Page 24 of Matrimonial Merger

“No,” I answered. “I left the UK. But there was no malice?—”

“Ms. Delphine, is your current partner a member of the Democratic National Committee in the United States?”

“Yes,” I answered.

“And did he give the keynote address at their recent party conference?”

“Yes,” I answered.

“And did you—alongside him—host a fundraiser for a presidential candidate in October of this year?”

“I did not,” I answered. “My mother did. And my mother is also a dual citizen who was born here. What is your point? Are you alleging I helped the Labour Party, which lost in a landslide? Or that I helped the Conservatives who ultimately won?”

“I ask the questions, Mrs. Walker.”

The name set me over the edge.

“It is Ms. Delphine. I reached out to an old friend and colleague after hearing concerning things about someone distributing my tape to members of the party. Lest you forget, Iwas actively involved in politics here—as a citizen and the wife of a prominent politician. But he was also a friend. It was not some great political plot. I was asking for help. Is that not allowed?”

I felt the eyes of the jury and looked back to see several members glaring at the attorney. It was then that I realized I had the upper hand. Or, rather, I realized Chandler and I both recognized it. In what was hopefully only another few days, we’d have reason to celebrate a small victory—one that would restore me in a way I needed.

8.DOING THE RIGHT THING

Daphne

We left brunch,taking the day away from court. I was about to have a mental breakdown and decided to take a day off of work, too. Delanie was only too happy to take the party to a posh place in Chelsea. We passed a window of a beautiful bridal shop. The renowned British designers had glorious dresses in the windows—happy dresses for brides who could be chic and wear whatever they wanted. My heart first fluttered, then immediately sank.

Chloe, walking beside me, stopped. “That dress is beautiful.”

She looked at the same one I had an eye on—a sophisticated strapless ivory gown. It wasn’t overly bridal.

“It’s a wedding dress,” Lanie laughed. “You have plans, babe?”

“No, but Daphne does.”

Everyone stopped and stared at me.

“C’mon, Daph, I know you want to try it on,” Chloe said.

“Let’s do it,” Dora delighted, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the door.

“Dora Elizabeth! Do you think that is really appropriate? What if the paps see us out here?” I asked.

“Yes, total scandal!” Lanie rolled her eyes. “Woman who is about to get married tries on wedding dresses?—”

“While the man who dropped her sex tape is on trial,” I added, hands on my hips.

“Yes, whatever. Fuck him. Come on,” Chloe opened the door and stepped inside.

Mum surprised me with a shrug. “You could use a cheer-up, darling.”

By the time I made it inside, Chloe was in a full-on conversation with one of the consultants, pointing to the dress in the window, then me.

“It’s just beautiful. But let’s pull some others,” Chloe said.

“Are you the planner?” The consultant asked.

“Daphne is my sister-in-law—will be,” Chloe said.

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