My Emerald

Star-Crossed Lovers

“Ah son, you’re back. Let’s get dinner started,” Mr. Hartford announced, “Wait, where is Charlotte?” He asked, turning back to Gerald.

“She was right behind me, child cannot follow simple directions. My apologies, Mr. Hartford. Regardless, we should start without her.” William could hear the anger in his tone, but also caught the complete disregard for where she had went following their discussion. Gerald was much more concerned with his marriage alliance to William’s Uncle and aligning their companies. Will made a mental note to have his assistant look into Gerald’s company and see what he could do about his attitude.

“Charlotte just popped into the restroom and will be out shortly. She asked us not to wait, Father,” William had added.

“Excellent, Rose has requested she sit next to her Will, if you don’t mind taking the next seat over?” Mr. Hartford indicated.

William could feel a burning gaze on him as this was addressed, assuming they were Geralds, but was surprised to turn and see Daphne’s eyes full of hatred looking onto the three of them.

“Auntie, since this is my wedding celebration I would very much like to sit with you.” She said in a very condescending voice. William was beginning to wonder how Daphne felt about becoming a step-mother herself.

“Come along darling, this party is for us, we should be sat at the head of the table, Uncle and Auntie do not mind do you?” She asked now with puppy dog eyes. It was William's mother's response that came first, “Sure Daphne, William, will you help me further down, ask for the help to bring another chair for Charlotte and have it placed by me.” William couldn’t help the smirk forming on his face. Daphne had always been the cherished daughter of the family, but mother had now seemed to take quite a liking to Charlotte. He simply nodded and helped move his mother down a few chairs. Dinner was presented and after the main course had come out, William had noticed Charlotte was still not finished. He excused himself and went to the house to look for her. He found her in the library Harry had given to Rose on their 20th wedding anniversary. Charlotte was snuggled onto the couch next to the fire he was sure the housekeeper had lit for her. Her heels kicked off and feet propping up her laptop on her lap. She was typing furiously, her hair had been pulled back by a clip and she now appeared to be wearing glasses, she seemed so comfortable, like this was the most natural thing for her. William had never thought a woman had looked as effortlessly beautiful. As he walked forward he saw the housekeeper coming their way with a blanket. He raised his eyebrows and went to intercept her. “Master William, please excuse me I was bringing this for the madam in the library. I did not want her to catch a chill.” She stated to him, giving a slight bow. This had always bothered William growing up here. Yes, they were a wealthy family and technically she was an employee, but they had always treated their staff like family.

“Bethany, please you do not need to be so formal with me, you did raise me.” Will answered with a slight chuckle, “I will bring this into Charlotte, thank you.” He said, taking the blanket from her. Bethany turned with a smile and strolled back to finish what she was working on previously. Will walked right in and read what she was working on before wrapping the blanket around her shoulders. “Hmm Romeo & Juliet huh, seems the teacher’s never get tired of this assignment. So tell me what approach you are taking on it?” Will asked. Charlotte had been lost in her happy place and William had startled her. She jumped at the sound of his voice, then felt his strong hand on her shoulder, “almost lost the blanket. Our housekeeper Bethany was concerned you got this, did not want you to catch a chill it seemed.” He stated, raising an eyebrow, waiting to see what Charlotte would respond to first and also how.

“Oh thank you William, sorry if I was causing an inconvenience. I did tell Ms. Bethany not to bother. I won’t be staying long. I hope I didn’t get her into any trouble.” Satisfied with her answer,

“Trouble? Bethany of course not, she has been around here longer than I have, she runs the house.” He said with a deep chuckle, “Now the paper?” Will asked, dragging his thumb across his bottom lip and pointing to Charlotte's computer.

“Oh right, my take you asked? You mean other than the obvious star crossed lovers?” She seemed amused with herself, she loved literature more than anything and always seemed to find multiple views on pieces she really loved. Of course, on the surface Romeo and Juilet was about star-crossed lovers that could never be, and this is what she had helped Nancy finish for her paper.

“You mean there’s more to it than that?” Will asked, obviously knowing his own view points were regarding the power struggles of parents and families affecting children's lives. Love was supposed to be the most powerful force yet it was their doom.

“Depends who is reading it I suppose,” Charlotte started. “For me I love the power struggle the families have with each other. Especially in society nowadays. People marry for wealth and power, when they feel their spouse is not contributing to those they toss them aside. Love is this powerful force and when it’s not taken advantage of, it conquers everything. But people's souls and fights for power can trump love, especially a child’s love for their parents, even when they do horrible things they just want to please them. That’s what Romeo & Juliet’s story implies, in my view. Two kids caught in their families' wealth and power struggle, their love for their families and pleasing them was too much for the kids, forcing them into death in each others arms. Finally free from the hold money has on people.” The whole time she was speaking William had stalked towards her, she could now feel his warm breath on her cool skin, his hands softly stroking the backs of her arms.

“There is more to you than there first appeared my emerald.” He spoke in a quiet husky voice. “Do come outside with me for dessert, my mother has been asking for you.” He said as he placed a hand on her lower back to escort her out of the room, leaning down to grab her shoes on the way by. “ I would love to read what you wrote, send it over when you send in your resume please.” William had asked Charlotte as she sat down to slide her shoes on before heading back outside.