Persuasive Mind

Chapter 9

Emma and her uncle were in the middle of an animated discussion when her aunt came into the study to let them know it was time for dinner. "I really am impressed by your critical mind, Emma. If you have any further questions please know that I will help you as much as I can." Emma nodded gratefully, it had been a very good idea to approach her uncle about her paper. Still smiling they both entered the dining room when Emma's smile abruptly froze. A little irritated she eyed her uncle suspiciously but she didn't dare to ask him anything. So she kept her mouth shut and waited for her cousins to come as well. That was not a very intelligent move on her side as she soon realized. Because now the only available seat was right next to him. Emma faced a short internal conflict but decided that it was the best if she acted polite and like they had never even met. "Daniel, let me introduce my niece Emma to you. She is a business student at the university in town." Daniel, so that was his first name. Interesting, it had a nice sound to it Emma admitted to herself. But how or why in the world would he sit at her uncle's dining table and have dinner with them. Sitting right next to her, one might add. Daniel or Mr. Arcy or however one would like to call him didn't show any recognition towards Emma. "It is nice to meet you. As Robert just said, my name is Daniel." He even had the audacity to smile and extend his hand to shake hers. Did he not remember at all their little encounter a few days ago? Emma was beyond confused but acted along. If he really didn't remember or wished to pretend, then she could give that to him. So she shook his hand firmly for a brief moment only to immediately turn her head away from his direction so he wouldn't see the irritation in her eyes. Her uncle seemed to be oblivious to her discomfort as he continued to pick up the conversation. "You know, Emma here is a very hardworking student. She came all the way to visit her old uncle only to discuss some thesis of her university paper." "Oh really?", Daniel's brows went up a bit, "Then you must be very proud of her I would think." Emma chimed in: "It's not just like that. I love visiting you and playing with my cousins. It's a nice change for sure." Her aunt smiled warmly: "We know honey and you are always welcome here. Come to think of it, Robert will leave tomorrow for a conference and I was planning to go with him. But our nanny cancelled at the last minute. I know it's a lot to ask of you, but..." "Of course I can watch the kids, it's not a problem. Don't worry.", interrupted Emma. Her aunt seemed relieved: "Thank you so much. You might notice Daniel some times because he stays in our guest room for a while but during the day he will probably be busy as far as I know." Emma looked shocked at Daniel. If she'd known that before, then...Well, she probably would have still agreed to help out her aunt but still she felt like she had been tricked somehow. The rest of the evening she didn't really participate in the conversation anymore. To busy to sort out her own thoughts. Never had she been happier to step out of that house and take a huge breath of fresh air to calm her nerves.