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Chapter 15

Lilah was already in place to greet guests in the great foyer when Buffy arrived a few minutes before the appointed hour to avoid the crush, slightly apprehensive at appearing out of mourning for the first time in so many years. She pasted on a smile and approached the hostess.

"Elizabeth, so good to see you. You really must come out to the house more often, dear, Parker was just commenting on how lonely the place seems without you." Lilah’s eyes slid over her appearance as Buffy’s cloak was taken.

"I would certainly like to. I’m afraid I may have to travel out of town in the next bit however, there are some family concerns in Boston I may have to check in to."

Lilah’s face remained polite, though her eyes narrowed. "Of course. Mustn’t neglect your mother’s family. However I can hardly believe they expect a woman of your position to travel alone to Massachusetts."

"So thoughtful of you to be concerned, Lilah. However, my cousin and her traveling companion will make the voyage with me."

"Oh you’ll sail then? I would have thought you’d take the train." Lilah peered at her closely, "Elizabeth, you seem a bit flushed, are you quite well?"

Buffy nodded, wishing she’d never mentioned the details of the trip. There was no way Lilah could know what had happened last night. Or that a chance of such an event recurring on the voyage seemed almost inevitable. It wasn’t as though it was written all over her face, well at least not if she could control these blushes. She bit her lip to stop from smiling smugly at the thought.

"No, I’m quite fine, just perhaps I’ll step out for a breath of fresh air before the other guests arrive. Thank you for inviting me." She made the requisite bow and moved away as Lilah took her parting shot.

"Well, do give my regards to your mother’s family. And that’s a lovely gown you’re wearing, so very bright. Though I’m not sure if it’s your color, darks suit you much better."

Buffy turned and smiled sweetly, "Well, I know Angel wouldn’t have wanted either of us to mourn forever, now would he?" She pointedly stared as Lilah’s elaborate green gown before the next guest’s arrival gave her the perfect opportunity to slip away and savor the snarl on her mother-in-law’s face.

~~~~~~~~~~

"William, my, but you look handsome! We are so happy you could join us. I understand big things are in the works for you, my dear young man."

He returned the effusive greeting of his hostess, as Holland Crawford also extended his hand. "Yes, indeed, just spoke with Wilkins, you do have a great deal to look forward to in the coming months, both business and pleasure from the sound of things."

Lilah tapped his arm. "And we’ve made every effort to make this a pleasant evening, including seating you beside," she leaned in and whispered confidentially, "your blushing bride."

William’s heart froze as he suddenly heard the nasal voice of Harmony Wilkins behind him. He hadn’t even considered Wilkins would discuss the matter with others, assuming he’d want to keep such a deal quiet. This evening could become quite awkward before it was over.

~~~~~~~~~~

Dinner was a tortured affair, as Lilah’s little soirees always seemed to be for her. Parker was seated on one side, and some unknown business acquaintance of the Crawford’s on the other. William was trapped at the far end, ensconced near the head of the table and flanked by the Wilkins family. She supposed that was to be expected, what with the lobbying he’d been doing for the necessary harbor permits, but he seemed less than enthused by the company.

She desperately wished he was seated next to her. She’d hoped he would find some time to drop by, but suspected he was as busy as she, caught up in the whirlwind arrangements of preparing for the voyage, while moments of self-doubt warred with vivid memories of what had passed between them.

But as she glanced discreetly down the long table he managed to catch her eye for a moment, and in that brief instant time stopped and everything was fine in the light of his smile. She managed a quick smile of her own before she turned back to Parker. Tomorrow morning she would sail away with her new love and all would be right with the world.

~~~~~~~~~~

William responded to Mrs. Wilkins’ questions about his family back in England as best he could and tried to ignore Harmony’s chatter. Fortunately she seemed to direct none of it his way, despite clearly being seated as his dinner companion, for which he was insanely grateful. She was regaling the older man to her left with some rather convoluted story about her trip to Savannah the previous summer, an area he may or may not have been from. William was unsure on this point, since Harmony had barely paused to allow response.

She seemed to be rather nervous in his presence and he took that as a positive sign. If the girl nursed no affections, and why would she, they’d barely been in each other’s company since this whole farce began, perhaps a dissolution could be amicably arranged even now. Surely Wilkins would not force his daughter into a marriage she did not want. He just needed to find a chance to corner the man alone tonight for a few moments. Perhaps the opportunity would arise after dinner.

He covertly glanced back down the table to where Buffy was laughing at some tale of her dinner companion. She looked so beautiful in the lighter shade she’d chosen for the evening, more vibrant and alive. Her choice of color was like an announcement, one he wanted to stand and share with the whole party, that she was putting her past behind her and choosing him. He was sure of it.

~~~~~~~~~~

As the meal drew to a close and the men retired for their drinks and cigars, the ladies moved into the drawing room for conversation. Buffy was quickly surrounded by Cordelia Chase and Harmony Wilkins, who swept her along with them as they chattered on about how long it had been since they’d seen her. Just as they reached a small sofa, Cordelia looked down at her gown and noticed a small rip in the hem.

