(I can't figure out how to organize my blog so the story stays in order, so good luck following along)
To recap- Jeffrey and Justine were just re-introduced, and dinner is ready to be served.....
Christine grabs a hold of Jeffrey's arm once more and they follow along with the guests into the dinning room, closely behind Mr. Martin and Justine.
Christine and Justine take their seats beside their father who stands at the head of the table with a wine glass in his hand waiting for the guests to find their seats and sit down. Jeffrey slips into the seat next to Christine glancing across the table at Justine whose eyes are fixed on her father.
Mr. Martin takes a sip of wine and then taps the glass lightly with his fork, "A toast please," tap tap tap, "I would like to make a toast."
The room is instantly quiet with all attention on Mr. Martin. "Gentlemen, ladies, friends. (pause) I am very grateful you could all join us this evening. We live in a most troubling time here in our new world. War, I am sure, is inevitable, though something I hope not to see during my lifetime. Daily this new world is changing and the only comfort I have is knowing that I have raised this beautiful woman that stands here beside me." He signals for Christine to stand up while the clapping begins. Christine blushes and smiles at her guests, it grows silent once again as Mr. Martin continues. "My oldest daughter Christine. After my wife died giving birth to Justine, God rest her soul, I realized there was no chance the Martin name would live on. But, God had already given me Christine, he already had a plan. Not only are we here tonight to celebrate Christine's graduation," the guests clap once more, "might I add at the top of her class, but I am ready to announce that she will begin her understudy at our Family business, Martin Granite, where one day she may be President. She ends one adventure and starts a new, beginning with her travel to New York. Christine, you are the daughter of every fathers dreams. Congratulations!" The guests all stand and clap enthusiastically, some are still in shock after hearing of Mr. Martins plans for his business. Mr. Martin exchanges a warm embrace with Christine and then join everyone in drinking to the toast.
The guests, and the Martins, sit back down around the long white clothed table, the middle lined with candles, fruit arrangements and fresh flowers. The maids rush in to serve the dinner.
Jeffrey sneaks one more glance towards Justine, who's emerald eyes glance back. But Jeffrey's view is soon blocked by Daniel Baits who has slid into the seat next to her. Daniel smiles at Jeffrey who pushes a smile back then shifts his eyes down at the plate being placed in front of him.
The night is coming to and end as the guests begin to retreat towards the door and say their goodbye's. Mr. Martin and his daughters are by the front door thanking the guests once more as they leave. Jeffrey steps aside watching others as they slip away into the night.
Finally his moment arrives. He approaches the three of them, stepping up beside Christine, "I am a little disappointed Miss Martin." Christine turns her head abruptly in Jeffrey's direction, her gaze softens as she recognizes it was him, "And why is that Mr. Oakes?" Jeffrey smiles, "It seems I have returned only in time for you to leave." Christine blushes slightly, "Well, I will return too. It was a pleasure seeing you again Jeffrey, welcome home."
Jeffrey smiles at her and then takes a step closer to Mr. Martin, "Now that you are home we must get together and discuss some business my boy. Are you free tomorrow afternoon?"
"I believe I am sir."
Justine interrupts, "Father, do not forget we have a lunch date."
"Oh yes, yes, of course. Well, that will be fine. You will join us afterwards then Jeffrey. I will expect you at 2 pm."
"Ummm....yes sir. Actually, would the morning be more convenient?"
Mr. Martin extends his hand out to Jeffrey who accepts the handshake with a small smile.
"Two pm Sharp."
Jeffrey struggles to keep the smile on his face as he turns to face Justine. She smiles up at him. Jeffrey is then handed his hat by the butler, he puts it on and tips it towards Justine, "It was a pleasure seeing you again also Miss Martin."
He walks out and the door shuts behind him.
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