Free Abigail's Secret (A Whimsical Select Romance Novella) by Tamara Ternie Page A

that?” he said aggravated.
    “Do what?” she asked defensively, unaware what had raised his dander.
    “Belittle yourself.”
    “I was the fat girl. It’s simply stating a fact.”
    “No, you were a pretty girl.  You were an intelligent girl.  You were a delightfully entertaining girl once known.”  Brice heavily sighed.  “Yet, when you look back into your past, you only see yourself as that fat girl .”
    “Well, I’m no longer fat,” she said.  “So it is no longer an issue.”
    “No, it is still an issue with you, Abigail.  Branding yourself as the “fat girl” is as clearly observable as my father-in-law’s ironing. You’ll not let yourself step out of that past girl’s dark shadow.  In many ways, your scars are even more obvious than the brand that had been burned onto Edward’s face.”
    “Yet it is what it is , Mister Winslow.  Although different circumstances, Edward and I have been scarred. Even you cannot argue that.”
    “ Your scars are mostly self-inflicted, Abigail.  His scar is not.  Edward’s scar and circumstances has made him into a bitter man full of hate inside. You’re allowing yours to do the same.  Indeed, you were of healthy size, Abigail.  But you are so much more than that. You were then and you are now.  Unless you let that go and embrace your good qualities, you’ll never truly be happy.  Not with anyone you are with, and most certainly not with yourself.”
    “I am quite pleased with myself,” she claimed.  “I beg to differ with your assessment.”
    “Truly, Abigail?” he asked.  “ We’ve yet to meet without you revealing your hostility towards those in this town,” he argued. “You have been here for a couple weeks thus far.  Aside from Maggie Rush, how many people have you called on or have come callin’ since your arrival?”
    “What is your point, Mister Winslow?” she said angrily.  “Are you suggesting that I have no friends?” she asked insulted.
    “Yes, Abigail. That is exactly what I am stating.  You won’t allow anyone to get close enough to befriend you.  You’ll also not allow those you once knew to make apology for the injustices they had caused you.  Although you’ll not believe it, there are many in town who regret their actions as children.”
    “I don’t believe you,” she said. 
    “Of course you wouldn’t,” he said with mirthless laughter.  “That would involve you having faith in someone else.”  Brice shook his head and raised his arms in surrender. “You’ll never change, Abigail.  You were of the same wretched disposition years ago.  It made you less desirable then and even more unattractive now that you’ve lost your weight and still haven’t the gumption to live life happily as intended.” 
    Abigail glared at him.  She couldn’t believe that he had the audacity to attack her so cruelly with his words.  “But yet I’m not so undesirable that you’d sacrifice losing my dowry by walking away,” she angrily accused.
    “I ndeed, Abigail, I would and I shall do just that.  I could never love a woman who thinks so little of herself.”  He stood up and retrieved his hat from the settee and placed it onto his head.  He walked to the doorway to leave but turned around.  He sighed heavily. “Do know, Abigail, that my words are not intended to hurt you.”
    “I’d thank you to leave your cogitations to yourself the next time we meet, Mister Winslow.”  Tears flowed from Abigail’s eyes and she turned away.  Moments later, she heard the main door close.
    Brice was gone.
    *                  *                    *
    Abigail straightened in her seat and smoothed over the wrinkles in her cream and gold gown.  She sat next to Tess who was an image of radiance in her bright yellow day gown accessorized by matching gloves and hat.  The both chased the heat away with their fans even though the newly erected platform was built with a roof and helped shade