Of Romances and Resolves

2- The betrothal

It is the custom of those in the upper echelons of society to ensure their legacy endure—and should endure honorably. Scandal and infamy brought by dubious decisions may blemish a family's honor, and sometimes, even beyond remedy, hence, when it comes to conduct and matters affecting social reputation, aristocratic families proceed with due caution.

However, not all decision made by families inhabiting these circles are purely moved by their desire to remain in the good graces of the ton. Love and affection, romantic or otherwise, are equally strong, or if not, are much stronger incentives. However, occasionally, prudence and affection become united in making decisions, and so is the case in this instance.

The Duke of Sapiro is a rigid-looking man, blessed with a tall and solid build. Armeo is known to be stolid in demeanor and firm in resolution. He served as one of the generals for the king's army in the famous Battle of Waterloo and his indispensable service accorded him due distinction, however, it also rendered him incapable of walking properly, bestowing him with a limp to endure for the rest of his life. He is a man whom many dare not to trifle with—harsh, severe and unyielding when it comes to matters of honor and principle, and these traits which makes him the most inveterate and dreadful of enemies also makes him the most faithful and true of friends.

His wife is a charming creature, middling in stature with long ebony hair, endearing hazel eyes and a lovely olive complexion. Asnara, is a tender creature, modest, reserved but with a full heart. Externally, she is her husband's opposite but never had there been hearts more harmonious and devoted to each other than theirs in Sapiro.

The noble families of Lireo and Sapiro had been long-standing acquaintances as ancient and noble families in their respective rights often run along the same circles, however, the closeness and affections of the Lady Raquia of Lireo and Lady Asnara of Sapiro had transformed a mere acquaintanceship into a deep and abiding friendship.

The Lady Raquia, growing up as the sole sister of two elder brothers and deprived of female companions her age, latched on to the society of the diffident Lady Asnara. The two nourished a profound bond, treating each other as if sisters of the true blood, and had looked forward to the prospect of uniting their families through matrimony.

Their husbands, subservient to their wives' desires and finding merit in the idea, dutifully entertained the thought. As the duchy of Sapiro already had its heir in the person of the Lord Ybrahim, an infant scarcely a year old, a daughter was needed from Lady Raquia to establish the union. The following year, the lady was delivered of a female infant, and the betrothal was all but certain.

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When the news was related to the Dowager Duchess of Lireo—the terrifying Lady Esmeralda—she all but jumped for joy at the account.

"It's an excellent match! The Duke of Sapiro is an honorable man and I expect nothing less from his son and heir, and wedding him would make my darling little Amihan one of the highest ladies in the land," Lady Esmeralda exalts at the prospect. The sweet girl was one of the prettiest babes she has ever beheld, and nothing less than a marquess would do for her granddaughter.

"However, you must take good care in ensuring that Pirena also secures a worthy match. Although the girl has an unfortunate ancestry, it would not do to slight her by publicly arranging matches for the youngest first," the dowager told her son pointedly. "Do not risk casting her in an unflattering light, because if you do, it would be much difficult to ensure a fine husband for a granddaughter of a knight!"

Although the scandal of his first marriage had been nearly effaced in the minds of the people, the dowager duchess's mind was much sharper and her disdain persistent. Nothing had ever succeeded to endear her to the girl, and the old woman had been inclined to hurl scathing remarks about the unfortunate girl at her unfortunate father.

"Mother please," the duke pleaded. The lady scoffed, "Thank God you found sense! Now Lady Raquia, that is a fine girl. The daughter of the Marquess of Pembroke, whom the king dotes upon as one of his relations, and now she serves you with an enviable match for a daughter scarcely a month old. Oh if only you had listen to me from the start Mine-o!"

The duke closed his eyes, an unabating headache had assailed his person all afternoon and the sharp reprimands of his mother had done nothing but make the malady unbearable. The door of the library opened, revealing a smiling Raquia carrying an equally smiling Amihan in her bosom. "Mother!" She greeted the dowager with glee.

The dowager, upon seeing her granddaughter, demanded the mother to relinquish the infant to her. All previous remarks about her son's indelicacy were all but forgotten.

He sighed, thanking the deity for his wife.