My Emerald

Rose

She pressed the buzzer at the gate, “Can I help you?” the monotone voice came out.

“Yes I’m Charlotte. I’m here for the party.”

“Are you with Miss. Daphne or Mr. Gerald>”

“Gerald, he’s, uh, my father.” The words tasted like bile coming out of her mouth. S

he heard a buzz and the gate started to open, “Proceed to the front door please madam”.

Charlotte nodded, unsure if the man could see her as she inwardly huffed at the trek ahead of he to the large estate. Charlotte was ushered in and instructed where to set her things before being led to the back garden.

As soon as Gerald saw her, he rushed over with a bright smile on his face, leaning down to kiss her cheek, he whispered, “Glad you read the whole message”, clearly hinting at her appearance. He took her arm and led her back to the group he was speaking with. Daphne looked over and smiled sweetly, “Char darling I’m so glad you are here, I’ve just been telling my father and Uncle how close we are, almost like sisters!” She said in a pitch so high Charlotte was sure dogs could hear it. Trying to hide the disgust on her face she smiled and half nodded at Daphne. Daphnes' smile faltered momentarily before Greald stepped in, “Char sweetheart, this is Mr. Hartford Daphne’s Uncle and her father, Ryan Hartford.” He said as he gestured to the two.

Daphne shook Mr. Hartford's hand and couldn’t help but feel a warm sense of security looking at him, he seemed genuine, and she wondered how he could be related to Daphne. When she reached to meet Ryan’s hand, however, she felt shills down her spine as the slimey smile slid across his face.

“I guess I am to be your grandfather now,” he said, winking. “don’t let the title fool you. I’m still a tiger at my age.”

Charlotte was disgusted but unsure what to do. She knew a bad impression would ruin he chances of getting what she wanted from Gerald. Thankfully, Mr. Hartford stepped in, causing Ryan to drop her hand and asked if he could be excused to introduce Charlotte to his wife.

“Of course Mr. Hartford, just let me know when your son arrives I have a proposition for him” came Geralds reply.

Mr. Hartfords eyebrow shot up in silent question, “oh please don’t worry, nothing like marriage. I’m aware of the quality standards in this family, Charlotte needs an internship and wants to discuss publishing.” Mr. Hartford just nodded before placing his hand on the eve of Charlotte's back to direct her away from that scene. He wasn’t quite sure what had just unfolded but could see the lust for the young girl in his brothers' eyes as well as the dismissal from her own father, yet this girl stood tall as ever not faltering. “Good character this one has”, he thought to himself.

“Come on dear, I think you’ll enjoy meeting my wife, and please call me Harry” he said quietly, with a smile.

Charlotte was relieved he had pulled her away from the situation and didn’t seem to share his brothers' intentions. They rounded the corner and came up to the most beautiful glass observatory she had ever seen.

“Mr. Hartford, this is beautiful,” it came out in a whisper as she admired the building.

“Thank you darling, my son actually had it built for my wife a few years ago, she loves to sit out here and read.”

Opening the door, he guided Charlotte in and there sat the most beautiful woman she had ever seen, her pale complexion a stark contrast to her auburn hair.

“Rose my darling, there is someone I want you to meet,” Harry called out with an adoring smile on his face.

Blue eyes turned and Charlotte felt she could see into her soul, “This is Daphne’s fiance, Gerald’s daughter Charlotte. Wow that’s a mouthful”. He chuckled to himself. Charlotte was suddenly feeling self-conscious under this woman's intense gaze, as a smile spread across her face, she got to her feet and headed over to the pair.

Taking her hands in her own, she said, “How about we just call you our niece, hmm? No need to drag out the full lineage ah Harry.” “Whatever you say mi amor,” She smiled over to Harry, “Now Gerald said she wants to go into publishing and I’m sure, between your love of books you’ll have plenty to discuss. Away from the work banter should you wish?” Harry phrased this as a question clearly directed at Charlotte, “It is very much appreciated, Mr. Hartford.”

“Please, Charlotte, call me Harry.” He smiled gently at the girl as he took his departure to head back to the party. He looked down at his watch. It was a quarter to 4 and his son was nowhere to be seen. He loved William but sometimes he felt he ventured too far from his duty to the family. Even he could see Gerald's fake love towards his own daughter, but she was still present and on time. Just as he pulled his phone out he saw Will taking long strides across the garden towards him.

“Cutting it close, don’t you think?” He asked as he shook Wills' hand.

“It is not 4 yet, so as far as I am concerned I am early father, and have time to visit Mother.”

“No, no time for that. You must come and meet everyone. Your mother will be out for dinner. Besides, she has company.”

Will was baffled as to whom would be sitting with his mother but was whisked away by his father.