The Scholar's Bride

Part 1-The Arrangement

1856

"What did you want to speak with me about?" Eliza asked her Father as she sat down,she felt the warmth of the cushion, she met her Father's eyes, and noticed the light that illuminated from them, "Papa,tell me, you know how I hate the suspense" Father took her hand and said "This is a great step for our family, Lizzie" Eliza could not bear the suspense and said "Tell me!" 

Father took a deep breath and said "I have just finished negotiating with the Whitaker family about your marriage to their eldest son Samuel Whitake, that will make you the wife of a heir to a dukedom" Eliza could not speak, she could not believe it, she had to grip the handle of the seat to steady herself as she said "marry? I am going to marry?"

Father nodded and said "yes, but it will be benefical for our family and for your future, you will be a Duchess, a wealthy one indeed" Eliza was stunned,amazed at how little her Father thought of her feelings and thoughts, and how he ony thought of the wealth and profit he would receive. Eliza stood up and said "No, I can not marry a man I have never met" her voice clear and firm,making her decision heard.

Father shook his head and said "I am sorry if it is not to your liking but you have no choice" Eliza felt a pit of anger burn in her, she bit her tongue,trying her best not to flung a retort and cause her Father's displeasure. "When is the wedding?" she forced heself to say, hoping it would be months away. 

Father looked at his only daughter solemnly as he said "you are going to meet the Whitake family tomorrow and a week later,you two shall be married at St Barts" Eliza felt her heart pound in her chest as she heard her Father speak, she did her best to calm herself and she said "what does Mother think?" Father shook his head dismissivly and said "Your mother also thinks this is a good move" 

Eliza could not believe it, she did not want to. Eliza took a deep breath and said "I see, if you would excuse me, but I am tired and will be resting now" with that, Eliza turned away and ran up to her chambers, her heart racing with anger and dread. She flopped on her bed,burying her face in her pillow,wanting nothing more than to disapear and to avoid this.

Why? why? I would rather beg for bread like a peasant than marry

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"Forgive me Father, but I do not want to marry" Sam said, not meeting his Father's cold eyes, it was true,he did not want to marry,especially to a woman that he has never met or seen before. Father sighed and said "Sam, you have to, tomorrow you will be meeting your bride and whenether you like her or not,you will marry her either way."

Sam glanced at Mother,hoping she would object to this but she just sat there with her sewing in her hand,looking down. Sam sighed and stumbled on words as he said "I....um....I have no choice?" Father shook his head without speaking, Sam looked down on the floor and walked away from the Parlor. 

Sam heard footsteps follow him, he turned around to find his sister Mary Jane looking at him,full of pity and said "You are unhappy" Sam could not fight off a denial and just nodded, Mary Jane took a step closer and said "It is unfair....I-i......I don't want to marry" Mary Jane placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and said "I understand, but perhaps you will be happy as I have been with Elliot"

Sam sighed and said "thanks, you are very kind" Mary Jane smiled at her brother and said "you are my brother,of course I am kind to you" with a small smile, Mary Jane walked away. Sam sighed and went to the Libarary, his haven and escape.

But the words of Jane Austen could not soothe his racing mind, he kept wondering what type of woman his bride would be, he could barely focus on Austen's words, he sighed and gazed at the fireplace, remembering what he hoped for, he dreamed of devoting his life to study,learning and questioning everything, but he guessed his family had other plans.