"Gracie! Did he do it? Did James propose last night?" Annette ran to Grace.
She held out her hand to show off the diamond ring.
Annette gasped, "It's beautiful! How did he ask?" She was all excitement and smiles, just as Grace felt she should be herself. She grimaced with the memory of last night.
"Why so glum? Isn't it everything you wanted?"
Grace gave a weak smile, "it was terribly romantic. We had a lovely dinner at St. Jacques. He was ever so sweet. We enjoyed a bottle of champagne, escargot, duck confit. He even insisted that I order 2 desserts because I couldn't choose! Then we went for a carriage ride in Central Park and he proposed in front of the fountain underneath the stars. It was perfect. James escorted me back to the mansion. We got a bit carried away celebrating and I'm afraid Mr. Warbucks caught us in a compromising position. He was livid. He sent James home and lectured me in his office about lewd behavior under his roof. The nerve of that man! Considering he's bedded every socialite in New York! Huh! We quarreled. Then when I told him that I was engaged, he did a complete about-face. He congratulated me and promptly dismissed me, can you believe that?"
Annette giggled, "Oh where do I begin? Grace, that man doesn't give a damn about propriety! He's a notorious rake. He just doesn't want anyone in your bed!"
Grace rolled her eyes, "I'm sure he has absolutely no interest in me. Our relationship has always been strictly professional. Besides, what would he want with me? He's a billionaire who could have any woman in the world."
"He doesn't want any woman in the world. He wants you! You're gorgeous, kind, good, verging on sainthood, really. And to top it all off, you're smarter than him."
"You flatter me. I'm absolutely not smarter than Mr. Warbucks."
"Oh really? Well, who figures out the conversion rates for all of his foreign projects? Who translates for him when you travel? You speak French, German, and Russian! Believe what you will, but the way that man looks at you is not 'strictly professional!' You two spend so much time together, you can't possibly tell me that you've never considered it!"
"I don't think there's anything to consider. I care about him. I enjoy working for him. It's fun, it's exciting, it's mentally stimulating."
"You're in denial. What exactly were you and James doing to provoke such a response, anyways? Please tell me you finally let that handsome hunk of a man have his way with you!" Annette cocked an eyebrow.
Grace blushed, "I did no such thing! It all began innocently enough. We were sitting on the sofa in the sitting room talking about the wedding, sharing a few chaste kisses. Our kissing got very heated and before I knew it, we were lying down and his hands were all over me. Over my dress, of course. Between the champagne and the engagement, I didn't exercise my best judgement."
"That's it? You barely even did anything fun!"
"Well, it's the furthest James and I have taken things physically! I'm going to have to discuss appropriate affection moving forward," Grace huffed defensively.
"You really are too good!"
"I-I could feel his excitement," Grace whispered.
"Does he make you feel excited?"
Grace giggled nervously, "ladies don't talk about those things. James is a good man and I think he will make an excellent husband and father. In the meantime, I don't know how I'm going to face Mr. Warbucks at breakfast this morning. I'm positively mortified. My stomach is churning. I'm sure I couldn't eat a single bite!"
"Take a deep breath and hold your head up high. You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. It might be a little awkward at first, but you'll all get through it."
Mr. Warbucks was reading the morning paper at the dining room table when Grace entered. She silently slipped into her chair and stared into her cup and watched as the ribbons of cream mixed unfurled in her coffee. She pushed at the food on her plate. Her reverie was broken at the sound of her employer folding the paper and clearing his throat, "Miss Farrell, I want to apologize for my reaction last night. I was out of line. It is no business of mine how you choose to conduct yourself in you personal time."
Grace huffed, "Mr. Warbucks, I-"
He cut her off and put his hand in the air, "Regardless, I would like to make it up to you and," he paused, "Lieutenant Winston by hosting an engagement party for you. Mrs. Pugh will see to the details."
"Th-Thank you, sir. It means a great deal to me-to-to us," Grace still felt shamed and avoided his gaze.
"Very well," and with that Mr. Warbucks rose from his seat and made his way to his office, leaving Grace baffled. He was eager to end the unpleasant discussion and get on with his day. Nothing could distract him like burying himself in his work.