Jessica Allen took a deep breath and sat down on the couch in the parlor next to Brian, her twin brother. She knew their father was about to give them the bad news. She glanced at Brian who shook his head. He appeared just as shocked as she was that their father had called them into the room. Their father sat in the chair across from them with a serious look on his face. She didn't want to hear what he would say next but knew she didn't have a choice. She was aware of the ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner of the room as she waited for him to speak.

Brian, Jessica, this isn't easy to say. Their father paused.

I'm bankrupt.

What?  She couldn't believe her ears.

My business crumbled, he explained. I have no more money, and my investments weren't enough to cover my losses. She had a hard time understanding how his tax consulting business went bankrupt when he had just experienced a huge profit earlier that year.

He looked at Brian. At least you still have your job at the college and your investments are continuing to do well. Jessica knew that Brian found little consolation in that fact. Brian didn't want to see their father's business fail any more than she did. I can help you get back on your feet, Brian said.  We can find a way to get your business up and running again.

He shook his head. I appreciate the offer, son, but my reputation has been destroyed in this town. I don't know why or how, but it has. No one will want to do business with me. He turned to her. Jessica, I have to make sure your future is going to be secure so I have arranged a marriage between you and Leo Monroe. He is wealthy and will provide a good future for you. She panicked. Why would you do that? I just accepted an offer to let Harrison court me.

I'm sorry, Jessica. I know you were looking forward to getting to know Harrison but his father doesn't want him to marry you unless I provide his son with a sizable dowry on your behalf, and I can't do that. I had to find you, someone, as soon as possible. I'll be losing the house next week, so I don't have time to wait. I discussed the matter with Leo Monroe's uncle and it's

been arranged. You will marry Leo on Saturday.

But...but that's three days from now. She struggled to make sense of everything her father was telling her.

I know it's a shock. He sighed. I wish there was something else I could do, but I have to make sure that you will be able to enjoy the same standard of living you are accustomed to.

No, you don't have to do that. Her mind desperately sought out another solution. I can manage without the wealth we have had. I can find a job. There are women in our town who

work.

Even if we did that, there is no way Harrison will court you. His father is determined that he will marry a wealthy young lady. Besides, if you worked, then word would get out that you have no money, and there aren't many men who will be willing to marry a twenty-four-year-old woman without money.

Let me work, she insisted. I'll pull my weight. I've had sufficient schooling to do a decent job. Surely, just because I'm a woman, it shouldn't mean I can't find suitable employment. I don't care if people find out what happened. It certainly beats marriage to a man she hardly knew.

You will not be as happy as a spinster.

I should be the one to decide that.

He sighed. I hadn't considered you would be opposed to this marriage. I've already made arrangements with Leo's uncle. Leo is looking for a wife who has a good reputation. The news

of my bankruptcy will be well hidden so no one knows the truth. Neither Mr. Monroe nor I wish for anyone to know the reason for the sudden marriage. The official word is that his uncle and I

agreed to this arrangement because, for Leo to receive his trust fund when he turns twenty-five, he must marry. Leo is aware of the arrangement and will stick to the story.

She glanced at Brian who looked as overwhelmed as she felt, but at least he wasn't being forced into a marriage with someone she thought was more boring than watching grass grow. Brian finally spoke. You know that Leo and I are friends. I think a marriage between you two will be a good thing.

Leo's a good man, their father added. He will make you happy.

Why would he agree to marry me? she wondered. We don't even know each other.

He's quite taken with you.

I find that hard to believe.

She could barely recall the times when she did see him. She knew he attended many dinner parties. She had occasionally said hello to him but that was the extent of her conversations with

him. She had overheard him talking with her brother and his topics of interest didn't seem to stray from his investments. She wasn't even sure he knew how to talk about anything else. She couldn't imagine that they had anything in common. She and Harrison were much better suited for one another.

Her father looked sympathetic. I do not wish the spinster's life for you. It is lonely and miserable. I have made an excellent choice for you. Brian turned to her. Leo is fun. You have to give him a chance. He has a good sense of humor. Only to someone who understands the lame investment

jokes he tells, she replied. He also gives the most ridiculous

analogies I've ever heard. He compared a big dog to a horse.

Indeed, he's not the smooth talker that Harrison is, but he is a good friend. He can talk about other things.

When?

Lots of times. You just never paid him any attention.

