When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 67

Henrietta took a deep breath to calm herself as she walked. “That’s my problem, then. I’m very sorry, but I don’t see any future for us.”

Joaquin kept pace with her, persistent. “Ms. Sargent, a marriage alliance is a partnership for mutual benefit. Yes, I’m attracted to you, but I also have to be myself. I can’t just grovel at your feet on our first meeting and agree to everything you say, can I?”

Henrietta didn’t answer, quickening her steps, desperate to get home. Joaquin stayed right beside her. “Don’t you realize that besides me, there’s no one else in our circle who is a suitable match for you? The only one with a comparable family status and age is me. The others are either from much lesser families or are much older or younger. You won’t find anyone better.”

“Oh, wait, there is one other,” he added. “Yosef. But he’s much older than you, and besides, he used to date my sister.”

Henrietta reached the restaurant exit and stopped, turning to face him with a steady gaze. “Thank you for your concern, Mr. Leland, but that is my business.”

With that, she turned and headed down the steps toward her car.

“Who will you form an alliance with if there’s no one suitable?” Joaquin called after her. “Are you going to find another social climber?”

Henrietta froze. “Even if I find a hundred social climbers, that’s my business,” she shot back, her composure finally cracking.

“You—” Joaquin looked genuinely angered but quickly suppressed it. “What can a man like that offer? You’re the only daughter. It’s difficult for a woman to support a family of this stature alone. You need a man to rely on. Or do you plan on relying on Quinton?”

Henrietta had no desire to engage. She reached her car and was about to open the door when Joaquin suddenly grabbed her arm. Frowning, she yanked her arm away. “Mr. Leland, what do you think you’re doing?”

He seemed frustrated, staring at her for a long moment before sighing. “We haven’t finished dinner.”

“I’m not hungry, thank you,” she said flatly.

He placed a hand on her car door, blocking her way. “Finish your meal before you leave.”

Henrietta stared at him in disbelief. “I’m not eating,” she said, her voice cold. “I’m not hungry.”

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