“They are going to remind me of the sanctity of the club and pretend that your complexion is not the issue.” He told her bluntly. “I know how their collective minds work.”
“And what are you going to say?”
“I will marry the love of my life, and if anyone has a problem, they can talk to me. I am a lawyer and do not fear bringing lawsuits, left, right, and center.”
She walked into his arms. “You are a scary guy.”
“I am very protective, and I am in love. Two hazardous combinations. As long as you love me, I can face anything.”
“That’s supposed to be my line.” She whispered. “And I adore you.”
“Then nothing else matters.”
*****
“We are not saying we are against the union,” a board member said carefully.
“Then what are you saying exactly?” Reginald asked him mildly. He had his father for support, as did several others who had come on board.
“We are simply saying that such a thing has never been done in the years of this club. We are a certain class, and your – er – fiancée is – well, she is –“ The man cleared his throat and looked around the room as if seeking validation. When none was offered, he picked up the glass of water and took several sips. “Well, she is not of our society.”
“Is that all?”
The man looked around the room again, and when no help was forthcoming, he tried again. “We are asking that you take the time to think this through. The reputation of this club depends on us upholding a certain standard- “
“And what standard is that?”
The man cleared his throat again.
“Before you answer that question, Doyle, I would like you to consider what you are about to say carefully. Because if I hear one word out of your mouth that even hints at racial bias, I am going to sue you for every goddamned penny you have. And if these men are with you, in that way of thinking, they will be involved in that lawsuit, and I assure you that I was at the top of my class at Harvard Law.”
That stemmed further discussions on the matter.
*****
“I wish your parents had lived to see you.” Her aunt said tearfully as she handed her a cup of tea.
“I miss them.” Jacinth sniffed. She was getting married in two weeks, and the frenetic pace at which she had been going was unbelievable. She refused to take time off even though that had started another argument between her and Reginald, but she countered it by reminding him that they were going on honeymoon for two weeks.
Her dress had been chosen and was now being altered. The bans had been read, and the reception was held at the manor.
She was practically living with Reginald, and the problem of leaving her aunt alone had been solved. A widow from her church had offered to live with her, and the two women got along very well.
“They would have been so proud of you. I like that young man of yours. He is very forceful, and even though he adores you, he does not allow you to walk all over him.”
A smile curved her lips. “No, he doesn’t. We argue a lot.”
“Signs of a good healthy relationship.”
“I never dreamed I would ever be marrying a white guy, not to mention one with his kind of money.”
“Life can throw you unexpected turns. I remember how unhappy you were when that dreadful man broke your heart.”
“Now I barely remember his name.”