"Ah, Sera. This is my wife – Miranda. Miranda, this is Sera." Charles said while giving Miranda a look that communicated something besides love. A warning, maybe. I've never been good at understanding what looks between other people mean.
"Sera, it's a pleasure to meet you." Miranda said moving to the chair by Charles, and definitely not meaning a word she said. I may not be able to read looks but I can definitely pick out when people are lying.
"It is nice to meet you as well." I said with all politeness. I don't need to be petty, yet. "I'm curious what you meant when you came in."
"Charles, would you care to explain?" Miranda asked sweetly.
"I was going to get to that. She just learned I'm her father, there's no need to overwhelm her."
"I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but if there's a condition that made it necessary for you to meet me now, I'd like to know sooner than later." I said as calmly as I could. If this was a power move for some sick game, I wanted to know as soon as possible.
"Let's discuss it over dinner. It should be ready in a few minutes, if you'd care to join us." Charles said.
I looked at Mom and slightly shrugged, she nodded and I responded, "We'd love to join you for dinner. But first I need to use the ladies room. Where can I find that?"
After being directed to the bathroom, I promptly left and got lost. I should have mentioned to them that I get lost easily. I heard some voices and decided to ask them how to get to the bathroom or at least back to the room I was in to start. As I got closer, I stopped in my tracks and stopped to listen. I don't normally listen in, but I couldn't stop myself.
"Dad, Charlotte left. I'm not going to be able to marry her. I didn't even know she had a sister and I don't want to marry someone I don't know. I didn't even want to marry Charlotte but have spent years doing our courtship dance." This voice sounded vaguely familiar.
"That's why she eloped, you have a reputation of being the king of cool. No one wants to marry someone that won't show affection, son." A woman's voice said.
"Son, we need you to at least meet this girl. We have to appear to be trying to overcome this situation, and if you decide you can't marry her we'll be able to get some of the money for a breech of contract. Not a perfect arrangement, but we need an influx of money, you know that's why we arranged the marriage in the first place!" A man's voice said. And then it occurred to me that the first voice I heard was Ethan's. I paled and stepped backward. I turned and walked until I found someone who was able to direct me to the bathroom.
When I finished and walked out, Mom was waiting for me. "I was afraid you got lost since it was taking you so long."
"I did, but someone helped me find the way." I said.
"I'm here to help you find the dining room, as I'd hate to have to send a search party for you."
"Thanks Mom." I followed Mom into the dining room. Charles and Miranda were already in there and we started with some appetizers.