For personal use and select distribution only; copyright 1999 by Rachel Manson

Death Shall Not Divide Us
© 1999-2000 by Rachel

Chapter 1: The Letter

Isolde Pettibone was walking along the shore. She had been visiting Cecily when the news came. Both bits of news.

Felix was going into a major sea battle. He didn't seem nervous or worried. He even remembered to say "Happy Valentine's Day."

"Poor Janet," Izzy thought out loud. "Once she heard, she almost went to hysterics, raving about not wanting to find out he was missing again."

Then Felicity and Gus had come in. Felicity didn't even notice her Mother, she just, in an excited tone, told the inhabitants of King Farm that she was pregnant, again!

Izzy wondered if she would ever be a mother. She looked up at the stars and thought about her true love, Felix King than she had an idea!

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Felix, the Lieutenant Captain of the H.M.C.S. Victorious was gazing up at that same sky two weeks later, thinking of Izzy. How he loved her! And now he was going into battle, possibly meaning he would never see her again.

He was picturing her perfect features when a young boy came in.

"He must be 14," Felix thought. "I think he's a deck hand."

"Sir," the boy stated while giving a salute. "A letter arrived for you marked 'Urgent'. It's from an Isolde Pettibone of Avonlea."

"Give it to me," Felix said obviously VERY puzzled. "You're dismissed." The boy saluted again and left the room. Felix took a letter opener out of a drawer, made a slit in the envelope a pulled the letter out. Actually it wasn't what I would call a letter. It was more like a note. A very short note. Nevertheless it stated facts openly and cleanly. The note read.

February 14 1916

Felix,

Quit the Navy and come back to Avonlea. I can't stand not being with you, and everyone misses you dreadfully. Your Mother almost went to hysterics when she found out about the battle. Cecily is sulky, and Felicity is pregnant again.

PLEASE come back to ME, Felix.

I love you,

Izzy

Felix reread the note ten times over. Izzy loved him? He felt as if he was walking on a cloud. He got up and tore down the hall. He took a deep breath and knocked on the General's door.

"Come in. Ahh, Felix King, just the man I was looking forer what's wrong?" General Samuel Penhallow was sitting at his desk. He was a cousin of Avonlea's Alice.

"General Penhalow, I wish to resign my commission."

"NOW!?" the General bellowed.

"gulp Yes sir, now."

"It's about a girl isn't it?"

"Yes sir," Felix bowed his head.

"In that case you're discharged. Pack your bags you can leave tomorrow on the War Office ship.'

"Sir?"

"You would have gone anyway. You love her, I can tell. You would do anything for her. You're a good fighter Felix, I hate to lose you."

Felix smiled, thanked the General, than ran off to pack his things.

TO BE CONTINUED. . .