"So, I was thinking that we could 'ave the wedding at your 'ome in Italy," Jacqueline said.
They were sitting in the posh Aspen dining room at The Westbury Mayfair Hotel. The room was smaller than the more spacious main dining room, only seating about sixteen guests. Renting the room had come at a hefty price, not to mention that all the guests had to arrive in Muggle attire. The hotel was located near the prime shops on Bond Street, and after weeks of Jacqueline's whining, he had finally agreed to having an engagement party there.
"Absolutely not," Blaise said.
"Why not? I 'ave 'eard that your villa is simply beautiful. It would make a great venue for the wedding," Jacqueline pouted. The expression marred the almost Nordic beauty that she possessed. She was wearing a Milly pink almond rossette dress. The dress was a deep rose pink, strapless, with a sweetheart neckline and accented with a slim black ribbon around the waist tied in a bow in front. The skirt was made of many raw edged rosettes and on her feet were black platform pumps. A diamond necklace and drop earrings completed her look. Her hair was looped into a high bun, reminding Blaise of a ballerina. She was a beautiful girl.
Too bad that he didn't love her, and she was a cheater.
"My home is under renovation. It won't be completed for months I imagine," Blaise lied. He didn't want her in his home. It would feel like a betrayal. Blaise was dying inside. He felt like a raw wound, and every moment he spent with Jacqueline was like a squeeze of lemon juice pouring over his injury, with Ophelia as the added salt.
"When did you decide this? Recently? It couldn't 'ave waited? Oh, Merlin. Now I will 'ave to look for churches I suppose. They will be the only things to do. Oh, well Father will pay for it," the witch finished brightly.
The nerve. Blaise chuckled in bitter humor. When would she find the time? Most of her extra time was spent with Charles.
The first day that he had returned to France after Hermione's revelation had been pure torture. He felt like the lowest thing on her. He had savaged her. Basically telling her that he didn't love her had been the hardest thing he had ever done. The only thing that had broken his facade, and reduced him to the tears he hadn't been able to cry when his father died.
Jacqueline had tiptoed around him for almost a week, visibly relaxing over time when he didn't say anything about her affair. Blaise didn't know whether the witch assumed that he didn't know or didn't care. She had made up an excuse about Hermione's abrupt departure, stating that the girl had had a family emergency and wouldn't be returning. Bernard had blustered about the breach of contract, but had relented when Jacqueline talked him down. The witch probably didn't want to air her dirty laundry, Blaise had thought.
"I'm sorry. I had put the renovations off long enough, and frankly they needed doing," Blaise continued.
"Don't worry about it. I'm sure that I can think of something else. We 'ave a plenty of time. The season starts soon, and I won't want to seriously pursue venues until midway. 'Ow else will I know who to invite from 'ere?" she said with a giggle.
Looking around the empty room, she frowned. "It is almost five thirty. Where is father? And Ophelia is coming still, no?"
"Yes, she said that she would be here. Knowing mother, she is trying to find something to wear," Blaise said with a grimace.
Jacqueline squirmed a bit in excitement. "You know 'ow much I love your mother. She is such a pleasant lady. You are so lucky to still 'ave your mother," she finished.
Blaise had to bite off a bark of laughter. Ophelia pleasant? His mother was a better actress than he had thought. Not that it was very hard to fool Jacqueline.
Blaise had spent the past two weeks feeling as if he couldn't breathe. Hermione had opened the compartment within him where he had shoved away any inconvenient emotions, and he found it impossible to close them away again. He felt as if there was a whirlpool filled with anger, confusion, and above all fear, threatening to escape at any moment.
He had been shocked that night when she revealed that she was Jeanette. His mind had still trying to process when she brought her soft lips to his. On the one hand, he had wanted to kiss her until they both had no breath, followed by sweeping her into his arms and taking her to bed. A bed that they wouldn't have left for hours if he had his way. On the other hand, he was angry with her. A completely irrational anger, given what he was keeping from her. From everyone, in fact.
The way she had spoken to him. The way she had kissed him. He hadn't felt such complete contentment since before his father had died, and he had wanted to revel in it. To immerse himself, drowning, in her ready love. He had been a moment away from doing so, before his mind had clicked behind his liqueur freed inhibitions.
