Chapter 55：I can‘t have a dinner party without her there

Well, there you have it. Jonathan clapped his hands together. I'm sorry, Mr. Tyndall but tonight will not work. Mr. Tyndall looked sourly at Leo.

Surely, you cannot let a woman dictate how you run your life. Don't you remember what it was like to be a newlywed? Jonathan asked the man.

Leo already gave up his lunch date with his wife to join us and your son to a business lunch and for some friendly games of billiards afterward.

You received a sizable profit that day, thanks to Miss Duff. I suggest we let Leo and Jessica settle into their routine together before making any more demands on their time. I won't protest if your nephew and his wife don't attend, but I am very much interested in having Miss Duff there.

Miss Duff is Jessica's closest friend, Leo informed him. I can't have a dinner party without her there.

Harrison Jr. stopped by today and assured me that he can get Miss Duff to my dinner party if I wish. His fiancée and Miss Duff are close friends as well. Jonathan glanced at Leo.

Jessica has already invited Miss Duff to our house tonight, Leo argued, though he had the sinking feeling that it wasn't going to make a difference to Mr. Tyndall. He was right, for the man replied, Apparently, her plans will change

. Mr. Grant has assured me that Miss Duff will be available if I wish. With all due respect, wouldn't it be wise to ask Miss Duff is she wishes to attend your dinner party? Jonathan asked.

I don't see how a woman's opinion matters in a situation like this. Leo raised an eyebrow at his uncle as he recalled Jessica's feelings about marrying him. That sounds oddly familiar, he muttered so only his uncle would hear him. Jonathan ignored the comment.

I disagree. A woman is a person, not an object. You will not be getting my assistance in this unless she agrees to it, and Leo and his wife will hold their dinner party for their friends. I suppose I can take my business to Mr. Grant, Mr. Tyndall warned.

Then do so. I will not force a woman into something that's not in her best interest. I'm disappointed. Withdraw my accounts immediately. The man sniffed and left the building. I smell a hypocrite in the room, Leo remarked.

Oh, you can't compare this to what I did to get you and Jessica together. I only did what was best for the two of you. Besides, she was upset yesterday when I saw her at lunch. She wanted to have lunch with you. Things are going well with her.

She was at the restaurant? Yes. Once I explained the situation with Mr. Tyndall, she felt much better. I couldn't let her be upset with you after seeing you talking to Paul Tyndall. I mean, she assumed you ditched her to have fun. I assured her that you weren't having fun.

So how is this different from Miss Duff? Mr? Tyndall wants to use her to further his gain. Mr. Allen and I arranged for you and Jessica to marry for her benefit. You are a good man. She's already happy with you and it's only been six days.

I suspect by this time next week, the annulment won't be a possibility. It's amazing how you rationalize things. Jonathan didn't comment on his nephew's statement. Instead, he grabbed his hat. Where are you going?

Leo wondered. To explain the situation to Miss Duff and let her know that she has the freedom to say no. I'll see you later.

***

When Leo came home that night, he was pleasantly surprised to see Jessica leave the parlor to walk to the front door to welcome him. I got your flowers. He smiled. This time he had sent her pink roses to represent love. He figured that at this point, they had established a good foundation for friendship. Sure, it wasn't based on years of knowing each other, but he figured they knew each other well enough to start their marriage.

He already bought her a crystal heart but wouldn't give her that until he sent her the red roses to represent passion. He hoped that this would be the night they would finally consummate the marriage, which he was getting more and more eager to do with each passing day.