Chapter 8：A Devoted Fiancé

The next morning, Jessica dressed in her favorite pink dress and pulled her hair back with a pink ribbon. She wanted to look as nice as possible when she saw Harrison. She went out for a walk to Harrison's house after she got her measurements done for her wedding dress. She could only hope she wouldn't need to wear it. She was on her way to the florist to select the flowers for the ceremony. She wondered why Leo felt it necessary to give her so many tasks.

She also had to choose the colors, the decorations, and the music. She was so exhausted from all the running around she was doing that she barely had time to think of how much she was dreading the marriage. One look at the wedding gowns surrounding her in Mrs. Parker's shop reminded her that time was quickly running out and if she wished to get out of this marriage, she had to talk to Harrison. When she arrived at Harrison's house, her pulse was racing. Harrison did seem to care for her. They weren't close but she had spent more time with him than she had with Leo. His butler answered the door.

Good afternoon, Miss Allen.

How may I help you? Good afternoon, she greeted, aware that her voice slightly shook, betraying her anxiety. I would like to speak with Mr. Grant. I will see if he is available. Would you like to come in and wait in the parlor? She shook her head. No thank you. I will wait here. As you wish. The butler left the door slightly open while he went to get Harrison. She turned around and examined her surroundings.

She was used to living in the wealthy section of town. She didn't understand how her life would change if she were to live without the comforts of wealth. Certainly, it would be preferable to go without riches than to live with Mr. Monroe.

The butler returned to the door. He will be with you shortly. She thanked him and sat on the chair on the porch. It was early afternoon. A couple of women walked down the street but no one paid her any mind. She took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. She was still upset that Leo didn't take the time to listen to her the night before.

A business meeting took precedence over her? She suddenly realized that Leo's opinion of her was poor. She was no more than a means to an end. Married men often fared better in the business world since they were viewed as more stable and loyal than single men. Leo was merely out to make himself more appealing as a businessman.

He had no personal interest in her. She couldn't believe he had the nerve to bring up their honeymoon or dancing. As if she had any desire to touch a man who only valued her for what she could do for him! He had a lot of nerve. He never once approached her all the years that he and her brother talked at dinner parties.

Then last night, he was acting as if he was happy to be with her. It made her sick to her stomach. He only acted interested in her because he was expected to. He was in front of their family and friends, so he had to put on the mask of being a devoted fiancé. She was sure that he would put the same mask on in public after they married as well. She couldn't tolerate such a show. She refused to play into his game, which was why she had rested in his guest bedroom upstairs.

She was shocked to see that every guest bedroom had a theme to it. One bedroom looked like it came out of the European medieval period. The second one looked like it belonged to the Roman Empire. The third one was reminiscent of Ancient Egypt. The fourth one was decorated with artifacts from a Chinese Dynasty.

The fifth one looked like it belonged to the Viking period. She wondered what his bedroom's theme was. His bedroom door had been shut. She sighed. She didn't care. She prayed that she would never find out. The maid had led her to the Roman bedroom. She didn't bother to lie down. Instead, she paced back and forth and practiced her speech.

Mr. Monroe, she would begin, this marriage cannot happen. Surely, you can understand that since we don't know each other, this arrangement won't work. I don't love you and you don't love me. I am perfectly content with finding employment to support myself. You are free to find a woman you will care for who will care for you in return. I thank you for your kindness.

Good evening, sir, and have a nice life. Except, she hadn't been able to give her speech because he had to magically run off to business as soon as she appeared on the steps. The timing was downright suspicious. Were her father and his uncle purposely trying to separate them so that she didn't have the chance to voice her thoughts to him? When she ventured by his house that morning, he was at his office.

Even there, he was engaged in an important meeting that couldn't be interrupted. This afternoon, he will be getting his tuxedo fitted, the receptionist informed her at the firm. I'm sorry, ma'am, but his schedule is booked. Despite her protests that she was supposed to marry him, the receptionist remained firm in his decision to forbid her to see him. This led her to her final plan, so she walked to Harrison's residence.

She was relieved that he, at least, had the time to speak with her. When he came to the front door, she stood up. She couldn't tell if he was happy to see her or not. He didn't greet her with his usual smile. Good afternoon, Harrison, she said. Would you care to go for a walk? He hesitated but finally nodded. I wasn't sure if you were going to come by and explain things or not. He closed the door behind him and walked with her down the street.

I don't want to marry Mr. Monroe, she told him. The sun shone brightly, but her hat provided adequate protection for her eyes. She was briefly aware that a couple of dogs were barking in the neighborhood. I know you don't, Harrison softly replied. I heard that your father and his uncle arranged the marriage. Yes. I was not consulted before they did it. She took a deep breath to settle her nerves.

I know we haven't had time to go to any social functions together, but I was wondering if you would consider marrying me so I don't have to marry Mr. Monroe. He stopped walking and turned to face her. She immediately stopped so she could look at him. I didn't realize what your intention was when I left the house, he slowly admitted.

She shifted uneasily from one foot to the other. I don't wish to put you in an uncomfortable position, but considering my wedding is tomorrow, I don't have a choice. I understand what you're saying, Jessica. Your father did come to my father about a marriage between us, but my father doesn't want me to marry someone who won't bring any money into the marriage.