CHAPTER 21

As dinner wound down, Frank – seated at Charles' right – tapped his fork to his champagne glass. He stood, swaying just a little. Emma wondered if he was a little drunk. "I know my dad and Anne didn't plan for toasts, but I'd like to make one anyway. I'm like an honorary best man, right?" The group chuckled.

"As you all know, I didn't grow up knowing my dad in the conventional sense. But what we've lacked in quantity, we've made up for in quality. Over the years, as I've gotten to know him, I've taken away these three things – One, that he takes no bullshit." Emma threw George a side-eye at the mild profanity. It didn't seem fitting. "Two, that he appreciates beauty. And three, that when he puts his mind to something, nothing will stop him.

"That's why, when I first heard about Anne, I knew it was something truly special. Here was someone who could hold her own with my dad and keep him on his toes. And of course, she had to be beautiful inside and out. But most importantly, their relationship was something he would fight for. No matter how badly he might mess up, or how much he might deserve to be kicked to the curb. Because once we make up our minds, we fight no matter what."

Frank didn't notice the glances being shot around the table. Was he even talking about Charles and Anne anymore? Jane, conveniently on his other side, gave his arm a light tug as if to encourage him to sit down. "What? Oh. I guess I'm being told to wrap it up." He raised his glass. "Dad, Anne, I wish you all the best. Because goddammit you deserve it." With a single gulp, he polished off his champagne and sat with a thump back in his seat.

At the other table, Hannah whispered to Emma, "What was that?"

Emma was as confused as anyone. She looked over Hannah's shoulder at George. His expression reflected her own. "My guess is that he just had too much to drink. Happens to the best of us."

Her father, seated across from her, leaned in. "That Frank Churchill isn't particularly eloquent, is he? Perhaps I should suggest a speaking coach."

"I don't think a speaking coach would have helped in this case." Emma mimed bringing a glass to her lips.

Mr. Woodhouses eyes widened. "Oh."

Their mild gossip was interrupted by Anne and Charles. The exuberant bride reached to hug Emma. "Oh, I'm so happy. I wish everyone could be this happy."

Emma returned the embrace. "To misquote Jane Austen, 'Until I have your goodness, I can never have your happiness.' What brings you to our neck of the veranda?"

"I wanted to ask if you'd help us open the dance floor. They'll be sending us to our first dance in a moment."

"I'd love to." Emma snagged George - who had snuck back to the bar – by the elbow as he returned to his seat. "He'll dance with me."

"I will?" George seemed reluctant.

"Won't you? I couldn't imagine a better partner." She batted her eyelashes, half in jest.

He gave in easily to Emma's playful manipulation. "Of course I will, but only because Anne and Charles asked."

Anne clapped her hands in delight. "Look out for my signal. In the meantime, bottoms up!"

Wise men say –
Only fools rush in –
But I can't help –
Falling in love with you.

While Ingrid Michaelson crooned Elvis' immortal words, Anne gave George a little wink. He stood and offered his hand to Emma, who allowed herself to be pulled from her chair. As he drew her onto the dance floor, Emma sighed. "That was very dashing of you."

"Why Emma, was that a compliment?"

Other pairs were starting to drift onto the floor.

"Because I'm in such a great mood, I'll give you another. What you did for Hannah earlier was gallant."

"Elton is a miserable man. He and Tasha deserve each other."

"How undiplomatic." Emma's eyes danced merrily. "You mean you don't aspire to be a member at Matrix Fitness?"

"And be labeled a pretentious ass? No thanks. Hannah has done nothing to deserve their contempt. I'll admit that she's grown on me since we first met."

"You're a softie."

"Are you done teasing me? You're ruining a lovely moment." His tone was gentle.

Emma smiled. "How about one more compliment? You're a graceful dancer. Does that wound your macho ego?"

"Never. My parents would have loved to know that those cotillion classes paid off."

"Ah yes. Antiquated social rituals being useful in the 21st century. Food for thought."

They lapsed into silence while they gently swayed. From her position in George's arms, Emma observed the dancers scattered around the floor. Anne and Charles wore the bloom of honeymoon. Nothing could interfere with their happy moment. Hannah – sweet Hannah – had been cajoled into dancing by Frank, who was now dipping and twirling her in all sorts of patterns that she couldn't keep up with. Her joyous laughter floated over Ingrid's dulcet tones. Her father had taken a turn with Alicia Bates, whose pretty blush made her look younger than her 48 years. Mrs. Bates watched and murmured with Jane Fairfax; the elder woman's silver hair formed a halo backed by the light of the lanterns. Emma even had to acknowledge that Elton and Tasha, dancing on the far edge of the floor, seemed taken by the moment. She dropped her head against George's chest and closed her eyes.

The song ended; Bowie replaced Ingrid. Let's dance… George pulled back, just a couple of inches. As Emma opened her eyes, she for once couldn't read the expression in his eyes. "Emma, I –"

He was interrupted by a small commotion from behind. Frank had dipped Hannah too far – the pair had toppled over onto the floor. Emma joined the other guests who had rushed over. She righted Hannah just as Jane was helping Frank to his feet. "Are you okay?" she asked her friend.

"I'm totally fine," Hannah replied easily. "My tailbone might end up a little sore, but it was worth it. That was so much fun!"

Certain that her friend hadn't sustained any bodily injuries, Emma turned to check on Frank. Instead, she was met by the sight of Jane pulling Frank toward the path that led back to the cottages. Alicia and Mrs. Bates brought up the rear. I guess the party's over for him tonight.

By now, Anne and Charles had made it over to Hannah. "I'm so sorry," apologized Charles. "Frank seems to have celebrated a little too hard tonight. Are you hurt?"

As Hannah reassured their hosts that she was indeed intact and having a great time, Emma returned to George's side. "You were about to say something before the kerfuffle. Do you remember what it was?"

George shook his head. "Nope, the thought has passed."

She didn't fully believe him, but she accepted his answer. "Okay, then. Care to show me more of what you learned in cotillion?" She held out her hand.

He took it. "Fine, but you're leading."

"A perfect description of our relationship."