Li Ru An stared at the wealthy rubber plantation owners and their little Princess of a daughter. She would probably be like Yang Gui Fei and her lychees—a spoiled woman.
"Please be seated," Lady Marshall invited as she gestured toward the dining room table. They all sat together and the butler began directing the footmen serving the food and wine.
Ru An was surprised to see traditional Chinese foods arriving at the table. She looked towards their hostess with questioning eyes.
"Our cook is a lovely young woman from Fujian and my daughter and I consulted with her on the menu. I hope everything will be to your liking." Lady Marshall smiled gently.
Ru An was taken aback but nodded affirmatively in response. Wang Jin Ming and Mr. Marshall both nodded to one another in acknowledgment. If their wives were in agreement then the men were satisfied.
"Ru An, are there any wedding customs from Chinese culture we should know about?" Lady Marshall asked.
Ru An was again surprised. This English family wanted to incorporate Chinese customs into their daughter's wedding. She glanced at Cora, but she simply wore a gentle smile on her face, as she gazed at Ru An's son lovingly.
Ru An felt her heart softening. She knew what it was like to love someone with such longing. She glanced toward her own husband. It seemed she was the only one who had actual objections to the marriage, but she had to admit that most of her reticence was based on Cora's English background; her blonde hair and milky white skin. For an Ang mo she was beautiful. How would she look in a traditional red wedding hanfu? But more importantly, would she embrace their culture or pull her son away from it? Would her grandchildren be English or Chinese? Would they speak the language of their father? Would she practice filial piety? So much about their cultural backgrounds were different. But her willingness to incorporate Chinese culture into the wedding was a good sign that she was willing to try.
"There is the tea ceremony." Ru An offered in answer to Lady Marshall's question. If Cora could offer the olive branch then she could take it.
"What preparations should be made for that?" Lady Marshall asked kindly.
"If Miss Marshall wishes to have the tea ceremony she will need a red hanfu—a traditional Chinese garment. A tea service, decorations; I can see that arrangements are made," Ru An assured Lady Marshall.
"Oh, would it be possible for me to come with you?" Cora spoke up hesitantly.
Ru An turned to state in surprise at her future daughter-in-law.
"It's just that, I would like to spend some time getting to know you better and perhaps this would give us a good opportunity to do so?" Cora said questionioningly. Run An blinked in surprise.
This young Ang mo, was affording her respect and wished to know her better, wished to incorporate Chinese culture into her wedding? It could be an act, but she knew Cora's wedding would be the social event of the season, so it was an act everyone would see. Ru An felt her heart thawing by the second.
"Yes, of course you can." She assured Cora.
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