The only reason he accepted this marriage is that you

two get along.

Their father interrupted them. Leo is better than Harrison. Harrison may seem fascinating but he's selfish. He will ultimately concern himself with what he wants, and though he might want you today, who can tell what he will want in

the future? Marriage is a commitment. It is a choice you make. She groaned. But there should be love too.

Love is a decision a person makes. Leo understands that. He is determined to be the kind of husband that will bless

you.

You're confining me to a life of boredom.

I'll have to arrange something so you two can have a chance to talk. Perhaps you will find that he isn't as dull as you

fear.

The knot in her stomach tensed. Her entire world was crumbling down around her and she couldn't seem to stop it.

She fought the tears that welled in her eyes. ―May I please be

excused?

―Yes, you may, her father permitted.

She walked to her bedroom and shut the door behind her

so no one would see her crying. Of all things for her father to tell

her, this was the last thing she expected to hear. She looked at her

many elegant dresses, skirts, and shirts hanging in her large closet.

Her large bed had a beautiful lacy purple canopy above it, and her

jewelry sat neatly in her jewelry box. She loved all her

possessions. She enjoyed the things that money could buy.

But she didn't love them enough to marry Mr. Monroe. What good

were things if she was going to be miserable? She couldn't

imagine that he would have anything of interest to say to her.

She sat on her bed and ran her hands over the soft purple

comforter. She used to take comfort in her bedroom, but as she

slowly absorbed everything that was about to happen, she couldn't

find peace in her heart. She hated the fact that she couldn't make

her own decisions.

 Why did she have to be at the mercy of her

father's wishes? She wiped the tears from her eyes.

She caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror over

her large oak dresser. She knew she wasn't the most attractive

woman to look at, which was why she hadn't received more than

one offer at courtship. Her dark brown hair fell in soft curls to

her shoulders. She had deep brown eyes and was of average

height and build. Nothing—absolutely nothing—about her stuck

out. She was just ordinary. No wonder her father felt he had to

arrange a marriage for her.

After she cried for a good hour, she was exhausted and fell

asleep. She refused to go to breakfast or lunch the next day. She

stayed in her bedroom. It was on Thursday. In two days she would

be Mrs. Leo Monroe. She gagged at the thought.

A light tapping on her door brought her out of her misery.

―Jessica, may I talk to you?  Brian asked her.

She sighed and decided to open the door. She was

relieved to see that her brother was alone. She didn't

feel like seeing her father who arranged the horrible marriage for

her.

 Brian closed the door behind him and sat in the chair

across from the bed where she sat. ―Why does the thought of

marrying Leo displease you so greatly?

―You know why she said. ―I can't stand the thought of

even talking to him. How can I be expected to marry him? You

enjoy those boring investment conversations, so naturally, you're

thrilled that he's marrying me.

―He doesn't just talk about investments. He has other

interests as well. He enjoys the theater, dinner parties, animals,

and the beach. You share the same faith and financial

background.

―The money would certainly do me some good right now. If

Father still had some, I wouldn't be forced to marry him. You

may think he's funny but I don't. Harrison is a lot more

entertaining.

―You've only talked to Harrison twice. You haven't even

officially courted.

―True but I did have fun talking to him.

―Give Leo a chance. Maybe in a month, you'll have as

much fun talking to Leo as you do talking to Harrison.

―We don't agree on this issue.

―I assure you that he's going to treat you better than

Harrison would.

―It's easy for you to say that since you don't have to marry

him.

―I'm your brother. I want you to be happy.

She knew he meant well but he couldn't fully appreciate

her situation since he wasn't in it. He didn't have to marry

someone. He was granted the ability to work, and since he was a

man, he was free to marry whomever he wanted when he chose to

marry. Women were not granted the same privilege. Sometimes

she resented the fact that she was born a woman. If she had been

a man, then she would have freedom.

―I got a chance to speak with Leo today, her brother

began, ―and he's looking forward to marrying you.

She didn't hide her disgust. ―Why? He doesn't even

know me.

―No, but he knows me. He is aware of your reputation in

town, and face it, you are a very nice person. You do a lot of

good for others. He figures that you will make a good wife and

mother. And he is a very influential man with a good reputation

that is just as impressive as yours. You will make a good match,

both publicly and privately.

―That is a matter of opinion.

