"You're not kidding, Mr. Todd?" I said, gasping for air. I knew he was being serious, I just had to double-check with myself.
"No, I'm not, Miss Lovett. I mean... it's for the best. To keep people from being nosy when they recognise the name." he explained, and I hugged him tightly.
"Oh, of course, Mr. Todd!" It was an awkward moment, I'll admit, the fact I was living Nellie's dream and that it was all under fake names, of course, made me wonder whether or not this was what I wanted. But, being the quick decision maker I was, I came to the conclusion that Mr. Todd and I were made for each other, whether others thought that or not.
"Now, Violet, don't be hasty with this. We have time." he said gently, patting my back.
"What if I want to? I mean, what if we don't have time, love?" I asked him, eager to get a smile on his face. He looked at me and turned around.
"That's what Lucy said." I closed my mouth. I hadn't been planning for nostalgia, just for a smile. What else would I have to ask for? Much to my surprise, however, he spun around with a malicious smile on his face.
"Miss Lovett, you amaze me. That's what helped me out of the rut I suffered in. We'll get married, at once." I feared for his sanity, this wasn't what I had planned.
"A seaside wedding?" I asked, my feminine side getting the best of my heart. "Ooh! Shall we write Johanna? Anthony? Nellie?"
"No one." he muttered. "Unless you want the law on us. Of course, we could pretend there are other relations... Anthony's sister and her fiance..."
"I love it!" I was ecstatic now, and I ran to write the letter.
Dearest Anthony,
Mr. Todd and I are to be wed! I know you may be thinking it's rather soon, but it's to protect our names. We are now Todd and Katherine Harnett, I'm your sister and he's my fiance. Well, hoping to see you soon! Lots of love,
Katherine.
I skipped back into the kitchen, where Mr. Todd was pouring himself tea. "Shall we send the letter to Anthony instead of to Nellie?" I asked, and he nodded.
"Of course... Katherine. Wouldn't that be the logical thing?" he laughed, and I pouted.
"Well, do forgive me if my head's a little vague." I scowled at him, but then pecked him on the cheek.
"If I were you, I'd go find some lady friends and get a dress picked out or made." he suggested, and I sat down next to him.
"I can make one myself." I muttered, crossing my arms. "I'm perfectly capable of that."
"And you're also perfectly capable of getting Johanna and Nellie here." Mr. Todd laughed harder now, making me whack his arm lightly.
"Are you doubting my abilities?" I growled, and he smiled the smile I wanted all along.
"How did you know? Well, it seems to be getting late." He moved the curtains in front of the window to reveal a moonlit sea. "We shall explore our new surroundings in the morning, how does that sound?"
"Perfect." I agreed, "I'll meet you in a minute, I want some tea myself." I walked over to the pot, my nightgown dragging behind my heels.
"Alright. G'night." he muttered, taking off his jacket and placing it on the back of the seat.
I sat there, the moonlight shining on the table into my cup of steaming tea. Maybe I made a mistake. Do I really believe Mr. Todd is right for me? Yes, yes I do. I stood up. Mr. Todd and I are made for each other! And, God watching over me, Mr. Todd and I will get married. So goodbye, Violet Lovett, hello, Katherine Harnett...
