Chapter 13: Her Master's Wedding, Part 13, The Wedding Night

I settle to read a book I ensured was waiting for me here. It's a long book, and one I left it until now to read so that, things being what they are, if I could not sleep, I'd have something to keep me occupied.

Flipping to the first page, I sip my brandy. Then the second page. And I'm quickly hooked....

The flames flicker, warm and welcoming. The brandy is excellent. And I try hard not to think about what will happen tonight....

And which I won't be part of....

My brandy glass empty, I glance around for the friendly waiter, but he's nowhere to be seen. Tucking a slip of paper into my book, I close it up and make my way to the bar. Sliding my empty glass across the counter, "A large one, please."

"Of course, sir."

But as the glass is pressed into my hand, I realise that I'm trapped. Marie is to my left and one of....

.... another one of....

..... Michael's aunts has wedged into my right. She beams. "I'll have a sweet sherry please, young man."