―It's a fact. He stood up. ―There is something I must

warn you about before I leave.

She frowned. She already didn't like the sound of this.

―Leo's uncle has arranged a dinner party for you and

Leo to announce your engagement before our family and

friends, he informed her. ―It is tonight at seven.

―What? she shrieked.

―Leo's uncle and Father decided on this earlier today.

We will be going to Leo's house.

―And if I don't feel like going?

―Please don't do this, Jessica. Leo doesn't deserve to be

made a fool of in front of everyone.

She narrowed her eyes at him. ―Is that why he's getting

married to me? Does he hope I will impress his friends?

―No. But you will humiliate him if you don't show up

tonight.

She gritted her teeth in aggravation. No choice. Not one

a single person was giving her a choice in any of this! And she

hated it. Somehow, someway, she had to find a way out of this

marriage.

Later that afternoon, she reluctantly bathed and got dressed for

the dinner party since her father made it clear that she didn't have

a choice in the matter. She combed her hair and pulled it back

with a popular hair clip that matched the black dress she had

picked to wear for the evening. She intentionally wore it because

she felt as if she was attending the wake before her funeral, which

she considered her marriage to be.

Her father wasn't amused by her dress. ―Jessica, you are

acting inappropriately. This is a festive occasion.

―For you perhaps, but it is a morbid one for me.

Her brother looked like he wanted to comment so she

glared at him. He immediately shut his mouth. He knew when it

was time to be quiet.

―Go change, her father ordered. ―Put on something with

a lot of colors.

The doorbell chimed. It was one of Leo's servants who

would drive them to his house in his stagecoach.

He groaned. ―You timed this so you couldn't change.

She crossed her arms and nodded. ―I'm not stupid,

though this whole arrangement is.

―I can only hope the Lord will show you the folly in your

thinking. He sighed. ―Very well. Let's go.

She slowly followed the two men out of the house and to

the stagecoach.

―Good evening, the driver told them. ―My name is

Franklin Jones. Turning to her, he said, ―After the wedding, I will

be your driver.

She simply nodded and entered the stagecoach with her

family.

―You see, Jessica, her father said. ―Leo is already

treating you very well.

In two days, my entire life is going to fall apart. Who cared about

personal drivers when she was denied the basic freedom to choose

her spouse? She closed her eyes, determined that she

wouldn't burst into tears.

After the driver started the stagecoach, her father

continued, ―I want you to be on your best behavior tonight. Do

not disgrace me and your brother by acting defiant in public. It's

one thing for you to act this way at home, but I will not tolerate

such behavior in front of others.

―What will you do if I am defiant? Marry me off to

someone I can't stand? she snapped.

―You don't even know him. How can you detest him so?

―The very fact that I don't know him is exactly why I

shouldn't marry him.

―If you were to marry Harrison, you would end up

miserable before the first year is up. You don't have as much in

common with him as you think you do. I know you think he

would make you happy but you're wrong. Marriage is more than

attraction and excitement.

―Both of which Leo sorely lacks, she bitterly added.

Her father closed his eyes. She knew he was praying because his mouth was moving though she couldn't hear what he was saying.

―Is Mr. Monroe an intelligent and good man? she suddenly asked as an idea formed in her mind. Her father and brother seemed shocked by her question.

―Yes, her father said.

―Am I going to get a chance to speak with him tonight? she further inquired.

―Of course. It's only right that the engaged couple speaks to one another.

She nodded. Then she would do just that. Perhaps she would be able to reason with Leo. Surely, he would understand why it was a bad idea for them to marry each other. Seeing as how he had as much to lose as she did in the marriage, it made sense that he would listen to her. She felt much better now that this course of action was set. Once she spoke with him, he would tell her father and his uncle that this marriage wasn't going to happen, and she'd be free to get a job and marry someone she loved.

―What are you planning? Brian frowned at her.

―I'm going to talk to him, she replied. He didn't look convinced.

―Now Brian, don't assume that she's up to something, their father admonished.

―How am I going to get to know him if I don't talk to

him? she asked Brian.

―What are you going to talk to him about? Brian

wondered.

―I believe that will be between me and my future husband. There was no way she was going to reveal that information to him.

―Brian, some things are private, their father remarked.

―I think it's a good sign that she's willing to talk to him without being forced to.

