| Subject: Chapter 4 An English Love |
Author:
Jacqueline
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Date Posted: Wednesday, April 05, 02:28:53pm
In reply to:
Jacqueline
's message, "An English Love" on Tuesday, April 04, 04:30:41pm
Lady Madeline and Paul walked into a huge sitting room with grand furniture. Lady Adrian and Lord George were sitting on the couches upright and ushered their guests to join them.
Lady Madeline bowed to both individuals and Paul escorted her to the couch opposite the Samuelles. Madeline and Adrian knew each from the English court and also attended each other’s weddings.
Lady Adrian smiled at both of them. “It does me good to see both of you again. I was very delighted to receive your letter. After I read it, I have been anxious to meet with both of you. Congratulations on having a child. I always mentioned to Mr. Samuelle how I wished you both would reproduce an heir.”
Lady Madeline always knew that Adrian wore the pants in this family and that she was very direct in making her point. “Yes Lady Adrian, we were very pleased with our daughter. She is a sweet, charming girl.”
Lady Adrian smiled back. “Well, now tell me about her. How old is she? In what areas is she accomplished?”
Madeline began to explain the daily lessons Nikita had and all her talents. Lady Adrian listened intently, but this was not what she cared about. She had been looking for a suitable bride for her eldest son. Michael was fourth in line for the throne of England and had the title of Duke in France due to his father’s family. Michael would be greatly sought after by every family in England. Adrian wanted full control over who her son married. She would not care if her son took lovers for that happened in every arranged marriage. Adrian had many lovers besides her husband. Michael needed to have a wife of excellent breeding.
The Wolfe’s were the best choice due to the fact that they had the richest estate in Sussex and extensive family connections. Ever since Adrian heard about a daughter being born, she had thought it would be a perfect match. This child will definitely serve the future needs of her most beloved son.
“I am glad to hear she is so well accomplished and only seven years of age. Well, I personally believe that an alignment between our son Michael and your daughter would be most agreeable,” Lady Adrian explained. “You know that Michael is not only a titled young man, but he is well accomplished. Nikita and he will be a perfect match.”
Lady Madeline and Paul were pleased at her eagerness to the alignment. Madeline started to realize that her child may never love this man and would be forced into a loveless marriage. She felt she did not think about the downside of an arranged marriage and that her daughter may end up being unhappy with a man she does not love.
“Well, I would like to meet your young daughter. Unfortunately, Michael is at school at Eton. He has always been aware that his marriage would be arranged. You may want to prepare your daughter for her requirements and duties as Michael’s wife.” Lady Adrian explained.
Madeline was a bit confused. “Duties and requirements? What might those be?” Paul turned his head to her and ushered her to be quiet.
Lady Adrian was happy to explain and boast about her offspring. “Lady Madeline, you must know Michael is an heir to the throne of England. He will be required to sire an heir to carry on his name and our family’s estate. Surely, you must teach your daughter that she must do this in order to secure the marriage.” Lady Adrian also added. “Also, as you must know your daughter’s virtue must be intact at the time of their marriage.”
Madeline was a bit taken back with these requirements. Madeline wanted to protect Nikita as well. Of course her daughter would maintain her virtue. Madeline replied with patience. “Lady Adrian, I understand that Nikita will be in an arranged marriage, but what if they do not love each other? If Michael takes lovers, Nikita will be devastated. I know her too well. She is also a lady of title and good fortune. I do not wish her to be treated as a breeding farm. She is the only child of our family”
George Samuelle laughed at her. “Lady Madeline, you know how arranged marriages operate. There is no love. If we depended on love to create marriages within England, we would have no society left at all. Love is only an idea created by playwrights. Everyone takes lovers and everyone couples to produce children. Women do not have rights as men do in this society. I feel sorry for women not born to good families, but this is the way things are. Your daughter will be married to one of the most eligible titled men in all of England and France. She will have a great deal of wealth and no worries. I believe she will be able to overcome a loveless marriage. We all do because it does not exist”
Madeline realized this was the only way. This is how society in England existed. Michael was the best choice for a suitor. She agreed to the transaction and Paul was relieved. They both wanted their daughter’s happiness, but this would have to be done to secure her future and that of their family.
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