A Cold Wife, Sweet Husband

Leo didn't bother to glance up from the stock reports on his desk as Mr. Tyndall entered the building. He could see the man from where he sat in his office but knew the receptionist would take care of the situation.

Whatever the older man wanted, his uncle could take care of it. Being around the man the previous day had been a test in patience and being quiet. The man spouted off his mouth about everything and it seemed that nothing made him happy.

He was miserable and seemed to drag other people under his cloud of doom and gloom. If the sun was out, he complained that it was too bright.

If it was raining, he complained that he got wet. If it was cloudy, he w.h.i.n.ed that it looked too dark for the daytime. With him, nothing was right. His son, Paul, had a better disposition and even ventured to look on the bright side of things, but his father quickly gave him reasons not to.

Paul simply ignored him, which Leo had to admit was the best course of action. Leo heard his uncle so he glanced back up from the stock report in his hand and saw Jonathan smile and shake the client's hand. How does Uncle do it?

He honestly looks happy to see Tyndall. Mr. Tyndall was loud enough for everyone to hear.

I am having a dinner party tonight. You and your nephew need to bring Miss Duff by. I plan to play some friendly games against Stan Betterman. I can't wait to see the look on his face when he loses.

I wouldn't have thought it possible to look at her, but that young lady is one of the best billiard players I've ever seen. She may not be as attractive as other women, but I suppose her looks don't matter when it comes to making me money.

Miss Duff is a beautiful young lady, Jonathan quickly interrupted. Leo raised an eyebrow. Since when did his uncle notice a woman's looks?

Really? I hadn't noticed—perhaps because of her disgraceful clothing, Mr. Tyndall replied. I already explained that the dress she was wearing is for the upcoming play, his uncle smoothly stated. Still, to wear it in public? People are apt to believe the Duff family is a pack of vagabonds.

Mr. Tyndall, please refrain from talking about her that way. A woman is to be treated with respect. Are are you telling me what to do? The man looked offended.

I'm just saying that if you wish for her to help you win the game, then it's a good idea to be polite. You are welcome to your opinion, but I would rather not hear it when it concerns her.

Yes, about the game. The dinner party is at six. I expect you all to be there. My nephew may have plans with his wife. Tell him to cancel them. I understand that the Duff woman likes to be with your nephew's wife at dinner parties. She will be happy to attend with Clare there.

Jessica, Jonathan corrected him. My nephew's wife is Jessica. Whatever. It doesn't matter, does it? I mean, she's just a woman. Leo decided it was time to get up and join them. Good afternoon, Mr. Tyndall. Boy, the man greeted.

My wife and I are hosting a dinner party tonight, Leo informed him. We planned it earlier this week. She wanted to invite some close friends over. He took it as a good sign that she was warming up to him since she was willing to openly acknowledge him as her husband to the people she cared about the most.