Chapter 45
When I got over the shock of being in the same room as Julia Wynter, another round of surprise hit me like a ton of bricks as I took in the sight of the woman I'd met at the gallery the other day. She was seated next to Julia so it was easy to assume she was Julia’s stepmother. Had she known who I was when she gifted me her piece? It didn't seem like it but I was naive to the society of the wealthy and I didn't know what to expect.
I struggled to recall the name in the card shed given me but I couldn’t and considering I'd lost the card, it wasn't completely a surprise.
She averted her eyes from me and I looked around the table, taking in the imposing figure of Xander’s mother, Mrs. Blackwood, sitting at the head of the table, her piercing blue eyes fixed on me with a disapproving glare. Her silver hair was pulled back in a tight bun that seemed to tighten her expression further. I felt like an outsider, it felt like I'd shoved myself somewhere I didn't belong and wasn't welcomed in.
Now sober and composed, Julia was a far cry from the emotional woman she'd been the other night. She was stunning with a cool demeanor as she watched me quietly, a small smile tilting the curve of her mouth.
“What is she doing here?” Mrs. Blackwood asked, not bothering to hide her disdain.
Victoria cleared her throat. “She's my guest, Mother. Don't be rude.”
Her mother glared at her. “Well, you are not allowed to bring whores into my home!”
I let out a small gasp and from the corner of my eyes, I caught the self-satisfied smirk on Leah’s face.
“It doesn't matter what you say. Xander loves her and that's it, let's sit, Kathleen. The worst is over,” Victoria said as she pulled me into the seat next to the one she took.
I kept my head down, my face heating up. I shouldn't have come. I shouldn't have agreed to come here with Victoria. I’d allowed the prospect of seeing Xander’s old bedroom to entice me and now my presence was causing such tension for what was meant to be a friendly, simple dinner. I was ruining it for everyone and I knew I should get up and leave but somehow, my feet refused to adhere because I was scared of bringing further attention to myself even though it was obvious almost everyone at the table was watching me.
Mrs. Blackwood sat back on her chair and apologized to Julia and her stepmother for her daughter’s ‘insolence’.
“Victoria can be quite immature but she'll grow out of it.” Mrs. Blackwood said politely.
When Julia’s stepmother spoke for the first time, the silk cadence of her voice resonated with me and reminded me of her name —Elizabeth Wynter! That was it.
“It's fine,” Elizabeth said. “Everyone should be welcome to have a meal in your home, your children’s friends included.”
Julia sighed. “Can we get started? It's rude to have been interrupted but we do not expect manners from everyone.”
Her subtle jab hit me squarely on the chest and I glanced up at her. Ironic that she was talking about manners considering what she had pulled the first time I'd met her but I said nothing, not with Victoria squeezing my hand comfortingly.
The meals were served and we proceeded to eat in silence. The tension in the room was so thick that I could cut it with the knife I clutched tightly in my hands. No one said a word but so much was being said through pointed looks and sighs.
“So,” Leah said, breaking the silence. “What do you do, Kathleen? The news today didn't really say much about you…”
Her mother stopped, looking up at her with a hateful glare.
“Oh, I wasn't meant to make mention of the news?” Leah asked, feigning embarrassment. “I'm sorry,”
“I work as a nurse,” I said when Leah turned to me, her eyes filled with questions.
“A nurse, that's very wonderful… And quite simple. Don’t you think, Julia?” She asked.
“I think it's sweet how regular people go into public service careers and it's such a quaint little profession. So… selfless and basic but incredibly fulfilling I assume.” Julia said, her tone dripping with condescension.
I felt my blood with immense rage but outwardly, I smiled sweetly at Julia. “Actually, Julia, I forgot to mention how much it gladdens me to see you so composed today and not staggering over yourself and slobbering all over your words. I hope to see more of this charming side of you.”
A deadly hush fell over the room, blanketing it as all eyes settled on me. I didn't feel an ounce of regret over my words. I kept my head high and cut into my meat, my eyes glued to Julia’s.
She smiled tightly at me. “I appreciate your concern.”
The rest of the dinner passed by quickly without another word. Leah must have gotten what she wanted because she ate her food quietly, her eyes that shone with pleasure moving from Julia and me as she ate.
Mrs. Blackwood clenched her jaw and her cutleries tightly. The only person who was the epitome of relaxation was Elizabeth; she said nothing and her face revealed nothing.
Finally, the table was cleared and we headed to the living room for tea and music.
“We can leave now if you want,” Victoria said as we settled down.
I nodded. I hadn't enjoyed myself; it was obvious his mother hated me and that his family was still backing his marriage to Julia. I needed to return to Goodspring as soon as I confirmed from Xander that Donovan wasn't going to come after me. The thought of returning was hard, I was still traumatized by what happened and I couldn't believe a little over twenty-four hours ago I’d even been locked up with a pervert and now I was in a place where almost everyone hated me.
It seemed like I couldn't catch a break.
“Thank you for the meal,” I politely said to Xander’s mother as Victoria got up and announced our departure.
Mrs. Blackwood simply nodded and turned away. Victoria and I left and when I glanced back just before we exited the living room, I caught Elizabeth watching me with something far from the hateful eyes of everyone else in the room.
Her gaze was soft, almost pitiful. I smiled at her right before I disappeared into the hallway. We got into Victoria's car and she drove me home, the silence in the car ride was heavy.