"Would you look? I’m going to have to go remedy that. Harm, you’ll come with me won’t you? And you as well Buffy?

After a brief word to Cordelia’s mother, the trio exited to one of the upstairs bedrooms put aside for this sort of repair. (.

"Buffy, you are positively glowing tonight. It’s so wonderful to see you out of mourning finally."

"Thank you Cordelia. How have you been? I’m afraid I haven’t seen you in some time. And you as well Harmony."

Cordelia laughed. "Oh you know how it is. Mama has just been determined this is my season, so we’ve been having fittings galore, getting dresses ready. Quite a hassle, I’m sure you remember. Must be so much simpler when you don’t have to worry about that sort of thing anymore." She raised an eyebrow, "Or does the end of mourning mean you are considering leaving widowhood behind you?"

Buffy chuckled politely. Cordelia was nothing if not a gossip and right before she embarked on an ocean voyage with William was hardly the time to reveal her new feelings to be spread around the town in her absence. "Just time for a change. I know that Angel would have wanted me to move on."

"It’s just the most tragic thing. To lose your love like that," Harmony sniffled and burst into uncontrollable tears.

Cordelia sighed and fished out a handkerchief. "There, there dear, it’s going to be alright."

Buffy watched the weeping girl in bewilderment. Harmony, from her various interactions with her, had always struck her as a bit of bird-brain, but never quite this sentimental.

"Harmony, dear, I have had time to grieve. I’m alright really. Time heals all wounds."

Cordelia shook her head and patted Harmony again, "You just cry it out Harm, we’ll leave you for a moment."

She motioned for Buffy to follow her out of the room.

~~~~~~~~~~

William stepped into the hallway outside the study, grateful for a moment of respite. He knew the Crawfords were an important family and clearly this party was the cream of Charleston society. But Parker Crawford’s loud mouthed blatherings and veiled barbs continued to rankle. Following dinner with Harmony and Lilah, which had been just short of excruciating, he was ready to be done with this evening.

He discreetly fished out his pocket watch to check the time. They should be rejoining the ladies soon for some sort of game. Apparently Lilah was big on games, though the type she’d hinted at during the dinner conversation were not exactly the type he suspected would be played in the parlor. That was one more dangerous lady, of that he was sure.

The click of the door behind him startled him from his thoughts and he turned to find Wilkins behind him, finally alone. He’d been deep in conversation all night and William had begun to despair that he’d ever be able to talk with him privately.

"Montgomery, how are you this evening? My Edna May told me you’d called this afternoon and wished to speak with me. How about we take these cigars and retire to Holland’s private study, he won’t mind a bit."

William followed into the small room closed off from the larger gathering and accepted the cigar as they settled into the well-appointed armchairs by the fire.

"Now son, what did you want to see me about?"

William took a deep breath. "Well, Wilkins, to be straight with you, I’m afraid after some thought, I’ve realized that contract was a mistake. After reviewing our business plans, I don’t believe we’re going to need the permits to dock additional ships here in Charleston after all. And further, not that Harmony isn’t a fine girl, but we have little in common and share no affection. I hardly think it would be fair to her, or to your family, for us to carry through with the agreement."

He paused, but Wilkins continued to meditatively smoke his cigar without comment.

"Now, as I said, Harmony seems like a charming girl, and I would be happy to settle a dowry on her, to perhaps make it easier for her in the future. I know you’ve been working on the permit matter for a while and I appreciate your efforts on our behalf, but we’ll submit the paperwork needed to formally withdraw tomorrow. I’ll be leaving town for a few weeks, but Mr. Harris will make sure it reaches you."

William came to a stop as Wilkins smiled, tapped the ash from his cigar and began to laugh. "My boy, that is quite the joke." He slapped his knee, "Ah, yes, one of the funniest things I’ve heard in quite some time."

"Wilkins, this is no joke. I have no intention of carrying through on the contract and for your own daughter’s sake, I hope we can settle this quietly."

"For my daughter’s sake or Mrs. Crawford’s?"

William felt his stomach drop as the words left Wilkins’ mouth. "Pardon?"

"Your lady love? New mistress? The reason, I’m assuming, for your sudden change of heart about our agreement?"

"I don’t know what you are talking about, Wilkins. Mrs. Crawford is a friend, that is true, but she’s hardly my mistress."

Wilkins face curved in a genial expression that belied the glitter in his eyes. "Really? And are you in the habit of leaving all your friends’ homes by way of the window in the early hours of the morning? Mrs. Crawford must be quite an accommodating lady indeed."

William was out of his chair and halfway to Wilkins who merely laughed again. "I suggest you sit down and listen, Mr. Montgomery. I suspect if you were to defend her honor here and now I’d be forced to reveal the source of our argument when everyone comes through those doors."

Fists clenched, William halted, knowing Wilkins would be just that low. He sank back into his chair. "Fine, what do you have to say? You’ll hardly change my mind."

"Now my boy, don’t be in a snit. Do you think I care that you’re having a liaison with Mrs. Crawford? Frankly, if my investigation hadn’t overturned some sort of mistress, I’d have been a bit concerned. A man has needs that he should not inflict on his cherished wife. I am a bit surprised by your choice of bed partner, since Mrs. Crawford never struck me as the type, but to each his own, as long as you’re discreet."

He rose and flicked the ash of his cigar into the fireplace. "No, my problem is that you wish to renege on our arrangement, William. You, a businessman whose word is as good as his bond. We made a deal, and you will follow through. With your money and business sense and my connections, this company will make us two of the most powerful men in this city, and one of the most powerful families in the state."

He stepped forward, so close that William couldn’t rise from the chair without pushing him out of the way, effectively trapping him as he towered above, his tone now icy. "Mr. Montgomery. You will marry my daughter. I will ensure you have those permits. Trifle with Mrs. Crawford all you will. Nurse a mad passion for her for all I care. But if you think about breaking our bargain again, be sure that she’ll be the one that pays. When I’m through, not a single lady in this town will receive her and she’ll be no better than the doxies that hang about the harbor. And don’t think I won’t make good on that promise."

He made his way to the door as William watched in stunned silence. "Have a good trip to London, William. We’ll announce the banns as soon as you return."

