A Beauty With Multiple Masks

A quick glance at the time showed that it was already three in the morning, so he wondered why she might be calling at this ungodly hour. Vinson answered blandly wearing a frown on his face. “What is it?” Susanne’s displeasure seeped through the receiver from the other end. “Didn’t I tell you to come home earlier tonight? I have Mrs. Greene over for cards and have held her back until now, so why aren’t you back yet?”

Vinson replied with indifference, “I was at a dinner and had a little too much to drink, so I’ll be putting up at a hotel tonight.” Susanne’s voice elevated several notches. “Dinner? Don’t you start bringing some loose woman back from there! The Greenes’ young lady seems to be of good breeding and is highly educated, and not bad looking as well. Their whole family would be returning to Horington tomorrow so you must come have a look at her right away!”

Vinson sounded a little impatient. “I’ve no plans to get married these few years, so don’t bother introducing women to me.” That got Susanne vastly worried. “My dear boy, why are you talking like that? What do you mean you have no plans to get married? It’s not like I’m asking you to do so right away. I’m only suggesting for you to keep an eye out for prospective partners, that’s all, cause you’re always either working or hanging out with those three friends of yours. What about yourself, seeing how they’ve been swapping one girlfriend after the other?”

years, and what happened after that? I’ve organized so many banquets for you, and yet you’ve shown no interest in anyone. So, how do you expect me not to worry? You should know for yourself that things have

you right now, but you absolutely have to bear this in mind—get married as soon as you can.” Amidst his own vexation, Vinson found his

by staying silent. If you won’t find a partner for yourself, then I will…” Before Susanne could finish speaking, someone else was heard urging her along over the other

tone, “Are you listening? Hurry up and get yourself back here!” “I won’t be coming home today.” “What? Not coming home? I’m doing my best to stall them, so you better get yourself in no matter

the end-call button, and looked quite dour when he walked over to Arielle’s side. Since it was Arielle’s wish for him to repay her by virtue of marriage, and with his own family also piling on the pressure, he thought he might as well choose Arielle in spite of his own reluctance. He figured that since the whole point was to get married, why should he not just settle for someone who