But there was something unnerving about the way she studied people.
She could make a compliment sound like a warning.
The first time we met, she looked at my inexpensive handbag and smiled.
“How refreshing. Adrian usually prefers women with more sophisticated tastes.”
I laughed awkwardly.
Adrian squeezed my hand.
“Mother, Emma doesn’t care about labels.”
Eleanor tilted her head.
“Of course she doesn’t.”
I told myself she simply needed time to accept me.
Victor, Adrian’s father, was more difficult to understand.
He rarely spoke during family dinners.
He watched his wife and son with an expression I couldn’t interpret.
Whenever I tried to engage him in conversation, he answered politely but briefly.
Once, when Adrian left the room, Victor asked me whether I had considered postponing the wedding.
I was startled.
“Why would I?”
He studied me.
“Marriage is a serious commitment. Particularly in this family.”
