Chapter 282
"Since you're so curious about me, I'll satisfy your curiosity." Emily Johnson smiled faintly.
The bride's cousin adjusted her collar with false elegance. "A woman should have her own career. It's humiliating to beg for money from a man."
The barb was obvious.
"My husband says providing for the family is his duty." Emily suppressed her disgust, maintaining her gentle facade. "I'm not as capable as you, sister. I have to rely on my man."
She nearly bit her tongue saying those words.
Playing the delicate flower didn't come naturally. Praising her husband while pretending to be helpless—it felt foreign.
The woman opposite couldn't hide her smugness. Pretty face meant nothing if you depended on a man. Not like her with a stable government job and steady paycheck.
"Our Michael dotes on his wife," Mary Stone interjected. "Since marrying Emily, he won't even let her lift a finger."
The bride's mother quickly countered, "My daughter's the hardest worker you'll find."
Plain looks mattered less than being useful. That's what made a good wife.
The prospective bride kept her head bowed, silent as a mouse. Daniel River sat uncharacteristically quiet—a stark contrast to his usual chatter.
The matchmaker Lucy Smith broke the tension. "Daisy's known throughout the village for her diligence. She masters all household chores."
Turning to Daniel, she added, "Young Daniel earns full work points, handsome too, and his uncle's the brigade leader—"
"Sister-in-law..." Daniel suddenly spoke.
Emily raised an eyebrow. Had he taken a liking to the girl?
"What is it?"
Daniel fumbled for words while the girl remained statue-still.
Lucy restated both families' merits. This was Daniel's first matchmaking meeting—his awkwardness showed.
The bride's mother pulled Lucy aside, whispering about dowry demands. Lucy's expression shifted upon hearing the figure.
"They want..." Lucy quoted the sum.
Martha River barely stifled a gasp.
Daniel blinked at his mother's sudden glare. What had he done? Emily almost laughed at his bewildered look, pinching herself to stay composed.
Martha seethed silently.
Lucy continued mediating. She'd only recommended this match because of the girl's renowned diligence. But seeing Emily today—the young woman's beauty outshone every village girl for miles.
"Daniel, take Daisy for a walk," Lucy suggested, wanting to discuss dowry privately.
Worried about propriety, Martha added, "Sam, go with your uncle."
A child chaperone would prevent gossip.
Daniel grew more confused. First the glare, now this? Was the match settled? He hadn't decided yet!
But filial duty prevailed. He took Sam's hand and led the way outside.
The room held Martha, Mary, Emily facing the bride's mother, cousin, and Lucy.
An invisible battle line had been drawn.
Emily wondered: Why did this first meeting feel like wedding negotiations already?