~*~
"You're not marrying Audrey?" Julian's voice rose in disbelief. "Are you absolutely sure?"
"What?!" Audrey cried. "You're not marrying me?!"
"This is outrageous!" Mr. Wellington cried. "What kind of nonsense is this, Alistair?"
"Will you all be quiet for a second and let me explain?" Fox said coolly.
"It had better be a good explanation Nicholas Foxworthy Crane."
"Ooh. You said my whole name. I must be in big trouble." Fox said sarcastically.
"Fox!" Alistair boomed.
"Anyhow, I'm not marrying Audrey, yet."
"Yet?" Julian repeated.
"Yes. I'll marry Audrey eventually. I want a long engagement."
"Fox, that just isn't possible." Alistair said. "We want to make this merger as soon as possible."
"So, make the merger. You can sign contracts. Audrey and I can still be used as publicity. Tell the major and minor papers of our engagement. It'll still attract some attention. I just want a long engagement to get used to the idea of marrying her."
"I don't know about that, Fox." Julian said. A long engagement? He's up to something.
"Well, no one said anything about how long the engagement was going to be. I'd like it to be a long one. Audrey and I haven't seen each other for ages. We'll be able to catch up and learn even more about each other."
"You'll still marry her?" Mr. Wellington asked.
"Yes." Fox answered.
"How long will this engagement be?"
"Three, four, maybe five years."
"Five years?" Audrey spoke up. "That's a little too long to wait, Fox."
"Audrey, it'll give you time to plan the most exceptional wedding this town has ever seen."
"Well, that does sound appealing." Audrey agreed.
"So, you see. This will work out." Fox said.
"As long as he'll marry my daughter," Mr. Wellington said, "I'll still go along with the merger."
"Fine." Alistair said after a moment of thinking. This was too easy. Fox is up to something.
"Great." Fox said. "But there is one thing."
"I knew it." Alistair said. "Don't tell the papers of our engagement yet. I've got to work things out first."
"You mean with Theresa." Audrey said icily.
"Who's Theresa?" asked Mr. Wellington.
"Nobody." Alistair said. "Richard, I'll like for you to meet me at my office tomorrow if possible."
"Sure thing." Mr. Wellington replied. "I've got to run, business is calling. Bye everyone."
"Goodbye." Everyone replied in unison.
"I suggest," Audrey began as she walked up to Fox and put her hands on his chest. "That you end whatever fling you had with that Theresa before I tell her the good news myself."
"I'll take care of it. That is, as long as no one spreads the word yet."
"Fine, Fox. You better do it soon though. Those tabloids have many ways of finding out our business. They may get a hold of the news before you tell Theresa."
"I said I'll take care of it," Fox said.
You better. Julian thought.
~*~