"But enough of such depressing subjects," Lucian went on with a smile. "As to more cheerful news, the Duke of Samigada is to marry the famously beautiful daughter of king Samigadante of Dasph."
Sandra sat with her back straight, as she had been taught to do, and she smiled and spoke when she was expected to respond to some questions or remarks directed at her, but she had little interest in gossip about how people she did not know. She did know her mother well, however, and Sandra was aware that beneath the superficial talk there was an unspoken conversation going on at the table. She could guess why it was so. Elisabeth was protecting her daughters again.
"Goodnight, my dears." At last Elisabeth rose from the table, the others rising with her as a mark of courtesy. She looked first at Rosalinda and then Sandra. "It is time for you to be in bed."
At once the dutiful Rosalinda kissed her mother's cheek and said good night to the other adults. Sandra followed suit, though somewhat reluctantly. She was sure the most interesting part of the evening was about to unfold and, as usual, she and her sister would miss it. As she mounted the staircase behind Rosalinda, Sandra glanced back to see her mother leading Lucian, Leonardo, and Linda across the hall toward her private sitting room.
"Always, they have secrets," Sandra muttered.
"You don't want to know their secrets," Rosalinda told her.
"Oh, yes, I do." Sandra pause outside her sister's bedroom door. "They think we are still children, but we aren't anymore. Were we not living in this strange exile, both of us would have been married years ago. We would be mother's by now and no one would treat us as if we were ignorant babies. Don't you want to be treated like a grown woman, Rosalinda? Or do you want to continue to live like an untouched nun for the rest of your life?"
"Of course I want to marry. I can remember how happy mother and father were together, always laughing, always touching hands. I remember the beautiful warmth that emanates from them and enfolded you and me in their love. I want the same kind of affection for myself. I want it for you, too, Rosalinda."
"In that case, let us make a solemn vow," Sandra suggested. "Let us swear that we will marry only for love."
"For love alone." At once, Rosalinda nodded her agreement with this sentiment. "I do solemnly swear to you, Sandra, that I will marry only if I can be assured of enjoying the kind of love our parent knew."
"How I wish it could be so," Rosalinda said with a little laugh. "But the truth is, in our situation we are not likely to see any suitable men who would dare to offer for us. The vow we just made is meaningless, however much we wish our dreams could come true."
"I think we ought to take steps to change our situation," Sandra declared, "and work to make those dreams into reality."
"No!" Rosalinda's face went white, her eyes were wide with fear. "You must promise me you will do nothing foolish. You simply do not understand how an impulsive act on your part might be the end of us, and of mother. I could not hear to see violence done again. You were not there on that dreadful day. You do not know how terrible it was. I want no blood spilled on my account." Rosalinda shuddered, covering her face with both hands.
"Hush, don't cry." Sandra's arms were around her sister's heaving shoulders. "I won't cause trouble. I promise."
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Another chapter 😌
I know it's a bit short but my hands are killing me from typing
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RED
Romance"Sweet Sandra," he said. "I want you to promise you will tell no one that you have seen me. It is vitally important that no one knows I am here." "I promise." She said at once. "But-----" "Not another word," he said. "I saw you come here...
