The Beast of Napa

23 - Interruptions

The party lost its color after that.

Catriona did her best to smile and talk with the guests who thought she was ravishing in her outfit, and skilled in her ability to make such a thing, but each compliment was bitterly hollow. Although she often wondered what it was like to have the world's approval, she found that it wasn't the slightest bit satisfying knowing that the person whose approval she wanted most wouldn't give it to her.

And just as depressing, she couldn't approve of herself either.

It was nearly twenty minutes before Griffin had seemingly cooled and left his office, but he did not make any recognition to Catriona. He stayed close to Rose's arm, speaking business and other empty things with those around him.

Catriona suddenly missed those nights under the stars with him.

Nathaniel's father and date came back inside after some time. Catriona swallowed as Patrick asked to formally introduce her.

"This is my lovely date for the evening, Catriona," Patrick said to Griffin's father, nodding to her.

"Charming!" Griffin's father said, reaching out a hand and taking hers firmly for a light shake. "Absolutely charming. Wherever did you find such a lovely creature?"

"She works for Nathaniel, actually. She's been helping with the harvesting."

"Oh, I absolutely love the harvest!" the woman on Griffin's father's arm said dreamily. "I have so many fond memories of these vines."

"Yes," Patrick said with a strange pause. "We all do. Would you like to help with the harvest this year, Samantha?"

The woman shook her curls with a laugh. "Those years are so far behind me. I don't think I even remember how to do it."

"I wouldn't let you lift a beautiful finger anyways, my dear," Griffin's father said, kissing her hand.

Catriona watched them, a strange feeling coming from the two. Something about this woman felt soft, not in a feminine way, but in a weak way. She seemed like a hollow shell, beautiful, yet not whole. She didn't seem to possess the glow that Rose had. Rose acted as if she had taken on the world and was better for it. But this woman... something in her smile was so empty that it was as if she had traded her soul for the world.

Perhaps this is what Griffin saw, too.

As if she had conjured him by thinking of him, Griffin and Rose stepped in beside Catriona and Patrick. Griffin's face was cold, a stark contrast to Rose's warm complexion.

"I see you've been introduced to Catriona," Rose said. "She's been a wonderful addition to the staff, right Nathaniel?"

He didn't bother looking at him as he nodded.

"Nathaniel, my boy!" Griffin's father exclaimed. "Why didn't you say anything? Patrick told me the news earlier this evening."

Griffin raised an eyebrow. "What news?"

"About you and Rose's engagement! I think it's splendid. A perfect match, quite honestly. I think she's the only woman alive to handle your nonsense for as long as she has."

Catriona's eyes glassed over, her stomach dropping to her ankles.

"Yes, well," Rose said, smiling yet shifting her weight, "I'm glad to hear that you approve of the idea, Arthur."

"Of course! Of course! Just send us the invitations as soon as they are prepared."

"We have no intention of inviting you," Griffin said.

The group went silent, Catriona's own heart pounding in her ears even though she wasn't the one at the receiving end of his words.

"Whatever do you mean?" Griffin's father asked.