Emma

Chapter Eighteen.

"So, Mr Shelby, what is it that you do?"

I lay my eyes on Thomas and wait for his answer.

"I own properties, cars, horses and factories," replies Thomas.

"A true businessman, I see," retorts Harry.

I smile and take a sip of my tea. Then, I look around the room while Thomas asks Harry about his own business. There is not a lot of people, and the few that are here are women. Mostly alone or with their female friends. Which reminds me that I don't really have female friends. Only Amsia and she isn't here.

Why haven't I been able to connect with women? Is there a problem with me?

"Emma"

I shake my head and lay my eyes on Harry. "Yes?"

"I have been calling your name for the last minute, are you alright?" Asks my friend.

I nod and smile. "Sorry. What were you saying?"

"I am going to the opera tonight, and I thought you would enjoy coming with me"

Immediately, I turn my head to look at Thomas. "Are you going?" I ask.

"No. I have to go meet a few acquaintances"

"I didn't know you had friends in London," I retort.

"I don't," replies Thomas.

I frown, confused. Then who is he going to meet? I thought he only knew people in Birmingham.

"So, Emma," starts Harry. "Will you come?"

I sigh and turn my head to look at Harry. "I would love to"

"Wonderful! The opera is playing Hugh the Drover at Her Majesty's Theatre, I heard it was astonishing"

"I cannot wait," I reply with a polite smile.

"We should go find you a dress for tonight," announces Harry.

Harry invites us to stand up, and as we all head to the exit that leads to the store, I stop near the altar.

"Don't tell me you want to pay," says Harry in an amused tone.

"I am," I retort.

"Emma, you are my guest. You and Mr Shelby are"

Thomas clears his throat. "Actually, I already paid"

Harry and I lay our eyes on Thomas. "You didn't," I say.

"I very much did"

"When?" Asks Harry, impressed.

"When you two were talking about Emma's father," answers Thomas. "I slipped the money to one of the waiters"

"But you are my guest, Mr Shelby"

"Debts don't make good friends," retorts Tommy.

***

I get out of the changing room, ready to leave for the opera, and see Thomas having a drink near the windows.

"Are you alright?" I ask.

He turns around to face me, and his eyes look me up and down. Then, he clears his throat and put his empty glass on a piece of furniture. "Ready?"

I nod and start to put my coat on. "So, who are you going to meet?"

"Ada"

"She's in London?"

"Yes. She moved here"

"I didn't know otherwise I would've come with you," I say.

"I'll tell her to stop by before we leave"