A Complicated Arrangement

Chapter 11

Isabelle's POV

It was the day of the tea party and it was a beautiful morning. The flowers and leaves looked full of life, the sun peeped shyly through the clouds and the air smelled fresh and sweet.

The snacks at the brunch was light and fluffy. I almost ravished the jelly stuffed pastries. But of course, I had to be as poised and disciplined as a lady would act. Reena seemed pleased with my manners but not at all pleased with my social skills.

"Isabelle," she whispered, "what is the matter? You have barely spoken this morning."

Well I am sorry, I just seem to be thinking of someone. Someone who is far more interesting than tea and small talk.

"I do apologize Reena. I will try my best. But I did speak to you." I said hopefully.

"Yes you did. But part of this activity is to interact with others. This is a social experience, not a luncheon my dear."

I blushed at the mention of lunch. I turned even more red with embarassment when Reena caught me blushing.

"You are turning red." She observed.

"Oh, I am just feeling so warm here. May I be excused? I just need some fresh air."

She nodded. I stepped near an open window and spotted Lionel. I smiled at him. I know he is pretending to randomly pass by. He so knows that I am here.

I see him looking around until his gaze lands on me. He shot me that lazy, sexy smile and gave me a wink. I got even redder. God, he is not helping me at all! By the time O return, I will be as red as a rose.

He kept gesturing for me to come outside. Has he lost his mind? Everyone will notice that I left. The room is full of the best gossipers in town. Nothing passes under their noses without them smelling it.

I shake my head nervously, refusing his offer. He scrunches his face in disapproval. Why does he look so good doing that? I giggle.

Just as I turn to return to my seat, I slightly bump into a girl. "Oh my, I am sorry. Please forgive..." My jaw almost drops as I notice the girl rushing past me. "Elly! Elly wait."

She is here! She actually came. After being absent for almost a week, I did not think that she would attend any social gatherings. My heart leaps with joy upon seeing her, but still, once again does my heart sink with sadness seeing her flee from me. Oh no, Elly.

I am not giving up, no, not today, not ever. I stalk her before she takes a seat and holds her hand, pulling her slightly back so as to not cause a ruckus by grabbing her. "Elly," I pleaded. "Please listen to me."

She sighed. I know my friend, she looks as if she has been crying buckets these few days.

I motion for her to sit at an unoccupied table, away from her mother. She complied. Thank God. "Elly I've missed you."

"I saw him you know. I know that he is here for you." She responded sulkily.

"But I don't want this Elly, I am telling you the truth. I want you to be happy."

"It doesn't matter anymore. It is clear that he doesn't want me. You know how I know that he is here? I came here late because mother was forcing me to attend. I put up quite a fight but I lost and just arrived. As I was entering the premises, I walked right pass him. He did not even notice me. I even have on one of my best gowns and he did not even dare acknowledge me. Then when I knocked on the door, I looked back. I saw him looking at you. He wants you, not me." She sobbed.

I noticed the ladies next to us was trying their best to eavesdrop on our hushed conversation. This could be bad.

I hugged her, pretending to laugh at a joke. I whispered in her ear, "Elly, we need to talk. Just not here. Have lunch with me please. There are ears evrrywhere here. Just say yes."

She nodded.

I had to cancel my lunch plans with Lionel. Right now, Elly is more important. What happened between us means nothing. I need to get him off me. I didn't want this marriage anyways, it didnt matter to me who I married anyways. But it mattered to Elly, she will have him. Maybe it is good that he stayed back in town, I could get him acquainted with Elly.