A series of yelling and doors being slammed echoed throughout the halls of the Sallow manor.
"You cannot be serious! The man is twice my age!"
"Oh please Roselia, you could have it much worse. You could end up like poor Marcy down the street. Who would have thought that Mister Daniel would turn out to be a drunkard." Her mother shook her head with exaggerated pity.
"As your loving mother, I made sure that Lord Wilson would take good care of you. Look here," She revealed a small box and opened it. "Oh how beautiful is this necklace he sent. You wouldn't mind if I kept it? These colours would look ghastly on you." She said, eyeing the ruby necklace.
Roselia rolled her eyes. "Wear it, chuck it, sell it, whatever. I want nothing to do with this man." She fumed, climbing up the stairs to her bedroom.
"Whether you like it or not, Mister Wilson has agreed to marry you. He proposed a hefty dowry and your selfishness will not get in the way of that. Now, he will be here shortly to meet you so get nice and pretty." Mother turned on her heel, head held high. "And do try not to scowl, you'll ruin your face."
With that Roselia was left alone.
Entering her room she felt sick and ready to burst into tears. When she reached 18 years of age, her mother had not wasted a moment and immediately seeked to wed her off to the highest bidder. Unfortunately it wasn't too hard when her family's wealth and power was well known. Roselia herself had been dubbed Sallow's Rose, her beauty being well known by the gentleman in her town.
Now all she could do was try to keep the tears at bay as her maids dressed her.
"What is the matter, Lady Rose?" Camila Costello, her closet maid asked as she styled her long blonde hair.
Rose scowled. "I am not marrying this man."
Camila paused, confused. "But why not m'lady? Lord Wilson will be able to give you a comfortable life, is that not what you wish?"
She scoffed, "I live in comfort already. I don't want to marry a man I barely know," Her voice softened. "I wish to marry a man I fall in love with, someone who will love me for me, not for my face, not for my family's power."
Camila squeezed her shoulder in comfort. She'd like to offer encouraging words but knowing her Mistress, Rose's fate is already sealed.
Both girl's conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Lady Rose? Lord Wilson is here for you." Bueric, the butler spoke.
Rose sighed, "Alright, I will be down there shortly."
She could feel tears forming but instead took a deep breath. Rose stood from the chair, smoothing out the slim deep blue skirt. Camila patted her matching jacket before placing a feathered hat on her head.
"God, I hate these hats," She scowled as she fixed it atop her head.
"I think they're beautiful." Camila smiled as she gushed over Rose. "Best of luck," she said as she pushed Roselia out the door.
Rose was nervous for sure but as a lady she wouldn't dare to show it. She straightened her back and held her head high as she walked down the stairs, the clicking of her heeled boots alerting her mother.
"Oh here she comes! Lord Wilson, I present to you my dear daughter, Roselia Irene Sallow," She grabbed hold of Rose's arm and pulled her close. Rose winced as her mother dug her nails in. Warning duly noted.
"Hello Lord Wilson, it is a pleasure to meet you," Rose curtsied. She harshly judged the short chubby man in-front of her. His grey hair was covered by a top-hat in an attempt to hide his balding hair and she internally cringed.
