006 The Retirement Party (2)

Frederick began his descent down the stairs to the sound of cheers from his peers and friends.

Eden clapped along with the rest of them, smiling as he reached the bottom of the steps with Lily who waved to the crowd and preened under their attention.

She wore a pale green dress that matched her eyes and stopped at her ankles. It was made of a shimmering, flowy material that probably cost thousands. The dress had an open back that allowed Lily's enticing figure to be seen by everyone who was near. 

The brunette winked at a couple of the bachelors present, sending them into a blushing frenzy with her beauty.

She looked like a princess straight out of the novels Eden used to read.

Frederick laughed at his beautiful daughter's antics, before turning to address the crowd waiting expectantly.

"I would like all of you to join me in the main hall, I have an important announcement to make,"

Eden's heart beat loudly in her chest, her stomach tightened with nervousness, would this be it? Was this the announcement that secured her inheritance?

Unbeknownst to her, Frederick Marshall had other ideas, with Lily hanging off his arm he greeted the guests and tossed them smiles all around.

"Do you think he loves the decorations babe?" Eden asked anxiously, she and Gertrude had spent the whole evening coordinating and now it seemed her father was indifferent to it all.

"I'm sure he loves it," Daniel said putting his arm around Eden and pressing a quick kiss to her temple, she giggled quietly enjoying his warm embrace when a voice coughed behind them.

An aged but elegantly dressed woman stood behind them with an unimpressed expression, she had he lip turned upwards at the sight of Eden who could only wave awkwardly at the woman.

"Mrs. Abbott," She said lightly, "It's so nice to see you, are you enjoying the hors d'oeuvres?"

"Hmph of course it'd be like you to think about food, it's a wonder you didn't stretch that gown out. I didn't even know McClairin gowns came in those sizes,"

"Mother!" Daniel scolded.

The older woman rolled her eyes and took a sip from her wine glass. Daphne Abbott was a tall, bony lady that headed the Abbott Microfinance funds in Meadowlark. Her once brown hair was now a long silver braid that fell over her shoulder, whitening with age.

Even approaching 60 years old she was still an elegant and commanding woman, her husband was nearby as well. Mr. Abbott stood behind near the door frame teasing one of the young maids. Daphne caught sight, widening her sneer.

She took another sip from her glass.

Eden felt for her but just wished she wasn't so rude. What kind of would it be if her future mother-in-law didn't even like her?

Through out her and Daniel's engagement, Eden had tried multiple times to earn the woman's trust, but it just wasn't happening. Daphne seemed to think Eden was beneath her and her son despite coming from the same social circles.

"I'll say whatever I damn well please about a dress bought with my money," Mrs. Abbott said frankly.

Eden had a deep frown marring her features, until now she had felt so beautiful in her gown but her future mother-in-law just had to ruin it with cruel words. What was meant to be a gift from her fiancee became a reminder that she was not welcome into his family.

"Mother," Daniel hissed, he took a deep breath and smiled at the older woman.

"Mom, why don't you be a little nicer to the woman I'm marrying?" Daniel's voice pleaded. Eventually, Daphne sighed and moved her gaze over to Eden who was still awkwardly standing there.

The older woman opened her mouth but couldn't find anything nice to say.

"Excuse me, I need another glass of wine if I'm to survive this event," she said walking off toward the main hall her stylish heels clacking against the hardwood floor as she did.

"I'm so sorry Eden I told her to be nice this evening, it's a special night for us,"

Eden shook her head, eyes downcast. No matter who it was, her weight always came up.

"No, I knew better than to show my face at an event, if she didn't poke fun at me, someone else would have I guarantee you that," 

"That's because they don't see you like I do, there's more to a person than just looks, and even then..." Daniel said tenderly, he brushed Eden's short strands away from her face and rested his hand under her chin. "You're the most beautiful girl in the world Eden Marshall," 

Eden giggled, it was as if his words traveled from her ears all the way down to her heart.

"And you're the kindest man I've ever met, willing to look past appearances and even the words of your parents," Eden said. 

"Now let's go and see what your geezer has to say," Daniel said leading her into the main hall with all the guests.

Eden and Daniel joined others at the small raised platform where Frederick stood to give his announcement. 

The couple scanned the crowd, finding everyone who meant anything, present. Whatever would be said here would carry weight beyond any typical speech.

Frederick took a deep breath.

"Good evening friends and family alike, it's been a good run. 40 years at Marshall Toys, I've lived a lifetime," Frederick said thinking fondly of the company.

"My Great Grandfather, Earnest Marshall built this company through his blood sweat, and tears, some many thought he couldn't do it and now we stand in a hall with more history to its name than most places,"

He looked at the faces of the people present and smiled.

"I want to thank each and every one of you for coming, I know some had to make trips from the farthest points of our great city, and to them I say welcome,"

The crowd gave murmurs of thanks and encouragement in response to his words.

Eden had never seen her father speak so emotionally, he was often rude and abrasive just as he was yesterday morning when she had tried to speak to him. Was he truly so emotional about handing over the company to her?

"As you know I will be retiring but that doesn't mean Marshall Toys will be empty at the helm, no! I've chosen my successor, one that is both beautiful and bright, smart with good ideas that will take the company forward,"

Eden was already walking to the front with a smile of pride. Finally, her father noticed her hard work.

"I present my successor, Lily Marshall,"