CHAPTER 39
The elegant rooms of the Fairfield manor overflowed with guests. Leonora stayed quiet, smiled faintly at the well-wishers, her insides numb to words and sounds and sentiment. Alex loomed large and confident in his black tux as he made the rounds of greetings. He juggled a full tumbler agilely as he kissed hands, hugged shoulders and kept his fingers glued to his wife’s waist.
Waiters herded the lingering crowd to the ballroom to take their seats for dinner. Leonora and Alex sat at a small table draped in gold silk, centered with white roses.
Owen, dressed in a pure white tuxedo, stood and tapped his fork against his champagne flute. The room quieted. “It’s with great honor that we welcome you to our home on this wonderful day—the wedding of Alexander Harrington and my beautiful niece, Leonora.”
Leonora stared at her pale hands in her lap as if they belonged to someone else.
“But even as we share our congratulations and our love for this happy couple, we must also use this opportunity to say our good-byes.”
Leonora looked up. Owen and Alex exchanged grins. “As many of you know, Alex has become like a son to me. His business acumen, as well as his devotion to my niece, has been a great source of pride for my wife and I. And with that pride comes a deep trust. Alex has graciously agreed to step into the family business and will fill my shoes overseas.”
A live wire pulsed, itched her palms. Air came quick and short to her lungs.
“Please join me as we wish Alex and Leonora health and happiness in their new home.” Owen Fairfield raised his glass, met Leonora’s eyes deeply and tilted the glass solely to her.
Her breathing stopped.
“Australia!”