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“Why are you turning on me now Will? What have I done to find such displeasure with you?” Anna asked with every bit of strength she could muster, feeling so confused and betrayed.

“Anna, we are not displeased with you. I had to make a tough decision as head of this household now, and I knew it wouldn’t be a popular one with you. I’m only looking out for your best interests, since you don’t seem able to yourself.” The Duke said in a calm tone trying to dismantle his sister’s anger that filled the room, but before he could say more Anna was challenging his comments.

“How can you profess to be looking out for my best interests, while marrying me off to some Duke I’ve never met!” Anna walked over to where the Duke was seated.

She continued to speak as she looked into his eyes, looking for some compassion. “Have you asked the Duke if he would treat me as an equal, because I refuse to be treated as an inferior? I tell you Will, I refuse to live as our sisters do. They are nothing more than a shadow of their husbands, appearing on their husband’s arms as wilting flowers.”

(Check back tomorrow for part 11 of Chapter 1…)