He wasn't worthy of her. She was the best person that he knew, and she shouldn't waste herself on him. Also, he couldn't predict what his mother would do. He didn't care what Ophelia would do to him, he had years of handling her, but he couldn't bear it if she did something to Hermione. Hermione had survived the war, doing more than he and many others had done. She didn't deserve what she would get by loving him. The stares of the bigots within the wizarding world. Ophelia's sweet words to the face, and daggers to the back. Hermione deserved peace, love, and contentment. He wasn't sure in the least if he could give them to her. Wasn't it better to let her go on...thinking that he didn't love her? Allowing he to gird herself against him, and possibly, hopefully, finding a strong wizard to love her. To give her everything that Blaise secretly dreamed he could.
"Oh, there is Father! And your mother!" Jacqueline broke through.
Ophelia had entered the room on Bernard's arm clothed in her signature purple. This time represented in a plum silk crepe dress. The bodice was closely fitted with a silver beaded neckline accent. She wore a matching silver cuff bracelet and extremely tall matching stilettos that made her tower over the short and dumpy Bernard. Her hair was drawn into a sleek pony, the ends curling. She looked very young. Must have stopped for a quick nip and tuck with a magical surgeon. The process was easier than Muggle surgery, leaving no scars and pain, but costing such a large price, than many a witch didn't bother. Of course, Ophelia spared no expense regarding her vanity.
"Oh, Blaise. Your mother is so lovely. We shall 'ave no doubt that our children will be beautiful," she ended on a sigh.
Blaise looked at her in shock, a look that she didn't see as she was carefully inventorying Ophelia's complete outfit. He had no intention of sleeping with her, let alone having children. He was going to get out of this mess far before then. Even the required kisses that he gave her were merely for show and never in private. And what about Charles? How far did the witch plan on taking this? Apparently to the maximum, but he would be damned if he would shackle himself in a loveless marriage.
"Blaise, how are you my darling," Ophelia asked reaching the table. He stood, enduring his mother's very false air kisses to his cheek. After both of the ladies had been seated, he sat with a sigh, running a hand through his hair.
"Oh, will you stop doing that? You know how I dislike tosee your hair mussed," Ophelia said in annoyance. "When is everyone else going to arrive? This place is practically empty," she continued, frowning. Ophelia disliked any wasted opportunity when she could be admired by others.
"I thought that it would be nice for us to 'ave some time before everyone else arrives. A family dinner, no?" Jacqueline said.
Ophelia brightened, a false smile appearing on her face. "Of course, my dear. What an excellent idea," she said patting Jacqueline's hand.
Jacqueline beamed. "I thought that is would be nice to meet Blaise's friends in a slightly less formal atmosphere before the season starts. A little dinner and wine would be a perfect start to a lasting friendship I think."
"Simply brilliant. Bernard, you should be so proud to have such an intelligent daughter," Ophelia said in a sugar sweet tone.
Blaise thought that she was laying it on a little think, but the others took it in stride. "Oh yes, her mother, my Mia, was an intelligent and gracious woman and Jacqueline is much like her," Bernard said obviously flattered.
"Oh is so nice to see a couple so in love, it warms my heart," Ophelia was saying. "Soon, we will have some grandchildren to dangle on our knees," she continued.
Bernard was nodding in pleasure. Jacqueline looked uncomfortable and Blaise wanted to scream in frustration.
He stood. "Ladies, if you will excuse me." Ophelia was watching him, a brow raised and a smirk on her face.
He walked from the room heading to the men's loo. Inside, he turned the faucet gathering cold water and splashing it on his face. He dried his face, looking in the mirror in disgust. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his tie and left the room. Walking down the hallway, he came upon Draco and Astoria on their own way to the dining room.
Draco was dressed similarly to himself, in a black suit his tie being an smoky grey, while Blaise's was an emerald green.
Astoria looked elegant in a grey and black lace sheath, her brown hair drawn into a low fishtail braid hanging over one shoulder.
"Hey, mate," Draco said. "What are you doing out here? Don't you have a beautiful woman waiting in there for you? I can't imagine why you would be out here," he ended in a chuckle.
Blaise forced a chuckle. "You know. Had to get away from some of that wedding talk."
"Yeah, I know what you mean," Draco said, the air rushing from him as Astoria elbowed him in the stomach.
"Don't let him fool you. His proposal was so romantic," Astoria said, giggling a bit at the flush that darkened the pale wizards cheeks. She raised her left hand, showing off an impressive, cushion cut diamond halo ring.
