The speech ended, the seats were vacated, and the banquet began again.
"Young Master Griffith, the old master would like to see you alone," a servant reported to William Griffith.
William let go of Cherish Turner's hand, whispering to her, "I'll be right back."
Cherish nodded and watched as he walked away, feeling alone in the corner where she stood. She felt a sudden urge to leave as stares from others bore down into her. She felt strangely lonely and isolated; she even questioned why she was here in the first place.
"She must be Young Master Griffith's mistress, and not a particularly attractive one at that," reminded a voice.
"Yes, who would know how she managed to ensnare Young Master Griffith!" replied another.
"She's probably just a fling," a third voice guessed.
After their derisive remarks, they burst into laughter. Cherish stepped back, her lips pressed together in embarrassment. A group of women stood defiantly in front of her, deliberately trying to humiliate her.
