ISSABELLE

To change the conversation, Issabelle asked Steven's mother whether she had seen the place. She replied, "Oh yes we were the first to see the place, as Steven wanted his father's opinion right away." Issabelle wondered whether it was his father's opinion or his mother's approval that Steven wanted. His mother then outrightly asked Issabelle, "Are you planning to get remarried prior to Cathy and Steven, or after them?" Issabelle stared at her with a mixture of anger and shock, while she continued her preachings that, if she got married before Cathy's wedding, it would look good on Cathy's and Steven's invitation card. Issabelle controlled her anger for the sake of her daughter. She reminded herself, that it was Cathy's happiness that was of utmost importance.

Steven's mother then started giving her an expert opinion on Cathy and Steven's home, that "Though it is a good size cottage, it is semi-detached, while she or her daughters would never agree to anything less than a detached one. The rooms are also so dreadfully poky, but then probably Catherine is used to leaving in such a place." Issabelle sensed that by this comment, she had meant that Cathy was not provided a good home. Though Issabelle had provided Cathy everything so lovingly. Cathy having sensed something, seeing her mother's angry face came towards them from the other side of the room. Angry tears were burning at the back of Issabelle's eyes, which she tried to control. Steven's mother could not shut her mouth, because she then stated that "I told Steven, that he and Cathy should stay with us, while they save up, and find a better and a larger place." Cathy overheard her mother-in-law's comment. She imploringly looked at Issabelle, wanting her to intervene. Luckily Ryan had also joined them at the back and had overheard, Steven's mother's comment. He replied that "That's so generous of you Annie while smiling warmly at her. Though you and Mark must be wanting to spend some precious time of your own together, after all these years. Personally I feel it would not harm Cathy and Steven to struggle a bit. I am sure you and Mark must have also struggled in the initial years of your marriage."

Cathy and Issabelle both looked in astonishment, when Steven's mother responded to his flattery, like a cat being stroked. "Well yes, we had to work very hard, as Mark was the first amongst the siblings to leave his parents home. There was no question of us being invited to set up a home with them."

"And look at the success, that you'll have made of your life's" Ryan warmly replied. He continued the flattery by saying "You'll have set, a wonderful example, for Cathy and Steven to follow."

Issabelle than told her daughter "Come on darling show me around the house." But Annie again interrupted by telling Issabelle that "Remove your cream jacket off, the place around is so dusty. What an impractical color to wear." This lady was getting on her nerves, Issabelle thought. While Steven's father stepped forwards courteously to help her off the jacket. Issabelle was filled with shyness, as she had not worn her bra because Ryan had told her so. She was sure that this would not go unescaped from Cathy's sharp eyes. She saw that Cathy had disapproval in her eyes. Seeing her predicament, Ryan came to her rescue, as he put his arms around her and walked together to examine the place. As soon as Cathy and Issabelle were alone in the kitchen, Cathy asked "Mom, You and Dad will be getting remarried before our wedding?" Before Issabelle could reply anything to her daughter, Ryan had turned up behind and replied "Your mother and I haven't made any plans yet, but once we do that I promise that you'll be the first to know."

Steven's mother then joined them in the kitchen. She reminded Ryan about the invitation for lunch the next day. She said that "You should surely come." He corrected her that "Yes we both shall definitely come." Though the invitation was extended only to Ryan, then Steven's mother had to acknowledge Issabelle's role in Ryan's life. She replied "Yes, of course, you both I meant. That will be lovely."

While Issabelle and Ryan were leaving in his car, and while Ryan was busy saying something to Steven, Cathy took advantage and whispered to Issabelle, "I am happy for both of you, but Mom you should have dressed somewhat properly. At your age, it doesn't look good and I am sure Steven's mother might have also noticed."

While she and Ryan were walking towards the car, Issabelle wasn't sure what emotion she felt the most, anger or pain?

While driving back home, Issabelle was very quiet than she usually was. Ryan tried cheering her up but to no avail.