated. The Appletons were kind and accepting, and Henry doubted they would purposely reject him now that the tour was over, but he would not be a part of their social circle unless they wanted him to be.
    While awaiting the Appletons’ return from Europe, he had become acquainted with additional members of their family, specifically William Appleton and his wife, with whom he shared a mutual friend. Mr.