Secrets of the Night

Chapter 1

The letter had been laying in front of Philip for quite a while, as he just couldn't be bothered to open it. He would need a miracle to solve this mess he was in. Sighing, he finally broke the seal and folded the paper apart.

To

The Duke of Cornwall

Dear Philip Alexander, Duke of Cornwall!

I am writing this letter to you in order to table a proposal to you. I have heard of your efforts to settle the debts that your dear father - may he rest in peace - made in the past years and am willing to take care of those for you. Therefore I have a very generous offer for you.

All current debts will be settled and I shall personally help you to get back on your feet businesswise. You shall always have my counsel and I shall provide you with further payments, should you need it.

In return I shall not ask for much at all. My youngest son, Marcus Christoph, is coming of age and for a matter of fact I am on the lookout for an eligible bride for him. The beauty and kind soul of your sister Antonia Willow Clarice is well known by people in town. Unfortunately a marriage with her doesn't grant my son any lands or titles at that. Therefore additionally to a marriage arrangement between the two of them, I must insist on one more thing. As soon as the two shall be wed, the title and lands of Cornwall shall be my sons. You, of course, will be allowed to stay at the estate for as long as you wish.

I am aware that this might seem like a big price to pay for you, but if you were to think about it, you would surely come to the conclusion, that this is the best for all parties involved. You have met my son Marcus before and can surely testify that he is a proper gentleman and that your sister is in good hands with him. This also lightens the burden of you, to find her a husband in a few years time, when she has come of age. Just keep in mind the costs of all the gowns she will need to attend the balls during the season. It really is quite impressive how much a woman can spend on her appearance - I am speaking from experience here. It would bring me great pleasure, my friend, to save you from all this nonsense and great additional expenses.

It should also be a great relief for you to not have the burden of taking care of this huge estate on your shoulders. My son Marcus is currently travelling the world on the hunt for adventures. When I was his age, that was what I desired most as well - I am sure you can relate to that. You would be free to do that, and your sister would be taken care of.

Please consider my offer well and take your time with your decision, there is no need to rush things. I, of course, notice that this is a big decision to make and I am in no way wanting to pressure you into anything you wouldn't want. All I can and want to do is help you, my friend.

In expectancy of your reply,

Joseph II

Grand Duke of Yorkshire

Philip was taken aback by the letter and the Grand Duke's proposal. He didn't even know what to think.

Could he seriously consider an offer like that?

No.

It would feel like selling his sister off to a man in order to pay these debts. He couldn't possibly be even thinking about that. And she would never comply with an arranged marriage, for she was even more free-spirited than he himself was. Even if he were to force her into the marriage, she would never forgive him. How could she? - He wouldn't be able to forgive himself either.