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The Duke did not laugh back though, as he began to speak, while he kept his eyes cast downward. “Anna, I have made arrangements for you to marry the Duke of Nottaway.” Hearing her start to speak and he held up his hand as though to hush her and looked up.

Anna was too independent for her own good and the Duke of Charlesmere believed she needed a good man to take control of her. He cleared his throat and began speaking again. “The Duke of Nottaway and myself have come to a gentlemen’s agreement on this matter and it is settled. Your dowry will be titled over to the Duke, as our family’s financial gift in this marriage. I have no doubt that he will treat you properly as his wife and provide for you royally.” He added with no expression on his face.

“What! Oh Will, how could you! The very idea that you are trying to match me up to some nimble-headed Duke, when father is not yet cold in the grave! What is it? Don’t you want to deal with your younger sister any longer?” Anna streaked as she turned her face away from her brother.

“Anna, I can see you are struggling to handle this news, but please let me continue.” William managed to drag out of his mouth and waited for a moment before continuing.

She shook her head in agreement, as she kept her head turned. What else could she do? It seemed he had her whole life planned out for her. She felt sick to her stomach and betrayed. How could he?

(Check back tomorrow for part 9 of Chapter 1…)