Though her brother kept quiet, she could tell that he didn't trust her. She didn't like the fact that her brother knew her so well. She decided she would find a way to avoid him during the evening, which wasn't so hard to do considering he usually took center stage while she hovered in the background and watched others around her. Except, tonight she would be of particular interest to the people there since she was the fiancée of the host.

When they arrived at his two-story home, she groaned. A lot of people were there. Everyone would know of the engagement after tonight. The hot Virginia August air seemed to push down on her, making it hard for her to breathe. She suddenly felt like a caged animal. She could only hope Leo was as reasonable as her father and brother claimed.

She had never seen his house before. It was in a neighborhood with similar two-story houses, and it was just as immaculate and beautiful as the rest of them. It was light blue and there was a light blue picket fence to match it. A sidewalk led to the front door. The lawn was a beautiful shade of medium green, and two large oak trees decorated the front yard.

Someone in Leo's position had to maintain an impressive home.

And I just happen to be another addition to his impressive house, she

bitterly thought.

―You'll enjoy living here, her father assured her.

―This is one of the nicest homes in Virginia. It has six bedrooms, three bathrooms, two parlors, an entertainment room, a large kitchen and dining room, a basement, and a large veranda outback that

overlooks a good-sized lawn that has flowers, a fountain, and a gazebo. He has a butler, two cooks, a maid, and a stagecoach driver. He plans to hire another stagecoach driver so Franklin can

be at your beck and call. He is generous and will provide you with

everything you wish.

She hoped that included a way out of the marriage. She followed her father and brother out of the stagecoach and into the house. If his house had looked impressive on the outside, it was not nearly as gorgeous as the inside. The front door led to a large hallway that was the size of her father's dining room. There were three benches in the hallway. Two benches were on the left and one was on the right. Some guests were seated on the benches.

The entertainment room was to the immediate left, and she could see the large circular room where

half the guests danced to the music that the live orchestra was playing. There was a staircase on her right that led to the top floor where the bedrooms and two bathrooms were. The hallway on the main floor led to a parlor on the left and the right. The hallway ended at a door that led to a large dining room. She suspected that the door on the right led to the kitchen. She wondered where the staircase was that led to the basement.

The dining room had a french door that led to the veranda where some people stood around and spoke to each other. There were several round tables and chairs on the veranda too. Leo Monroe stood by the french doors talking to one of the chefs. He motioned to the dining table. He wasn't a bad looking man.

He was cleanly shaven with medium wavy brown hair and green eyes. He was 5'8" and slender. He maintained himself with an air of confidence that made him appealing. He seemed very secure with himself. He didn't need a wife to make him look good. Surely, he would see that this marriage wasn't necessary. She took a deep breath as she scanned the people around her. She recognized most of them.

 She noticed that Harry wasn't there. She wasn't surprised.

―Julie Muse and Amber Duff are here, Brian whispered to

her.

She looked to where he motioned and saw her two closest friends in the corner of the entertainment room. They sat on one of the sofas. She and her friends usually sat to the side at these

dinner parties and kept mostly to themselves. It was Brian and his friends who dominated the room.

―Good evening, Leo's butler greeted them. ―My name is Geoffrey Crow. I look forward to serving you in the future, Miss Allen. Mr. Monroe is eager to speak with you. I hope you won't have to serve me after tonight. She smiled, said thank you, and followed her father and brother further into the

house.

―Will, you follow me? Geoffrey asked.

She sighed. Did she have a choice? From the look on her father's and brother's faces, she knew that the answer to that question was a resounding no. She reluctantly let the butler lead her to Leo who was still talking with the chef. She noted that he wore a dark blue suit. If he wore black, we would match.

As the butler left, she glanced back at her father who nodded encouragingly to her. Her brother was already talking to some of his friends in the entertainment room.

―Jim put salt instead of sugar into the pies, the chef complained to Leo.  So the dessert is ruined.

―Is there anything else in the kitchen we can use for

dessert? Leo wondered.

―We might have enough ingredients for ice cream.

―Go ahead and make that then.

―Sir, I don't wish to be disrespectful, but is it wise to keep

Jim on the payroll?

Leo took a moment before answering the head chef.

―Louis, I understand your frustrations but Jim hasn't even been here for three days. He has no experience and is a bit clumsy but he does have a lot of motivation and hasn't repeated one of his

mistakes.