Chapter 4

Reynolds sat in one of the armchairs of his father’s study, already tired of a conversation that had not begun. Despite owning his own businesses, his father still made sure to inform him of every details regarding the family’s business. He was not sure if old age made his father forget that he had his own business to run or if he simply chose to deliberately ignore that fact. Soon he would bring up the marriage topic again. Reynolds could just feel it coming. Gerald Bennet was not the type to repeat something often, especially not at close intervals. But his meeting with Robert Martins, where the man had not so subtly hinted at a marriage proposal, was enough to bring the issue up again. 

“So what will be your decision about the proposal?”

“What proposal?” Reynolds feigned confusion, of only to push back the inevitable conversation .

His father stared at him pointedly. “You are not dumb. I believe you know very well what I am talking about”

“Father-“ Reynolds began with a sigh, but he was cut off.

“At least get to know each other for some time. Its time you got serious Reynolds. And this union will prove beneficial for both sides”

“We’ve spoken about this before” he argued.

“If you are unwilling to find someone good for yourself it's only fitting I get one for you. I’ve told you Reynolds, this unseriousness about finding a partner will leave you old and wishing things had turned out different. It is good what you have done for yourself but as I told you then it was not necessary. The family’s business will continue and who else but you to continue it?”

Reynolds wondered why he had to suffer for his father’s decisions. Apparently, Gerald had been too invested in the family’s business and like Reynolds had not actively searched for a wife. Not until he realized how fast his years had passed him by. He had had a late marriage which he claims to have many regrets about. If he could turn back, he had told Reynolds one time, he would have found someone earlier. Perhaps had more children since his only son had refused to heed to his words.

“But my decision does not change. Until I see you serious about someone you will not inherit anything”

“Of which I have no qualms about. You know this father-“

“Yes, yes of course” his father dismissed him. “Will you watch then as generations of hardwork and wealth flush down the drain all because you choose to be irresponsible?” Gerald turned his wheel chair back to his son to move towards his desk. “I’ll just find one incompetent fool and hand it all over. Your cousins might do”. He muttered

Reynolds sighed and tentatively massaged his head. When he had begun his business, it had not been easy. But soon when people learnt that the name Bennet was attached to him, things had started going well. But now, he had made a name for himself and no longer needed his father’s name to boost him up. Perhaps if he lost the family’s money, he would suffer a little loss, but it was nothing that would bring him down.

However, he could not deny the fact that his father had a point. He could not leave years of hardwork lost like that. He would take care of it, accept the marriage; just until he found someone suitable enough from the family to continue it on. But the marriage would be on his terms, and for as long as it would benefit him. 

He nodded to himself, a plan already forming in his head.

“Alright. I accept”

Gerald smiled broadly, already back in good spirits. And for that alone, Reynolds felt a little better about the decision he had just made. 

That weekend, they visited the Martins estate. Over dinner, the two fathers made talk about business. Two days ago, it might have not been his cup of tea. But with recent developments, he had to pay more attention to details. Besides it would have been rude not to give his opinion when asked so Reynolds pitched in sometimes in the conversation.

He also got a good look at Amy. She was pretty, and softly spoken. She hardly said a word during the meal aside from when they had been welcomed onto the house. Just like a princess, she did everything so carefully. He could not help but wonder if she was also against their marriage. He was aware of how she had lived. Just as she was, she had lived quietly; one would not even know whom her father was unless the person was really interested.

Would that make it easier or harder for her to accept the arrangement he had in mind? He really wanted to know her thoughts on the marriage. It would help in knowing more about her. He supposed he would find out soon enough anyways.

Soon the parents were laughing over the upcoming union. Already his mother had begun trying to engage Amy’s mother on wedding preparations. 

Amy remained silent, sipping from her glass of wine. She stared at him over the rim of her glass and he watched her too.

As his parents exchanged final greetings with the Martins, Reynolds stayed behind with Amy to talk with her.

“We should meet sometime. Will Friday afternoon be okay?”

She turned to face him, “What do we have to talk about?”

He was taken aback by her response.

“I imagine there are things we should know about each other before getting married don’t you think? But- I do have something else to discuss with you if you would be interested “

“What is it”, she asked.

“I’d rather not mention it here. Friday afternoon?”

“Alright”, she agreed

“I’ll pick you up. You’ll be home?”

“Um-yes I will. But you don’t have to pick me up. Just let me know where”

“Do you have anywhere to be?” He asked curious as to why she did not want him picking her up.

“No” she said simply.

“Okay then” he responded, letting it go.

They exchanged each other’s numbers before he said “I’ll let you know. Have a goodnight”

“Goodnight” she responded softly. She watched them drive off before going back into the house.