~~~~~~~~~~

Cordelia fanned herself as she stood with Buffy in the hallway, after quietly closing the door. "We’ll just give her a moment. You might want to go on downstairs, this could take a while. She’s just very emotional right now, and when she gets the fits she tends to go on for a while."

"What on earth has happened to her? Can I help?"

Cordelia looked around, but the hallway was deserted. "Perhaps you can. After all, who knows the tragedy of lost love better than you?"

Buffy sighed. "Of course. But Cordelia, I don’t understand, what is the matter, was Harmony jilted?"

Cordelia shook her head. "Oh no, it’s much worse than that. It’s being kept quiet at the moment, but you won’t tell anyone, will you?"

Buffy shook her head, intrigued by the air of mystery to this secret.

"Mr. Wilkins has made a contract with that new man, William Montgomery, to marry Harmony next spring."

Buffy watched as Cordelia’s lips continued to move, but the sounds no longer made sense to her as the blood rushed to her head and she turned away, trying to keep herself from vomiting the remains of the meal on the patterned carpet in front of her.

William . . . to marry Harmony . . . in the spring.

"Buffy, are you alright? You look as though you’ve seen a ghost." Cordelia’s arm provided some support as she struggled to regain her composure.

"Just feeling a little ill. I think I may have had a little too much wine with dinner. Never had much of a head for alcohol. Cordelia, please excuse me and if you will give Lilah my regrets. Just tell her I felt unwell, she’ll understand."

Buffy turned and made her way down the rear stairs where Fred was waiting with some of the other maids in the kitchen. She had too get away from here as soon as possible. Away from him, for the mockery of his pretty words and promises. Away from the mistake she’d made.

"Miss Buffy, are you ill?"

She nodded wordlessly and Fred quickly retrieved her cloak so that they could exit into the night.

~~~~~~~~~~

William rose, feeling as though he’d aged years in the seconds since Wilkins had walked out the door. If the man had punched him in the gut, he could not have felt more physically ill, as though everything he valued had just been snatched from him in a heartbeat.

And in fact it had. What was it Xander had said . . . it’ll never replace her, if she’s the one. He knew he should make his apologies to his host and hostess, but he stumbled to the door instead, needing to be away from this place, these people. He needed time to think. He needed to talk with Buffy.

Buffy. Who he’d promised to take home tonight. Who had smiled at him with a brilliance that had dazzled him )and taken his breath away. How could he face her? How could he explain this? Did he have a choice?

He started for the parlor where the women were and almost ran into a young lady who was just descending the stairs.

"Beg pardon, miss. Are you going in there?"

"Yes, I am."

"Could you ask Mrs. Crawford if I could speak with her a moment?"

Cordelia shook her head. "I’m sorry Mr. Montgomery, she left earlier, said she wasn’t feeling well."

He nodded. "I see, thank you Miss. . . ."

"Chase. Cordelia Chase. I’m a friend of Harmony’s." She raised an eyebrow and gave him a knowing look and he tried to respond with a grin he knew seemed rather sickly. "Ah, well, please do give my regards to Miss Wilkins. I’m afraid I must be on my way, I have some rather urgent business."

"I will. Have a good night sir."

William took his hat and coat from the servant waiting by the door and departed. Cordelia watched as he left. Why, he’d look as ill as Buffy had earlier. She wondered what he wanted to speak with her about. She filed away that mystery for later contemplation as she went in to find Mrs. Wilkins to see if she could take the near hysterical Harmony home.





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