Chapter 45
Emma became more upset. Tears stung her eyes but she refused to cry. She would not give these people the satisfaction. She did her best to hold back and took a few breaths. As she opened her mouth to speak, Grace stepped forward.
“Lucy, stop that. That isn’t nice of you at all,” she admonished. “Please forgive my friend. She didn’t mean it. She was just puzzled that’s all. People tend to get confused when a polished stone is trying to be presented as a diamond,” her tone was sweet, but Emma had been around enough people to know that Grace was being vicious. It was clear Grace thought that Will was way out of Emma’s league, and it was bothering her to see them together. Which was surprising. Grace is the one who left Will, so why would she act jealous?
“I can understand that. It can also be confusing when diamonds try to compete with stones. You know? Like why would they try that?” Emma retorted.
“Oh wow,” Grace forced a laugh. “Will, your date is so funny. I must say it seems your taste in women has… changed. She’s very… different than your usual type.”
“Different, how?” Will asked. Grace was thrown off by his question, but Will’s expression gave nothing away.
“Well,” Grace was flustered. “She’s not up to your usual standard.”
He raised an eyebrow at Grace, and the room fell silent. Before they arrived at the wedding, Emma had wondered if people knew of his history with Grace. In that moment she understood that they did. Jaunty music played around them, but the atmosphere was tense. Will reached for Emma and pulled her into his chest. Emma squeaked in surprise and a few people gasped around her. The moment seemed to move in slow motion, like a scene out of a drama.
“Really? Because here I had thought she was leagues above my usual standard,” Will said and he placed a sweet kiss on Emma’s lips. It was a good thing he was holding her up, because her legs were useless beneath her. *What is he doing?* Emma’s mind and heart raced as Will held her. She could feel his heart pounding away in his chest. Was he nervous? Emma reached up and put her arms around his neck, the motion was involuntary. Will looked at her, and she desperately longed to decipher the look in his eyes. But he was unreadable.
“So, what family does your little girlfriend come from? She told us she grew up in Windermere. We all know your family wouldn’t associate with someone like that,” Lucy interjected.
“Girlfriend?” Will laughed. “Oh my. It’s seems you’ve all gotten the wrong impression. She isn’t my girlfriend.”
Emma braced herself for the blow. Will was certainly going to humiliate her in front of his snobby friends.
“She’s my fiancée,” he said staring right at Grace. Emma’s already weakened legs almost gave out from underneath her. She was thankful that her dress was long so no one could she her knees shaking. *What did he say? What was going on? And why was there a part of her that was excited?*
No one was laughing now. People were stunned into silence and Emma was struck dumb. She had no clue what Will was planning, but she could bet that this was a show for Grace. He hadn’t taken his eyes off of her all night. He had spared Emma a couple of glances, but his were for only for Grace.
Grace seemed surprised at first, but Emma knew that look. She was angry, which made no sense. They had split up years ago, and Grace was the one to end things. Emma didn’t know much more than that. But it was enough to know that Grace had no business in Will’s love life. She relinquished that right when she moved on from Will. What game was he playing? And what part did Emma have to play in it?
“Oh dear,” Grace regained her composure. “This is a surprise.” Her voice wavered. “I didn’t know you were seeing someone. Let alone that it was this serious.”
“I hadn’t planned on announcing it, but your nosey friends left me no choice.”
“I had hoped you would find someone, but I didn’t think you’d make such a rash decis…”
“I did find someone, and we are committed to each other. Aren’t you happy for me?” Will’s voice was dark, and a shiver ran down Emma’s spine.
“Why yes, of course. Congratulations on your engagement. I hope everything goes well.”
“It well. It will be much better than last time,” Will answered. Emma recognized that was a direct jab at Grace. “We love each other very much.” He turned to Emma, and traced a finger along her face. Emma’s brain went hazy, as it always did whenever Will touched her. “Right, baby?”
Emma thought she would spontaneously combust right there. She couldn’t trust herself to speak, so she nodded.
“So, who was it that was insulting my beloved fiancée just now?”
No one answered him. Lively dance music played throughout the venue, but no one seemed to feel lively at the moment. The air became hot and thick, blanketing everyone with gooey anxiety. Will stared at Lucy, waiting for her to respond. She panicked under his intense stare.
“I… I didn’t mean it. I didn’t know she was your fiancée…” Lucy stammered.
“So, if she wasn’t my fiancée, it would still be okay insult her. That’s what you mean.”
“N… No. That’s not it… What I meant was…”
“Apologize.” Will’s tone was final. He would hear no more of Lucy’s excuses. Lucy looked affronted. She was outraged at being made to apologize to some non-important nobody. Especially in front of the other party guests. Emma was a pawn in the games played among high society. And she hated it.
Grace stepped between them in an attempt to mediate.
“Will, it’s clear that this was just a misunderstanding,” Grace smiled like a happy host. Emma did feel bad for her. No one wants drama at their wedding. But Grace had come for her as well. And to be honest, Emma didn’t like her. “I apologized to Emma on Lucy’s behalf already, and it’s clear that Emma isn’t hurt. How about we let this go?” Grace implored while looking at Emma, as though she was asking for her help.
Will ignored Grace’s attempt at negotiation, and glowered at her.
“I said, apologize.”