Writester.net

She had hoped to see a spark of acknowledgement from her brother, but saw none. “If that is what I have to look forward to, I would rather stay unmarried and alone. I have my writing and painting which fill my day. I can’t imagine having to give either up for a man and why should I? How can you expect me to give up everything that father has allowed me to be over the years? I refuse to be forced into a marriage with this Duke or anyone else!” Anna shouted in a tone that matched her beautiful fiery red hair.

It was beyond her understanding how her brother could expect her to change the way she was and believed, after all these years of living such an independent life. Marriage should be her choice and she wasn’t about to allow anyone to marry her off.

“This is not under discussion Anna. Father gave you ever opportunity to pick your own husband and you have refused every proposal put before you, so I’ve chosen for you! You are already twenty-one years old and well beyond marrying age. I don’t plan on having an old maid sister under my roof. You will marry the Duke and that’s that!” Lord William Beauregard said with a force Anna had never heard him use on her before.

I can’t believe you would do this to me. Please don’t put me in this position, I beg of you.” Anna cried as tears stung her cheeks.

(Check back tomorrow for the last part of Chapter 1…)