Speak With Father Now!

Beth laid her head on her younger sister's laps, unable to do anything else but breath. Her tear glands were empty, her eyes were too tired to cry anymore. Gwen was lightly rubbing down her hair, comforting her as best as she could. Her nose was hurting and so was her heart.

"What am I to do now, Gwen?"

Lord Carlisle had forced his way into her life, into her home and now, into her father's decision. All was in disarray because she had agreed to be his friend.

Gwen exhaled. "The choice is no more yours. The decision has already been made." She rubbed on her temple. "Father and the Duke are drawing up the contracts as we speak, with Uncle Fitzwilliam as the witness. And Lord Carlisle says he wants no dowry."

How did she come upon this? "Have you been eavesdropping again?" Beth asked, her voice breaking.

"I am not as patient as you."

She had no energy to reprimand her sister. She exhaled too. "How did it go so wrong, Gwen? Father must be ashamed of me."

Gwen tapped lightly on her should