"You're engaged? Congrats mate," Blaise said. He was genuinely happy for his friend.
"Yeah well, I thought it was time. I couldn't let a woman like Astoria slip through my fingers," Draco said, a smile brightening his features.
Blaise bit down surge of sadness. "I'm happy for you both. Now if you follow me, you can come and finally meet Jacqueline," he said leading them into the dining room.
The place had started to fill by then. Goyle was there with Pansy sitting at the large table that had been set for the occasion. The two had been dating casually for the past few months. Apparently Pansy had been a comfort to Goyle after the death of his best friend Crabbe.
Theo Nott was there with his wife Sally-Anne. The witch was heavily pregnant and seemed about to pop at any moment. That would be an interesting development, and enough to get me out of this dinner party, Blaise thought bitterly.
A few of Jacqueline's friends had also just arrived. A tall, athletic girl called Camille, with short pixie cut black hair, wearing a smart royal blue pantsuit. Also a flamboyantly dressed wizard named Alain and his more sedately dressed boyfriend Lucas. There were also some of Bernard's business acquaintances and even a few of his mother's wretched friends.
Blaise returned to the table and sat down next to Jacqueline. Soon the waiters began to enter the room with trays laden with food.
There were baby crab cakes, beef & watercress crostinis with mango chutney, beef wonton triangles with a spicy chili sauce, and berries, honeydew melon or a mint and midori salsa as appetizers. Next came the salad course, an excellent arugula, pear and asiago cheese salad.
The main course was baked lemon chicken, four cheese mashed potatoes and wild mushrooms, and grilled asparagus. For those that were vegetarian there was also a nice vegetarian lasagna available.
For dessert, there was a chocolate hazelnut tart, black forest cheesecake, or Blaise's personal favorite, a caramel apple pie.
It was all served with a blush pink champagne, Jacqueline's suggestion, and a sparkling cider for those who chose not to imbibe.
It was during desert, and after a look from his mother, that Blaise stood capturing everyone's attention.
"I'd like to thank everyone for coming. I wanted you all to meet Jacqueline and to help us celebrate our engagement," he paused a bit at the clapping that ensued. "I hope that you will welcome her with open arms," he finished a bit awkwardly.
Sitting down, he applied himself to his dessert, and after a moment of silence everyone began talking once more.
Ophelia looked less than pleased at his very blunt engagement announcement, but she couldn't do much about it in full view of everyone, Blaise reasoned.
The rest of the party went off with a hitch, the witches discussing the upcoming season, and the eventual wedding.
Later that night, Blaise found himself sitting at the hotel bar with Draco, their significant others already away in bed. The rest of the guest had already left for their homes or other engagements.
"So, are you going to tell me what's gotten you all wound up?" Draco asked.
Blaise started, looking down into his drink, a simple coke with ice. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Draco rose his glass of Scotch, swirling the smoky flavored liquid around. "Oh come off it, mate. I know we aren't extremely chatty, but we haven't talked in weeks. I haven't been a good friend lately, and I'm sorry about that. I've just been wrapped up in Astoria. Really, though, could you blame a bloke?" he ended on a laugh.
Blaise smiled a bit. "I just have a lot going on."
Draco smirked. "The hidden business you have? Or is it something to do with Jacqueline? I see it mate, she's bloody gorgeous, but you don't have to marry her. If you aren't ready just wait a bit."
"It's not her," Blaise finally mumbled.
Draco leaned back in his chair. "You stepping out? No judgments here, but you might want to wrap that up if you are going to get married."
"No. It's not like that. I met this girl over Christmas."
"Yeah, I remembered you mentioning something about a party."
"Yeah, well I didn't tell you all of it. We don't really talk about...well you know. At least, not in detail," Blaise said.
"Okay, so you shagged the girl. It was before Jacqueline right? So what is the problem?" Draco asked.
"I've seen her since then," Blaise said. Draco was opening his mouth when he interrupted, "She works...er...worked for Jacqueline, and I really got to know her. I really like this girl, Draco."
"Like I said, you don't have to marry Jacqueline," Draco finally said after a moment. "Just break it off. I get that you probably don't want to hurt her, but it's better to tell her now, than later."
Blaise sighed in frustration. "It's more than that, mate. It's a whole lot more. I don't know what I'm going to do."